The Whole Damn Pie

Ruchika Malhotra is a keynote speaker, inclusion strategist, and the bestselling author of Inclusion on Purpose—an intersectional approach to creating a culture of belonging at work. She is also the founder of the inclusion strategy practice CANDOR.Amalia and Ruchika chat about individuals being made up of a multitude of identities, battling the underestimations of others, and how western feminism hasn't given us that promised liberation. They also discuss how Ruchika started her career in the “overwhelmingly white and overwhelmingly male” journalism industry and Ruchika shares her many experiences of having her name deliberately mispronounced or being ignored by coworkers due to the way she looks. Key Takeaways:The shame of a name: Ruchika explains how it took her “decades to reclaim agency and connection over my own name, which tells this beautiful story of a heritage and all this meaning and is so powerful.”Unravelling systems of oppression: Ruchika shares a sneak peek at her new book coming out fall 2025. She speaks to how humans are conditioned to believe in survival of the fittest and put self above community when we should be spreading the wealth and helping others grow alongside us.The Whole Damn Pie means: aspiring to a garden. For Ruchika, it's looking after herself so she can replant seeds and give to others. Learn more about Ruchika and her book here: https://www.ruchika.co/

“When you're a woman of color in leadership, why wouldn't you have an identity crisis when the standard for you, even in the position of power that you are in, is different from your white co-workers and colleagues. You have to spend time and emotional labor to advocate to people why you are even here in the first place.”Qurat Ul Ain is an immigrant, an asylum seeker, and a leader in the legal fight for women's rights across the country. Amalia and Qurat Ul Ain speak about feeling like you need to whitewash yourself, the many challenges and sacrifices you face as a refugee in the US, and having to hide parts of your personality or your beliefs and opinions to fit in or earn your visa. They also connect over Qurat Ul Ain's work at Legal Voice, including operating on a shared leadership model and the shocking fact that crisis pregnancy centers aren't protected by HIPAA.Key Takeaways:Feeling the need to show up as a “model brown person”: Qurat Ul Ain details her decade-long experience of fighting her case as a religious and a political asylee in the US.Her work with Legal Voice: In her “dream job” as Development & Communications Director, Qurat Ul Ain helps the immigrant community and people who speak English as a second language to understand their rights.The Whole Damn Pie means: being accepted and belonging somewhere. For Qurat Ul Ain, it's being able to step out confidently, not being put in a box, and not having people ask, “So, where are you really from?”. Learn more about Legal Voice here: https://legalvoice.org/

“When you have an opportunity to play a big role with young people in the community, you have to take that seriously. That's an honor. Everybody doesn't get to do that.” Jace ECAj is an activist, an emcee, and half of the hip hop soul duo Black Stax. He's also a well known and inspiring leader in the community and, in his role as Director of Community and Artist Development at The Residency, he gets to teach young artists and help prepare them for their future.  From being a great listener to showing up authentically and staying true to the things you believe in—Jace and Amalia chat about what this role entails. They also explore what hip hop means to Jace and how it's shaped so many aspects of his life.  Key Takeaways Being “Black and Alive”: Learn more about the motto Jace lives by and the meaning behind it. Being an Activist is a Compliment: Jace shares his experience of getting his “hands in the mud” and standing up for what he believes in. The Whole Damn Pie means: For Jace, it's living life holistically and giving every individual aspect its fair share of attention. Learn more about the incredible work The Residency are doing here: https://www.theresidencyseattle.org/

