Roar with Katherine Kendall

 In today's episode I speak with Chase Crossno about teaching theater to medical students. She shares with us her personal experience with theater, how it helped heal her own trauma, and how she now uses it to teach medical students. She gives fascinating insight into many ways theater can be helpful to people. Chase is the Assistant Artistic Director & Assistant Professor of Medical Education at TCU school of medicine.

Lou Godbold is the director of Echo.   Echo provides trauma & resilience training for families, communities, professionals and organizations. There is always more to learn on this subject and Lou continues to graciously share her knowledge with me. When I talk to her I always feel more calm, more empathetic. We talk about how trauma affects the brain. She explains the concept of “power with” as opposed to the “power over”model, and how much more effective we would all be if fear weren't running the show, which only creates more trauma

Pete Ferriero is the director of the 2021 documentary film, “Her Name is Chef” (Hulu). It was inspired by a first hand experience Ferriero had at a New Jersey female owned restaurant in which the owner was struggling to prove herself to her male counterparts. In the film, Ferriero tackles the topic of gender equality in a male dominated industry through the eyes of some of the most talented women chefs. The film has garnered wonderful press around it being discussed on Good Morning America, People, Bustle, and more. He's currently Directing a documentary film ‘At This Performance' which chronicle the life of understudies on Broadway. He's also currently writing a book 'The Price of Film' that details the behind the scenes of his first independent film, 'The Price of Fame' as a guide for new filmmakers.  He hosts the popular ‘Beverly Hills, 90210 Show' podcast with Original EP and Writers Charles Rosin and Larry Mollin. It was listed #5 on the Today Show's ‘Best Pop Culture Things of 2020'. Ferriero now resides in the Pasadena area, formally he was from the Meadowlands area in New Jersey.

Tatiana von Furstenberg studied Modern Culture and Media, Comparative Literature and Education at Brown University and did graduate work in Applied Psychology at New York University. In 2016 von Fürstenberg conceived of and collaborated with the organization Black and Pink to create an art exhibit titled On The Inside which spotlights the work of incarcerated LGBTQ artists.  She uses the freedom of language to explore the adventures of her life, and make sense of them. Tatiana was born with an undiagnosed muscle disease, and spent years not understanding why she was out of step with others. Storytelling became Tatiana's lifeline. The infinite vastness of language became a vehicle through which she could participate in the world. Tatiana von Furstenberg has crafted language and created narratives across many disciplines, most notably screenwriting (Tanner Hall), and writing lyrics for songs (Playdate).

In today's episode I speak with Katya Martin. She is currently starring in her breakout role as ‘Young Lettie' on ABC's epic, generation-spanning drama, PROMISED LAND. Her credits include BBC's ROADKILL with Hugh Laurie, Lifetime's TEN opposite Dylan Arnold, Showtime's THE AFFAIR with Dominic West and Ruth Wilson, and MY FIRST MIRACLE with Sean Patrick Flannery. Katya grew up between Spain and the United States and is based in New York City. 

Today on ROAR I speak with Max Frieder.  Max is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Artolution. He is an artist and educator from Denver, Colorado who is based out of New York City. He graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with honors and a degree in Painting with a focus in “Community Based Public Arts” and received his Education Masters in “Community Arts” in Art and Art Education from the Teachers College, Columbia University. He has worked with communities in different contexts across the globe. His work ranges from community building in refugee crisis, hospital workshops, abuse and addiction counseling through art, trauma relief, reconciliation and conflict resolution. Max shares powerful stories with us about the true healing that comes from art.

In today's episode I speak with Pamela Guest. She is an actress has acted opposite Gena Rowlands, Cathy Moriarty, Ed Asner and Mickey Rooney just to name a few. She is also known for her work as a Casting Director, Writer, Director and Producer. She founded and chairs the first, of its kind, SAG AFTRA LA committee for sexual-harassment and serves as an ambassador for the nonprofits: PAVE and VOICES in ACTION. Today she shares her own very personal story with sexual violence.  She is an incredible leader advocating for survivors everywhere and I was honored to speak with her today.

