More Than Work

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah sits down with Amanda Castello, Associate Director of Employee Engagement at UCSD's Rady School of Business, Ayurvedic coach, and yoga teacher. They discuss Amanda's journey from Michigan to San Diego, her career evolution, the importance of communication skills in job seeking, and her work in career coaching. Amanda also delves into her holistic wellness practices, including Ayurveda and yoga, and how they complement her professional life. They touch on the importance of giving your time to the community and finding inspiration from your surroundings.00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast00:34 Meet Amanda Castello: Career Coach and Yoga Teacher02:54 Amanda's Journey to Career Coaching04:11 Challenges and Insights in Career Coaching06:52 The Importance of Communication Skills13:49 Amanda's Personal Journey with Yoga and Ayurveda21:06 Balancing Multiple Passions and Taking Breaks22:36 Balancing Passion and Career23:37 Artistic Expression and Personal Growth24:56 Ayurveda and Career Integration26:52 Athena STEM Women and Community Involvement30:27 Women in Tech and Career Reflections34:56 Fun Five Questions40:30 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationNote from Host:I love interviewing people I haven't met because it is an opportunity to get to know someone brand new. But it is even more exciting to get to chat with someone I do know a little better and explore subjects that we never have in real life. Amanda was one of the most supportive non-comics on the comedy scene when I was starting out in San Diego. Our paths crossed briefly before I headed to the UK but her now husband was one of my comedy buddies and she was often a face in the crowd and on the sidelines I was always happy to see. I have followed her career over time and we were finally able to connect. She is impressive, she is compassionate and she is someone I know I will keep learning from. Listen up and learn about Ayurveda, career growth and more! +++++ Find AmandaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandascastello/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.ayurvedichealth +++++ More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Sue Kurta on Cheesemaking, Changing Careers, and Embracing Life's PassionsRabiah welcomes Sue Kurta, owner and cheesemaker at Boss Mouse Cheese, to this episode of 'More Than Work'. Sue shares her intriguing journey from working in the music industry, transitioning to a successful administrative career, and eventually finding her passion for cheesemaking. The episode delves into Sue's life on her beautiful, old farm in Kingsley, Michigan, her various pets, and her thoughts on finding joy outside of traditional career paths. Sue discusses the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a livelihood, shares the inspiration behind her unique business name, and expresses her admiration for historical cheesemakers. With humor and optimism, Sue offers insightful advice on following one's passions, the importance of self-awareness, and appreciating life's gifts.00:00 Introduction to More Than Work00:34 Meet Sue Kurta: Owner and Cheesemaker01:10 Life on the Farm03:51 From Music Industry to Cheesemaking08:16 The Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Cheesemaker11:12 The Joy and Challenges of Cheesemaking20:15 The Story Behind Boss Mouse Cheese24:32 Cheese Making Inspirations24:52 Challenges in the Cheese Industry25:27 Pursuing Cheese Education26:02 Gender Dynamics in Cheese Making27:15 Perseverance and Passion28:29 The Fun of Cheese Contests32:45 Local and Online Cheese Sales34:54 The Fun Five Questions42:12 Inspirations and Final Thoughts46:08 Closing Remarks and CreditsNote from Host:This episode is painfully overdue, by several months. I won't get into it but there has been a lot going on. And, as I mention in the episode, sometimes we hear a message at the right time. When I resumed editing and heard Sue talk, I was eagerly listening again and absorbing again. Two things to note:At the end of 2024, Sue closed Boss Mouse Cheese but as she posts on Instagram still teaches cheesemaking classes on her farm and she can still be reached via Instagram.This episode was recorded before the 2024 election and we both had hope in our voices. I know my voice has changed but I still have a little bit of hope. It is important to know when it was recorded though because, well, you'll hear. I don't know about Sue but my answer to who I admire would include what she said that day.I met Sue in London and a comedy and writing event. She isn't a comedian. She makes cheese. I'm cheesy. We got along and it was a joy to get to speak with her. Enjoy the joy and the podcast will be back with another chat soon. +++++ Find SueWebsite: https://bossmousecheese.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossmousecheese/ +++++ More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work', host Rabiah Coon sits down with Yesim Nicholson, an author, podcast host, and career coach. They discuss Yesim's diverse career journey, managing career changes, and the important aspects of finding fulfillment beyond job titles. The conversation also delves into Yesim's book 'Ready to Quit Your Job?' and her insights on balancing financial concerns with career satisfaction. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical advice, and a fun Q&A segment.00:00 Introduction to More Than Work00:34 Meet Yesim: Author, Podcast Host, and Career Coach01:20 Navigating Career Changes and Challenges02:33 The Journey to Becoming a Career Coach07:37 Balancing Work and Personal Life12:14 Writing the Book: Ready to Quit Your Job?18:46 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career24:39 Reflecting on Career Lessons26:09 Identifying Positives in Your Job27:25 Introducing the Podcast28:51 The Concept of Toe Dippers31:34 Encouraging Career Changes32:45 Health and Decision Making35:39 The Fun Five Questions43:09 Channeling Confidence44:31 Where to Find Yesim Nicholson45:09 Closing RemarksNote from Host:Yesim and I met when I was a guest on her podcast. Either my SEO or her solid sleuthing brought us together. I'm nearly done with her book and finding it helpful as I consider what I'm doing in my life (or at least in one aspect of it). It is good to assess sometimes and see if you can align what you do with what you want. That's really what “More Than Work” is about. We got along like old friend and Yesim is as authentic as it gets! I recommend the book, the podcast and a chat with her wholeheartedly. If you're reading this, I've probably heard from her recently. Be well. +++++ Find YesimWebsite PodcastBook - Ready to Quit Your Job? LinkedIn +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of More Than Work, host Rabiah interviews M. Brady, a psychotherapist and musician, who shares his journey from being a professional tennis player to discovering his passion for psychotherapy and music. M discusses his long career in therapy, his struggle with anxiety and vulnerability, and how these experiences influenced his album. He also reflects on the impacts of early humiliations, the importance of creativity, and coping with personal losses. Throughout, M emphasizes the value of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in life.00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast00:34 Meet M. Brady: Psychotherapist and Musician01:29 M's Journey into Psychotherapy02:48 The Intersection of Sports and Psychology04:43 Overcoming Personal Challenges08:29 Exploring the Concept of Unprocessed Losses18:14 M's Return to Music25:35 Discussing Musical Influences28:17 Challenges of Performing Live30:01 Overcoming Personal Barriers33:15 Inspirations and Advice35:47 Fun and Personal Questions40:46 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationNote from Rabiah (Host): I've been slow to edit podcasts this year. But I still have a passion for sharing others' stories. Thank you for sticking with me and there are over 100 episodes in the backlog so you can listen to more if you haven't already. I'll be setting up more interviews and getting more episodes out soon.M. Brady is exactly who I was looking for when I started More Than Work. He has a job but he also has a passion, and he is pursuing it in his own way, in his own time. I related to this as I thought about comedy lately. M was very open about his past and what he went through to get to where he is today, the creator of an EP, in addition to being a psychotherapist. I was tempted to sneak in a little therapy when we chatted but resisted! Enjoy the listen and check out the tunes! +++++ Find M BradyWebsite: mbradymusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6JpYhnIRsYXjORa8FL2uCt Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/m-brady/1724662113 +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah engages in a profound conversation with Kileen Barry, founder of Kaizen Collective and a sex therapist. They dive into Kileen's journey from digital marketing to therapy, exploring her motivations, influences, and the pivotal books 'Come As You Are' and 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.' The discussion covers Kileen's academic path, her unique approach to therapy, which emphasizes a holistic and salutogenic model, and her passion for integrating mental, physical, and nutritional care. The episode also touches on the importance of boundaries, Kileen's self-care practices, and her aspirations for Kaizen Collective. Join Rabiah and Kileen as they uncover the layers of professional and personal evolution, making this more than just work.00:00 Introduction to More Than Work Podcast00:34 Meet Kileen Barry: Founder and Sex Therapist02:04 Kileen's Journey into Therapy02:20 From Digital Marketing to Therapy03:18 The Impact of Books on Kileen's Career04:16 Personal Experiences with Therapy09:21 Kileen's Nonprofit Work and Its Influence13:57 Understanding Salutogenic Model in Therapy24:26 The Importance of Discussing Sex in Therapy27:36 Generational Shifts in Attitudes Towards Sex30:34 The Wire Monkey Experiment31:42 Attachment Styles and Personal Growth32:31 Book Recommendations and Attachment Theory34:01 Transitioning Careers and Education39:27 Starting a Private Practice40:02 Holistic Mental Health Approach43:31 Maintaining Boundaries as a Therapist48:37 Fun and Personal Insights53:34 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationNote from Rabiah (host): It seems that though there are huge gaps between episodes lately, they are also somehow coming right on time, especially since I know what is coming next. Editing this one was a joy and gave me a sense of normalcy that I haven't had in over a month. I broke my leg and left A&E at 2:30am on my birthday. That wasn't how I planned to start my year of being 45. But in listening and editing, I appreciated the conversation that I'm now sharing with you because this is a conversation with a friend who I got to learn a lot about and who I wouldn't have been able to engage with in the same way at 35 or 25. Kileen is full of grace and her career change more than made sense. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did and am curious about what you, the listener, will take from it. +++++ Find KileenPHIIRST +++++ Mentioned in this episode:polysecure by Jessica FernDr. Aaron T BeckSalvador Minuchin, MDKaty MilkmanKatie Porter +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this captivating episode of 'More Than Work,' our host Rabiah Coon engages with AJ Waters, the visionary behind Stronger Skatepark. From the initial spark of passion for skateboarding to the creation of an inclusive community space, AJ shares the journey of founding Stronger Skatepark. Listeners will gain insights into the hurdles of entrepreneurship, the power of community-building, and the significance of personal growth through adversity. Whether you're a skateboarding enthusiast, interested in the startup world, or looking for inspiration on overcoming personal challenges, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for all.Introduction to AJ Waters: The episode kicks off with Rabiah welcoming listeners and introducing AJ Waters, highlighting their unexpected journey from skateboarding hobbyist to the founder of an inclusive skatepark.Starting Stronger Skatepark: AJ delves into the early days of skateboarding, the inspiration behind founding Stronger Skatepark, and how a single event sparked the idea to create a welcoming space for skaters in Portland.Challenges and Triumphs: Overcoming financial, legal, and personal hurdles, AJ shares the resilience and determination that carried them through the toughest times while founding the skatepark.Running a Business: AJ compares past experiences to the challenges and rewards of running Stronger Skateparks, drawing parallels between caregiving and entrepreneurship.Inclusivity in Skateboarding: Emphasizing the core value of Stronger Skatepark, AJ discusses efforts to create a skate park where everyone, regardless of age or ability, feels welcome.Personal Journey and Mental Health: AJ opens up about their personal growth, mental health journey, gender and sexual identity, and the profound impact of creating a space that supports diversity and accessibility.Expanding During a Pandemic: AJ recounts the challenges and opportunities of expanding Stronger Skate Parks despite the pandemic, underscoring the importance of community support in uncertain times.Advice and Personal Insights: Wrapping up the episode, AJ shares wisdom on the importance of slowing down and being mindful amidst life's busyness, offering listeners a moment of reflection.Note from Rabiah (Host): This episode was recorded last year but of course delayed until now. As I mention at the start of the episode, AJ was introduced to me via friend of the pod (and friend of me) Eriko Ono who knows AJ from the Portland, OR skate scene. In December, after the podcast was already recorded, we got to meet in person and I got to see Stronger Skatepark myself. It is a special place. I even bought a sweater that is too cool for me to own but I wear it anyway! This is a fun interview and a very open discussion I enjoyed with AJ. I appreciate so much when my guests are willing to talk about things that could be difficult. In addition to talking about the work AJ is passionate about, as a trans man, he was willing to answer some of my questions about his transition which gave me a rare insight into that experience as it will you, the listener. Enjoy the episode and let me know if you visit the skate park! +++++ Find AJStronger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stronger_skatepark Stronger Website: https://www.strongerskatepark.com/ AJ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_j_waters +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Skate Like a Girl:

In this episode of 'More Than Work', a podcast on personal and professional fulfillment, host Rabiah engages in an insightful discussion with Jessica Berg. Berg is the founder of 'Moon Rock Wellness', a digital platform designed to help busy individuals, particularly working mothers, cultivate everyday habits of wellness. Jessica shares her personal journey leading to the creation of Moon Rock Wellness, including a life-altering encounter with burnout that led her to prioritize her well-being and set boundaries in her corporate job. She also discusses the importance of maintaining balance, practicing daily mindfulness, and investing time and energy into activities that genuinely fulfill us.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:36 Guest Introduction: Jessica Berg00:55 Getting to Know Jessica: Personal Life and Location01:46 Introduction to Moon Rock Wellness01:56 The Importance of Consistent Wellness Practices02:56 Personal Wellness Journeys and Challenges03:44 The Impact of Motherhood on Wellness07:28 The Role of Mindfulness in Everyday Life10:59 Exploring Moon Rock Wellness: Services and Impact14:32 The Journey to Founding Moon Rock Wellness18:53 Balancing Corporate Life and Passion Projects24:06 Addressing Burnout: A Personal Experience25:40 The Impact of Burnout on Personal Life26:34 Taking Action: Setting Boundaries at Work26:56 The Importance of Communication in Setting Boundaries27:30 The Struggle of Balancing Work and Personal Life30:20 The Power of Doing Nothing: Embracing Breaks32:40 The Influence of Passion Projects on Work33:34 The Power of Scheduling and Time Management42:08 The Joy and Inspiration from Children43:34 Connecting with Moon Rock Wellness45:01 Conclusion: The Importance of Kindness to SelfNote from Rabiah (Host): It has been a while. For personal reasons and comedy reasons I had to put a pause on the pod until I was ready to commit the time and effort again but now, More Than Work is back! Thank you for checking out this episode. Jessica was easy to talk to and may inspire you to take 5 minutes for yourself. She has done that for me. I'll leave you to it, listener. Be sure to check out other episodes too. I'm happy to have you here! +++++ Find JessicaWebsite: www.moonrockwellness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moon_rock_wellness +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Fernando Kabigting: From Corporate to Creative LifeIn this episode of More Than Work, host Rabiah Coon talks with their guest, Fernando Kabigting. They delve into Fernando's life-changing decision to leave his corporate job in fashion to enter the creative industry, specifically floral design. Fernando touches on his experiences from starting in advertising, transitioning to fashion, to eventually establishing his own business that transcends traditional floral design. He also discusses his motivations, personal values, and commitment to sustainable and responsible practices in his work. Lastly, he shares how important it is to see yourself represented in an industry and forging your own way as an immigrant.00:08 Introduction00:50 Welcome Fernando01:49 Fernando's Journey into Fashion05:04 Transition to Floral Design07:41 Creating a Sustainable Business17:57 Reflections on Identity and Business36:20 Dealing with Overwork & Achieving BalanceNote from Rabiah (Host): After admiring Fernando's work from afar for quite a while, I finally reached out to ask him to be on the podcast. In the past, we lived in the same city and I got to see first-hand what a dynamic person he is but getting the chance to talk to him about what motivates him reminded me of the importance of sharing stories and showing who we are. This episode felt like why I created the podcast. +++++ Find FernandoWebsite: https://www.fdkflorals.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fdk_florals +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Jonathan Anderson https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.anderson/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

In this episode of 'More Than Work', Rabiah, an IT professional and stand-up comedian, talks to guest Sean Arkless about his journey from low self-confidence and working in retail to becoming the co-founder of Sjark Limited and vocalist of the London based band, 'Hello Amnesia'. Sean shares his experiences as a freelancer and his decision to start his own music production company. He also discusses his ongoing Master's degree in Musical Theater, the role of mentors in his career development, the value of being assertive and possessing a 'learn and seek' mindset. Sean's advice is to 'live fearlessly and choose your own adventures', encouraging others to pursue their dreams and never give up despite challenges. The podcast ends with Sean providing information on where listeners can find more about his work.00:08 Introduction to the Podcast00:37 Guest Introduction: Sean Arkless01:04 Sean's Journey to London01:45 Sean's Educational Background and Career Path03:15 Sean's Passion for Musical Theater04:49 The Art of Storytelling through Musical Theater06:09 Sean's Journey into Sound Engineering10:25 The Birth of Sjark Limited13:08 Solving Industry Problems through Sjark Limited20:12 The Story of Hello Amnesia22:47 The Band's First Gig and the Impact23:16 The Story Behind the Band's Name25:36 Musical Influences and Discoveries29:22 The Journey from New Zealand to England30:01 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Inspiration32:28 The Turning Point: A Concert Experience33:55 The Power of Determination and Dreams34:58 Fun Five: Getting to Know More About Sean41:03 Where to Find Sean and His Music42:17 Wrapping Up the ConversationNote from Rabiah (Host): So, I'll be honest, this is the first time I've used AI to write the bulk of my show notes and I'm super impressed but this part is me, the HI (human intelligence entity, Rabiah). Sean and I met at a gig I was doing which was a variety show with super talented people he went to school with. He was cool and we went to a concert together (which we talk about here) and then another concert and I've seen him perform, and I'm so glad you get to hear him now.There have been some gaps in me posting so if you've been waiting a while, I'm sorry. I needed a break, again. I'm trying to get the great interviews I have in the can out to you sooner than later though. Thanks for sticking with me! And if you're new, don't stop listening at this episode. There really many great ones to come and over a hundred from the past. Thanks for being here. +++++ Find SeanSjark Limited: www.sjark.co.uk Sean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanarklessmusicHello, Amnesia: https://www.instagram.com/Hello_Amnesia +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Rock the Rock Records (Hawaii): https://rocktherockrecords.com/ Scotty Rockstar: https://www.instagram.com/scottyrockstar/ Lasse Corus: https://www.lassecorus.com/ +++++ More Than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email...

This week's guest is Mark Nicholas, comedian, comedy workshop leader and tutor. After getting his comedy start while on an extended trip to Vietnam, Mark has been working his way around the London comedy circuit. He created his show Laugh-Able to be an inclusive space for acts with disabilities. Being autistic himself and coming from a family of those serving or caring for others with disabilities, he is an advocate and activist in that space.Before all of this, Mark started work he continues today. During college, he was working in a bar and realized it wasn't for him when he saw an ad on Gumtree that led to him working as a tutor and then in special education. He talks about all of this and his work as a union rep in the episode.We talk about:Mark's path from drama class to comedyComing to terms with being autistic and the support Mark received from his familyWhy Mark left his career in the formal education system and went into private tutoringSetting up his own comedy night for disabled acts (LaughAble)InclusionNote from Rabiah (Host): Mark and I met at a gig, while doing the Zoom circuit during lockdown. You'll be listening to a chat between me and a colleague but also me and a friend. He has included me in his shows and made me more comfortable talking about having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on stage and off. He's a funny guy and we share a few laughs on the episode but also share an important chat. It is a privilege to get to learn about my friends in this way and to share the chat with you. +++++ Find MarkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/marknicholasstandupcomedian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marknicholascomic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marknicholascomic Twitter: https://twitter.com/mnicholascomic +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Laugh-ABLE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laughablecomedynight Laugh-ABLE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughablecomedynight/ Laugh-ABLE Twitter: https://twitter.com/laughable_nightTamsyn Kelly: https://www.instagram.com/tamsynkelly/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!Tw: incest joke

This week's guest is Dr. Jeanne Retief, founder of FIGGI. FIGGI a community created out of career change and wanting to share with others and be a support system, and self-care products.Dr. Retief earned a PhD in Human Rights and Criminal Law. And ran a Human Rights consultancy in South Africa for 13 years. After moving to her current location in Portugal, things changed for her, in more ways than one, including a diagnosis with panic disorder and founding a new company. Having already earned a PhD, she even went back to school to learn about cosmetic chemistry! In this chat we talk about:Getting diagnosed with panic disorderManaging mental healthCareer changeFIGGI the community and skincare line she foundedThe FIGGI blog and podcastRooibosTW: abuseNote from Rabiah (Host): I took a bit of a break. And it is almost too appropriate that my first episode back is this one given the openness around mental health that Dr. Retief brought to the conversation. Why did I take a break? Overwhelm. And other things. I would say it was a choice but it was a necessity. For those listening for the first time, thank you for being here. And to those who checked in because they didn't hear a new episode in a while or those who are back after time passed, thank you too! There are over 100 more episodes in the backlog with fantastic guests and more to come! +++++ Find Dr. RetiefWebsite: https://www.figgilife.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanne_figgilife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075876828370 +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Dr. Edith Eger: https://dreditheger.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