“It's no longer acceptable for organizations to offer a one-size-fits-all approach.” Award-winning entrepreneur, workplace educator, and the Founder & CEO of Reimagine talent, Chelsea C. Williams helps employers provide a better workplace for multi-generational workers. She and Amalia share some workplace truths and Chelsea chats about why it's important for leaders to see each unique individual, flexing to meet different generational needs, and the impact of employees demanding more from their employers than ever before. Amalia and Chelsea also connect over how they've incorporated the concept of having the whole damn pie into the focus of their own companies and the people who they work alongside to make a real difference in the world.  Key Takeaways How the workforce is evolving: Learn more about how factors such as AI, generational shifts, and changing employee expectations are shaping the workplace.  Tips on managing a fully remote company: Chelsea shares how they prioritize connection at Reimagine Talent.The Whole Damn Pie means: For Chelsea, it's living life on her own terms and being authentic to herself in pursuit of what really matters.   Learn more about Reimagine Talent here: https://www.reimaginetalentco.com/

Colleen Echohawk   A mission for shared prosperity, cultural representation, and impactful community work. Colleen Echohawk is a self-described aggressive optimist, incredible extrovert, and someone who sees the glass as not only half full, but overflowing with abundance. For her, the whole damn pie means having a lot of joy. Filling her life with beautiful dog walks, hanging with family and friends, singing karaoke, reading good books, and watching shows with her husband.   Doesn't seem too much to ask right? But she's also a believer in shared prosperity and she's not afraid to step up and do the scary things in life—whether that's running for mayor of Seattle, building housing units for Seattle's urban native homeless, or running a native retail business. Over the last two decades, Colleen has done all this and so much more as part of her commitment to helping marginalized populations and native prosperity. Key Takeaways:Native disparity: In King County, less than 1% of the population are native, yet they make up over 15% of the homeless population.  Inspiring her kids: Colleen's passionate about helping her children to understand truth, showing them that native people can be in office, and teaching them to not be afraid to take risks.Changing the native narrative: She's CEO of Eighth Generation, a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand that is creating products by inspired natives, not native-inspired products.  The Whole Pie means joy: Listen in for how Colleen achieves the whole damn pie. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it. Eighth GenerationProduced by Larj Media  

Nicole Gress, Founder of Undead Voice, is a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in gender-affirming care and a passionate believer that “voice is extremely tied to our sense of self.” They chat with Amalia about how voice transition is about more than sound—it's a profound journey of self-affirmation. One that actually helped them to identify their own gender fluidity. Now, Nicole uses their work to break down preconceived biases and societally constructed expectations of what a voice should sound like. Through this, they aim to empower trans individuals to find a voice they can use without nervousness or anxiety, and that affirms their identity. Nicole also advocates for greater inclusivity in organizations and communities, and speaks to employers, including Fortune 500 companies, on what they can be doing to make every employee feel more safe and seen. Key Takeaways:The Power of Voice: Learn why voice is a powerful means of exploring and expressing identity.Breaking Down Bias: Gain insights into how Nicole's work empowers people to find a voice that affirms their identity and that doesn't pigeonhole them into any societally constructed expectations.Gender Fluidity: Hear Nicole reflect on how voice training helped them to understand how fluid and multifaceted their own identity was and how much voice could be a tool of gender exploration.How Employers Can Support Trans People: Discover why more and more trans individuals are looking at what kind of gender affirming care employers offer when considering a job. The Whole Pie means balance: Listen in for how Nicole achieves the whole damn pie. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it.   Produced by Larj MediaUndead Voice Transcript: WDP_NicoleGress_Transcript.pdf

Alicia Chapman isn't someone who takes the easy route. She started her career building institutions and infrastructure in post-conflict areas, like Afghanistan, Palestine, and Libya and she's now Founder & CEO of Willamette Technical Fabricators — as well as being a mom to two under two.  Alicia's deeply committed to equity, sustainable practices, and creating an inclusive workplace culture. She's also passionate about public advocacy and using her platform to make the world a better place. The biggest lessons she's learnt along the way? Tune in to find out. 