Today on ROAR I speak with Queen Ava and Stephannie about the difference between sex work, and trafficking, and how the law punishes the person that has been trafficked but rarely punishes the pimp that trafficked them. They are advocates for sex workers rights and both work with Swaidvegas.org, a fund created by sex workers for use by sex workers. This is a very real and personal conversation. I am really grateful to these two women for sharing from their personal experiences with us and bringing awareness to what is really going on with sex trafficking in this country. Queen Ava is 29 and lives in Arizona. She currently works as an adult content creator. Ava was trafficked when she was 17 and physically and sexually assaulted numerous times. You can learn more about Ava's story by reading her two books, available at http://queensbooks.net/ Stephannie Tucker, MS LPC, NBCC, is a sex worker rights advocate and trauma informed therapist who has worked with sex workers and trafficking victims, as well as advocated for legal changes on the state level.

Today I speak with Jeremy Norton. He grew up in D.C. where he studied literature, writing, and whatnot at Boston-area colleges; taught literature at former-military evangelical prep schools in Chattanooga, TN, then arrived in Minneapolis, MN in the fall of 1994. He joined the Minneapolis Fire Department in 2000 after becoming interested through an old high school friend (Jennifer Cornell) who became a mentor and inspiration. He is currently a Captain on Engine Company 17 in south Mpls. His interest in literature, human nature, cultural studies and the vagaries of human nature provide lenses through which he examines and strives to contextualize the wide range of people and situations emergency response provides him Jeremy has written a book about the EMS (medical) side of firefighting, to be published in the next year by Univ. Minn. Press. It addresses the gutter end of our health care system, the breakdown of our societal understanding of death and dying, the many forms and consequences of denial, race-class-gender issues in the fire service AND in emergency response, as well as the ongoing damages caused by traditional masculinity--both for emergency responders and for the general public.

Today on ROAR I spoke with Meredith Littas, a former executive who started a new career as a  multi-hyphenate writer, director, producer, and activist. She was born in Chicago and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and studied film at Syracuse University and graduated magna cum laude.  Meredith is active in counter-trafficking activism and working with  industry non for profits -- Women In Motion Pictures, Women In Film, and Film Powered where she connectsindustry executives to help package their projects and gives notes on their scripts. I'm inspired by Meredith's dedication to helping people that have been trafficked in finding their freedom.

Today I'm speaking Emily Galvin-Almanza She is a former public defender who earned the Deborah Rhode Prize for her work in public interest law, while at Stanford Law School, and was praised as one of the top lawyers under 40 by the American Bar Association. In the last year, Emily has spoken and written as an expert in criminal legal reform for outlets across the country. She's the cofounder and executive director of partners for justice. Partners for Justice trains non-attorney Advocates to provide clients with case navigation and wraparound support. In addition, they help public defenders protect people from incarceration and other criminal penalties. She is a true badass, and she makes me believe change regarding the criminal justice system can happen.

In this episode I speak with my talented friend John Roberts,  John is an actor, voice actor, comedian, writer, and singer who voices Linda Belcher on the animated sitcom Bob's Burgers.  We speak about the challenges he faced in the industry and the places he found comfort and support to keep believing in himself.  We discuss sexuality, artistry and the importance of staying true to yourself and your art.  John's words of wisdom inspire me and remind me of the importance of self love and determination.  I hope they do the same for you.    

Tomi-Ann Roberts was Of the first women to come forward About Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulting her in Jodi Kantor's article in  the New York Times October 10, 2017.  She is a professor of psychology and the Chair of the Psychology department at Colorado College. She earned her BA from Smith College and my PhD from Stanford. She considers herself a feminist and a psychological scientist. She teaches and consults on the consequences of the objectification and sexualization of girls and women. She has two amazing daughters and is expecting.  her first grandchild in January! 

