Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

I think it's fair to say that no one holds a candle to New Yorker Debra Rapoport. She always loved dressing up - studying textile design and creating textiles that are body coverings, not apparel. Many of her designs are wearable accessories or hats from re-purposed materials. We know you'll get a real kick meeting and getting to know this woman who marches to her own drummer!

Julia Daily 's out with novel #2 - The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch. It finds life-changing big time for Emma Rosales - heiress of a million acres of the largest estate in the Lone Star State. Turns out, Emma discovers folks living on the property. Julia's debut novel is, No Names to Be Given. As for her podcast, Julia's focuses on fiction writing by women during mid-life. And there are plenty.

Amal Ghandour has a lot on her mind. The author, historian, and memoirist lives in Beirut and writes about what the experience has been like. And…there's plenty to talk about both personally and politically. Her book, This Arab Life: A Generation's Journey into Silence, draws from Amal's personal history, as well as larger political and cultural issues. Her riveting book shares what it means to be Arab in today's world - the feeling, for example, of being a tourist in her own country and craving connection with her culture, her family and herself. Needless to say, there's lots to talk about.

Lake Buckley is yet another award-winning, creative woman. Her clients include Google, What's App, Patagonia, and MTV, to name just a few. Her work has been described as “highly composed, conceptually sound, and delightfully strange.” Lake's goal is to find clients and collaborators who share similar synergies in order to make authentic and differentiated work. Does she? Tune in and find out!

Judy Mandel's essays, short stories, and articles have been published here, there, and everywhere. Her first memoir, Replacement Child, made the NYT bestseller list. It's followed by WHITE FLAG, which also focuses on the trauma that has plagued Judy's family. This is one no holds barred, riveting, look into the lives of a family forced to confront and deal with nightmare after nightmare.

Elizabeth Ward Land is known for her standout roles on Broadway, most recently as a member of Sarah Silverman's off-Broadway musical, The Bedwetter. She's also been featured in numerous television and movie roles. Using her powerful and resonant voice, Elizabeth's new album, "Still Within the Sound of My Voice, - The Songs of Linda Ronstadt," is a powerful tribute to the 11-time Grammy-winning music legend, who was diagnosed with a medical condition that caused her to lose control of her vocal cords - effectively ending her singing career. With this album, Elizabeth pays homage to the incomparable Ms. Ronstadt. Elizabeth has plenty of stories to share, making for a fascinating conversation with this very talented entertainer.

Meet Emmy-nominated filmmaker and award-winning writer, Cynthia Lowen whose work uses the power of story to catalyze meaningful change and confront timely social issues. And to that end, her searing documentary 'Battleground,' penetrates the anti-abortion movement as never seen before. Completed before the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade, the film contains many surprises when it comes to those men, women, and children fighting to make abortion illegal. You won't want to miss our conversation with the passionate, committed award-winning filmmaker.

Raised in a small town in southern Poland, Zuzanna Surowy stars in the powerful film, My Name is Sara, despite having no acting experience and competing against 350 other hopefuls during an open casting call. My Name is Sara tells the true story of Sara Goralniak, who is Jewish and manages to escape after her family was murdered by the Nazis in 1942. She finds refuge in Ukraine, posing as a Christian, and lives with a farmer and his young family. The experience of making My Name is Sara, ignited within Zuzanna a passion for acting. She just completed her first year at the prestigious University of Gdansk film school. This is one 'blow you away' conversation with an engaging, self-assured, talented young woman.

Talk about a mouth-watering conversation! You're about to meet Johanne Killeen, who along with her late husband, opened the highly successful and respected Al Forno Restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island in 1980. It's credited with pioneering a number of recipes and is the birthplace of grilled pizza - pies flash grilled at high heat. The author of two popular cookbooks, Johanne has also mentored some of the most influential chefs in the business. She travels extensively working with food and wine producers and importers. So much to talk about with this culinary heavyweight.