his week's guest is Elizabeth Mhangami, social entrepreneur.Lizz grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to the US when she was 19. After working in various jobs including at the Chicago Athletic Foundation, she also earned her bachelor's degree at Loyola University. She then started the job that would define her career so far, working with young people from underserved communities. Prior to moving to the states the first time, Lizz was part of the Rotary international as a youth. Her later work with Rotaract started her thinking more about youth communities, especially at home. She founded Vanavevhu, a 5013c for kids in Zimbabwe, many who are heads of household. She ran the organization for 7 years and has handed over the day to day operations. Now, she is back in the US and heading up major gifts at the Mikva Challenge in Chicago. We talk about her childhood through adulthood and the influences and experiences that led to to a path of working in and leading service organisations. Topic we discuss:Youth service organizationsImpact of having a mother who was engaged in serviceImmigrating to the USPoverty in AmericaWorking with underserved communitiesBeing a founder and what that entailsNote from Rabiah (Host): This conversation was a long time coming since Lizz and I became acquaintances, virtually, and would often joke around but then would also get into serious conversations. It was a pleasure to bring this experience to More Than Work to share with you! She is a wonderfully interesting and intelligent person who has dedicated her career to serving youth. I learned so much about her experiences moving to the US from Zimbabwe and you will too. I hope you enjoy this insightful and also joyful discussion. Maybe it'll inspire you too. +++++ Find ElizabethLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emhangami/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Vanavevhu: http://www.vanavevhu.org/Rotary International: https://www.rotary.org/en bell hooks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_hooks Mikva Challenge: https://mikvachallenge.org/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is John El-Maraghy, non-profit professional, and Director at Archangel Raphael's Mission (ARM).John is was born and raised in New Jersey where he is currently based. He started his career in impact consulting and then transitioned into non-profit. He made the move when during a time of self-discovery, he he realised he wanted to be of service. For John, it is important for him to believe in the mission of the organization that he is working for whether it is non-profit or for profit and in both his full-time job and his volunteering with ARM he has found that. ARM was founded to be a support system for people in need. After starting out as a food service organisation, they shifted their focus to health and hygiene interventions providing mobile showers and a mobile barbershop. Topics covered:Career transitionService to othersFinding your purposeTreating others with humanity and dignityImportance of being aligned with an organization's mission in any type of workHow to get into volunteeringNote from Rabiah (Host): You won't hear it but I had SO much trouble saying the name of the organization! Thank goodness for acronyms. I learned that Archangel Rafael is the patron saint of healing and the work that ARM does definitely serves that purpose. John and I spoke about ARM's affiliation with a church but how the involvement of the church doesn't extend to evangelism. It is so important that when any of us set out to do charitable work as individuals or organisations, that we remove personal gain from the objectives and that's just what happens here. I mention it to John but one thing I really appreciated in our talk, besides how he is going about giving, is the respect he has for the people he is serving in the way he talks about them. It is something I've thought about again in editing. I volunteer for a charity that serves the homeless in London and often think about how people are treated depending on their social status.Sorry it has been so long since the last episode. If you're listening for the first time, I hope you'll go back and listen to the 100+ episodes that have been published and join us next time! +++++ Find ARMTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/armgivesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armgivesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/armgivesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@armgivesWebsite: https://arm.gives/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Lava Mae https://lavamaex.org/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Rani Puranik, EVP and Global CFO of Worldwide Oilfield Machine (WOM). She is also the founder of a leadership coaching company and the author of a book that launched just the day before this episode dropped! At WOM, work is done around sustainability though environmentally responsible energy production and a focus on the people. We talk about sustainability and the broader definition making decisions for long-term in business.Rani grew up in US and moved to India for singing at the age of 17. It wasn't her first time in India though. There, she started own business, which teaches leadership through the power of dance. Eventually, she returned to the US and to WOM where she ended up creating an HR department when seeing the need in the business which was a focus on the human element of the business.The self-described people person, which is evidenced from the start in our conversation recently published a book. “Seven Letters to My Daughters” was written as a gift to her daughters. Learn about Rani's path from the US to India and back plus her focus on the arts, people and business. Also, get insights into the book you'll end up wanting to read for sure. Note from Rabiah (Host): This chat surprised me because I didn't know much about Rani other than what I read online and I knew right when I saw her on the Squadcast split screen that it was going to be a fantastic chat. I love that she used a spreadsheet to write her book! During editing, I was reminded of the positivity she brought to me on a particularly rough work day. Oddly enough, I had a similar day when I was editing and wish again that I'd shown up better though I wish others would too! Enjoy the listen and check out her book. I'm going to! Thank you for being here. +++++ Find RaniWebsite: https://www.ranipuranik.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranipuranik Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranipuranik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rani-puranik/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4g_tBTbqhrMDhyqs0Tn4OA?app=desktop Seven Letters to my Daughter (book): https://amzn.to/3OE76ua +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Steve Martin +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Christopher Kenna, founder and CEO North America at Brand Advance Group. In this open and honest chat we get into Chris's life growing up in Northern England in care homes, his time in the Army, working as a TV presenter and then founding his own company. Listen for details. The story is best told by him!In discussing the important work of Brand Advance Group which seeks to expand representation in advertising and companies' reach to underrepresented communities, Chris is generous in talking about the reality of being a person of colour and an LGBTQ+ person both inside and outside corporate spaces. We also talk about inclusion of people with different abilities in this dynamic chat. In this episode we dig into:Representation of everyone in advertisingDEI for brands and companiesWhat it means to really be inclusive. Hint: it isn't just hiring someonePink, green, etc. “-washing” by brandsAllyship and advocacy Taking care of yourself and othersCreating opportunities where people can be successful from any backgroundChris' own experiences and getting to where he is todayNote from Rabiah (Host):Firstly, it has been a while. For quite a few reasons, I couldn't get an episode edited or out for a while. I think I've sorted all of that. Thank you for being here whether you have been waiting a while or it is your first time.I mention it in the episode but need to say more about the experience of meeting Chris for the first time. We both spoke at an event for a company that is actually under the same Groupe as where I work. I'd say it was by chance but I don't think that much happens just by chance. I was added as a speaker last minute. Though I perform comedy a few times a week, I don't give talks about me, about Multiple Sclerosis or about ableism but with a day to prepare, I did. It was clunky but ok. Then, I witnessed Chris talk about his life, his work and the world we are all living in. I was taken aback and had to have him on the podcast. I wanted more people to hear him. I wanted you to hear him, whoever you are. I'd love to hear what you think if you want to share. +++++ Find ChrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskenna/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.kenna/ Brand Advanced Group: https://www.wearebrandadvance.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Maz Alexander, social worker, mental wellbeing coach, comedian and passionate entrepreneur.Maz started out working as a social worker in adult social care. A thread you'll hear in here story, and one to keep in mind as you listen, is that she listened to the advice of others when it made sense to and listened to herself as well when she decided on what work to pursue.Before her time in social work, Maz got a degree in performance arts and gave acting a go. Coming out of that, she was always passionate about drama therapy and using performing arts to help people in recovery which has served her in social work and serves her in what she does today.In 2018, she qualified in Transformational Coaching and she is a coach today while she also works part time in social work. We chat the difference between what a coach and a therapist can give you. Oh, and the time she had to refer a client not to a therapist but to a priest!For those considering therapy or coaching, you may also be interested in what Maz says about how to choose the right provider for you. It starts with a consultation.Outside of work, Maz is a stand up comic and a podcaster. In fact, there is a link below the the episode of her podcast “Kintsugi Queens” that the host of this podcast was a guest on! As a stand up comedian, Maz jokes about her life (which she says is a joke in itself). We cover all of this and more in this episode.Note from Rabiah (Host): On the comedy circuit, I get to meet a lot of wonderful characters. There are gigs I look forward to because of who I'll get to hang out with as we wait to take the stage. Maz is one of the people I always look forward to connecting with and I'm so glad we got to learn about each other more as we guested on each other's respective podcasts. Enjoy the listen! +++++ Find MazLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maz-alexander-318851a9/ Google “Maz transformational coaching”Website: https://maztransformationalcoaching.com/coaching/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Whoopi GoldbergMyron GoldenRabiah on Kintsugi Queens podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zC7NK36kBF9ABKrz6QFBk?si=70f7105f99cf42ad +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Rich Wilson, stand up comedian and host of the podcast Insane in the Men Brain.Rich did everything before he became a stand up comic having wanted to be a chef and then a mechanic. Eventually, he was a barman at Up the Creek and after some encouragement, took the stage. After about 20 years, he hasn't stopped yet. The story is more entertaining with told by Rich so listen for more!In fact, the entire episode is funnier and more poignant than I can make it in this write up. We chat about:Rich's career in comedyComedic influencesLouis CKInsane in the Men Brain and mental healthLearning from doing the podcastSaying yesMusic, television and TK MaxxAgingAnd more…Note from Rabiah (Host): I laughed while editing this episode…a lot. It was so cool to sit down with Rich, virtually, and have this chat. I have a bad track record when it comes to the people I put up on a pedestal sometimes but since a lot of times, Rich is already on a stage, the pedestal isn't too far a reach and he is really great. I'm excited that listeners will get to know him and also, a few interactions with his wife, fellow comedian Kate McGann added to the levity. I think sometimes things got more serious than expected but if you've listened before, you know that's part of it. And do let us know what you said “yes” to after listening! +++++ Find RichInstagram: https://instagram.com/iamrichwilson Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamrichwilson Website: https://www.richwilsoncomedian.com/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Kate McGann: https://www.instagram.com/katemcgannarang/ Eddie Murphy: https://www.facebook.com/EddieMurphy Richard Pryor: https://www.richardpryor.com/ Louis CK: https://www.instagram.com/louisckx/The Artist's Way: https://www.theartistswaybook.com/ Insane in the Men Brain: https://play.acast.com/s/insaneinthemenbrain Islington Radio: https://islingtonradio.co.uk/ Shazam: https://www.shazam.com/ Philip Simon: https://www.philipsimon.co.uk Vix Leyton: https://www.vixleyton.co.uk/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Stefania Licari, actor, comedian, producer and medical doctor.She attended drama school, became a doctor working in anaesthetics and intensive care, and went to clowning school in Paris. We get into all of this and how empathy towards her colleagues, patients and the audience really tie it all together.During the pandemic, Stefania has a unique experience both working in medicine and as an actor doing online performances. She got through it with a mindset shift that she shares which would be useful for anyone at any time, even outside lockdowns.We start with her reflections on her first Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. She is currently revamping her one-woman show, Medica, and taking it to the Vault Festival in London.We chat about:Empathy and impact on patientsEmpathy as it occurs in actingHer love of the audiencePursuing both a medical career and a theatre oneHaving the right people around at the right timePerforming as an actor and a comicThe impact of Philippe GaulierNote from Rabiah (Host): You'll hear that I almost saw Stefania's show at Edinburgh. It was a wonderful and stressful time when I was at Fringe for a week. I loved the flying I did and helping a friend and loved seeing shows. I also performed more than I expected to and missed shows I wanted to see. I still have one person I have meant to write to since August to apologise! Stefania and I became online friends via Twitter and Instagram and I have been thrilled to see how her show has progressed. I'll be there to see the updated version in February and can't wait. One of the best parts of being involved in entertainment is being able to celebrate the talents of others while also being assured enough in yourself to do so. I am so happy Stefania is teaching me that. +++++ Find StefaniaWebsite: https://www.stefanialicari.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/licaristefania/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stefanialicari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/licaristefania/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7fzGcBE_oSyuwdW2ncRPA +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Philippe Gaulier: https://www.ecolephilippegaulier.com/ Chris Head: https://www.chrishead.com/ Kristine Landon-Smith: https://kristinelandonsmith.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guests are James Cameron and Joe James from True Strays. True Strays is an Americana band. I spoke with the guys in December of 2022. So, when they talk about “next year”, they mean this year, 2023. They are going on tour so check them out in the UK! If you're not in the UK, then listen to them online.The childhood friends were recording their debut album when the pandemic hit in 2020 and had to figure out how to move forward. They launched a Kickstarter campaign and found success there and that they already had some great fans in their corner.Both of the guys work full-time jobs outside of the band and then focus on the band during nights and weekends! One is a roofer and one is a primary school teacher. You'll need to listen to find out who does what.Topics we get into:Pursuing creativity after the day job endsMusical influences and AmericanaSongwriting and lyric subject-matterLive performanceThe importance of collaborating versus working aloneEntertaining and bringing people together through musicNote from Rabiah (Host): You'll hear at the end how I met True Strays. This was a fun chat because they guys were super giving and thoughtful with their answers but also because it took me back to my days at Piratepods, my first podcast, where friends and I spoke to musicians. I have tickets to see the band later in the year and can't wait. Enjoy the chat and check out their music! +++++ Find True StraysWebsite: trustrays.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestrays/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true_strays/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/truestrays YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiTnmZC4kocsdBRH-6YQqzg +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra: https://teapadorchestra.co.uk/ Ann Liu Cannon: https://www.instagram.com/annliucannon Spiritual Bar: https://www.spiritualrecords.co.uk/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Sharon Glassman, designer, songwriter and founder of Smile Songs. The Colorado-based Smile Songs incorporates all of Sharon's talents into a line of musical cards and gifts. In addition to containing original music by Sharon, Smile Songs products are unique because they use QR codes to deliver the sound which is better for the environment than traditional musical cards that utilize plastic parts for example. Though QR codes are common place after 2020, she started using them in 2013 and we chat about that.In college, Sharon majored in journalism school. She then got accepted into law school and made a deal with her dad that she would defer for a year and attend. She ended up taking an entirely different path! Prior to founding Smile Songs, Sharon had a hybrid career. She was a voice over artist. She was also a writer for the ads department at MTV Networks where she applied her love of music to the ads she and the team worked on and created. After working at MTV, she performing and telling stories on stage, touring the country. Meanwhile, she was acquiring skills, teaching herself digital illustration, print production and music production.Musically, Sharon has had another path having previously joined community orchestra. Then, through a misunderstood Craigslist ad she became the fiddler of a country rock band. Now she is in an all-woman bluegrass project called Five Foot Betty.Topics we cover:History of QR CodesThe story of Smile Songs and the ideation process that went into creating the products and businessIncorporating creativity into a careerWriting and telling stories on stageSongwritingTrusting your gut and making hard decisionsNote from Rabiah (Host): After getting off of the recording call with Sharon, I was so excited I would get to listen back to our conversation. It was such a joy to hear about the path she took to get to where she is today and it already sounds like we'll need to speak again because she has so much in the works. We share a passion for sharing stories and it was a true pleasure to get to hear hers and to share it with you, the listener. +++++ Find SharonWebsite: https://smilesongs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smile_songs/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Spalding Gray: https://www.spaldinggray.com/ Eric Bagosian: http://100monologues.com/ Tales of Whatever: https://www.facebook.com/talesofwhatever/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Tamara Doerksen, multi-preneur, published author, yoga and meditation and mindfulness teacher, and a career transition and entrepreneur coach. She's also the founder of the non-profit organization, Lonny's Smile.I chatted with Tamara from her home in Toronto, Canada. She started her career at a global consulting company where she spent 25 years. Around 2010, an initiative of the company around community contribution and responsibility, along with some personal circumstances with ailing parents, set Tamara off on her path to founding her own non-profit. You'll hear the entire story around Lonny's Smile which helps kids with congenital heart defects including the absolute synergy that led to choosing Camp OKI, the benefactor of the non-profit.Through her work with Great Big Sea's Murray Foster, Tamara ended up working in film production and then collaborating with Darren Portelli at Crazy D's Prebiotic Sparkling Sodas. In talking through Tamara's career transitions, we delve into having faith in oneself, transferable skills and our abilities to pursue various occupations within our careers. Tamara uses yoga and meditation to ground herself and give her space. And, she is certified to teach both! Some just practiced these things during the pandemic, others like Tamara got certified!Main topics:Having multiple facets to your careerProcessing grief over timeNon-profit work and founding a non-profitYoga and mindfulness practicesSaying “yes” and pursuing what you loveNote from Rabiah (Host): I have had a chance to speak with quite a few people and sometimes I have a different connection with them. In this case, Tamara and I both lost a sibling though at very different times in our lives under different circumstances. (TW: we talk about the death of a sibling.) Her honouring her brother through a non-profit organization is something I really wanted to chat with her about and then we had a lot more to talk about too! Enjoy! +++++ Find TamaraTamara's Website: https://www.tamaradoerksen.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tdoerksen Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/tamaradoerksen Lonny's Smile Website: https://lonnyssmile.org/ Lonny's Smile Twitter: https://twitter.com/lonnyssmile Lonny's Smile Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonnyssmileLonny's Smile Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonnys.smile/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Murray Foster: http://www.murrayfoster.ca/about/ Darren Portelli: https://twitter.com/darrenportelli City of Toronto: https://www.toronto.ca/ Salvation Army Canada: https://salvationarmy.ca/ Paul Newman - Hole in the Wall Gang:

This week's guest is Diana Indries, the founder of Better Topics Card Games.Better Topics born out of Diana's interest in relationships and learning to communicate within those. Relationships are very important to her. So important In fact, that she recently moved from England back home to Romania. Diana believes the keys to a great relationship are communication and fun. She also believes that anyone can have a great relationship if they want to!Diana and her husband started working on Better Topics well ahead of 2020 but really saw the need once people were locked in with each other and didn't know where to start communicating. Prior to working full time on this company, she was working in the NHS. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, she quit her job to pursue Better Topics.In the past, Diana and her husband played other card games for couples and realised that none of them did much to increase communication. A lot of them were not even games but just questions that could only be answered once. They sought to remedy that and ask questions that can be repeated over time as their answer would change.In founding her own business, Diana discovered her creativity. And, it is on her days off that her creativity is the most inspired. Hear her story, what her company is about and her advice on relationships. Topics covered:The importance of setting aside specific time to spend together as a coupleHow better communication can lead to behaviour changes that allow people to provide what each other needHaving fun in a relationshipLeaving a 9-to-5 and starting your own business in an area you're passionate about; that's relationships and games in Diana's caseDiscovering creativity in yourself +++++ Find DianaBetter Topics website: https://www.bettertopics.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterTopicsOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettertopics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BetterTopicsOf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterTopicsCardGameforCouples Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dianaindries/better-topics-the-dating-game +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Chef Dennis, the founder of the food blog, Ask Chef Dennis. Incidentally, he is also a chef!Dennis was always a fan of food. He gained early inspiration was Graham Kerr, an Australian television chef who showed him how great you could make people feel by cooking for them.Professionally, he started out as a prep cook, carefully observing the chefs with the aspiration of moving into that role. After a chef at the restaurant he was working in was injured during a busy weekend, Dennis got his big break.Later, following a bout with carpal tunnel, Dennis moved into business dining for a time and then on to a school where he revamped the dining program and also stared educating students on cooking. His blogging stared as an output of what he was teaching at the school and eventually grew to have a worldwide following!Some key points we hit:Dennis' path of trying to do a lot of things and finding out what he wanted to doIntroducing change to an organizationHow people can get satisfaction from cooking for themselvesIn addition to cooking personally, Dennis enjoys reading and music. He also became a travel blogger almost by accident and enjoys trying the cuisine in all different places and telling people about it.Note from Rabiah (Host): It was so funny when Chef Dennis mentioned Graham Kerr because I too watched his show but not to the same end. He was wild! And it was a lot of fun to watch his cooking show. I am not someone who ever watched the Food Network but I have been entertained by some chefs. What I like about Chef Dennis is that he always ends up going back to what he loves, which is food, no matter how is is lead to it. +++++ Find Chef DennisWebsite: https://www.askchefdennis.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskChefDennis/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askchefdennis/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/askchefdennis/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/askchefdennis/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/askchefdennis +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Patrick Alcoke, marketing entrepreneur and co-founder of Find Your Steady. We chatted via SquadCast from his living room in Maryland and mine in London, UK. Patrick's career started out with him pursuing music after college. He moved to California and was touring the country in a band. Eventually though, he put that dream aside to pursue a different career path. We discuss his relationship with music today which is a lot different than it was from ages 15 - 27.Patrick co-founded Find Your Steady, a mindful candle company, with his friend Brian. The two played in a band together at Virginia Tech. During the pandemic, while keeping their own respective mental health in check with their routines, they ended up combining Patrick's meditation with Brian's candle-making to produce their line of candle gifts complete with a web app of de-stressing tools and a journal.Key points we hit:How Patrick manages stress of parenting, entrepreneur and personWhy he set out to help people manage their stressPrioritising his company's mission above other distractionsPatrick's mindfulness and health practicesThe pursuit of what you are passionate about and what that means for your passionNote from Rabiah (Host): I have met with a few of my former classmates and colleagues and every time the chats are so rewarding. I find it a privilege to get to see what people have been up to years after we first met or even had contact in some cases and that's how it was with Patrick. “Drink water” is something we say a few times during the chat and that has struck me. I have even formed a new, healthy habit since we chatted. It's drinking more water! I left the podcast light and didn't do a spoken intro because when I tried it was a rant. I want to state very clearly here that I stand with my Jewish friends and and the Jewish people. Kanye West's disgusting anti-semitism is only the tip of the iceberg of what hate is expressed and if my putting this in writing offends someone then I hope they get help, get knowledge and change. Adidas finally cut his contract but that won't stop what is happening to people all over. I may do an intro next week but this week, it was important to put it in writing. +++++ Find PatrickFind Your Steady site: https://findyoursteady.com/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Johann Hari, https://stolenfocusbook.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Sacred Walker, founder at Kuumba Health International Coaching Institute based out of New York. She is also a mental health and mind, body, and soul health enthusiast.At Kuumba, Sacred and her team work with ambitious leaders focusing on their mental, emotional and mind-body health often focusing on addressing issues in their past so that they are empowered to move forward from a place of strength. We chat about:Framing experiences as moving from “pain to superpower” and what this means for SacredHer approach of LOVE Medicine Coaching. Find out what the acronym of LOVE meansMeeting someone where they are in terms of readiness to seek professional helpNote from Rabiah (Host): Sacred and I had two wonderful conversations. In the first, I was on her podcast which you can checkout online. The result of the second is this episode of More Than Work. We ended up meeting in person later on as well and she was as genuine and kind then as she was in our remote conversations. I felt empowered after our encounters and think you will feel empowered too after listening! +++++ Find SacredWebsite: https://sacredwalker.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asksacred Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asksacred Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sacredwalker +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Octavia Butler: https://www.octaviabutler.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Bob Burg, author and speaker. You may know him from the book series he co-wrote with John David Mann, The Go-Giver.The Go-Giver is a business parable that illustrates shifting your focus from getting to giving. In it, there are five laws of stratospheric success that are presented through characters. The laws are value, compensation, influence, authenticity and receptivity.In this brief episode, we chat about the book and all five values including which value is hardest for people to fulfil. The chat provided great insight for those who have read The Go-Giver and those who haven't yet. Bob also shares what took him from his work in sales to becoming an author. His first book was Endless Referrals. When he isn't speaking and writing, Bob fosters animals, working to bring about awareness on the treatment of animals and works with Furry Friends.Note from Rabiah (Host): When Bob agreed to sit down and chat with me, I was truly chuffed! The Go-Giver is a book I read after it was recommended to me a few times, once by someone who said I seemed to be living the values. That was a high compliment. In this chat, Bob redefined charitable giving for me and changed how I'll talk about giving in the future. The perspective we came to on receptivity was enlightening as well. It is a short episode with a lot of ah-ha moments packed in so enjoy! +++++ Find BobBob's website: https://burg.com/The Go-Giver Community: https://thegogivercommunity.com/ The Go-Giver Book: https://amzn.to/3SlB1pK +++++ Mentioned in this episode:John David Mann: https://johndavidmann.com/ Randy Gage: https://www.randygage.com/Sharon Lechter: https://sharonlechter.com/Ken Honda: https://kenhonda.com/ Furry Friends: https://furryfriendsadoption.org/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Paul de Gregorio, Digital Mobilisation Strategist and Founder at Rally.Paul works with organisations to help them come up come up with ways to bring together all of the public-facing elements to drive actions such as fundraising or advocacy. He started out in political fundraising with the Labour Party and has worked with political and social organisations since.The areas he's chosen to focus on are borne out of Paul's own background being the son of Italian immigrants and being aware of how is family was treated but also the impact of witnessing activism in his teens and living through specific events in the 1980s in England and seeing people fighting against injustice.Paul's story of discovering he could have a career in what he doest today is one to hear. He started out in the mail room of an agency that focused on charity and political organisations and progressed through positions from there until he was Client Services Director. Paul founded Rally when he saw the same things happen over and over and truly believed in the approach of digital mobilisation which wasn't a total fit within agencies. In founding his own agency, he can empower organisations with that focus. Through the Rally network, he can bring together others in various areas of expertise to work with him and each other when they are needed. We chat extensively about causes Paul supports and the impact each individual can have. Listen up for all of that plus what Paul does to disconnect and the invaluable advice he gives.Note from Rabiah (Host): Paul de Gregorio is a legend. I'm using the term in the way I've heard it used since living in the UK. He's someone who is constantly speaking up and working to positively impact others and embodies More Than Work. I was chuffed when he agreed to spend some time chatting with me and in listening back while editing became re-energized. +++++ Find PaulPaul's Twitter: https://twitter.com/pauldegregorioPaul's Newsletter https://tinyletter.com/pauldegregorioPaul's Rant: https://medium.com/@pauldegregorio/some-new-rules-f8380d5b6ccf Rally's Website: https://www.wearerally.co.uk/ Rally's Twitter: https://twitter.com/LifeAtRally +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Stonewall: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/ Mermaids: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/ AOC: https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/VEEP https://twitter.com/veephbo +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Larry Sprung, founder and wealth advisor.Larry is the founder of Mitlin Financial and the story of the naming of the firm is a sweet one. His reasons for going into wealth management are a reflection of the values shared in his family and the result of his upbringing. It is his way of serving others through the work he does.Larry also created the Mitlin Money Mindset podcast. After publishing a blog but wanting to say more in a different way, the podcast was started as an opportunity to share content in a different way. Guests talk about getting into the success mindset and more.Until recently, Larry served on the national board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His involvement with the organization began after facing the loss of his wife's brother. He started out by doing a golf fundraiser and now along with is wife, partners with romance authors for a book fundraiser every May. Through all of the efforts, they have raised over $1.7 million dollars for AFPA.Peconic Hockey Foundation is another place Larry gives his time and effort. They are bringing hockey and awareness of the sport on the East end of Lang Island with the ultimate goal of building a facility so more families have access to the sport.Note from Rabiah (Host): Listening back during editing, I remembered that was having a major hay fever bout during this episode! Don't worry, I cut out the coughing fit! This episode coincidentally is being posted during Suicide Prevention Week. The work that the guest Larry and his wife have taken up for this cause is extraordinary. They turned tragedy into action and if you've been listening to the podcast for a while you'll know that this is something I hold dear after my own losses around other circumstances and with regard to my own mental health. I've made a modest donation to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund to thank Larry for sharing his story and encourage you to do the same!TW: mention of suicide +++++ Find LarryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrencesprung Mitlin Financial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitlinfinancial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung MitlinFinancial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitlinfinancial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/ Mitlin Financial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitlinfinancial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Sprung Mitlin Financial Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitlinFinancialPodcast: mitlinmoneymindset.comPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitlinMoney +++++ Mentioned in this episode:American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/ Keith Milano Memorial Fund:

This week's guest is Martina Carello, founder of the Colour Alchemist Canada.In her business, she has sought to help others avoid mistakes that impede fashion business growth and success. Martina is also developing two clothing lines of her own including one that focuses on Gen X women and focuses not only on their bodies but also the stories the women have to tell. Martina's love of clothes started early on and she was given her first sewing machine when she was eight. Though she started out in a liberal arts program when she first went to college, she ended up going to fashion college after reckoning with the passing of her grandmother who had been designer. She earned her degree in Fashion Design Marketing and even worked professionally during school.We talk about her purpose and also about the way times have changed. Our chat takes place on the eve of Martina's 50th birthday which makes it a reflective and reverent time to talk about life and career.Note from Rabiah (Host): It was fun talking to Martina, especially in the moments about nostalgia. We grew up at a similar time where our kind of play led to scraped knees and learning lessons about how to interact with friends IRL. She is making an impact while working in an area she loves. She shares an important lesson on how we can make am impact anywhere if that's what we want to do. +++++ Find MartinaColour Alchemist: https://www.colouralchemist.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colouralchemistcanada/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartinaCarelloLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinacarello/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colouralchemistcanada/ Myka Soula: https://www.mykasoula.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Sara Deacon, Life Balance Coach for Better Adulting, and podcaster.Sara was working in postpartum care but once the pandemic hit, she began coaching full time when things went virtual. Her work became focused on young adults and teenagers. She works with them on decisions, understanding how to live in their core values and how to cope with different situations.After her eldest son started learning karate, Sara decided to take on that challenge too and now she teaches martial arts part time. We chat about the lessons learned in practicing martial arts and starting such an activity as an adult. Martial Arts & Crafts podcast where she talks about creativity and discipline, and freedom and structure. Throughout, we also chat about the importance of positive self-talk which is something Sara is passionate about. Note from Rabiah (Host): I change things up for this week and am going to stop recording an intro to the podcast unless I feel like it'll add to the episodes. This should save listeners 2-5 minutes and me quite a bit of editing time so I can keep bringing you More Than Work. This episode with Sara is an easy listen and made me think more about what words I choose to talk about myself, in a perfect week for that to happen. I'm off to Edinburgh for Edinburgh Fringe tomorrow! Enjoy the show. +++++ Find SaraWebsite: saradeacon.com Podcast: https://pod.link/1535514321 Facebook (Coaching): https://www.facebook.com/saradeaconcoach Instagram (Coaching): https://www.instagram.com/saradeaconcoach Twitter (Coaching): https://www.twitter.com/saradeaconcoach Facebook (Podcast): https://facebook.com/mymartialartsncraftsInstagram (Podcast): https://instagram.com/mymartialartsncrafts +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Aunia Kahn, multimedia artist and creative entrepreneur. She founded both Rise Visible (formerly Light Owl Design) and Create for Healing which we discuss.Rise Visible is a full-service branding, design and marketing agency. She started her career in web and graphic design just by chance when she was a musician and wanted to design her own album cover. The story is a good one so listen for that in the first 5 minutes of the episode. We talk about the benefits and challenges of having your own business.Aunia is also open about living with a chronic illness and what that entails. She has has EDS, a disorder of the body's connective tissue and explains this more as well as PoTS. Reality of living with a chronic illness and the ups and downs. Create for Healing is an educational platform that combines healing with fun and creativity. Aunia, a renowned artist, used healing and art in her own life and this platform is her gift to others, providing affordable art and programs to help people with their own healing and creativity. Listen for all this and how Aunia has become her own advocate and has taken a really realistic and grounded approach to everything!Note from Rabiah (Host): Those who live with a chronic illness have an understanding of others in the same position, even when the illnesses are different. I had not heard of EDS before meeting with Aunia but we understood some common issues we have as she lives with EDS and I live with Multiple Sclerosis. As the reader, you are facing your own challenges too. This chat felt like a talk with a friend who had done a lot of work and was meeting me at the level where I feel like I'm gotten to and that is a compliment. I hope you feel the same as you listen or it helps get you there! +++++ Find AuniaWebsite: https://auniakahn.com/ Rise Visible: https://risevisible.com/ Create for Healing: https://createforhealing.com/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Jencey Keaton Episode: https://www.rabiahsaid.com/podcast/s5e8-jencey-keeton +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Joey Held, writer and podcaster.Joey resides in Austin, TX but just before we chatted had attended the LA Times Festival of books in support of his book “Kind, But Kind of Weird: Short Stories on Life's Relationships”. He even had an encounter with a star of the New Girl who people have said the book reminds them of!During lockdown, Joey started a newsletter called Crisp Bounce Pass that looks at the intersection of basketball and pop culture. It's still going. We chat about that, his very first book and also his work at a creative agency. Oh, and he is also in a band.His podcast, Good People, Cool Things is what you'll want to tune into after hearing this interview. Come along now and learn about Joey. He might turn your frown upside down! Note from Rabiah (Host): This episode was recorded a couple of months ago and ironically I mention the weather is never warm in London. This week we had the biggest heat wave in years! It was a lot of fun talking about communication styles and learning about Joey and his work. I have a feeling that after listening he's the kind of person you'll want as a colleague and a friend. See what you think!PS: there could have been many titles but this statement from Joey makes me laugh over and over again! +++++ Find JoeyWebsite: joeyheld.comCrisp Bounce Pass: https://crispbouncepass.com/ The Burning Years: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4otyX8oeBPD3UENd0VyY9r Twitter: https://twitter.com/josephcurrency +++++ Mentioned in this episode:LA Times Festival of Books: https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/ Max Greenfield: https://twitter.com/iamgreenfield Wattpad - https://www.wattpad.com/ David Shabani: http://www.ifeelgoodrightnow.com/ KLOVE Austin: https://listen.klove.com/ Nate Bargatze: https://natebargatze.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

