Making It Work Radio

Co-Producers Akeisha Johnson & Allegra Bandy bring forth a new era in the MIW podcast, discussing how they are making it work in the SF Bay Area, their views on money matters, and special events in the area.

A brief description of what Making It Work Radio is all about.

The Bay Area has the largest population of Chinese Americans outside of New York City with the US. SF’s Chinatown is a featured tourist attraction which is the oldest and the largest outside of Asia, and is home to internationally renown restaurants and shops. This is one of the reasons why our guest, Henrik Meng feels at home in the Bay. With Akeisha Johnson, your host, this episode of Making it Work Henrik will share what he thinks makes the Bay a special place.

According to Market Watch.com the sales of sex toys was over $15 billion dollars worldwide in 2014. This is partially attributed the popularity of the “Fifty Shades” book series and kinky sex becoming mainstream. Our guest Nenna Joiner of Feelmore 510, Oakland knows a lot about sex toys and will chat with us about how she got into that business, and what keeps it all afloat. With Akeisha Johnson, life coach and your show host, this is Making it Work Radio!

The Bay Area continues to be the most diverse place to live in the US. Vallejo ranks as the most ethnically diverse followed by Oakland according to KQED.com. Fremont, Sunnydale, and San Jose is where people are heard speaking a variety of languages from Spanish to Tagalog. This is one of the many reasons why the The Bay Area is such a transformative community. With Akeisha Johnson, your host, this episode of Making it Work we will chat with spiritual leader Jakada Imani about the importance of the Bay Area’s diverse community.

There are different names for the young people who were born after the year 2000. Some call this group Generation Z others refer to them as the iGeneration. What’s certain is that these young people have a lot to say! With show host, Akeisha Johnson, this episode of Making It Work will chat with three young Bay Area residents, Hali, Juliana, and Ruby, about what they think Making It Work all means!

The ability to develop stories has been integral for businesses, especially with brand creation, to get products into consumer hands. An important aspect of brand building is having all team members on the same page. The practice of “yes-and” in playing improv games facilitates fun and team communication in effective ways which has made improv training in demand for Fortune 500 companies. This is what our guest, Jill Eickmann, knows and does as founder and instructor for Leela-SF Improv Training Center. This episode of Making it Work, Jill will share how improv has become her life’s work and how she wants to expand her impact on the Bay Area community.

Co-working spaces are believed to have started in San Francisco around 2005 with internet entreprenuers and freelance workers wanting to find alternatives to working in coffeeshops and cafes while being connected to their communities. The Bay Area currently has over 160 options for coworking spaces which have now expanded into many industries including visual arts. Oakstop is one of the least expensive co-working places in The Bay AND where you will find our guest painter James Gayles. With show host Akeisha Johnson, on this episode of Making It Work, we will interview this self-taught artist about his professional journey and what keeps him as a Bay Area resident!

The definitions for what social justice means is vast and wide. If one were to research the topic a variety of definitions would be found. What is universal about social justice is that it’s goal is to create institutions where diversity is valued and opportunities for personal development are available. This is certainly what Impact Hub Oakland has created and what our guest Lisa Chacon is committed to. With Akeisha Johnson, life coach and your show host, this episode of Making it Work, we will chat with one of the co-founders of this innovative work space about how she thrives in The Bay while making a difference.

The ancient Chinese practice of feng-shui has become popular in recent years as a decoration and organizational tool for spaces. The goal of modern feng-shui is to situate human environments with good qi - or life force - to create balance for human living. This ancient method is similar to what Rockstar Organizer Bekka Fink uses to declutter spaces for her clients. With Akeisha Johnson, your host, this episode of Making it Work Bekka will share her journey on how she became the dynamo she is today.

The saxophone, invented by Belgian musician Adolphe Sax, is considered to be a newer type of musical instrument which was first seen in 1841. Sax had learned how to make instruments from his father and created the saxophone because he wanted to improve the tone of the bass clarinet. This kind of musical engineering and curiosity is what led our guest Erik Drake to become a saxophone repairman. With Akeisha Johnson, your show host, this episode of Making It Work, we will chat with this small business owner of Saxology and Saxcraft about how he stays afloat and interesting as a Bay Area resident!