As a mom of three, it's fair to say Andryanna Gonko knows a thing (or 50) about juggling the demands of parenthood. In fact, she's even founded a podcast all about it, aptly called The Juggle Is Real.   It all started back in 2017 when Andryanna was diagnosed with burnout. The experience taught her that it's actually ok to choose yourself. To break free from the constant demand of group chats, to create better work boundaries, and even to set aside 30 minutes in your day to do something that's just for you. Because it turns out when you prioritize your own wellbeing, you can show up so much better for everyone else.   And that might just be the secret to having the whole damn pie. We'll let you decide. 

On this special episode, we're featuring a conversation from A Fine Mess, the new podcast from our friends at Evoke Media that was recently named a “must-listen” by The Guardian and Apple Podcasts! On A Fine Mess, venture capitalist and philanthropist Sabrina Merage Naim interviews expert guests about the most thought-provoking topics of our time. On this show, understanding replaces assumptions and commonalities replace divides. Along the way, Sabrina helps listeners learn how to better approach difficult conversations and foster tolerance and inclusivity. In today's episode, Sabrina speaks to psychologist, author, and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at Boonshoft School of Medicine Dr. Katherine Hertlein about the challenges of modern dating in 2024. Together, they examine what cultural expectations of relationships in media have done for our own relationships, and how technology plays a role in our existing partner-related anxieties. Listen to more episodes of A Fine Mess and follow the podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/tgng-Yvh?sid=twdp

Why the traditional approach to money is brokenDennis Williams, CEO of My Financial Therapist, invites us to break up with the American dream. And with startling facts like 50% of the population lives paycheck to paycheck, it's not hard to understand why. Dennis believes the American Dream serves as an anchor to keep us in place, to make us want things that get us in debt. And, as a nation, we're more in debt than ever. Yet, if we democratize finance and make it more accessible for everyone to understand (not just the wealthy), that might just be the secret to living a life on our own terms. Dennis certainly hopes so.Tune in to hear him chat to Amalia about all this and much more.If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it. 

Amalia chats to therapist Heather Lowrey about scarcity mindsets, self-worth, money as a means of control, and the importance of not comparing yourself to others. 

Wife, mom of four, and owner of G6 Retail Renovation — wow does Sheree give Amalia a lesson in doing it all. Sheree has become a master at playing calendar jenga, managing work, being a mom, and volunteer projects (among other things we're too exhausted to list). Amalia and Sheree touch on the expectation that moms are the superheroes in the home while also juggling their own careers. Listen in for Sheree's tips on motherhood, work, and having the whole damn pie.  If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it.   

Lindsay Torrico left an incredibly successful career in community development, grassroots mobilization, and public policy, advocating on the Hill in DC when she became disillusioned with the policy process and the politics. Now, as Senior VP of Bank Community Engagement at American Bankers Association & Executive Director of ABA Foundation she helps banks to put community at the front of their corporate social responsibility strategies. And she couldn't be happier. The lesson she's maintained through it all is one her grandmother taught her — to ensure she has harmony in all the roles she plays in her life, from professional to personal. Lindsay recognizes when all this is in alignment, that's when she can really achieve fulfillment and success and have her own whole damn pie. Hit play for the full story. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it. 

Murray Ross had an incredible career, from starting at the Congressional Budget Office to becoming Vice President in Kaiser Permanente's national government relations team today. But a common thread throughout is his willingness to support and mentor others — and Amalia admits she wouldn't be where she is today without him. Tune in to hear more about the role of chance encounters and what having the whole damn pie means to him. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it.

