You Matter!

On this episode, Karen speaks with Allen McFarlane, NYU Associate Dean of Students, Outreach and Engagement. Allen is here to talk about the ways in which the Office of Dean of Students supports students here in NYC and abroad.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Grace Cosachov Protos, Executive Director of NYU Work Life office, which serves as the bridge between university-wide policy and the unique needs of NYU employees that aims to create a culture of support and harmony in both work and life. HAve a listen and learn about all of the resources provided by this office.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Mike Wolo; approximately twenty years ago, in the fall of 2003, Mike was crushed by 10,000 pounds of granite stone and stopped breathing for six minutes. Mike suffered a traumatic brain injury and was told by physicians that he would never be the same again, and to say goodbye to who he was prior to the accident. Mike refused this outcome and defied all odds. This is Mike's story.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Sonny; on September 27, 2018, Sonny was charged with two counts of transporting an illegal substance across state lines, in the southeastern part of the United States. Sonny served four years in prison after pleading guilty for his crimes; he is here to share his experience as an incarcerated person in this educational and informative episode.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Amanda Quick, the author of the memoir “The Sex Trafficker's Wife,” a story of crime and betrayal. While Amanda was at home raising her three small boys, her husband was at work, unbeknownst to Amanda, living a life of crime, sex trafficking minors. This is Amanda's story.

Today I welcome John Matherson, Associate Vice President of Global Card Services and Security Systems at NYU; John is here to talk about his professional journey as a subject matter expert in engineering, technology and security systems that ultimately brought him to the Department of Campus Safety at NYU in a senior leadership role.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Dr. Marisa Randazzo, the Executive Director of Threat Management at Ontic, where she leads strategic consulting and services to support the development of threat assessment protocols; she also serves as the Director of Threat Assessment for Georgetown University. Previously, Dr. Randazzo led SIGMA Threat Management Associates LLC as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder. Dr. Randazzo is recognized internationally as an expert on threat assessment & threat management, school shootings and other types of targeted violence, and protective intelligence investigations. Dr. Randazzo served for ten years with the U.S. Secret Service, most recently as the agency's Chief Research Psychologist. She is the co-author of two leading books on threat assessments, both of which are referenced as best-practice resources, and has testified before congress regarding her areas of expertise.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Heather Glogolich. Heather is currently a Captain with the NJ Institute of Technology Police Department, the Vice President for the professional organization New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement (NJWLE) and a law enforcement advisor for the web-based app VictimsVoice, a legally admissible documentation tool that allows victims to store evidence that is admissible in each state. In the spring of 2023, Captain Glogolich earned her Doctorate in Higher Education from Saint Elizabeth University. In addition to Captain Glogolich's impressive resume, she is also a survivor of domestic violence who, in 2008, survived a violent incident at the hands of her ex-husband. Captain Glogolich is here to share her story while using her lived experience to advocate for victims everywhere.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Louis Molina, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction since January 1, 2022. Commissioner Molina is a Bronx-born ex-Marine with over twenty years' experience in the criminal justice arena, having served prior stints in the New York City Police Department, in the field of human services assisting the homeless population, in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, and in the City of Las Vegas Department of Public Safety. Commissioner Molina is here today to discuss his leadership and vision for the New York City Department of Correction.

On this episode, Karen speaks with AJ Croce, the son of legendary singer songwriter Jim Croce, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1973 when AJ was just 2. Croce died at the height of burgeoning success but left behind a number of noteworthy hits. His 1972 breakthrough album You Don't Mess Around with Jim produced top-charting singles like “Time in a Bottle” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” Listen as AJ shares his life's journey, including the dark periods that followed the death of his father, the loss of his eyesight as a small child, and the loss of his wife of 24 years due to a rare heart virus. AJ, a successful musician in his own right with ten albums to his credit, shares how music was his constant companion during life's most challenging times.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Leslie Weirich, a passionate suicide prevention educator and advocate, and the mother of Austin. On September 10, 2016, on World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, Leslie awoke to the news that her son had taken his life; he was 20. This is Leslie's story.

Meet Taylor O'Brien, diagnosed with Stage 3C low-grade ovarian cancer on September 13, 2022.  According to the American Cancer Society, this cancer mainly develops in women over 55 or after menopause. On June 24, 2023, Taylor celebrated her 29th birthday; this is her story.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Kit Turner. On November 28, 2021, Kit lost her 20 – year - old son Myles to suicide; Kit is here to share her son's story and how she has turned her heartbreak into advocacy regarding suicide prevention.