The Ryan Act of 1970 eliminated arts training from elementary school pedagogy. It wasn’t until 2004 that teachers were again required to have arts training in order to be elementary school educators and to be considered a “highly qualified teacher”. This fact makes the efforts of our guest, Gina Garro, all the more impressive. With Akeisha Johnson, life coach and your show host, this episode of Making it Work, we will chat with this third grade teacher and amateur artist about how she is keeping Common Core in public schools interesting and relevant.

Carnival - held during Memorial Weekend in the Mission district of San Francisco is one of the most anticipated events in The Bay. It is a time where the diversity and flavor of the area is exhibited and celebrated in the streets. It is also where you can see the best local latin musicians and dancers here AND where you can find our guest, percussionist Sandor Moss. With Akeisha Johnson, your host, on this episode of Making it Work, Sandor will share his experiences of being a working musician within The Bay.

The landscape of journalism has had a major change from print to digital media within the past 20 years. The shift happened in the 1990’s as major publications began using the web to deliver their stories and regular people began to share their perspectives through web logs which are now known as blogs. This is how our guest, Susan Mernit, dipped her toes into the tech world and hasn’t looked back since. With Akeisha Johnson, your show host, this episode of Making It Work we will chat with this change maker about her latest organization, Hack the Hood, and how they are making a major difference here in The Bay!

The power of technology and has certainly changed the workplace. From telecommuting to smartphones, the landscape of employment is a whole new ballgame. So much so that according to an Intuit study, by the year 2020 freelancers will make up 40 percent of the US workforce. With Akeisha Johnson, life coach and your show host, on this episode we will chat with Mindy Aronoff, Bay Area Video Coalition’s Director of Training about how she is impacting the local workforce while Making it Work.

Many Bay Areans have attended First Friday’s in Oakland to see what’s new and hot in the local art scene. Yet, some may not know about Third Thursdays from 6 to 9 pm which is another great opportunity to check out art while eating yummy food. This is one of the many places you can find our guest Tigre Bailando. With Akeisha Johnson, your host, this episode of Making it Work, Tigre will share about his art and what he is creating, while living in The Bay.

Last May, San Francisco’s school board made a major decision. Special education students now attend any school while being taught in standard classes along with standard students, instead of being designated to specific schools and classrooms. These students now will have special education teachers to assist them individually along with their classroom instructor. With Akeisha Johnson, your show host on this episode of Making It Work, we will chat with undergraduate student Amanda Harrinauth about her experiences with special education and living in the Bay!

When it comes to going out, SF is the place to be. According to a recent Trulia census, The City ranks number one for restaurants per capita and number eight for bars among major US cities. This is part of the reason why our guest Duncan Ley saw so much opportunity in operating bars in the city by the bay. With Akeisha Johnson, life coach and your show host, this episode Duncan will chat about his experiences as a small business owner and how he is Making it Work.

Body modification is an ancient practice within societies throughout the world and include: tattooing, lip and ear stretching, and scarification among other things. These procedures are done for a variety of reasons from increasing dowry value to establishing high social status and tribe affiliation. Our guest Christian Calinsky, co-founder of the non-profit Taking It To The Streets uses body modification as a vehicle for self-expression and connection to marginalized communities. I’m Akeisha Johnson, your show host, and on this episode of Making it Work Christian will share his journey from being a homeless youth to becoming a catalyst for change in the SF’s Upper Haight.

SF’s Victorian homes are typically referred to as “painted ladies” due to the houses being painted four or more exterior colors. What many don’t know is that term was originated from a book published in 1978 by authors Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen. On this episode, we will chat with contractor and home remodeler Tom Buchanan about his love of Victorian homes and how he started Hammerhouse Construction while Making It Work!

SF Bay residents are 59% more likely to practice yoga than anyone in rest of the country according to Forbes magazine. SFO is the first airport to have a designated yoga room. Have you seen it?! This area is presently and historically been at the forefront of yoga practitioners within the US. On this episode, we will chat with yoga instructor and Bay Area native Lindsay Foreman about how she became a yogi while Making It Work living in the Bay!

The Bay Area’s temperate climate is one of the reasons why homeless people are able to live on the streets here. This area is also well known the many programs and services for homeless populations which is 8-10 thousand in SF alone. Our guest AJ Lovewins created Harmonic Humanity as an additional resource to the homeless. With Akeisha Johnson, your show host, AJ will share his personal hero’s journey and how he is Making it Work.