A horrific car accident on Italy's Autostrata in 1989 left newly married Deborah Mellen, whose husband was not injured, with a severe spinal cord injury. Not only did she lose the use of her legs, but many other vital life functions were also impacted as well. Two years later Deborah's husband died, and she moved back to the States - Florida, to be exact. That's where a surgeon turned her on to Shake a Leg - an adaptive sailing and water sport center. Hooked, Deborah bought a wheelchair-accessible catamaran and eventually created the Impossible Dream, a non-profit organization that provides similar experiences for other wheel-bound men and women. This is one riveting, fascinating interview you won't want to miss!

Melanie Breault has been the Web and Social Media Specialist for Conversations with Creative Women since 2015. However, her professional life also includes social justice issues - supporting non-profit organizations as they build their profiles to expand their reach and make the world a better place. We cover a lot of ground in this honest and fascinating conversation. We know you'll feel the same after 'meeting and getting to know' this committed, passionate, engaging creative woman.  

Raena Ashley spent a good part of her teenaged years getting in trouble while living in a tough East L.A. neighborhood. But all that changed when make-up entered the picture. When she was 18, Raena learned all about eyelash extensions. Three years later, she started her own beauty education company and in the years since, has generated more than 2 million dollars in sales, with 18 locations in the U.S. Raena has taught more than 2,000 young women 'the tricks of the trade.' Hear all about her path to a rich and rewarding lifestyle and career.

H.H. Leonards purchased the O Street Mansion 50 years ago as an art space, but the impact it had helping Rosa Parks is a story many may not know. Leonards got a call from Brother Willis Edwards of the Beverly Hills branch of the NAACP asking if Ms. Parks could stay in the mansion until she was able to heal emotionally and physically after being attacked in her Detroit home. Leonards, who said she didn't know who Parks was, agreed, and a beautiful 10+ year friendship between the two women was fostered. And to that end, Leonards has written "Rosa Parks, Beyond the Bus: Life Lessons and Leadership."  This is truly one fascinating conversation that will simply blow your mind!

As far as Arriel Biggs is concerned, you're never too young to be exposed to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy, and problem-solving skills. And to that end, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Young Biz Kids, a non-profit that teaches those skills and more to the leaders of tomorrow. Arriel has quite the personal story to share.  Her 15-year-old son Mikey is an entrepreneur - his business sense kicked in when he acquired his first vending machine at the ripe old age of....7! Lots to learn from this conversation - so sit back and enjoy!

An award-winning filmmaker, Debbie Lum's projects give voice to the Asian/American experience and other unsung stories. Her documentary, TRY HARDER!, shines a light on San Francisco's iconic Lowell High School as it follows members of the senior class as they navigate the system and the pressure they feel applying to Ivy League colleges. It premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and was broadcast on PBS' Independent Lens, along with a campaign to promote student health and AAPI stories. So much to talk about, so join us for one fascinating, eye opening conversation.

Author Anne Whitney Pierce is a lifelong Cantabrigian (it's an adjective that refers or pertains to Cambridge University in England, or in Anne's case, Cambridge, Massachusetts). The author of several books, her most recent, DOWN TO THE RIVER, references Harvard Square in the 60s. It follows the privileged Potts family who falls apart during the raging uncertainty of the times. Anne's short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and reviews and has won several awards, including the Willa Cather Fiction Prize and a Barnes and Noble Great New Writers Award.

Warda Mohamed Abdullahi has one hell of a story to share and she does so in her powerful memoir, "Warda: My Journey from the Horn of Africa to a College Education." Her degree comes from a college in the U.S. How she got there is the basis of this riveting story told by a fierce young woman, who overcame endless obstacles to achieve her goals. We may say this often, but this is one conversation you shouldn't miss.

It's been a while, but former guest, Director Abby Epstein, is making a return appearance. Abby and Executive Producer Ricki Lake's latest collaboration, THE BUSINESS OF BIRTH CONTROL, examines the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women's health and liberation. The documentary traces the feminist movement to investigate and expose the pill's risks alongside the racist legacy of hormonal contraception and its ongoing weaponization against communities of color. A lot to talk about? YOU BET!!