Michelle C. Bonilla is a proud Chicana, born and raised in Hollywood, California. She is an actor, writer, director and producer. With more than 150 credits to her name, she is an avid supporter of LGBTQ rights and advocacy. She has used her skills as a writer and producer to create projects such as her short film Slip Away (2011) about substance abuse and its effect on a lesbian Latina relationship. Slip Away (2011) went on to screen at numerous film festivals around the world, including Outfest-The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film festival, and won The Q Award at the Fort Worth Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, and The Bronze Award at the Mexico International Film Festival for best short film. She co-created, produced and wrote the comedy web series Failing Upwards (2012). Today we discuss her new short film I JUST WISH YOU TOLD ME. She wrote this film as a way of helping her heal after the passing of her late partner.

Today I followed up with Sonia Bailey, Executive Administrator of the YWCA of the Harbor Area in San Pedro, California. I spoke to her last on ROAR during the Presidential election where they had set up a program for voter education and racial justice for Black Lives Matter.  We speak today about what changes she has seen in the community with unemployment and homelessness post the election and the pandemic of COVID19. She fills us in on their efforts, the new programs they have and all the ways we can help, get involved and support these heroic efforts.  

Sandra Booker is a singer, songwriter, actress, activist, and playwrite. She is regarded as one of THE best voices in the modern jazz scene. In this episode, we talk about how she was blackballed in her industry after coming forward about the man who raped her.

In this episode, I speak with Amy Franck. She's the founder of Never Alone Advocacy. We discuss why it's so difficult for victims of sexual harassment and rape to come forward in the military and the importance of staying on track and believing victims.

In this episode I speak with Sarah Scott.  Sarah is an actress and an intimacy coordinator.  She spoke out bravely about her own sexual assault which took place in 2018 and called attention to the lack of infrastructure within the entertainment industry in support of sexual assault victims.  This lead her to complete a training program to become an intimacy coordinator on set to provide safe spaces and the dialouge needed to create boundaries and consent.  She is an intergal part of assisting the industry in a long overdue transformation.  

Today on Roar I spoke with Producer Gary Foster, he is known for his work on Sleepless In Seattle, Tin Cup, The Score and Short Circuit. He is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Humanity On Set (HoS) and the LEAD Program teaching Producers and Directors leadership skills to combat the abusive behavior that Hollywood has become known for. He shares valuable insight on the industry and the belief and hope that with empowered training, support, tools, techniques and resources the industry can be transformed into a more engaged, productive and responsive (vs reactive) work setting.

In this episode I speak to Lauren Weingarten, founder of MeTooManyVoices (MTMV), a community support network for survivors run by survivors. Lauren is a victim advocate and trauma educator. A survivor herself of rape, she has dedicated her career to helping others. She shares with me her story of working in her dream job and the challenges she faced confronting those who used their status and power to take advantage of her and silence her. While our culture is improving to provide support for change in the workplace, there is still a long way to go.

This is my “part 2” episode with Sarah Peyton. Sarah is a neuroscience educator, constellations facilitator, certified nonviolent communications trainer, and author. In this conversation we talk about the importance of community and accompaniment as important tools for healing. In talking to Sarah I realize I’m learning a new language. A new way of speaking to myself and others. Please visit Sarah’s website for more information on her impactful work. Sarahpeyton.com

On this episode of ROAR with Katherine Kendall, we speak with guest Lou Godbold - trauma expert and my personal trauma guru. Today we discuss epigenetics and the ways in which self awareness, care and love allow us to heal and the profound effect that can offer for family and/or children.   Louise Godbold is the Executive Director of Echo, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that provides science-based parenting, trauma recovery, and resilience training to parents, educators, trauma survivors and recovery professionals from all over the world. She’s also a Weinstein survivor. Since we met, she’s been my guiding light, and she’s also the person who asked me to start this podcast.   You can learn more about Lou and Echo on the Echo website, at echotraining.org.