For the first time on More Than Work, the podcast is doing a feed drop! This means that another podcast is dropping into this feed. Welcome Creativity Found podcast! The host and creator of Creativity found interviewed the host of More Than Work, Rabiah Coon, and that episode is featured here this week. We get into a few things I don't get to dive into much like why I started comedy, where my creativity stems from and why I started this podcast! Note from Rabiah (Host): I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know Claire over the past year or more. She has a special podcast that gives a lot of inspiration and it was an honor to be her guest. I am glad to share this episode with you and will be back with a regular interview next week! +++++ Find Claire and RabiahCreativity Found: creativityfound.co.ukRabiah Coon: https://www.rabiahsaid.com +++++ Mentioned in this episode:New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Liz Benditt, founder of The Balm Box and part-time professor at the University of Kansas.She earned her undergraduate degree in Broadcast Film Communications. Following school, Liz worked at Disney before pursing her MBA at to USC. During her career, she has worked for major retailers and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.Four cancer diagnoses and recoveries over the course of 8 years launched her company. After receiving gifts that were well-intentioned but not useful, she wondered if other people felt the same. Though the idea came to Liz back in 2017 but it wasn't until the pandemic that she had time to explore it. In 2020, The Balm Box launched. The unique site provides shoppers with practical gifting options for cancer patients. Throughout her life Liz has also been involved in her community but in 2016, her political advocacy started after the election of Donald Trump. In 2017, in response to a school superintendent's view of the safety pin movement, Liz and others founded Education First Shawnee Mission, and advocacy group for her local school district. She'll also be on the board of the National Charity League.Hear about where she found her positivity in adversity and more in this episode. She also shares advice on self-advocacy regarding health and otherwise.Note from Rabiah (Host): I say it a lot but I'm really fortunate to get the chance to speak with the people I do while creating More Than Work. Liz is an extraordinary woman. There are many gifting website that people can visit of course but not all have been created so thoughtfully. After seeing close friends and family go through cancer and thinking of what I could do to help, I can say a site like hers is invaluable. We chat about service and her community involvement politically and otherwise. We also delve into acknowledging our own privilege. Lastly, as someone who has had to advocate for my health, I am truly inspired by how she has fought so hard for hers. Liz is so honest and grounded and I hope you love listening as much as I did. +++++ Find LizFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBalmBox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BalmBoxIG Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxBalm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balm-box-llc/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Hallmark: https://www.hallmark.com/ National Charity League: https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/ Education First Shawnee Mission: https://educationfirstshawneemission.org/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!Mentioned in this episode:Tragic SCOTUS Ruling on Roe v WadeHelp those impacted by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. https://www.podvoices.help/speak-up

This week's guest is Andrew Taban, school board candidate and activist.Andrew grew up in Santa Clarita, CA, a community north of Los Angeles. Some may recognize it as the home of Magic Mountain. He is now running for William S Hart Union School District Trustee Area 2.Andrew's participation in his community started at age 13. He became an activist in response to school budget cuts taking away the chance for kids to take part in a promotion ceremony from junior high to high school.In high school worked in the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) and joined board of PFLAG. He has worked as an education advocate and youth-based non-profits including Lifeworks in Los Angeles which is part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. We talk about all of this work and how he was impacted by the homeless youth who had come out and has helped facilitate conversations with parents.During State Assembly person Christy Smith's term, Andrew worked as the education liaison in the State Assembly. His current platform for his school board campaign is three-pronged focusing on representation, funding and student wellness.Learn more about Andrew and may spark your own activism along the way!Note from Rabiah (Host): It's Pride Month and I'm very proud to have had the chance to speak with Andrew for this episode. He is one of the people I thought of when I started the podcast because he has been so authentic in how he lives his life and pursues his goals since that first day. This episode is also my way of honoring the LGBTQIA+ this month which is very important to me. Happy pride. At the top of the show, you'll hear a pre-roll which indicates I support a woman's right to choose. I do, wholeheartedly. The decision made by SCOTUS last week was appalling and is scary. I stand 100% in opposition to it and was proud to participate in the project to add this pre-roll in support of women to my podcast. Thank you to Arielle Nissenblatt from Squadcast for thinking of this and getting the project started. +++++ Find AndrewWebsite: https://www.andrewtaban.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewTabanCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtaban.ca/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Christy Smith: https://www.christyforcongress.org/ PFLAG: https://pflag.org/ LifeWorks : https://lifeworksla.org/Betty White: https://www.facebook.com/bettymwhite Dolly Parton: https://dollyparton.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!Mentioned in this episode:Tragic SCOTUS Ruling on Roe v WadeHelp those impacted by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. https://www.podvoices.help/speak-up

This week's guest is Martin Henson, activist and Executive Director of the BMEN Foundation, an organization that is focused on providing community and support for issues specific to black men.The founding of BMEN came out of looking at the way men in general were responding to MeToo and the need for a conversation that focused on the experience of black men and the subjects of consent, experiencing sexual harm themselves and holistically looking at the new landscape. BMEN has strived to be inclusive of all black men doing work to make sure that the conversation isn't just around the heteronormative experiences but also work with the queer and transgender community. Martin earned his Master's degree in counselling and did that as a practice before moving into activism. We discuss why he made that transition in this episode. For a while, he was an activist with Black Lives Matter and then moved on to practice more restorative justice.Growing up in the church had a huge impact in how was taught to treat other people. His father was a pastor. He also went to community centres and his mom currently runs one. Stepdad taught him to be of service and also about black history. We talk about navigating his upbringing in the South and in churches to come together with his values now.In this chat, we also discuss how self-care plays a big role for Martin as he engages in emotionally difficult work. Don't miss this episode.Note from Rabiah (Host): Martin Henson is a world shaker. He has taken his skills as a counselor, his life experiences and his interest in justice and equality and brought them together into the organization he founded. His life is filled with leaning into difficult conversations for the greater good. In editing and listening back, I was again inspired by him and I am proud to share his message and grateful he shared it with me. +++++ Find MartinMartin's Website: https://www.martinhspeaks.com/Martin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tillwefreeMartin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-henson-06325b63/ BMEN Foundation: https://bmenfoundation.org/ BMEN Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMENFoundationBMEN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMENfoundation/ BMEN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BMENFoundation/ BMEN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmen-foundation/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Transgender Emergency Fund: https://transemergencyfund.org/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!Mentioned in this...

This week's guest is writer, actor and comedian, Philip Simon.Philip started out as an actor, attending the Guildford Theatre School before landing his first professional gig in a commercial. After a long run as Daddy Pig in a staged puppetry production of Peppa Pig, he decided it was time for a change and enrolled in a course at The Comedy School in London. On the stage performing standup comedy is where Philip feels immense joy. We chat about his work and also the sudden impact of COVID lockdowns on performers. While unable to entertain audiences in person, the father of two acted as head teacher for his kids and also created “School's Out Comedy Club”, an online comedy program for kids. Out of that came a kids' comedy book and the opportunity to give back. Profits from book sales go to the charity FareShare which fights against hunger in the UK.Philip also teaches sex education in Jewish schools and hosts the podcast “Jew Talkin' To Me” with fellow stand up comic Rachel Creeger. He'll be at Edinburgh Fringe this year with two shows so check out the details below. You'll want to find out where to watch him after listening to this one!Note from Rabiah (Host): I have to admit, editing this one was not easy. Sometimes I spend a lot of time reflecting on what a guest said. Sometimes I even cry. In this case, I did a lot of laughing! I am always grateful to my guests for taking the time to share stories about themselves and to listeners for taking the time to hear them. For me, it was particularly important timing for me to listen to someone talk about loving comedy the way Philip does. It was also a lot of fun. Let me know what guests resonate with you or what joke you heard that you like best! +++++ Find PhilipWebsite: www.philipsimon.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilipsComedy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PhilipsComedy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilipsComedy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philipscomedy Jew Talkin' To Me: https://pod.link/1519680527 Kids' Joke Book: philipsimon.co.uk/shopSchool's Out Comedy Club at Edinburgh Fringe: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/school-s-out-comedy-club Jew-o-Rama at Edinburgh Fringe: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jew-o-rama +++++ Mentioned in this episode:The Comedy School (Camden): https://thecomedyschool.com/Joe Bor: http://www.joebor.co.uk/FareShare: https://fareshare.org.uk/ Rachel Creeger: https://www.rachelcreeger.com/Marcus Rashford: https://www.instagram.com/marcusrashford +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter:...

This week's guest is Antonella Pisani, CEO and Founder of Eyeful Media.Antonella started out as a web developer and moved into marketing roles working in e-commerce at ProFlowers, Guitar Center, JC Penney and Fossil gaining experience in all aspects of digital marketing.After 20 years working at large companies, Antonella took a year off to travel to places she could have never gone to while working full-time. When she returned, she went into part-time consulting for Dallas-based Peacock Alley. From there, Eyeful Media was born!Antonella spoke about founding her own marketing agency and very importantly about building the value of service into the culture. She is personally passionate about volunteerism and service, and has fully incorporated this into her company. This value is core to how people treat each other internally, interact with the client and interact with their community. Antonella also talks about her daily practice that helps her balance running a company, building her team and her path to leaving corporate life.Listen and find out all about it!Note from Rabiah (Host): Fully disclosure, I have known Antonella for almost twenty years but I learned so much about her in this conversation. She was my boss for a while and prior to that a coworker and a friend. I was excited to talk to her about her company after following her on LinkedIn for years. It was a pleasure to learn more about her even after so long and I'm proud to share this with you. This one will definitely make you think about your own values and how to make them part of your daily life. At least I hope it will! +++++ Find AntonellaEyeful Media: https://www.eyefulmedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonellapisani/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Peacock Alley (https://www.peacockalley.com/)Russell Lowery-Hart (https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellloweryhart)Inc. 5000 List: https://www.inc.com/profile/Eyeful-Media The Go-Giver: https://amzn.to/3Nwzwma Brené Brown Dare to Lead Values List: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ Renata Sahagian Episode of More Than Work: https://www.rabiahsaid.com/podcast/episode-5-renata-sahagian +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!Mentioned in this episode:Tragic SCOTUS Ruling on Roe v WadeHelp those impacted by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. https://www.podvoices.help/speak-up

This week's guest is Jazeen Hollings, She is a writer, artist and as she puts it, future ghost, from Toronto, Canada. She is also a professional video editor by trade.After starting out as a Philosophy major and then moving into graphic design as an undergraduate, Jazeen fell in to video editing. Now, she has taken a big step and decided to pursue writing as a career. Jazeen is entering the University of British Columbia's MFA program for writing full-time in the Fall.We chat quite a lot about making the choice to pursue a creative career and how sometimes it isn't even a choice but necessary! For anyone who has been wondering if they should take the plunge and do the thing, Jazeen might who you need to listen to today (whatever day that is)!Note from Rabiah (Host): I had a lot of fun speaking with Jazeen. I got a little self-conscious that we talked a bit more about comedy than I would with a guest normally but she was interested and asked me questions when I asked her questions. It was a real conversation. That's what I wanted the podcast to be but I've forgotten that from time to time and go from chat mode to interview mode when I'm nervous. And yes, I do get nervous at these recordings. This week, enjoy the chat! +++++ Find JazeenWebsite: https://www.jazeen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazeen_____/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jazeenhollings +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Margaret Atwood: http://margaretatwood.ca/ Alex Garland: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0307497/ Stephen King: https://stephenking.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!Mentioned in this episode:Tragic SCOTUS Ruling on Roe v WadeHelp those impacted by the overturning of Roe v. Wade. https://www.podvoices.help/speak-up