Born in Curacao and trained in the Netherlands, Gabri Christa is an accomplished filmmaker, curator, choreographer, performer and writer. She's passionate about social justice, multiculturalism and personal stories that have universal appeal. Gabri, who is also an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Barnard College, conceived and curated MOVING BODY-MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL, a biennial presentation of dance films that focus on issues of social justice. This year's program centers on The Moving Body with Disabilities. We know you'll enjoy our conversation with this engaging, passionate and committed creative woman.

Shirley Woodson made her artistic debut in 1960 and in the decades since, her brilliant and intensely colorful paintings have been exhibited here, there, and everywhere. And at 85, her first one-woman show at the prestigious Detroit Institute of Arts, which happens to be her hometown museum, is the talk of ‘the town.' The solo exhibition, “Shield of the Nile Reflections,” focuses on the river's importance to civilization. We are so excited for you to meet and get to know this fascinating, accomplished, engaging creative heavyweight.

You're about to meet multi-talented, accomplished, determined Vashti Cunningham. A track and field athlete specializing in the high jump, this young woman has her share of impressive stats and then some. An important part of her coaching help and support has come from her dad, Randall Cunningham, retired NFL quarterback, and her mom, Felicity de Jager Cunningham, a former member of the prestigious Dance Theater of Harlem. Athletics aside, Vashti manages to balance her career with her other passions: fashion design, modeling, and photography. It's safe to say, you're going to 'fall in love' with this warm, genuine, terrific creative woman!

Singer, songwriter Carol Lipnik weaves together folk, traditional pop, world music, and art into a unique hybrid. Acclaimed for her multi-octave range and original songs, The New York Times calls Carol an “ethereal vocal phenomenon,” and Michael Musto of Out Magazine wrote that she "is a wonderful amalgam of Joni Mitchell, Lotte Lenya, Theda Bara, and Stevie Nicks, but totally original." So sit back and enjoy our conversation with the eclectic and versatile Carol Lipnik.

Therese Shechter is an award-winning filmmaker/writer and founder of Trixie Films, a feminist production company that combines humor, activism, and personal storytelling to 'upend' what's considered sacred about motherhood. Her most recent film, "My So-called Selfish Life,' focuses on one of society's biggest taboos - women who choose not to become moms. Lots to talk about? You bet! So join us for this 'no holds barred conversation.

Expanding our world, pushing boundaries, indulging our curiosity - Katie Winter's passion and personal mission. And to that, Katie's flagship program, The Museum of Education Foundations, takes a holistic look at schooling, exploring it in ways that combine history, philosophy and art. It does so through the Winter School, a one-room schoolhouse in Lecompton, Kansas that has been in Katie's family since it was built in 1870. We cover a lot of ground in this fascinating and important conversation.

Crystal Berger is developing a product that makes it easier for digital platforms, local and national networks, and podcasters to discover, vet and book on-air talent. Her work has been featured on the FOX News Channel, Dr. Oz, and Trinity Broadcasting. She's the author of "Be Extraordinary: Claiming a Life of Purpose, Passion, and Prosperity. And that's not all. Crystal is the recipient of the NAACP's Freedom Fighter Award, UN Social Media Ambassador, and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Nix is an eighth-grader at R.J. Grey Junior High School in Acton/Boxborough, Mass. They participate in Destination Imagination with their STEM Team. Nix is also on the swim team. They are applying to a technical high school to pursue their interest in multimedia engineering. You're in for a 'tell it like it is' conversation with one engaging, bright, savvy 14 year old.

