The Lawyer Who Rocks

In our first ever highlight episode, we take a look back at our favorite stories, lessons and guests. Don't miss it!

Joleen talks to her cousin, Laura Brock, in this season-closing episode. Laura Brock candidly shares an emotional journey, detailing the personal trials that led her to becoming an Inclusion and Diversity expert and why inclusion should come before diversity.  

Dynamic Southern Belle, Kiki Chatfield, went from helping children find their way as an elementary school teacher to founding her own literary PR firm. She shows us that with a dream anyone can be an entrepeneur, tells us how she balances CEO life and mom life and explains how a former hater of reading becomes a go-to adviser in the literary world.   Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2u11QSNENb8

Emily Levesque has always loved astronomy. This badass and enthusiastic professor and scientist takes us through this esoteric field of study, marginalized identities in astronomy, her exciting current research, her incredible book The Last Stargazers and why you should start looking up more often. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c3LS8f_Z_0U

A fixer and brand consultant, who we're calling the 'real' Olivia Pope, Martine Charles turned her love for writing into into a global company. Working for some of the most well-known individuals and companies in American culture, Martine wants you to know thy brand and target your messaging. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Trbm02tvGRA

Financial educator and frugal friend to the show, Tori Dunlap tells us her inspirational story of saving $100K by 25 years old and passionately explains why money is a social justice issue. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZBxePuhC2T8

In Part 2 of Joleen's interview with TJ Martin, they get down to business; the film business. TJ talks the ins and outs of getting a film to the public and of course, the whirlwind and surreal process of winning an Oscar. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rncFbmtE1zM

Joleen reminisces with Oscar Award winning filmmaker TJ Martin about the Seattle music scene that he grew up in, what it was like to be the child of rockstars, why it always comes back to music even as a filmmakers and the mystery of his mom, Tina Bell. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y_Z9qDqWxVQ

Mary Anne Carter is an artistic wunderkind. From award-winning prints to satirical art that helps drive her communities forward, she takes badass to a new level. In this interview, Mary Anne talks to Joleen about self-expression, how the art community and the tech community can come together in Seattle, and most importantly, why to always find the fun. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QxzhR8iEisA

Long time client and friend of the show, Mikael Mossberg tells us about Distiller, the novel startup he created in celebration of his love for spirits. In a business world often glamorized, Mikael explains the grit and business acumen needed to be successful.   Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uCOqQj5qLYE

Today, we bring you Part 2 of our interview with the amazing, charismatic influencer Rebekah Borucki. In this second half, we discuss how traditional publishing isn't serving BIPOC and other marginalized identity authors, how her innovative publishing how Row House Publishing plans to change that and of course, how you can help! Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SLiXSzWbn_o

Tomorrow is International Podcast Day but we're bringing you a new episode a day early! In Part 1 of this 2 Part Interview, Joleen talks to multi-hyphenate influencer Rebekah Borucki about how poverty formed her hustle, how she survived a tough adolescence, the early days of the influencer game, and why she loves the internet.   Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d_RLkZe5gQ0

Happy Women's Business Day! Serial entrepreneur, marketer, author, and executive coach, Nicole A. Donnelley candidly explains how she went from badass professional snowboarder to starting and selling multiple successful businesses and the power of just asking. 

Tom Mara, the Executive Director of world-renowned Seattle radio station, KEXP talks music and radio from dwindling college stations to creating a station that curates and supports the culture. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4kuD6QV4-0

In Part 2 of her interview with Joleen, Robin Haglund tells us about the ins and outs of being a garden mentor, how you can learn to be a gardener, and why this work is meaningful.   Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0HlQWHZdqdY

Robin Haglund implores you to stop running from things, and to start running toward your passion. In this inspiring first part, Joleen interviews gardening mentor Robin Haglund about here background in books, media and technology and how it all led her back to the soil. Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2PUXh7uNBY

After studying university in the US, Tanya Haider had every intention of returning to her native Pakistan, but when an opportunity in children's programming arose, this entertainment maven was thrust into the "kid's space". Strategizing on how to appeal to youth's curiosity has been Tanya's calling card to work for some of the largest media conglomerates in the world. In this interview, Tanya talks media through the eyes of children.

Lindsay Droz and Kristi Lord went all in on their dreams. The longtime friends and business partners, saw a need and they filled it, making sustainable, organic and safe cleaning products that were also beautiful. With no entrepreneurial experience, but honed skills from Corporate America, they left their jobs to go all in on their company, L'Avant Collective. We learn in this inspiring interview why you should always believe in yourself.  

As a little girl, Alisa Brodkowitz saw how the law could change the world, inspiring her to become an attorney. Opening up her own law firm shortly after graduating in aviation law was her first foray into entrepeneurship before opening up Lightening Law, a tech company that specializes in making justice more accessible. In this interview, we learn why making the law more accessible is a social justice matter and how bringing justice to the people through tech is actually a return to the days of olde.  