Sarah Peyton is an author, international speaker and neuroscience educator dedicated to helping people Transform their brains to a kinder cozier place to live. In this conversation Sarah explains trauma to me in a very personal way my sharing her own story. She gave me some really easy managable tools to help me help me heal my own trauma. I feel like trauma Isn’t such a scary word now. After talking to her, I’ve been listening to her free guided meditations developing self warmth. I’m thrilled to get to know Sarah and her work.

I’m thrilled to be speaking with Lucy Lang in this episode. Lucy is running for district attorney of Manhattan, and I believe that she will succeed in becoming the first female district attorney. She has my full support. I’ve learned a tremendous amount over the last few years from Lou Godbold (Roar’s trauma guru)about what it means to be “trauma informed.” Being “trauma informed” is Lou’s term for bringing the survivor’s needs into account, and empowering the survivor. Lucy Lang is dedicated to taking this approach in her work, which will change the game for everyone. She understands that being district attorney is far more than being a prosecutor. She has all kinds of exciting plans for bringing survivor’s needs into her work. She gives me hope for the criminal justice system.    

Today I’m speaking with Jessica Barth. Jessica is an actress known for portraying Tammy Lynn McCafferty in the film TED and it’s sequel. She is also a writer, a mother, an activist, a friend and a fellow Harvey Weinstein survivor. She created the nonprofit VOICES IN ACTION which is a survivor-founded and reporting platform. It’s a place where survivors of sexual assault can document and time stamp incidents privately and receive alerts if someone else named the abuser. She has worked closely with Lou Godbold (ROAR’S go-to trauma specialist & guru) to make sure that everyone at VOICES IN ACTION is trauma informed. After speaking with Jessica I realize there are still huge challenges in getting a sexual harassment charge filed. There’s so much work still to be done, but she is making an impact by changing the landscape for survivors of sexual violence everywhere. 

Kiki Dair is an adult film star. Today we had a discussion about the Me too movement in the adult film industry and how it’s affected sex workers. We speak about the The importance of consent always, consent and boundaries. We cover topics from Ron Jeremy Being charged with multiple rape and sexual assault counts to BDSM, To the importance of boundaries around sexwork.

Louisette Geiss was one of the first women to come forward publicly against Harvey Weinstein. I met her for the first time on the air. It was in the middle of the night, we were in separate studios as guests on CNN’s Don Lemon and we were telling our stories about Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulting us on live TV. What a way meet. We've come a long way since that moment, and I now consider her a great friend. > In this episode we talk about the musical she co-wrote with Howard Kagen, THE RIGHT GIRL. She sat with over 20 other survivors who contributed their stories to help create the book for the musical. It has been important & cathartic for her to turn a painful situation into art.

In this episode I speak with my good friend Caitlin O’Toole about bipolar disorder. She is  a Washington, D.C., native, and has written and produced for Sesame Workshop, The Huffington Post, People.com, and MTV. She is also the author of the blog "The Miss Jobless Chronicles" and is currently featured in the just-released book "Tiny Love Stories", a collection of writing from The New York Times' "Modern Love" sister column. Now based in Australia, Caitlin is working with a non-profit in the ageing and disability sector and is writing a memoir about surviving bipolar and finding peace at 50.

In this episode I speak with Adam Milch. Adam was born and raised in Washington D.C. He has worked as a television writer/producer for the past ten years, on shows such as GREEK, GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE TO DIVORCE, UNREAL, HART OF DIXIE, and most recently, THE MORNING SHOW. We discuss how the writers, producers, and actors on THE MORNING SHOW dealt with the subject of sexual assault and the metoo movement. They did a superb job of capturing all the nuances and complexities that go on for everyone, the show is one of my favorites. I’m thrilled to have him as guest on this podcast. Adam lives in Los Angeles with his husband and four-yearr-old daughter.