You're about to meet and get to know one of the foremost conductors of our time, who just happens to be, the first woman to serve as head of a major orchestra not only in the U.S., but South America, Austria, the U.K. Born into a musical family, Marin Alsop took violin lessons as a child and says she knew at age 9 that she wanted to be a conductor. She graduated from Juilliard and in the years since, spent 14 years as Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony;  serves as Chief Conductor and Curator of Chicago's Ravinia Festival; Conductor of Honour of Brazil's Sao Paulo Symphony. The list is endless. Marin's also the subject of the documentary, THE CONDUCTOR, which debuted in 2021 at New York's Tribeca Film Festival. We know you'll enjoy meeting the internationally renowned Marin Alsop.

Deborah Feingold happens to be one of the world's most lauded, respected, iconic photographers. She's captured images of everyone from Mick Jagger, to Prince, to Madonna to Barack Obama to John Boehner, to Danny Meyer. Her work has appeared in The Village Voice, New York Times, Rolling Stone, Newsweek. Deborah's skill and talent putting her subjects at ease has resulted in the kind of rare moments of honesty and intimacy that have become the hallmark of her work. This creative woman has lots of stories to share, so sit back and enjoy one truly fascinating conversation.

Dance has been an integral part of Constance Stamatiou's life since she was a little girl. She began her training at Pat Hall's Dance Unlimited and the North Carolina Dance Theater in her home state. She eventually made her way East and was awarded a Fellowship at the Ailey School. A member of Ailey II, joined the Company in 2007...and rejoined in 2016. Constance has performed at the White House Dance Series, participated in a TED Talk with the brilliant Judith Jamison and has been a guest performer on several television shows. We can't wait for you to meet the charismatic, talented, engaging artist and mother of 2!

Lauren Hadaway is an LGBTQ+ writer/director with a background in sound editing and mixing, who has worked on a roster of films. Setting her sights higher, Lauren's debut feature, THE NOVICE, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival winning multiple awards. The film is a gritty, dark, coming-of-age story that follows a college freshman who joins her school's rowing team and obsessively pushes herself beyond her breaking point. You won't want to miss this honest, no-holding-back conversation with one helluva woman.

Renowned anchor and correspondent for ABC News, Diane covers breaking news and special events. She's appeared on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and hosts ABC News Live Update. She is also an author. A former insomniac, Diane's book, THE SLEEP FIX: Practical, Proven and Surprising Solutions for Insomnia, Snoring, Shift Work and More is must reading for those of us who struggle to fall and stay asleep. You won't fall asleep listening to our fascinating, important and fact filled conversation with this accomplished, creative woman.

We've had the honor and privilege of having another conversation with the very creative, innovative and multi-talented artist Dell Hamilton. She's back to share her latest project for the ICA/Boston Foster Prize: "The End of Susan, The End of Everything." The multi-media installation is an homage to her mentor and friend, art historian Susan Decker who passed away in 2016. Join us for another fascinating, heartwarming and honest conversation with this very special guest.

Karen Mason makes music. The Broadway actress and concert artist is a 13-time MAC winner (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), and in 2019 she received a MAC Lifetime Achievement Award. Karen has starred on Broadway, Off-Broadway, television, and has performed in concert as well as in the recording studio. Listen in as she shares the highlights of her rich and rewarding musical/theatrical career.

Amy Gravino in a word? Cando. A force of nature, Amy was diagnosed with autism at the age of 11 and is currently a leader on sexuality, autism, and neurodiversity in sex education. And to that end, she is President of ASCOT, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for various organizations, schools, and individuals on the spectrum and their families. She's also an award-winning writer, has given TED Talks, and spoken at the UN on World Autism Awareness Day. You'll be blown away by this open, brutally honest, heartfelt conversation with a woman who's not afraid to speak her mind!

For Darsie Alexander, it's all about art. Since 2018, she has been Chief Curator at the Jewish Museum located on New York City's famed Museum Mile. Founded in 1904, it's the first institution of its kind in the US and one of the oldest Jewish Museums in the world. Darsie's resume is an impressive one: Executive Director of the Katonah Museum of Art, Chief Curator of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Senior Curator at the Baltimore Museum of Art and Photography Curator at Manhattan's Museum of Modern Art. Join us for a fascinating, illuminating conversation about the power of art to teach, provoke, bring joy and purpose to our lives.