Gabby Booth says the desert can make you extreme. It's likely that extremeness, that has made the Southwest native an unwavering advocate of the Phoenix art scene since she was a kid. Cutting her teeth in startups, and seeing a need all led this artist-owner to open up Luminis Creative Club, a full-service co-working space for artists and healers to safely express themselves and collaborate.

Can games make the world a better place? Josh Boykin thinks it's possible. In Part 2 of his interview with Joleen, he tackles big topics like how being a Black man informs his gaming and societal obligations, his role at Du whether meaningful narratives which tackle systemic issues and setting community standards can make gaming inclusive, and of course, if gaming can make the world a better place.  

Josh Boykin is a gaming badass. This Midwestern native and founder of Intelligame talks to Joleen about how important it is to enjoy your work, what his experience at Disney taught him, violence in gaming, and how gaming narratives can connect to our us to our humanity. 

Part 2 of our interview with culinary badass, Renee Erickson explores her affinity for the Pacific Northwest, all things food, why local is always better, being an author, and what the heck it's like to win a James Beard Award.

Pacific Northwest local legend, Renee Erickson talks to Joleen about the ins and outs of running a resturant. From cutting her teeth as a cook at Boat Street without culinary training, to opening a recognizable brand across a restaurant empire. Don't miss Part 1 of this interview.

Tishni, better known as Tish of TheBookthief28 on TikTok, has a romance with reading. Mixing her love of literature, social purpose and the critical thinking skills obtained in law school, this recent graduate has made her book reviews some of the most viewed on BookTok. In this interview, we learn how she has built her platform, what makes booktokkers tik (see what we did there?), and what's next.  

Lauren Sato, the CEO of Ada's Developers Academy, is changing the face of tech. A lifelong social justice advocate, Lauren's career has touched many different fields, but has always centered around one thing: progress for marginalized identities. In this interview, we learn what makes Lauren the leader she is today, how diversity in homogenous fields makes them better, and why social good is good business.  

Gamers are becoming the new rockstars, just ask Chris Mann. From what we wear to what we eat, we are taking cues from e-sports like never before. In Part 2 of his interview, Chris tells us how e-sports is more than gaming; it's a lifestyle and everyone is getting in on the action.  

Serial entrepreneur and e-athlete, Chris Mann, is helping redefine the role of "gamers" in our society. In part 1 of his interview, he describes the windy path to becoming COO of Subnation, a media start-up focused on esports and gaming, the stereotypes that once plagued the industry and how gaming has gone from geek to chic.  

"Inclusive" is Susan Freeman's favorite word. At her company, Freeman Means Business, Susan teaches businesses how to communicate both effectively and more inclusively lending to the support of diversity in the work place. From her amazing mentors to her current clients, we go on the journey with this badass business owner.  

Reese Tanimura cares about people. After being a music teacher in her native Hawaii, this serial volunteer moved to Seattle and participated in multiple non-profits before becoming the Managing Director of Folklife Festival. With a keen interest in inclusion and equity, she has worked to guide the mainstay organization to celebrating diverse culture and art as a means to connect us to a larger social consciousness.  

In part two of Alissa Leinonen's interview, we learn just how COVID-19 has affected Gourmondo and the rest of the Seattle restaurant industry. Alissa, whose motto is "never, never, never give up", explains how the pandemic sparked her commitment to philanthropy, focused her work on supporting the community and reignited her optimism and determination in the face of crisis.  

Fourth-generation Seattleite, Alissa Leinonen, isn't the typical food business owner. Having earned a Business degree at University of Washington and a self-proclaimed "not great" chef, she colored outside of the lines to find out how she could contribute to her passion - the culinary world. Founding Gourmondo, a local catering staple, was her ticket. In this first part, Alissa explains her journey from business student to business owner and why creating a family fosters talent.

From her time at Real Networks in Business Development to the corner office as a VP of Napster, Gabriela Junkin has steadily and expertly climbed the ranks as one of the most respected women in music streaming. Her knowledge and enthusiasm has guided her through challenges and triumphs as she has navigated through a male-dominated high-tech industry. We hear her story and are encouraged to welcome new opportunities and always take risks.  

From kindergarten, people noticed that Aimee Woodall had a gift for communications. That gift led her to work for several creative and marketing agencies, before founding her own, The Black Sheep Agency. At Black Sheep, Aimee focuses on creating messaging and activating communities centered around the common goal of making the world a better place. A branding agency dedicated to purpose, The Black Sheep Agency threw out the traditional rule book and built a marketing agency on kindness, respect and making an impact.  