For Kirsten, having her daughter was a turning point to live a healthier life. At 24, she was significantly obese and pre-diabetic with high blood pressure. To change this, Kirsten decided she needed to overcome the toxic diet culture and processed food lifestyle she was used to and truly learn what it means to live healthily. And she did it. Now, Kirsten's a former chef to professional athletes and the founder of Mesa De Vida, a series of globally inspired natural ingredient starter sauces — as well as being a mom of two. Listen in to hear how Kirsten achieved all this (and more), along with her advice on staying true to who you are and feeling good in what you're doing. https://mesadevida.com/@chefkirstensandoval@mesadevida

Isabelle's is a story of resilience, ambition, and bravery. She's the co-founder & CEO of Lupii, a plant-based food company. She launched Lupii just two months before the pandemic started and swiftly saw the world shut down in front of her eyes. So, it's safe to say she knows what she's talking about when it comes to the the twists and turns of business ownership and the lessons to be learned along the way. Isabelle and Amalia talk through some of these lessons, as well as Isabelle's aim to live a life with no regrets and the importance of not letting the fear of failing stop you from taking risks. It's one you won't want to miss. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we'd really appreciate it. 

Ái Vuong tries to live a life outside of the system that society dictates, to describe herself with verbs not nouns, to have a community impact, and to embrace joy. Born in Vietnam, but raised in Texas, Ái has always wondered what life would have been like if she had stayed — and in her early 20s, she set off to discover the land of her parents. Ái's been on quite the journey so far, but the biggest lesson? Allowing space in your life to be surprised.Ai is a Vietnamese-born, Texas-bred image-maker + educator. She is the co-founder of TAPI Story and Director of Creativity for School of Slow Media.

Welcome to The Whole Damn Pie

Angie Balderas has always been brilliant. Raised by Mexican American parents, she tested out of high school at 16, opting to take courses at a Jr. College instead. With a newfound sense of freedom and a more flexible schedule, Angie knocked on the door of a local Spanish-language radio station looking for a job. She was a shoo-in. That very day, she began what would grow into a remarkable career in radio, communications, and engaging the Latino community.Since that time, Angie's work has been something to celebrate. In 2018, she was named one of Radio Inc.'s most influential women in radio, a title she proudly held as she appeared on the magazine's cover in June of that year. Angie would go on to be recognized by the publication again in 2021. As Angie and Amalia discuss this accomplishment, they touch on how proud Angie's family is of her, their unwavering support, and how no one reaches success without a little help and care from others.And Angie knows a thing or two about success! Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Entravision Communications, a digital agency focused on reaching both Hispanic and mainstream customers. She also serves on the Executive Board for Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, an organization working to support women seeking management and leadership positions in radio.

In this episode Amalia's guest is Roberto Yglesias, during the week he is a successful Product Manager for one of the top Software companies in the world (yes, that Software Company), and on the weekends, an adrenaline seeking National Rally Champion . Roberto's passion for cars as a child, eventually led him to discover rally car racing (rallying). That's just like normal track racing, right? Wrong! Rallying takes place on gravel and dirt roads, surrounded by trees and unpredictable terrain. Picture 80 – 90 vehicles racing each other at top speeds through windy roads in the forest and you still don't get the full picture. Luckily Roberto gives Amalia a Rally 101 of sorts, explaining the ins and outs of it all including how a young boy growing up in Costa Rica would eventually travel to the U.S., becoming the latest Rally Champion of Latino decent to hold the title. But this conversation isn't all about finding a higher gear. They also discuss how finding something as unpredictable and uncontrollable as racing has done wonders for his mental health. In Roberto's words “I'm an overthinker always strategizing so I have a hard time being present. So, when I'm driving, it forces me to be present. I found this to be very good for my mental health.” It's that “being present” that has benefitted him in more ways than one, from strategizing for projects, analyzing opportunities, to impacting his overall outlook on life. So buckle up and get ready for Amalia and Roberto to take you on a ride; learning to disconnect, embracing the unpredictable, and feeling the adrenaline to enjoy life to its fullest. Enjoy! Keep up with Roberto @PuraVidaRally on Instagram

Tatiana Lee is a disabled Black woman, and mighty proud of that fact. Born with spina bifida, Tatiana's an accomplished actress who has appeared in such hit movies as, “Footloose,” “Jade,” and “Together & Better.” She's also modeled in campaigns for big name brands like Apple, Target, and Zappos. Tatiana is also a social activist, championing the cause for people with disabilities. In this episode of The Whole Damn Pie, Tatiana brilliantly talks about the issue of inclusion versus accessibility, and explains the differences– and makes able-bodied people feel comfortable using the word disability.

