Willing to Wander

CAN WE REWRITE THE STORY OF OUR EVOLUTION?In this episode, I'm joined with Dr. Sam Sternberg, a lead CRISPR expert and the head of his own lab at Columbia University, where he and his team just made a major breakthrough discovery in the hot topic gene editing technology. Talk about CRISPR seems to be everywhere now, but in this episode, Sam and I dive deeper into the nitty gritty of what CRISPR even is and its wide variety of uses today and the possibilities of its uses in the near future. We also discuss the important ethical questions at hand with the gene editing technology that gives us the power to possibly alter other species' evolution as well as our own human race's... Keep listening to hear from Sam himself about where he thinks the fast growing field is headed and a detailed description of the details of the technology from a scientist himself!Watch Sam's Ted Talk about CRISPR and its possibilities- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSL3k9ezGoA. Check out Sam's website -www.shsternberg.com- to see his scholarly articles. Also, I highly recommend this video by WIRED, where CRISPR is explained in 5 different difficulty levels- the first being to a child. Watch here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sweN8d4_MUgAnd please don't forget to subscribe, rate and review if you've been enjoying the show thus far!

This episode is a little different than the rest. I'm joined with not just one guest but a multitude of very special ones- the students who demonstrated the power of their voice at yesterday's (March 15) Youth Climate Strike in New York City. The strike happened all around the world, where students walked out of schools in protest of the inaction of policymakers in regards to tackling the climate crisis. It started with Greta Thunberg, a now 17 year old Swedish girl, who sat on the steps of the Swedish Parliament's building every day for two weeks straight in lieu of going to school. To her, this was her way of teaching the adults something- that the youth want change and that they will make it known. At the march, I spoke to students ranging from nine to eighteen years old, as well as some adults. What was most striking was the simple candor of these children who have mobilized in such an inspiring way to give voice to the climate and environmental justice issues that they are concerned about. Listen to the full episode to hear a wide range of students speak their minds as well as some of the actions that they are already taking in their communities!Check out www.willingtowander.com to find additional pictures from the strike (taken by my friend Sophie) as well as links to climate action organizations that were also involved at the strike. As always, if you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe and review down below! Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more!

Welcome back to another episode of Willing to Wander! In this episode, I'm super excited to be joined with Wen-Jay Ying, the founder of Local Roots NYC. Local Roots is an alternative CSA model, that provides city dwellers with fresh produce from farms all within a 2 hour drive from the city. You buy into a season's worth of produce and pick it up weekly from a convenient market location near you (mostly coffee shops and bars!). Wen-Jay saw a need to modernize the traditional CSA model, while making it fun and more community based, with monthly cooking events! Listen to hear more about how Wen-Jay turned her discouragement from losing her job into motivation to change the food system, from the ground up. Check out www.localrootsnyc.com to learn more about the membership options as well as to receive your first week trial if you live in NYC!Also follow them on Instagram @localrootsnyc to get food inspiration- even if you aren't in the city. And check out my website: www.willingtowander.com for photos and additional links everything Local Roots!Thanks again for listening and stay tuned for more episodes soon!

Hi guys- I'm back after a little break backpacking in Japan and ready to bring more inspiring stories to you this new year!In this episode, I'm very excited to be joined by David Chait, the CEO and Founder of Travefy. After jumping at the chance to work as a senior policy advisor for the US Small Business Administration during the Obama Administration, David returned to Columbia's Business School feeling more inspired than ever to create something of his own. It was there at school that David and his founding team began to build Travefy- an online platform that utilizes advanced technology to effortlessly streamline the trip planning process for travel professionals as well as everyday people looking to coordinate group trips. Since Travefy's final alpha product release in 2016, it has been featured in the NY Times, Forbes, Fast Company and the likes. Today, Travefy is currently powering over 2 MILLION customer itineraries, and after talking to David, there seems to be no slowing down.Keep listening to listen to David describe how keeping his eyes open allowed him to be ready to seize opportunities that came his way to ultimately prepare him to build Travefy! Please hit the subscribe button (top right!) and rate and review the podcast if you've been enjoying it so far! New episode in 2 weeks, so be sure to subscribe to stay up to date.Start planning a trip with Travefy HERE: https://travefy.com/plan#/trip/2037502/days/day/10161335Download Travefy on the iTunes App Store - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/our-itinerary-viewer/id1078267467?mt=8Check out www.willingtowander.com to find more about David, Travefy, and more!