From her first physics classes in middle school, Priyanka Raha was fascinated with science and mathematics. Growing up in India, she became a national level achiever in Olympiads, paving her way into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field from an early age. After she immigrated to America, working in engineering, and had started a family, she realized the foundation for her work's mission. Priyanka always believed that technology is a magic wand that can solve the most challenging problems. She founded PopSmartKids, which transforms the way children spend time with digital devices. In a time of “The Social Dilemma” PopSmartKids builds apps with kids' digital health in mind and a focus on creation overconsumption. A refreshing idea indeed!  

Originally from New York, Eileen Quigley's first career was in journalism. Eileen's background and experiences as a young adult gave her a unique appreciation for the value of time, as well as a constant yearning to learn new things in new industries. This led her involvement in eight different startups, including Real Networks. Today, she is the Executive Director of the Clean Energy Transition Institute (CETI), an independent nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy in the Northwest.  

After having a preventative mastectomy, Kristen Carbone felt cold ALL the time. Out of curiosity, she started talking to other women and found out that she wasn't the only one: warmth was a serious issue for post-reconstruction women. The idea of Brilliantly Warm came from a self-serving solution using a thermal fabric design. Then the product became an entire movement; Kristen developed a striking desire to change the dialogue about breast cancer and focus on women who have first-hand experience that live with its impact. Every day, society shapes women to live in a silent culture not only when it comes to beauty trends, but also quality of life. Brilliantly offers a variety of classes, products and events so women can break the societal norms that tell them to deal with discomfort in silence, thus improving the quality of their lives post-treatment. Kristen is changing the way women talk about comfort, strength and resilience.  

For Daniel Pak, the values he learned growing up in Hawaii walk with him today in his parenting, songwriting, and his work as the Executive Director of Totem Star, the non-profit he founded in Seattle. Growing up on Oahu, its rich, melting pot of cultures made Daniel the ultimate music man. As a music teacher, Daniel became part of a musical training intensive for young men recently released from juvenile detention. He immediately saw what an impact having a safe, creative space for youth had on their emotional state, life, and it seemed to create a key to success. This became his life's work, and in 2010, Daniel, along with Thaddeus Turner, co-founded Totem Star, where all young people have access to music learning opportunities. The program's key is using music as a universal language to support healthy, engaged, and productive young people. Totem Star is a family, first and foremost, this culture of love brings kids together from all backgrounds and demographics to be creative, learn, and be an everlasting positive impact on their lives.  

In the second part of Megan Jasper's interview, we learn about Megan's journey from intern at Sub Pop to eventually becoming CEO of the entire company! Megan's famous “Lexicon of Grunge” interview helped turn the world's attention to Sub Pop and Seattle where she was part of the team that helped evolve the Seattle label into a diverse worldwide enterprise. Megan shares some behind-the-scenes insight into the massive challenges record labels have faced in the digital age and during COVID times. Megan's firecracker energy has continued to light the fire that is Sub Pop Records, and is the ultimate inspiration for all music misfits hoping to make it in the music industry.  

Megan Jasper is the ultimate punk rock goddess. From a young age, she resonated with punk's unique energy, DIY spirit, and acceptance of being your unique, self. In a world of misfits, Megan fit right in. In Part 1 of 2, Megan and Joleen dive into her early days of their work in the music industry. The ultimate badass, as a high-schooler Megan DJ-ed in Boston on the weekends amidst dreams of becoming a schoolteacher. Fate intervened (thankfully) and while on tour in Seattle with Dinosaur Jr, she realized she wanted to commit her life to working in the music industry. Enter— Sub Pop Records where she began to rise the ranks…

Jodi Milstein always loved music and turned an internship at A&M Records into a full-fledged rock-and-roll career. Her go-getter spirit led her to rise through the ranks at the label, working with artists like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Temple of the Dog and Soundgarden (which is when Joleen and Jodi first met). After overseeing marketing and touring for Lionel Richie's company LBR Entertainment, Jodi grew weary of the road and became a therapist. Her entrepreneurial spirit gave her that “aha” moment and today, Jodi and her company Rock Star Therapy, help musicians and bands navigate the unique challenges of their profession and their identities as public figures.

Grace Bradley, was always an avid lover of all things literature. After starting out reviewing books, she soon discovered her natural knack for editing and joined the very first digital publishing company as a professional editor. As the publishing world shifted, Grace decided to follow suit and founded Grace Bradley Editing. I can personally vouch for her awesomeness, as Grace edits my Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance series. Her work is so much more than correcting grammar, she ensures that story pacing and conflict are on point to keep readers glued to the pages of a new book. In other words, bestsellers don't become bestsellers without my friend Grace Bradley!

In the 2nd part of their interview, Joleen and Karim Meghji discuss the values which guide Karim's work outlook today. After a successful trek at RealNetworks and his own startup venture, Karim developed a keen awareness about the value of company culture, which he now takes to every company he works at. Today, as the Chief Technology Officer at Remitly, Karim challenges his team to think beyond any constraints. He spends time creating value within the workplace not only to create a great workplace environment but also to create a well-rounded, prosperous business. 