This week's guest is Andrew Alexseyeko. He is the founder of two tech companies and co-founder of KOLO which is an organization helping those on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.Recently, Andrew fled his home in Kiev due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He spoke to me from a city in Western Ukraine where he is currently residing and working. After spending some years as a product manager, Andrew founded the software development company Storypoint and software reseller and implementer Partnerway. The latter seeks to help businesses in Ukraine digitize and adopt technology. When the war started, Andrew worked with peers and friends in the tech industry to build the Help Ukraine Win (https://helpukrainewin.org/) website. Then, they founded KOLO, a fund to assist the Ukrainian military purchase items they need such as vests, drones and night vision tools.Through crisis, Andrew has found a different purpose and has also seen a change to the way a team works together too. It redefines the culture. To that end, Andrew has decided to take no profits from his businesses until the war is over and will be putting the funds into supporting Ukrainian refugees and the army. Lastly, Andrew and his team are creating a platform for those in Ukraine looking for work in tech, to match with those hiring. The war has also taken a toll on how businesses operate inside the country and others interact with Ukraine from outside the country.Note from Rabiah (Host): For many of us outside Ukraine, we talk about being heartbroken and what is happening there, and outraged. There is very little most of us can do other than give money. I feel very humbled by Andrew and his story. It is a privilege to share it with my listeners. Both he and I would love to hear from you. The link to KOLO is below if you want to donate. +++++ Find AndrewLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexseyenko/ KOLO: https://www.koloua.com/en Storypoint: https://storypoint.team/ Partnerway: https://partner-way.com/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Conductor: https://www.conductor.com/ Aura: https://www.aura.com/ Diana Tereshchenko: https://twitter.com/Ditereshchenko Bohdan Kit: https://twitter.com/bohdan_kit Martijn Verbove: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijnverbove Product Hunt: https://www.producthunt.com/ Andrew Ng: https://twitter.com/AndrewYNg Veronika Didusenko: https://www.rabiahsaid.com/podcast/s5e9-veronika-didusenko +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Douglas E. Noll, lawyer turned peacemaker. Doug was raised in California and left the state to go to Dartmouth where he earned an undergraduate degree in English. In 1974 he returned to California entered law school, eventually graduating with honors.Doug spent 22 years working as a civil trial lawyer, trying over 250 cases during that time! He realized in that time that though the work was interesting, his heart wasn't in it.Concurrently, Doug started studying martial arts and earned a 2nd degree blackbelt in one discipline before moving to Tai Chi at the advice of his teacher. As he explains, it was the teachings of Tai Chi that led him to the epiphany that he needed to do something else…something that would make an impact.You'll hear more in the episode but at nearly 50 years old, Doug quit his job and started a Master's program in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies offered at Fresno Pacific University which he completed. He also became a certified energy healer (panic healing) and arhatic yoga practitioner.Along with Laurel Kaufer, he founded Prison of Peace, a wonderful organisation bringing conflict resolution to the incarcerated as well as others. Hear about it in the episode. Additionally, he is a mediator for private conflicts. Note from Rabiah (Host): I've been really lucky to find guests who exemplify what this podcast is really about. Doug is definitely one of those. I really loved the synchronicity that took place in Doug's story with him asking a question and then receiving an answer that created a whole new path. I won't say more. I'll let Doug do the talking. Enjoy! +++++ Find DougWebsite: https://dougnoll.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasNoll Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougnoll YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAHXdBT1Y0Pl7SGrM_HcFw Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/b990204361f85f4a8ac1a25a9a0920 +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Fresno Pacific University: https://www.fresno.edu/graduate/program/peacemaking-and-conflict-studies-ma Pranic Healing: https://www.worldpranichealing.com/John Allman (Caltech): https://www.bbe.caltech.edu/people/john-m-allmanMatthew Lieberman (UCLA): https://www.psych.ucla.edu/faculty-page/lieber/Laurel Kaufer: http://www.kaufermediation.com/ ACEs Study: https://acestoohigh.com/Falling Upward by Richard Rohr: https://amzn.to/3srdZ68

This week's guest is Genesis Amaris Kemp. She's a visionary life coach, motivational speaker and podcast founder.Genesis started out working in hospitals and intended to go to medical school. But, she ended up spending over a decade in the oil and gas industry. Her first role was as an imaging clerk (scanning papers all day!). Through curiosity, networking and learning, Genesis ended up in project and program management. In fact, she did it again when she went to work for a Fortune 500 company showing what real grit and humility is needed to start anew.In late 2020, Genesis lost her job just one week following her father's death. She took the opportunity to self-reflect and ultimately realized what her gifts are and how she could monetise them. In doing so she became an entrepreneur. In May 2020, Genesis' book, “Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From the Pit to the Palace” was published. You'll hear about the inspirational read about overcoming systemic racism in the workplace and climbing the corporate ladder. Genesis also hosts the GEMS podcast. Episodes are a mis of solo episodes and coffee chat style conversations with guests to educate, inspire, and motivate listeners. DEIB is also a theme of the show.Get to know Genesis in this episode!Note from Rabiah (Host): Genesis and I chatted a while ago but due to some theme months and a backlog, I did not get this one edited until now. When it is a while between a chat and an edit, I feel like I'm experiencing the conversation again for the first time and this was the right time to hear her story again. We dig into going through job and life changes and also chat about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I hope you'll enjoy and learn from this one. +++++ Find GenesisWebsite: https://beacons.ai/genesisamariskempTwitter: https://twitter.com/GenesisAKemp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisamariskemp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesisamaris.kemp.3/ Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From the Pit to the Palace: https://amzn.to/3LKZq51 +++++ Mentioned in this episode:The Unexpected Journey: Fire and Gold by Dedrick Moone: https://amzn.to/3FcqtUh Calendly: calendly.com/ Tiffany Haddish: https://twitter.com/TiffanyHaddish Melissa McCarthy: https://twitter.com/melissamccarthy Rabiah's appearance on GEMS Podcast: pod.link/1562876878/episode/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Josh Young, Chief of Staff at New Story Charity.New Story is focused on looking for innovative ways to solve the global housing crisis and homelessness. New Story Charity is the first such organisation to be part of Y Combinator. In 2018, they built their first 3D printed home and since then have built over 3000 homes in 4 countries. Looking for a place to give? 100% of donations go to the actual building of homes.During college, Josh was a two sport Division 1 athlete and double-majored. He went to work on Wall Street right after graduating and you'll hear why he moved on from that career and went to work on the State Senate campaign for Barry Finegold before getting accepted to Harvard for grad school and eventually taking his role at New Story Charity.Losing his dad at a young age affected how Josh has lived his life and the role he has played in his family. We talk a bit about that too. He shares advice that I think a lot of people need to hear during what has been a time of transition. Listen up! Note from Rabiah (Host): Josh is one of the kindest and most centred guests I have had on the podcast so far. I have so much respect for the discipline and though he has about how he lives his life and how he has pursued his path. Let me know what you think and if you feel like it, send a donation to New Story Charity. I did. +++++ Find JoshNew Story Charity: https://newstorycharity.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshua_lc_youngTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/joshua_lc_young +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Y Combinator: https://www.ycombinator.com/ Barry Finegold: https://www.barryfinegold.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Cathy Nesbitt, Worm Advocate and Laugher Ambassador based in Ontario, Canada. What is a Worm Advocate? Someone who sees worms as useful in the fight against climate change for one! Cathy is actually the founder Cathy's Crawly Composters which is a worm-based composting business. In fact, she is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her company. New to composting or not sure what it is? Listen up because we talk about that in the first 5 minutes.Did you know worms have no eyes? Cathy mentions this and other interesting facts about them. Before starting her business, Cathy was a social worker, focused on adults living with challenges. She continues to serve that community through education as part of her business.Cathy also does laughter yoga. It is part of her personal wellness practice but also something she shares. She holds her own online group you can join, and she teaches a special needs class. Laughter yoga is intentional laughing. We chat about the origin of the practice in 1995 and how Cathy has incorporated this into her life and work. In 2016, she got trained as a teacher.Have a listen and get to know Cathy!Note from Rabiah (Host): I was skeptical about laughter yoga before this chat but in hearing about it from Cathy, I get it. Admittedly, I haven't practiced it yet though I think I do a form of it when I rewatch old Robin Williams clips…This chat reminded me that I am often skeptical of things I hear about but when I dig deeper and remove my own ignorance, people are doing really cool things that work for them. It's not much different than the sentiment of the adage, “Don't judge a book by its cover.” In editing, I always reflect on my conversations even more and Cathy made me think a lot about living with intention and purpose and being brave enough to pivot to fulfil that purpose when what we're doing initially is no longer service us. I hope you get something out of the chat too. +++++ Find CathyWebsiteFacebookLinkedInTwitterYouTubeTedX TalkCathy's Laughter Yoga Club Cathy's Sprouts +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Laughter YogaDr. Norman Cousins Greta Thunberg +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Kevin G. Chapman, Assistant General Counsel at Dow Jones and Company, and crime fiction author. Kevin is a labor and employment lawyer who started out in law firms. But, for the last 27 years he has been in-house counsel having started out at The Wall Street Journal. He has resided in Central New Jersey for that long too. As a lawyer, Kevin writes a LOT. But it was when he got laid off from a firm 5 years after finishing law school that he started writing his first fiction novel, Identity Crisis which he published via a small publishing house. His next book took 10 years to complete and was self-published. We get into how he approached writing differently when he decided to write for the purpose of selling his work starting with his first crime fiction novel, Righteous Assassin. Also, how he went about learning to market his novels and the business of self-publishing. Kevin has written an entire crime fiction series focused around the main character he created, NYPD Detective Mike Stoneman. One of those novels, Lethal Voyage, was even a Kindle Book Award finalist in 2021!Hear about what Kevin is working on next and the communities he is a part of both as an independent author and as in-house counsel. He also plays tournament poker! Note from Rabiah (Host): I have not read Kevin's books yet but I'm very curious about Mike Stoneman so that'll happen soon. I intended too but time just didn't allow it. One thing that came up in our chat was that Kevin is a member of an author community. I have learned so much about how important community is and it is more prominent in my life than it used to be. It has been a theme of this podcast too. I'd love to hear what communities listeners are a part of. +++++ Find KevinWebsite: kevingchapman.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MikeStoneman/posts/865325540547293/ Mike Stoneman Box Set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SS8XL44 Lethal Voyage, winner of the 2021 Kindle Book Award: http://getbook.at/lethal_voyage +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Dow Jones: https://www.dowjones.com/ Xlibris Publishing: https://www.xlibris.com/en Jencey Keeton Episode of More Than Work: https://www.rabiahsaid.com/podcast/s5e8-jencey-keeton Chanticleer Book Reviews: https://www.chantireviews.com/ In the intro:Yard Act: https://yardactors.com/ Ann Liu Cannon: https://linktr.ee/annliuTrue Strays: https://www.truestrays.com/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)