With more than 25 years in the business, Geeta Gandbhir has worked on a wide range of films - narratives and documentaries focusing on racial justice, social inequity and gender. Geeta's the recipient of 2 Emmys, four Peabodys and numerous other accolades. "Black and Missing," her latest project for HBO, is a 4-part series that follows 2 sisters-in-law who are founders of the Black and Missing Foundation. The pair works to expose Black missing persons cases that are marginalized by national media and law enforcement. This must-see TV takes on new urgency given the renewed conversation about the 'missing white woman syndrome.'

A new Discovery+ series follows Roo Powell as she exposes some of the internet's most dangerous child predators. She and her team of professionals join forces with law enforcement to find and arrest these creeps. How? This 38 year old mother of 3 transforms herself into a 15 year old to reveal the true identities of the men who are reaching out to her. Join Roo in this race against time as she convincingly navigates these dangerous waters. This is one conversation you can't afford to miss.

Talk about a creative woman! Samantha Holmes is a sculptor / visual artist based in both the Bronx and Ravenna, Italy. Her work explores the impact of "distortion on patterns sourced from science, religion and art history." She works in stone, metal and paper, creating intricate, lace-like sculptures - her most recent, Mundillo - a monument to women's work and the cultural dynamism and was inspired by Puerto Rican lacework. Samantha's work has been exhibited in the States and internationally.  

Award-winning journalist Erin Moriarty has spent the past 30+ years at CBS NEWS, and since 1990, as a correspondent on 48 Hours, TV's most popular true-crime series. A 9-time Emmy winner, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alliance for Women in Media in 2019. Erin's also the host of "My Life of Crime" podcast which focuses on many of the cases she's covered. We know you'll want to hear all about the life and times of this acclaimed, veteran correspondent.

New York-based Uli Beutter Cohen is the creator of Subway Book Review, a social movement that explores belonging to a time and place through writing and photography. Her work has been featured in Vogue, New York Magazine, Esquire, Glamour and The Guardian. Uli's first book, “Between the Lines: Stories From The Underground” (as in the NYC Subway System), is a love letter to books, The Big Apple, and our collective potential. Uli spent more than 10 years 'riding the rails,' observing, interviewing and photographing straphangers. We know you'll enjoy meeting this uniquely creative woman who clearly 'marches to her own drummer!'

Marissa Licata and the violin? Perfect together. She was given her first violin at the 'ripe old age' of three! And in the years since, Marissa's been making music - passionate, fiery, eclectic music. She's performed nationally and internationally with a Who's Who in the music world including: Alicia Keys, Gloria Estefan, Wyclef Jean, Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Marissa's also active in the orchestral and chamber music scene and has also performed with her all-star band, mixing traditional folk music from Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. We're more than excited for you to meet and get to know this talented, musical artist!

Sugar Hill Creamery. The name says it all. Harlem's first family-owned handmade ice cream shop opened its doors in 2017 and was followed 3 years later by a second location in Hamilton Heights. Sugar Hill is the brainchild of Petrushka Bazin Larsen and her husband Nick Larsen. Their confections include homemade, small batch ice cream, non-dairy frozen desserts with both seasonal and classic flavors. Petrushka's not only a successful entrepreneur, she's also a community activist, hosting programs for Sugar Hill customers and neighbors that include a New Mom's Group, Book Club and Craft Night.

Stephanie Lucianovic has lots of stories to tell. She's written a slew of books including, “The End of Something Wonderful: A Practical Guide to a Backyard Funeral”, “The League of Picky Eaters”, and “Hello Star”. This picture book was inspired by her son, who became very upset after learning at school that stars eventually explode as part of their life cycle. Stephanie talks about the importance of reaching out to children to give them stories they need to become whole again.