Just last year, San Francisco become the first city in the US to offer sizable tax breaks to property owners who develop urban farms. This measure has been controversial considering the housing concerns in the city. Yet, urban gardens are great for community building. Ashara Ekundayo has made big splashes developing urban gardens as well as developing community artist as the Chief Creative Officer at Impact Hub Oakland. With your host Akeisha Johnson, on this episode of Making It Work Ashara will tell us why she loves calling the Bay home!

The Bay Area Rapid Transit was born in 1946 not from a government mandate, but from a group of local business and community leaders who wanted to do something about congestion on local bridges. BART officially started operating in mid-1972 and now serves over 400,000 people daily. On this episode, Allegra Bandy and Akeisha Johnson, co-producers of MIW, will talk about how this show was born and what to expect in MIW's future - plus share how they are Making It Work!

The Folsom Street Fair is one of The Bay’s biggest outdoor events. It is also the world’s largest showcase for BDSM products and culture. Many people come specifically to San Fran to explore the world of kink - this includes our guest, co-author of the book Bondassage, Eve Minax. With our host, Akeisha Johnson, on this episode of Making It Work we will find out how someone becomes a kink educator and trainer while living in The Bay.

One of the best things about living in the Bay area are the great events like First Fridays and free museum days. Many people here know about the wonderful website funcheap.com, which was founded in San Francisco for residents who wanted to have a good time at little to no cost. The site is operated as a labor of love to provide people a resource to offset the cost of living. Fun and cheap things to do is how social worker and mother of three, Michelle Bandy, enjoys herself here in the Bay. On this episode of "Making It Work", Michelle shares her personal perspective on what makes this area great!

The San Francisco Bay Area is definitely known for being open and accepting of people’s eccentricities. What makes this area special are the notable, well-known weirdos that we all love. This nod to quirkiness is what brought Dylan Germick to The Bay after a stint in NYC. With host, Akeisha Johnson, we'll talk with the lead singer of the band, "Planet Booty" to find out about how he is Making It Work!

According to Cal Charters.org the Bay Area has over 250 charter schools in operation. Charter schools are different from public schools in that they are formed by communities of people who choose the direction and focus of the school’s educational cirriculum. - teachers, organizations, neighborhood leaders are their make up. Considering the diversity and innovation of the Bay charter school’s here DEFINITELY are something else! This is why we are SO excited to speak with Vallejo Charter School co-founder Nicole Bandy. On this episode we will find out how a elementary school teacher and single mom is Making It Work and making a difference here in the Bay.

Season 2 Theme Music for Making It Work Radio

The great migration of 1967 brought an estimated 100k people to California searching for a new way of living. They landed in LA and SF to be apart of the hippie movement which was all about creating life out of personal expression and not out of the status quo. This is how The Bay became home to psycho-therapist and author of The Ethical Slut, Dossie Easton. It was here where she discovered that she would live a life based in polyamory. I’m Akeisha Johnson, life coach and show host, and Dossie shares about her personal perspective on living a created life on this episode of Making It Work!

How many people do you know in the Bay Area who practice meditation? Betcha know at least three! Here in The Bay the ancient practice which originated in India is pretty commonplace. There are a multitude of resources to learn about the practice of meditation and places available to meditate with groups others. But, what about meditation makes it so popular in The SF Bay Area? If you ask physical therapist Karuna Patel Kaipa, she will talk about meditation’s healing aspects. This is one of the reasons why we are so excited to speak with this One Fierce Healer on this episode. I am Akeisha Johnson, your host, and this is Making it Work!

Everyone who lives in The Bay knows that they can get around on public transportation easily. Yes, the trains and buses run late, yet there is an abundance of transportation options to use. The Bay has one metro rail which is the BART and has four major bus agencies, three commuter rails, and two light rails and ferries. That is in addition to the many smaller minor bus agencies available here in The Bay. You can definitely get to where you want to go. This is one of the reasons why our guest Alexander Sing calls the Bay Area home. I’m Akeisha Johnson, a life coach and your host. I will talk with Bay Area media maker Alexander Sing to find out about how he is Making It Work!

When people think of their hometowns many pictures and sound bites come to mind. In the Bay people may think of the soft popping sounds of sizzling grilled meat at the local tacqueria, the smell of warm spicy pathcholi oil coming from a bohemian vendor selling handmade crafts on a bustling street, or the old men hanging on the corner playing dominoes and telling the neighborhood kids to stay out of trouble. Whatever it is, there are distinct things that are held sacred about your hometown - especially the friendships that were made. These are a few of the reasons why Destiny Arts Center Executive Director Cristy Johnston-Limon is so committed to empowering neighborhoods in the Bay - she is FROM here, AND she is also one mine and Allegra’s oldest and dearest friends. I am Akeisha Johnson, your host, and today on Making It Work we will chat with Cristy about how she is contributing to communities that are surviving and thriving here in The Bay.