This week's guest is Manik Suri, founder and CEO of Therma. Manik studied Political Science as an undergrad at Harvard University and then earned his Master's in international Relations at Cambridge University in England. After school, he ended up working in Finance at an investment firm and then pursued law school. During law school, he worked at an internship with the economic policy team in the first Obama Administration. There, he met the Deputy CTO of the US, Beth Noveck, and was introduced to the idea that tech, law and government intersected so moved into tech for good.He went to The Governance Lab (The Gov Lab) at NYU where tech for government was in action. Hear about the exciting project that they did with the United Nations.Manik co-founded Therma when was Inspired to move into private sector and entrepreneurship after seeing the opportunity to build and scale a company while also having a positive social impact. Therma is working to improve the cold chain which is the part of the supply chain that moves food and also medical supplies (like vaccines!). It is smart refrigeration technology for that seeks to reduce food waste, energy waste and refrigerant leakage. Note from Rabiah (Host): Manik has had a brilliant career as a student and post-college and in founding a company with the embedded value of social impact really resonated with me a lot. It was exciting to hear about his work in government and I did not know about Beth Noveck before but want to know more now! I often ask myself how I can contribute more, even on the podcast sometimes, and really found what Manik has done and is doing very invigorating. Enjoy the chat! +++++ Find ManikManik on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manikvsuri Therma: https://www.hellotherma.com/ Therma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellotherma/ Therma LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellotherma/ Therma Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelloTherma Email: manik @ hellotherma (dot) com+++++ Mentioned in this episode:Beth Noveck: https://twitter.com/bethnoveck The Governance Lab: https://twitter.com/TheGovLab +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Corey Spiegel, Founder and CEO of Lighthouse. Lighthouse is a diverse community of smart women who support one another through various groups and classes.Light House was born out of Corey reaching a crossroads in her own career and really wanting a “board of directors” for her life when she was making a major decision. After considering close friends and family to advise, she realized that there was value in getting advice. Light House began as a place for women only but has recently expanded to include topics that are designed for men.We talk about:Corey leaving her 25 year career as an entertainment and digital marketing executive to start her own companyThe importance of conversation in current times and the need to take responsibility for our words and actions with grace and patience to understand othersSetting boundariesTransitioning her business from in-person only to online during COVID And more!Note from Rabiah (Host): Corey touched on something very important in this episode which was connection and sharing of our stories. Both resonated with me A LOT. She has created a space for both that is really unique. We have a lot in common when it comes to that and it has manifested itself in different ways for us. I'm become more and more careful about who I personally hold space with and for and think we all deserve to be discerning about that. I hope you enjoy this episode! +++++ Find CoreyWebsite: https://www.findyourlighthouse.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyour_lighthouse and https://www.instagram.com/findyourlhlite Email: corey@findyourlighthouse.com +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is photographer Julie Campbell. She is based near Ventura County in Southern California. Her focus is mostly on family and newborn photography but she does corporate photography such as product for brands and headshots. Full disclosure, she took the host Rabiah's family photos in December.Julie actually started out as an elementary school teacher. When she had kids of her own she started photographing them and really enjoyed it. This hobby got more serious as she took online tutorials to build up her skillset. Getting a DSLR camera was a game changer. With this new equipment in hand, she taught herself Photoshop. She also got education around starting a photography business which she highly recommends anyone starting out take the time to do early on!At the suggestion of her husband, Julie branched out from taking photos of her own family into taking photos for other families. At first, she did it free of charge but after a while, it was time to start getting paid for the work.We talked about transitioning to charging what she was worth which is a struggle for a lot of creatives and entrepreneurs. We also discussed something that people often reveal to their photographer; everyone is self-conscious when having photo taken. If you are one of those people, you'll want to hear this chat. You're not alone.Note from Rabiah (Host): Julie did an excellent job photographing my family near Malibu, CA. We all love our photos but we definitely all brought our own brand of “I hope I look ok” to the shoot. One thing that I love about this podcast is that I get to talk to people about what they do and how they ended up there and Julie really has a DIY story that I loved hearing. I am even more impressed with her than I was when we met or when I saw her work. If you're in So Cal, I recommend you see her for your photos! +++++ Find JulieJulie's Website: https://www.juliecampbellphotography.com/ Julie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliegcampbell/Julie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieCampbellPhotography +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Steph Mathena episode: https://www.rabiahsaid.com/podcast/s2e11-steph-mathena Meg Loeks Photography: http://www.megloeks.com/Meg Loeks Instagram: http://instagram.com/meg_nloMeg Loeks Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/megloeksphotography +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is JJ Ramberg, entrepreneur, television host, podcast host, best selling author and mom. She is the co-founder of Goodpods, a podcast player that is seeking to solve the podcast discovery problem by allowing users to follow friends and influencers. Shows they listen to display in follower's feeds. The app has been awarded honors by both Fast Company and Inc. JJ also founded two companies with a charity focus. Goodshop is a coupon site where users can find the best coupons online and choose to have a percentage of their purchase go to a cause or charity. And Dogdog.org is a search engine that donates money to dog shelters every time a visitor searches the site. JJ became aware of companies giving back (The Body Shop and Ben and Jerry's) when she was young. Her parents also were always giving back. It became a goal to start a socially responsible company. Before Goodpods, JJ was a journalist hosting the MSNBC show “Your Business” which focused on the stories of entrepreneurs. She started out studying journalism and then went to business school. Throughout her career she went between working in journalism and startups even founding Goodshop just as she was starting her MSNBC show. JJ is also the author of two books. It's Your Business was written with producers from her MSNBC show and contains small business tips learned while making the the show. And, The Startup Club is a book for kids about entrepreneurship. We also chatted about the impact JJ's upbringing had on her as wet watched her parents both run their own companies. The ability to take a risk was engrained in her. Check out the episode for more! Note from Rabiah (Host): This is a quick episode. JJ is super focused and it is no wonder why. She is a busy woman! It is impressive that she has built companies while pursuing a journalism career. One career is enough for a lot of people. But, also I loved talking to her for a moment about values and how hers to give back are part of her businesses. I'm also a user of her app and have felt the benefits of using it as it has helped me discover shows. Maybe you'll listen to this episode on Goodpods!  +++++  Find JJ Website: https://www.jjramberg.com/ Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/jjramberg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.ramberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-ramberg-6b7976/ Goodpods: https://www.goodpods.com/ Goodshop: https://www.goodshop.com/ Dogdog: https://www.dogdog.org/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode: The Body Shop: https://www.thebodyshop.com/ Ben and Jerry's: https://www.benjerry.com/ Fast Company 10 most innovative social media companies of 2021: https://www.fastcompany.com/90600321/social-media-most-innovative-companies-2021 Inc magazine Top 100 Female Founders 2020: https://www.inc.com/profile/jj-ramberg Alyssa Milano: https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano Kim Kardashian: https://twitter.com/KimKardashian +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Veronika Didusenko, former Miss Ukraine. She was stripped of the title for also being a mother and is an activist for the #righttobeamother campaign. But, she is on More Than Work now to talk about the Russian war on Ukraine. Veronika is one of 2 million people who has fled Ukraine. She left with her son. She talks about the experience of leaving, the people who are still at home and what we can do to help. 
We spoke after she held a press conference in Los Angeles with Gloria Allred asking the US to take more action including issuing emergency Visas and status to those fleeing Ukraine. She could not bring her son with her to the United States because he did not have a Visa. Actions to take: If you know of Ukrainian refugees, help them by providing housing, clothing, food and anything else they may need. They left their homes with very little and don't know that they will see them again. Contact your government representatives and ask that US (or UK) immigration laws be adjusted to allow Ukrainian refugees of war to enter the country. Families should not be separated and people need to find the help they need. Contact your representatives and encourage them to continue to send weapons, munitions, food, etc to Ukraine. Note from Rabiah (Host): I wanted to talk to Veronika under different circumstances. She is an extraordinary woman. We will do so in the future. For now, it is important her voice and the voice of other Ukrainians is heard. One part of the conversation that we didn't get in the recording was her recounting that a child died of dehydration while in shelter in Ukraine because there was no water. This is a humanitarian crisis. It is a tragedy. It is war. Thank you for listening. +++++ Find Veronika Twitter: https://twitter.com/vdidusenko  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronika_didusenko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronika.didusenko.official +++++ Mentioned in this episode: The call to action is to help people in need and to contact government officials. One resource for supporting Ukraine: https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/russias-war-against-ukraine-what-can-you-do-to-support-ukraine-ukrainians/  +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

This week's guest is Jencey Keeton, Founder at Sweet Tooth Hotel. Sweet Tooth Hotel is an immersive art gallery in Dallas, Texas. It is a platform for local artists and also special installations with outside artists. On the day of recording, Jencey announced the they were opening a new location in downtown which was very exciting! Find a link below if you're in Dallas and get to the Sweet Tooth Hotel! What makes Sweet Tooth Hotel “immersive”? Guests can touch everything in the gallery. The art is accessible to everyone and local artists are celebrated there, even before they are big on the coasts. Jencey's mom was an art teacher so she learned to appreciate and create art from her childhood. She is often involved in making the art at Sweet Tooth Hotel from cutting fabric and sewing to painting. Before Sweet Tooth Hotel, Jencey was a working musician and then a digital marketer. Her marketing career took her to Fossil and then into commercial real estate. It happens that in learning about real estate and conscious capitalism, she saw an opportunity to rent a space in a construction office to create the first iteration of Sweet Tooth Hotel with her husband Cole. They drained their savings account and took a chance! Sweet Tooth Hotel was a massive hit and they are expanding! The most recent exhibition was called Intangible which was an all-female exhibit of fiber art. What is fiber art? Think fabrics like crochet, pom poms and more! Also, Jencey offers some great advice to artists looking to get their work displayed. We talked about what Jencey is doing outside of Sweet Tooth Hotel too delving into balance, health and music. She was in a touring folk pop band for 3 years. Then, her and her husband Cole formed French 75 and composed, recorded and performed together in collaboration with DJ Left/Right. Jencey is ready for her next music pursuit. You'll have to listen to learn more about all of this! Note from Rabiah (Host): It is SO cool to see people you know grow and do amazing things. Jencey and I worked together tangentially at Fossil and what struck with me about her was that she was one of the few people that was really kind who wasn't in my direct department but she was also clearly talented and creative. I always enjoyed our interactions and have been following her path on LinkedIn for a while. It was really a pleasure to finally get to talk. I can't wait to visit Sweet Tooth Hotel sometime! Check out the link below exclusively for More Than Work listeners. +++++ Find Jencey Sweet Tooth Hotel: https://www.sweettoothhotel.com Tickets to Sweet Tooth Hotel: https://www.showclix.com/event/rewind-watters-creek/tag/morethanwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweettoothhotel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweettoothhotel/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sweettoothhotel/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLA9ex75/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKbwHBsZGCEMlXp5r4GYwkg French 75: https://www.facebook.com/French75music +++++ Mentioned in this episode: Built By Bender https://builtbybender.com/ Refinery 29 https://www.refinery29.com/ Trademark Property https://trademarkproperty.com/ Kendra Scott https://www.kendrascott.com/...