On this episode, Karen speaks with two members of the NYU Department of Campus Safety: Anne Marie McLaughlin, Director of Emergency Management and Continuity and Andrew McMahan, Associate Vice President, Global Resiliency and Security. Anne Marie and Andrew are going to talk about preparation, process and response to emergencies at NYU in New York City and at our degree granting locations and Global Academic Sites, as well as the importance of continuity planning and resiliency in a higher education setting.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Brooke Eby; in March 2023, at the age of 33, Brooke was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Most doctors give a newly diagnosed person 2-5 years to live. With lots of support from family, friends, and co-workers, Brooke turned her fear and grief into laughter by educating followers on her TikTok account that currently has over 75 thousand followers. Brooke explains through her video reels what she is going through without making it heavy; at the same time, she is creating ALS awareness.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Dr. Jason Pina. At the time of this interview, Dr. Pina was Vice President for University Life & Global Programs at New York University; he was recently promoted to Senior Vice President for University Life. Prior to his appointments at NYU, Dr. Pina served as Ohio University's Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Pina is here to talk about his journey as a higher education thought leader and his short- and long-term strategic vision for the Office of University Life & Global Programs.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Cindy Liccardo, Esquire. Cindy was diagnosed with lung cancer on June 17, 2021; she had a left upper lobe lung resection surgery in November, completed her treatment in December and in January 2022, the cancer had metastasized to her brain. Following rigorous segmental brain radiation treatment, today, there is no evidence of cancer in her body. Cindy is here to share her medical journey to educate and inspire others.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Michelle Rotella, Assistant United States Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator responsible for the intake of all child exploitation matters in the 9-county Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Michelle is a subject matter expert in child exploitation and cybercrime and serves on a nationwide committee as Attorney Advisor for national child exploitation and cybercrime-related investigations. Michelle is here to share her experience as a federal prosecutor and to share the resources available should you have concerns regarding children being impacted by exploitation or cybercrime.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Courtney Friel, an anchor and reporter for KTLA in Los Angeles, California, and the author of a memoir, “Tonight At 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News,” which details her ascent in the news business while dealing with alcohol and drug addiction. Courtney is here to share her story and her journey to recovery

On this episode, Karen speaks with a frequent guest of You Matter!, Dr. Gregg McDonald, Chief Deputy Coroner for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. McDonald and I are going to discuss in this educational episode, what DEA Administrator Ann Milgram has characterized as “the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” fentanyl.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Diane R. Button. Diane is a founding partner of the Bay Area End-of-Life Doula Alliance in Northern California, and an instructor for the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate Program. Her latest book, Dear Death, combines the insights gained from her research on "The Four Pillars of a Meaningful Life," with over a decade working with hospice and doula clients in their final days. Diane is the creator and Director of Dream of Better World, a non-profit founded in 2008 with a two-fold mission: to support disadvantaged children and families around the world, and to inspire everyone to realize, "You're never too young, or too old, to make a difference!"

On this episode, Karen speaks with Dr. Adam Hill, a pediatric palliative care physician, author and recovering alcoholic. Dr. Hill openly shares his story of depression, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism while working in the field of medicine; he wrote "Long Walk Out of the Woods" in which he shares his story and lifts the veil of secrecy regarding caregiver mental health.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Sandra Joseph, #1 bestselling author and keynote speaker, and the longest-running leading lady in the longest-running Broadway show of all-time, Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, which spanned ten years and more than 1,300 performances. Sandra has also been seen on numerous national broadcasts, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, The Today Show, Dateline, and The Early Show. Sandra is the author of Unmasking What Matters: 10 Life Lessons from 10 Years on Broadway and his here to talk about the way in which masks block us from creating the authentic connections we need to thrive.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Chairman of the New Jersey State Parole Board, Samuel J. Plumeri. Chairman Plumeri is here to educate listeners about parole as well as share his professional journey that lead to his current position, heading the state's lead reentry organization, ensuring that formerly incarcerated persons return to society as law abiding citizens.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Kim Alexis, author, actress and supermodel who has appeared on the cover of magazines like Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Self and Cosmopolitan, and in 1983, was the face of Revlon. Kim is here to share her journey to fame that began at the age of 17 when she was discovered by Elite Talent Agency, and how today, Kim's mission at the age of 62 is to serve as a voracious health advocate for women.