At the end of August the Bay Area seems a lot more quiet. All who live here notice that there appears to be more room on the roads and public transit and everyone knows why. Many residents have left for The Playa and are participating in Burning Man. People on the fringe of society play out in the open which is part of the reason why our guest Trevor Jones repeatedly attends. My name is Akeisha Johnson, your host, and we will find out how Trevor is Making it Work!

What happens when people sit down to chat over a cup of coffee? Perhaps relationships are created and built. Or maybe, opportunities to travel the world are identifed just for the simple pleasure of having a conversation with another human being. This is what occurred when our guest Megan Gebhart decided to find out the answer to the question and some very interesting and inspiring things happened. One major thing is that she and I met - amongst many others! I’m Akeisha Johnson, life coach and your host, and on this episode of Making It Work we’re gonna talk to our guest Megan about her book and why she chooses to call the SF Bay Area home.

Who are those people that live in the best neighborhoods and still pay decent rent in the city? What did they do to have such a sweet rent-controlled apartment? Many times those folks have been around for a looonnng time! So, how would this happen for a young single man who does NOT work in the world of technology? I’m Akeisha Johnson, life coach and show host, and we are going to find out from nightclub manager and SF local Rodney Detheridge, on this episode of Making It Work!

We have all heard the pervasive conversation about the cost of living here, yet people frequently fail to mention that this place is an international food haven, it’s boundless with natural beauty, and one of the few places where you can be outside naked year round without seriously endangering your well-being - You’ve seen the naked people riding on bikes haven’t you?! These are some of the reasons why our guest and Bay Area local Terri Hannon is living in the Bay Area. This is Akeisha Johnson, your host, and this is Making it Work!

The Beat Poets established a counter-culture in the 1950’s of freely using drugs to achieve higher-consciousness and challenged social conformity in the SF Bay Area. The reputation of these artists remain influential to the area - you can see it in how people dress themselves here and smell the counter-culture in plomes of marijuana smoke when walking down the street any time of the day. These are some of the reasons why many of the transplants were attracted to and now call The Bay home. I’m Akeisha Johnson, a life coach and your host. I will talk with Bay Area, filmmaker, and tv producer David Scott MacDougall to find out about how he is Making It Work!

San Francisco is home to major fashion brands such as Levi Strauss and The Gap.Both companies are best known for their jeans, and their clothing’s comfort and style. What many don’t know is that these companies were born from their founders paying attention to what was happening right here in The Bay. Levi Strauss jeans were made to serve the miners of the gold rush in the 1860’s. 100 years later, Gap founder Donald Fisher saw jeans as everyday wear for an emerging counter-culture to corporate style of dress. What a visionary - business casual is definitely the standard in offices in here! I’m Akeisha Johnson, your host, and on this episode, we will chat with SF fashion designer and innovator Yuliya Raquel about what she is creating in The Bay and how she is Making It Work.

The SF Bay Area frequently tops survey lists on healthy and happy living within the US. It maybe because of the many local farms which are about an hour drive away from the cities, or the all of the year-round outdoor physical activities for kids and adults alike. These are big reasons why people choose to move here and stay in this area. It’s one of the reasons why our guest fine art sculptor Jeff Zygmunt stays here. I’m Akeisha Johnson, a life coach and your host, and we’re gonna find out more about it on Making It Work.

In 2012 Forbes magazine, named San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, California three of the most ethnically diverse large cities within the US. Meaning that the biggest ethnic group has a population no larger than 35% in the area. Yes, the Bay has flavor! This is one of the many reasons why sex educator and coach Elisabeth Bolasa lives here. I’m Akeisha Johnson, a life coach and your host, and Elisabeth is going to share with us all about how she is Making It Work.

According to a 2013 Economic Policy Institute study, the annual mean income for a single parent family living comfortably in the SF Bay Area is about $76,000. With that kind of cost how would a website administrator, who’s also a jazz trombonist stay in the area? I’m Akeisha Johnson, a life coach and your host, and we are going to find out from our guest Scott Larson on this episode of Making It Work.