This episode is a little different than the rest. Instead of sharing the story of an inspiring individual, I realized that it was time that I properly introduced myself to you guys and to share with you my inspirations and motivations for the podcast. I also share upcoming plans for the podcast (hint: minisodes). Listen to this episode if you're curious about who I am and where the podcast is going!Also, I've launched a Patreon campaign - www.patreon.com/willingtowander - where you can help support the podcast with as little as ONE DOLLAR PER MONTH. With your help, I can grow Willing to Wander to new heights and continue to share individuals' inspiring stories to help others broaden their horizons. Check out www.willingtowander.com to learn more.

In this episode, I'm joined with Alfonso Cobo, the founder and CEO of Unfold and also one of Forbes' newly named 30 under 30. Originally from a small town in Spain, Alfonso struggled in its traditional education system and dropped out after only two months in university. However, he didn't let this deter him from what he knew to be his passion for design and from his dream of becoming an architect, so he continued on to university again in London, where he was at the top of his class. This commitment to his passion and eye for design ultimately led him to create Unfold, an app that allows its users to creatively cultivate and streamline their content with clean templates to then share via Instagram stories. Only a little over a year old, Unfold now has over 30 million users and is looking to expand past Instagram, to other avenues of story-telling. Listen to Alfonso himself share his journey from overcoming his initial sense of failing after dropping out of university in Spain to ultimately creating an extremely influential platform through Unfold to drive social awareness and change by staying true to his passions for design and creative content. Check out www.willingtowander.com to see pictures of Alfonso's journey as well as additional links about him. And please subscribe, rate and review the podcast if you've been enjoying it so far!

In this episode, I'm joined with Aki Hirata Baker, the co-founder of MINKA Brooklyn, a spiritual healing center in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Japan, Aki endeavored to find her inner voice and truest version of herself in a rigid society that was narrow in its views. Even upon moving to the US, Aki still faced hardships, living with an abusive husband and finally escaping as a homeless young single mother. Yet through it all, she never lost her faith in the universe and her journey. With this steadfast inner peace, Aki began to build a new life for her and her daughter in New York City, and Aki began to explore her spirituality in a deeper way than ever before. Listen to Aki herself detail her journey through these hardships and how she managed to stay calm and resolute in her truth. Check out minkabrooklyn.com to see upcoming events and availible private healing services from Aki.Also, check out willingtowander.com to see more information and photos of Aki's journey. Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast if you've been enjoying it this far!

In this episode, I'm joined with fellow podcaster, Madelaine of Ladies on Ludlow. Originally from Germany, Madelaine moved to NYC after graduating from university, with the dream of joining the esteemed fashion world of the city. After working as a designer for big brands, Madelaine realized that the fashion world wasn't as glamorous as it's made out to be. So when she got an offer to go to Shanghai for a design job, she jumped at the chance, without even really knowing what to expect. Once there, she was fully confronted with just how much waste we create, so after leaving her job in Shanghai, she decided to sell everything and to go backpacking in Southeast Asia. Listen to Madelaine describe her personal journey and how she balances a restless, adventurous spirit with her day-to-day life back in New York City.Check out www.willingtowander.com for pictures from her time in Southeast Asia as well as all of her links.Please rate and review down below! Would love to know what your top bucket list destination is and why

In this episode, I'm joined with Linda Treska, the founder and CEO of Pinch of Colour- the world's first waterless beauty brand. Growing up as a child in Albania, Linda and her family faced water scarcity, sometimes not knowing if they would have access to clean water that day. Then when Linda moved to New York, the stark contrast between her childhood experience and the abundance of water in the States shocked her and forced her to realize the true water disparity that our world faces. Listen to Linda describe how she took this realization and created Pinch of Colour to incorporate her passion for beauty with her passion to make a difference by not using any water from the sourcing of ingredients to Pinch's products themselves and also by donating to NGO's that build water wells around the world.Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a special listener discount on Pinch's products!Shop Pinch of Colour at www.pinchofcolour.comCheck out www.willingtowander.com for more information and pictures of Linda's philanthropic work.