Maybe it's because she's Amalia's #2 at the shop. Or maybe it's because we want to hear a sun-drenched tropical voice, rather than our own urban ones. Whatever her reason, Amalia rarely gives up her podcast mic to anyone. But as you'll hear, Mafe Cobaleda-Yglesias es differente.  About her upbringing, Mafe (pronounced “ma-FAY”) says she “had the privilege of growing up in Costa Rica” after her parents fled Colombia during that country's battle against guerillas. Recently she found time to escape the chilly Seattle weather to reside on the beaches of this popular Central American gem . When she's not working, Mafe is, “visiting family, visiting beaches, and seeing a few monkeys around.” (We're not sure if she means that literally or figuratively. Or both.)   

WDP episodes in order they appear:Episode 3 (Part 1 & Part 2): Diversity Fuels our Work and Life – Now and Always Ft. Priya SaxenaEpisode 5: Be the Dumbest Person in the Room, and Other Smart Advice Ft. Dr. Murray RossEpisode 6: Let's Talk Money Honey and Food, Love, and Health Ft. Heather LowreyEpisode 1: Be Ready. Be Hydrated. For the Community. By the Community. Ft. Black Stax & TVASpecial Thank You to The Whole Damn Pie team:               Executive Producer: Lisa Wharf        Producer/Writer: Amir Sadeghi         Episode Coordinator: Ryann Anderson               Graphic Designer: Ciara Honig  Copywriter: Darren Teruel  Music: “I Love My Life” (written & performed by Black Stax)

Sheree is super-well organized. When Amalia first met her at a kids' soccer match, she noticed that all of Sheree's Tupperware, full of prepared food, were all color-coded for each of her family members attending the game. In fact, even Amalia's daughter took notice, too, and said, “Mom, you could learn something from her.”She turns 40 this year. (Amalia welcomes her into the club with her usual cool and nonchalant demeanor: “Wow! Congratulations. Welcome! Because the 40s are fucking awesome!”)Unpaid volunteer work (a lot of it) honed her work ethic and marketable skills.Director of Operations at Caffe Ladro for nearly 8 years.Wakes up at 3:45am, gets out of bed at 4:15am, and tries to be at work by 5:30am. (Editor's note: How much coffee does it take Sheree to do this?)By the time you read this, Sheree will have likely moved on to her next opportunity as Chief of Operations at Lady Yum, which she describes as a “whimsical business” built on macarons, champagne, and mischief. (Sounds like a good time!)

Less than a minute into this special edition Thanksgiving episode, you soon realize this isn't like past episodes of The Whole Damn Pie. Not when your guest happens to be your 19-year-old daughter. Amalia meets her match with Sophia, but you also can sense how much love and care there is between mother and daughter. They have this amazing dynamic together sharing stories about crazy holiday and family traditions, what they love and what they'd change, and how they both appreciate the strong women in their family being the reason everyone comes together. In between the laughter and games, Amalia and Sophia discuss their thoughts on utilizing social media to broadcast “good deeds” during this time of year while still being authentic.Later in the episode, Sophia shares details on what she's learned about herself having to start college through the pandemic: “It taught me the importance of being alone and being sound and aligned with everything in your life” she says. Wise words coming from a young person just starting her life and still getting to know this version of herself. The two play a holiday edition of “ask me anything,” with the real highlights coming from Sophia, how she would level-up Thanksgiving, and the moment she knew her Mom was “cool.” Enjoy!