Kim Harris has been there, done that. She's the founder and managing partner of PAINTING IT RED, a New York-based event and marketing company. An affirmed "foodie," she's also consulted on restaurant openings in various U.S. cities. Kim also happens to be one of the 3 co-founders of HARLEM HOPS, the first 100% African/American owned craft beer bar located in... the heart of Harlem! Their goal? To be the first to bring incredible craft beers to an incredible neighborhood. Needless to say...mission accomplished. Hear all about that journey and so much more in our conversation with yet another fascinating, creative, visionary.

Lina Roessler, who has numerous film and tv credits to her name, makes her feature directing debut with BEST SELLERS, starring the legendary Sir Michael Caine, Aubrey Plaza, and Cary Elwes. It tells the story of an ambitious young woman, trying to find success in the shadow of her father's legacy running a thriving publishing company. She discovers she owns a book by the crotchety, reclusive, booze-addled author (Michael Caine) who originally put the company on the map years earlier. The two join forces in ways they least expected. Lots to talk about with Lina? You bet!

What's in a name? Plenty when you meet and get to know GLORY Crampton. A musical force to be reckoned with, she has appeared in more than 40 productions and can be heard on 14 Broadway cast and compilation recordings, including her sold-out performances with the National Symphony at London's Abbey Road Studios. As a global concert soloist, she was featured opposite opera great Jose Carreras of The Three Tenors. And, during the pandemic, Glory conceived and directed the award-winning PROJECT9 music video, which pays tribute to the Tony Award winning musical and features 16 actors, singers and dancers who were each filmed and recorded from their quarantined homes.

Born with Larsen Syndrome, a genetic physical disability, Emily Ladau is a wheelchair user. At the ripe old age of 10, she was featured on several episodes of Sesame Street to educate youngsters about living her life with this disorder. And she's been on that mission ever since. Emily's the author of "Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say and How to Be an Ally." Emily's also Editor-in-Chief of the Rooted in Rights blog, a platform highlighting the disability experience. This is clearly an important conversation we're excited to share!

What hasn't Ava Thompson Greenwell accomplished? Since 1993, she's taught broadcasting, writing, reporting and producing at Medill/Northwestern University and has held several administrative positions. In addition to her Bachelor and Masters degrees in journalism, Ava has a Phd in African American Studies. She directed and produced "Mandela in Chicago," a documentary about the city's anti-apartheid movement. Ava is also the author of "Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News." The book goes 'behind the camera' to document the racism and sexism in television networks and explores the history and experience of Black Women who achieved management positions. So much to talk about with this professional powerhouse!

Owner Betsy Lay, along with partners Kate Power and Jen Cuesta, are the co-founders of Lady Justice Brewing, based in Aurora, Colorado. The three met while working at AmeriCorps VISTA. In 2014, they joined forces and their community-focused brewery was born. Its mission? -   "brewing great beer to make the world a better place." And to that end, Lady Justice gives money to nonprofits and community partners that support and empower women and girls in the state of Colorado. Join us for our conversation with this creative woman whose mission is all about 'giving back.'

Ann Hu's's personal story would make for a great bio pic. Knowing no one, she was among the first students to come to the U.S. from mainland China after the Cultural Revolution to attend college. After graduating from NYU, she made her mark in the business world, but eventually wound up switching gears. In 1992, she took courses at NYU's Film School and in the years since has directed four features. Her latest, CONFETTI, offers a window into Asian/American immigrant life and is based on Ann's personal experiences. It is a powerful, passionate and timely story. And speaking of stories, Ann has many to share during our time together.

The recipient of several prestigious honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Sundance Screenwriting and Directing Fellowship, Tracy Droz Tragos' work focuses on issues involving women, inequality, rural America, and education. Her latest film, "The Smartest Kids in the World," based on the New York Times bestseller, focuses on the crisis in U.S. high school education. It chronicles a year abroad of four American teenagers. Join us as Tracy shares her passion for cinematic story-telling.