Karim Meghji was always a “tech-y” guy. From his early days writing code in high school, he loved the creative side of computer engineering. In the first of a two-part interview, Joleen dives into Karim's early career days. Karim originally started in tech support answering phone calls, which gave him a unique appreciation for customer service which he carried on to all of his future roles. After taking some initiative and creating a customer-help software, Karim's career in engineering took off, and he found himself as one of the tech executives at RealNetworks, where he met Joleen! 

Growing up, Shari Siadat always stood out. As a first generation Iranian-American growing up in a small town in Massachusetts, she felt singled out in her community which lacked diversity. Before she formed her own thoughts about beauty and appearance, people told her how she should look. After years of enduring mixed messages about beauty, Shari took control of her identity - realizing she belonged to herself. From this realization, she created a new beauty brand, TooD Beauty. With its first collection just released to glowing press, TooD Beauty is meant to be a safe space for everyone to create and shine. With totally clean products and packaging, TooD opens the opportunity for every individual to express themselves in ways they've always dreamed of!

Rika Nakazawa, the founder and CEO of BoardSeatMeet was an overachiever at a young age. Growing up in a multi-cultural family in both Japan and the US, Rika's desire to master everything from fine arts to physics served her well as one of the first business development executives to integrate entertainment into digital experiences. On this episode of The Lawyer Who Rocks, Rika shares how she built her pioneering career using skills of engagement— and how she was able to parlay these experiences into founding her social impact venture, BoardSeatMeet, which accelerates gender and racial diversity within corporate boardrooms.

Lily Cornell Silver is taking IGTV by storm with her amazing show, “Mind Wide Open” which was borne out of Lily's belief that having open conversations about mental health is the best way to destigmatize it. Her work has led to worldwide media coverage and accolades. A recipient of the 2020 Leader of Mental Health Awareness Award by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lily's interviews with guests ranging from leaders in the health and wellness industry to musicians like Duff McKagan and Eddie Vedder have propelled her into the spotlight as a thought leader and influencer. All of this is impressive by any standards, but when you realize that she's only twenty years old? It gives you ultimate faith in humanity. What is special to all of us at TLWR is Lily is our first second-generation guest. Her parents are the music manager Susan Silver (Episode 3) and the late Soundgarden/Audioslave singer, Chris Cornell. We hope you enjoy our last episode of 2020 with this beautiful episode of inspiration and hope. Watch Mind Wide Open here: https://mindwideopenproject.com/episodes/

The Seattle International Film Festival, or SIFF, began in 1976 and has become one of the top film festivals in North America. Executive Director, Andrew Haines began his tenure right before a global pandemic. Artistic Director, Beth Barrett has been a grounding force in curating the festival. Together, these two leaders have banded collaborated to help guide this important arts organization forward despite all obstacles. This is a must-listen for anyone who loves and supports film and wants to ensure that our arts organizations survive COVID -19

Regina Wamba's love for art started when she was just 5 years old. Despite a lack of arts education in Idaho, Regina was determined to go to art school and apply her natural talent in visual communications and graphic design. After a stint in the “real world,” Regina's natural entrepreneur tendencies took over. She founded her brand and built her reputation as an expert in creating designs, imaging, and projects with emotion and story. Today, Regina has several complimentary ventures including the Stock Alchemist, a ‘Bookstagram' stock image business specializing in diversity, and the Image Apothecary. No matter which project she takes on, Regina desires to inspire authors and readers with diverse representation and total inclusivity.

Briaan Barron always knew she'd find a way to merge her great love for creativity and strategy. Responsible for building brands including Sound Transit, Northwest Film Forum Seattle Chocolate, and the Northwest African American Museum, Briaan founded Worthi, an agency targeted to uplift underserved founders, talent and executive leaders. Briaan takes great pride in using her self-taught graphic design skills to help clients launch impact-driven brands, break bad marketing habits, and nurture meaningful relationships. If that weren't enough, Briaan recently launched Grail, a VOD channel “A virtual spa curated for the Melanated.”

Natural craftsmanship, creative spirit and a passion for solving everyday problems is the perfect combination for a born entrepreneur like Leslie Pierson. Leslie invented GoodHangups, an innovative magnetic system that enables you to hang art on any wall without ruining it. To say it has been a success is an understatement. If winning TODAY's Next Big Thing award wasn't enough, Leslie pitched on Shark Tank and secured a deal with Lori Greiner. Now millions of people use her invention. But wait, there's more! Leslie has passed the torch to her son and serves as the President of his gaming company, Hot Taco (um, only one of the top selling card games on Amazon). Can I just say YAY LESLIE!!!