In this episode, I'm joined by Rena Anakwe, a DJ, a visual sound art producer, an actress, and the undefeated reigning Golden Gloves champion of the women's light welterweight division. It's safe to say that Rena has done A LOT, but the thing that has remained consistent is her drive to be able to truly express herself in whatever she does and to put 110% of her effort into all of her endeavors. We talk about how her constantly moving as a child forced her to emerge from her shyness and how she now is empowered to explore her voice and create relatable art for others to find a safe space in. Check out my website- www.willingtowander.com to find more episode notes and links for how to stay up to date with Rena!

In this episode, I speak with Chef Kfir of RDV, an upscale French-inspired bistro with an Israeli twist to pay homage to Chef's roots. During lunch's prep time, Chef Kfir describes how his love of nature as a child transformed into his fascination with food and how to use seasonal ingredients to honor Mother Nature. He then explains how his travels to South America affirmed his vision of becoming a chef by working in all different types of kitchens. Eventually coming to New York City, to stage under Daniel Boulud, one of the top chefs, Chef Kfir established himself enough to embark on his own solo culinary journey. Listen to Chef Kfir himself explain how he manifested his vision for RDV by nurturing his inner flame for cooking and for bringing seasonal produce to the local community of Harlem. Check out www.willingtowander.com to see photos and to find out how to connect with RDV and Chef Kfir.

In this episode, I'm joined by one of fashion's top models and one of my first friends that I made in NYC, my best friend Olivia Anakwe. We talk about how the modeling industry allowed her to gain a stronger sense of confidence in herself by encompassing her Nigerian roots fully. We also talk about what it takes to stay focused on her whirlwind modeling career and full-time school. Listen for more about how she got scouted and her tips for staying dedicated to whatever your passion may be! Also check out https://www.willingtowander.com/ for additional show notes and links on how to stay up to date with Olivia!

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend MartÍn Plascencia. Now established in NYC as an educator for the haircare brand Moroccan Oil, MartÍn discusses how his understanding of his family's history rooted him in his own identity and has shaped his future goals along the way. We talk about how moving back and forth between the U.S. and Mexico as a child ultimately made him more resolute in his Mexican culture and heritage. You can find MartÍn on Instagram at @mrtnplascencia to see more of what he gets up to and his future projects!

In this episode, I speak with Anita Weinburg about her chilling childhood during the Holocaust in Warsaw, Poland. In order to evade the Nazis' persecution, Anita pretended to be an orphan to hide her Jewish background and to seek safety in a Catholic orphanage. After the war, Anita was reunited with her mother, and the two eventually moved to Israel where Anita finished school and served in the army. In Israel, Anita also was granted "the greatest gift"- her husband, and the two continued to build a fulfilling life together. Listen for more as she reflects on her remarkable journey to be ultimately where she is today- surrounded by a loving family with endless support.

In this episode, my friend Sophie and I traveled to Agur Winery in the Judean Hills of Israel. There, we spoke with Shuki Yashuv, the winemaker, about his perceptions of what it means to be Jewish and how these views expand past religion further to a place of universal viewpoints and habits.

In this episode, I speak with Ella Levy, a fashion designer, about her distinct independence and drive which was influenced by her untraditional upbringing in an Israeli Kibbutz coupled with her time spent traveling abroad after serving in the army influenced. Check out her website- http://www.ellalevy.com/

Last week, I travelled to Costa Rica and had the opportunity to stay at the Celeste Mountain Lodge, located near the Tenorio National Park. There, I was met by its passionate owner Joel Marchal, and in this episode, we discuss how his past travels, originating from France to Brazil and Central America, ultimately led him to Costa Rica and its eco-aware lifestyle.

In this episode, I talk with my good friend, Sophie Jones, a model, about how her first experience living abroad in Paris at 16 went on to shape her outlook on life and how she continues to interact with people on a day to day basis.

In the second episode, I chat with my good friend and roommate Ashley about her pivotal moment of packing up and moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina without speaking any Spanish. We discuss what inspired this leap of faith and how it ultimately influenced her outlook on life and how she chooses to live it to the fullest.

On the first episode, I'm joined by my mom. She shares her traumatic story of how her and her family escaped the Communists in Vietnam with only minimal belongings and how she went from living in a tent for almost two years to now being a successful business woman.