Today I speak with Joyce Short. She is the founder of the Consent Awareness Network (CAN), A coalition that works with legislators to define consent in penal codes across the US and around the world. She Is the presenter of an incredibly informative TEDx talk “When YES Means NO -We are Working to use hashtag #codifyconsent to help to spread awareness That are laws regarding consent really need to change.

Leah Ester Kershman is a former anesthesiologist and is now studying to become a rabbi. She shares with us her profound experience using psilocybin to help heal her trauma after battling leukemia and having several near death experiences. Hers is an inspiring story, Illustrating how effective psychedelic substances can be in helping heal from trauma.   If you’re interested in investigating all of this here are some links : https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/ https://maps.org/

In this show I talk to Matthew Kressy, he’s the Director and Founder of the MIT Integrated Design & Management master’s degree track. We talk about being bullied as kid and how he’s learned to deal with that through his life and very successful career.   idm.mit.edu - Matthew's grad program at MIT neiacademy.org - Matthew's new K-12 school designturn.com - Matthew's innovation company

Today I speak with Sonia Bailey about the YWCA of the Harbor Area in San Pedro California. For 100 years they have been working on eliminating racism and empowering women. We talk about several of their incredible programs from voter education to racial justice and human trafficking campaigns and their unwavering support of Black Lives Matter.

Aleksandra Schiffer is the CEO and founder of I STAND WITH MY PACK, a nonprofit organization providing global assistance to save the lives of animals and to prevent suffering and cruelty. ISWMP’s domestic efforts focus on the successful removal of dogs from high risk kill shelters  in LA City and County (as well as other parts of California).   They  assist them through the rehabilitative process successfully,  bringing them into their forever homes. We talk about how wonderful the mutual healing relationship is. 

In this episode I speak with Alice Tapper. When Alice was in the 4th grade, she noticed boys were raising their hands more than the girls. She decided to do something about it. With the help of her parents and the CEO of the Girl Scouts Lidia Soto- Harmon, Alice created a Girl Scout patch and ended up up writing a New York Time’s best seller RAISE YOUR HAND. We talk about how important it is to learn to speak up when you’re young, even if you’re shy, and what we can do to keep encouraging young people to let their voices be heard.

Paula Williams has worked In the entertainment industry for years as a Model and a producer. She is also a silence breaker,  who spoke to the press in 2017 about her experience when Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her.  We talk about how hard it can be to be vulnerable in a business where you want to seem tough. 

Writer and actress Jasmine Lobe pens the relationship column, “The J-Spot", for the Observer. She has also written for Cosmopolitan, New York Post, Thought Catalog, The OkCupid Blog, New York Natives, and The Know Cultural Almanac. She's co-starred on Law & Order, Dirt, Cane, Retired at 35, The Human Giant, Hope & Faith, and acted in multiple web series and independent films. She is a Silence Breaker in #themetoo movement and is currently writing a memoir

One of a kind, Gogo stands for style and hospitality.  Her jewelry is collected by people all over the world, displayed in museums, and lauded by the famous.  Her oyster roasts and musical soirées are the place to be whether in San Miguel, Martha’s Vineyard or Cumberland Island where she grew up.  Her love and respect for nature has lessons for us all. Most of all, you know going on a journey with Gogo is going to be fun.

One person can make a big difference.  In June Dana Nunes held a BLM sign strapped to her leg  on a street corner for 3 hours every day for a week. What followed was a true happening propelled by comedian Amy Schumer and musicians as diverse as John Forte and Baird Dodge, a violinist from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a variety of speakers every day for over two months.

Susie Crippen is a creative visionary.  She co- founded the wildly successful denim company J Brand. She also founded her own fashion line Crippen and is currently working on 4, a new clothing company that focuses on empowering women in Uganda. Susie was my roommate in Los Angeles in the 90’s and remains a dear friend and inspiration. We talk about the ups and downs of starting your own company and how what feels like failure can sometimes be the window to our greatest successes.

