The Real Human Project

Today, we meet Joy Sybesma—whose obvious interest in human stories helps her tell her own beautifully. Having lived in 22 homes by age 21, Joy embraces change and learning through discomfort. This adaptability led her to pivot from a stressful job to one that lights her up, and to leave New York City during the pandemic. In this episode, Joy shares her wisdom on staying inspired, protecting her joy, and the richness of her roles as a mother, founder, sister, daughter, and friend. There's so much life packed into this short episode—enjoy.  This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who choose to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode. 

Today we get to know Ahad Bandealy. Ahad tells a powerful story about confronting his mental health issues and finding a path forward by committing himself to the service of others. He shares how he has found healthy ways to deal with stress, and how taking a big risk starting a company has set him on an exciting course.  Ahad is on a journey of healing, growth and success in his life, and it's inspiring to listen to.  This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode.

In the UK, Mary is known as a provocative and outspoken public figure. Over her extraordinary career she's built up a unique reputation as an untameable creative force, on a mission to champion the role of independent businesses and our local communities in the growth and wellbeing of the nation. During that time, she advised the government, and businesses, and has been dubbed Mary Queen of Shops by the BBC. But in this episode she opens up about where all that drive comes from.  From a childhood with her loving family, battling for attention with her siblings. To having to pull together with her brother to cope with the death of her mother while still only a teenager, this is a story of how she channeled her innate mischievous energy to fuel a new found sense of purpose.  Mary's is an inspiring story, full of audacity and ambition, but it is also a story of humanity, compassion and warmth. There's so much there for us all to take away.

This week we get to know Sergii Tkachenko. Sergii grew up in Ukraine and now lives in California. He talks about his special relationship with the ocean, finding a career he is passionate about and he makes a case for why he is the luckiest person we've interviewed.  Sergii's optimism and gratitude shine through in this episode. Listening to it made us reflect on how lucky we are and how much we have to be thankful for. Thank you, Sergii! This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode. 

Star's life is full of inspiring moments. An act of bravery and a ride in a Camaro that lead to growing up in a loving group home. Giving up alcohol at 21. And how he constantly pushes his limits in the ring and on the marathon course. But our favorite moment is the beautiful story Star tells about his friend Kyle. He captures what deep friendship is all about and makes us reflect on the very closest relationships we have in our lives. Thank you for sharing so openly, authentically and thoughtfully, Star. It has been a pleasure to get to know you. This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode.

This week we get to know Brenda Ha. Brenda has a wonderful story that spans growing up above her parent's fruit market, a successful career at one of Canada largest banks, and now helping to start a new national women's soccer league. What she does best of all though is to share the invaluable advice that she has received from her parents, colleagues and mentors. This episode is packed with insight and lessons we were able to use in our lives, and we're excited for you to hear them too. This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode.

This week we get to know Leora, one of the founders of The Real Human Project. Leora shares lessons she has learned from her parents, from her time as a camp councilor and from the community of Phish fans she loves so much. She also talks about the struggles and blessings of being a new mom. We love Leora and her unique take on the world, and we hope you enjoy this insight into one of our favorite people. This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode.

Brandon talks about coming out at 12 years old in rural New Jersey. He shares his story of addiction and recovery, and mentions some incredible people who have helped shape him. We learn about one very lucky moment that set him on a path to California and the career he had dreamed of. And finally, Brandon shares a quote that is now lodged in our mind: “My values are bravery, courage, love, assertiveness, and integrity. If I can be the type of person that embodies those values, then I'll have a life well lived.” This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode. 

Clint shares some incredible stories about his time at the United States Military Academy and his deployment in Afghanistan. He talks about leaving the military and becoming an entrepreneur. But our favorite part of all is the simple and profound advice he got from a wide receiver coach. I hope you enjoy getting to know Clint as much as we did. This is a public podcast, so it's only as good as the people who are willing to participate. If you would like to take part, go to realhuman.io to record your own episode.