 On this episode, Karen speaks with Paul Frase, 11-year NFL Super Bowl veteran, and Alison Rockett, CEO and President and Co-Founder of The Joshua Frase Foundation, the parents of Isabella and Joshua. Joshua was born on February 2, 1995, with an ultra-rare and fatal neuromuscular disorder called myotubular myopathy and passed away on December 24, 2010, at the age of 15. Myotubular myopathy claims the lives of 50 percent of its victims before the age of 2. During Joshua's life, Paul and Alison created Joshua's legacy, The Joshua Frase Foundation, a non-profit that raises funds for cutting-edge research in regenerative medicine, gene therapy and genetics. Paul and Alison are here to share the story of their son's life and the impact that The Joshua Frase Foundation has had on finding a cure for myotubular myopathy.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Daniel “Rudy” Reuttiger; 'Rudy' is an American motivational speaker and author who played college football at the University of Notre Dame and is the real-life inspiration for the iconic 1993 film RUDY. Rudy is here to share the story behind the film as well as his life journey since Rudy was released. 

On this episode, Karen speaks with Michelle Corrao, author of Found, Triumph over Fear with Grace and Gratitude: The Michelle Corrao Story, to share her journey to recovery following her abduction in front of her home in 1996, after which she was sexually assaulted and then forced into the trunk of her car where she was later found by an off-duty police officer, and her life saved.

On the episode, Karen speaks with Daniella DeChristopher, author of Behind Closed Doors A Daughter's Story, the story of a family from Italy that came to America on vacation and never returned to their homeland. When their youngest unwed daughter became pregnant in 1949, her family disowned her; she was seventeen when she gave birth to her daughter. Daniella is her daughter and this is her story.

 On this episode, Karen speaks with Bradi Nathan, the mother of Jack who passed away suddenly and accidentally on July 3, 2020, at the age of 19 after consuming a fentanyl-laced pill. Jack struggled with mental illness during his life and as a result, created HappyJacksWorld, an online safe haven for kids who struggle with mental illness. Bradi is here to share Jack's story and to continue Jack's mission to help others who suffer with their mental health.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Jessica Plumeri, Chief of Detectives in the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office located in Trenton, New Jersey, the only female police chief in a county law enforcement agency in the State of New Jersey. Chief Plumeri is here to share her journey to the role of top cop in Mercer County as well as the evolution of the role of women in policing.

On the Season 8 premeire of the You Matter! Podcast, Karen speaks with Danielle Elleman, Associate Director, Sexual Misconduct Support Services and Sexual Misconduct Support Services, and April Fellers, Nurse Manager, Primary Care, Student Health Center, the hosts of Good Sex @NYU, a new podcast intended to destigmatize conversations surrounding sex and lighten the load of shame or embarrassment that can surround this subject. From stories of pleasure to compassionate insights, you'll hear NYU community members discuss how they feel about their sexual journey, helpful information on the stigma around sex, education, and so much more!

On this episode, Karen speaks with New York Times bestselling author and full-time psychic medium Concetta Bertoldi. Concetta has the extraordinary ability to see and hear things that most people cannot, and has been consulted by Britain's royal family, American celebrities and others regarding relationships, illnesses and coping with loss, to name a few.

On this episode, Karen speaks Lydia Grimes and her husband Randy, a former NFL player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a return guest to the You Matter! podcast. In our previous conversation with Randy, he shared his story of addiction to painkillers as an NFL player, as well as his 20 - year addiction that followed his retirement from the NFL. Lydia is here to share her story of survival as the spouse of an addicted person, including why she stayed and how she mustered the strength to desperately save her husband's life.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Sergeants Joe Paglione and Mike Castaldo, supervisors of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, which is part of the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office located in Trenton, NJ. Sergeants Paglione and Castaldo are here to share the service that their Unit provides to child victims and to educate listeners regarding resources should you have concerns regarding a loved one being impacted by internet crimes.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Rachel DeAlto, a mom, lawyer turned author, relationship and communications expert, media personality and speaker. In September 2021, Rachel's book Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone Anywhere (Even if It Scares You) was released; Rachel is here to talk about her book as well as her transition from lawyer to communication expert.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Michelle Lipinski, principal of Northshore Recovery High School, a school with a feature that sets itself apart from most other schools in the country - its students all have a diagnosed substance abuse disorder.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Pam O'Donnell, an advocate, motivational speaker and mother. On February 22, 2016, Pam's life was turned upside down when her husband and 5-year-old daughter were killed by an impaired driver, leaving Pam as the only parent to her 10-year-old daughter. Pam has turned her family's tragedy into action and has since founded the Catch You Later Foundation, which gives scholarships in memory of her family, and raises awareness about distracted and impaired driving.