A therapist in today's society can carry so many different meanings. But Heather doesn't just carry her titles; she utilizes them. To her, they are living, breathing documents. Like the Constitution (but for your mental health). Amalia and Heather talk about the ties between addiction and money. Race and money. Self-worth and money. And intergenerational wealth. (Are you picking up on a common theme here?)They also point out how far women of color have come, yet how far they have to go, still. These waters run deep, ladies and gentlemen.Shifting gears slightly, Heather and Amalia discuss topic #1 on everyone's mind (well, maybe #2; sex might be #1 on peoples' list): money. Heather has a rather atypical stance on money and our relationship or affair with it: “I mentioned compassion earlier, but it's also setting time to be with our money,” she says. “So really challenging the avoidance, even when it doesn't feel good. It feels worse when you don't know what's happening. And that doesn't mean checking your bank balance everyday because that can create fixation, and too much of a fixation can lead to avoidance.” For more about Heather and her work visit www.wisemindfinancial.com

You have probably heard of Kaiser Permanante, where Dr. Ross is a big-wig, but may not know what they do, or even why you heard of them. Yet, they are extremely relevant in our social conversation about the disparities in the American healthcare system. But today's chat is not about HMOs, HSAs, FSAs, or even WFH (working from home). etc. While any conversation with Dr. Murray Ross, or Murray, as Amalia calls him, has the potential to become quite heady and intellectual, Amalia keeps it eye-level, boots-on-the-ground, and light-hearted– although its implications are quite meaningful and practical. The gist of the today's The Whole Damn Pie: each-one-teach-one.

Amalia and Christy's conversation explores the roles they play in raising young women, supporting one another, and always looking for opportunities to encourage those around them. Christy shares the importance of leading with optimism and the impact that has made on her career, family, health, and community. It's an encouraging conversation about giving yourself the mental space to prioritize self, while investing in and supporting those around you. 

We had so much fun chatting with Priya, we had to keep the conversation going! In Part 2, Priya and Amalia dive into how best to approach Diversity and Inclusion work. By acknowledging systems that have been built to exclude and not include, we begin to understand the long-lasting impact that has on BIPOC communities. Amalia and Priya also explore the negative effect of “perfectionism,” and the importance of not falling victim to the need to constantly produce “perfectly.”It's honest conversation about white dominant culture, how to recognize it and address it in the workplace, and a reminder to find joy in your everyday life.Guest: Priya Saxena of Equitable Future discusses how diversity and inclusion have always been at the forefront of their work. 

In Part 1, Priya shares details on their suburban New York upbringing, otherness and the endless curiosity that sparked their dedication to diversity and inclusion. Amalia and Priya discuss how this work is more than just a moment in time for them in this age of “wokeness”, but a value that's rooted in the work they do. It's an honest conversation about doing purposeful, rewarding and often exhausting but necessary work and taking care of self. 

We're all used to operating at 110% at any given moment. Listen to how applying the concept of “Pura Vida” brings more joy, fun, and relaxation to your life, and can help improve your professional life too, especially in an agency environment and managing equally important clients and projects.“Pura Vida” is a way of living. Where people live in the moment, enjoying and celebrating life. In work, it's about taking the time to slow down, analyze, and think about not just what you're doing but finding your “why” as well.Mafe, shares her experience growing up and working in Costa Rica, and how “Pura Vida” was the missing factor once she moved to the United States. Now Vice President at The Vida Agency, she's instrumental in molding the Agency's culture and to ensuring “Pura Vida” is more than a concept or saying on a t-shirt.. 

According to a study by the University of Connecticut's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that companies target marketing for nutritionally poor foods directly to Black and LatinX youth, exacerbating health disparities. To address this problem, The Vida Agency (TVA),  founded by Amalia Martino, was selected to lead a bilingual campaign to reach Black and LatinX youth within Seattle. The “Be Ready. Be Hydrated”/“Prepárate. Hidrátate” campaign promoted water, as an alternative to sugary-sweetened beverages within an urban lifestyle shared through digital and social media.With our youth coalition and community partners, TVA ensured that BIPOC youth saw their campaign in the streets as much as online.