Lou Godbold is the director of Echo.   Echo  provides trauma & resilience training for families, communities, professionals and organizations. There is always more to learn on this subject and Lou continues to graciously share her knowledge with me. When I talk to her I always feel more calm, more empathetic. We talk about how trauma affects the brain. She explains the concept of “power with” as opposed to the “power over”model, and how much more effective we would all be if fear weren’t running the show, which only creates more trauma. 

Today I’m speaking with Shafia Zaloom. She is one of the country s leading experts on sexual consent education. Her book Is Sex Teens and Everything In between is the ultimate book for parents and teens regarding consent all the complexities of sex. Shafia’s curriculum has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, and more.

Michael Des Barres is a European Marquis, raised in England and living in Los Angeles. He’s an actor and a rock singer and the host of Little Steven's Underground Garage on SiriusXM Radio Channel 21. The hit documentary entitled Who Do You Want Me To Be is all about Micheal’s life, and has been number one on iTunes for weeks. Michael is a good friend of mine and always and inspiration to talk to.

Today Dr. Sydney Montesi and I talk About what it’s been like for her since COVID-19 hit Boston, where she lives. A critical care doctor and a pulmonologist she’s been on the front lines at Massachusetts General hospital and shares her unique perspective with us. She is also my cousin.

Greg Taylor is a teacher and a father. We both grew up in Washington D.C. and graduated from the Maret school. We talk about his experience as black man in America, equity and diversity training , raising children in the world today, and Black Lives Matter.

Redha Medjellekh is a filmmaker, choreographer, entrepreneur and dancer whose mission to tell viral stories through dance has brought him to work with companies, brands and organizations around the globe. Born in Lyon, France as a third-generation Algerian immigrant, dance was always a part of Redha’s life. He quickly realized that dance has the power to break down barriers; that people of any social or ethnic background and of any age can come together and dance.  Over the past year, Redha’s work has included over 80 viral videos, documentaries, short films and ad campaigns which have attracted over 100 million views and put forth his message: “DANCE NO MATTER WHAT!”

Amber Tamblyn is an Emmy and Golden globe nominated actress, writer, director, and the author of 6 books, including  the critically acclaimed best seller, “Era of Ignition: coming of age in a time of rage and revolution." She’s a contributing writer for the New York Times and a founding member of the Times Up Organization.

Is an American teenager who graduated from high school during the Corona virus Quarantine in Washington D.C. Robbed of her prom, graduation parties and an in person graduation, Emma I talk about what it means to graduate in these Unprecedented times. Emma is also a young activist, and we discuss the importance of taking an active role in Black Lives Matter and becoming anti-racist. Her mother, Julie Asher ( my friend ) Also joins us for this conversation.

In today’s episode I speak with Lizzette Martinez. Lizzette is one of the survivors featured in Lifetime’s documentary Surviving R. Kelly. We speak about coming forward to the press about such a powerful person in the music industry. Enduring terrible anxiety and depression and backlash from fans and family. Ultimately we see change is happening, and we discuss her plans for a safe house for young women seeking refuge from abusive relationships.

In this episode I have a very special guest, Senator Mark Warner, senior Senator of the Commonwealth of Virginia and ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He talks about the importance of voting in the upcoming election, Russian election interference, and the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Melissa Sagemiller Nesic, a fellow Harvey Weinstein survivor and silence breaker, spent 20 years starring in films and television. In the middle of a booming career she found herself feeling so exhausted and anxious she was barely able to enjoy her work. After the birth of her first child, she stepped away from acting to focus on her health. She tried all the remedies western medicine had to offer to no avail. She finally turned her attention towards nutrition, treating food as medicine. Her results were so positive she trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition(INN), and is now a health coach. Her passion is sharing her expertise with others and supporting them with lifestyle changes on their road to health. Please visit her website at hirelativewellness.com