On this episode, Karen speaks with Julie McFadden, a Southern California hospice nurse who has taken to social media as Hospice Nurse Julie. Julie will share personal insights and facts about death and dying and how her career has given her a new appreciation of the human body's capacity to take care of us in death.

NYU Head Women's Soccer Coach Michele Canning and her brother and sister-in-law Matthew and Nacole are here to talk about Matthew's and Nacole's son Cole, 5-years-old, who is battling a rare disease called Mitchell's Syndrome. Cole, who once lived a normal life of a toddler, can barely walk or eat on his own; he is only 1 of 16 people diagnosed with this disease. Michele, Matthew, and Nacole are here to spread awareness of the disease and to share Cole's story of hope and survival.

Today I welcome Phoenix Carnevale. Phoenix is an actress, media personality, fitness trainer, martial arts and self-defense expert; she has been featured on MTV, CNN, and ESPN and in Shape, Self, and Latina magazines as a health and fitness expert. Phoenix is here to talk about women's self-defense, its relevance and importance regardless of age, and to share tips for women of all ages to keep them safe.

Today I welcome Season 5 returning guest Carla Tardif, CEO of Family Reach, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing the financial barriers standing between a cancer patient and their treatment, and Rifka Coleman, a patient advocate who relied upon Family Reach after her own cancer diagnosis at the age of 37 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today I welcome Sheri Kurdakul, CEO and Founder of VictimsVoiceApp, a web-based app, the only legally admissible documentation tool that allows victims to store evidence that satisfies the evidence rules of each state.

Guy shares his experience with a twenty-year addiction and homelessness; on six occasions he overdosed, died and was brought back to life. Today, Guy is an advocate for those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder and all that accompanies it, in an effort to remove the shame and stigma associated with addiction.

In this episode, Karen speaks with Jay Rosenblatt, a San Francisco filmmaker who hails from Brooklyn, New York. Jay is a filmmaker responsible for the Oscar-nominated documentary “When We Were Bullies,” wherein Jay tracks down his fifth-grade class, and teacher, to examine their memories of a bullying incident that occurred over 50 years ago. Jay is here to share the story behind his film.

Today I welcome Bethann Mercanti, the Director of Clinical Operations for the Neurological Institute at Cooper University Healthcare in Camden, New Jersey. She has practiced in neurology as a PA for 10 years, specializing in stroke and cerebrovascular disease. She developed the Comprehensive Stroke Program at Cooper University Healthcare, achieving Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Certification status, the first in South Jersey. She also began the Cooper Telestroke program with local healthcare systems to provide critical access to acute stroke services. Bethann completed her Doctor of Science in 2021, focusing on health care research and organizational leadership. She is dedicated to improving access to care for all patients through the use of innovative technology to advance health care delivery in today's world. And she is also an advocate for the advancement of PA practice both locally and nationally.

Today I welcome NYU alums Stephanie Wittels Wachs and Jackie Danziger. Stephanie is a voice actress, activist, and author, and the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the podcast network Lemonada Media. Jackie Danziger is the Vice President of Content and Production at Lemonada Media, a writer and voice over artist. Stephanie and Jackie are here to talk about Lemonada Media, “an award winning, women-run podcast network that shares the unfiltered version of the human experience” that is normalizing difficult conversations, including the conversation that was the catalyst for Lemonada's creation: addiction.

Today I welcome Patti McSteen, Senior Assoc. VP and Deputy, Global Campus Safety, a new member of Campus Safety leadership. A main objective of this podcast is to highlight resources available to the NYU community; Patti is exactly that. At the end of this conversation, you will have an understanding of the value that Patti brings to Campus Safety based upon on her education and professional experience, and the resource that her role provides the members of our community.

Today I welcome Clara Kim, Vice President of Consulting Services at RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest Network), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.