Podcasts about community advocate

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Tortoise Shack podcast, Tony is rejoined by Writer, Commentator and Community Advocate, Elaine Crory to discuss the Jeffrey Donaldson case, sexual violence, challenges within the justice system, and societal issues across the island of Ireland. They explore the impact of political power, rape myths, and systemic failures on justice and social progress. The Whistleblowers Podcast - In Their Own Words:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163145416 The Venezuelan Earthquake podcast:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-162431599

Stephanie K and Jay welcome Jessica Dixon to the podcast this week.  Jessica is the Community Advocate & Peer Specialist for The Disability Network.  ADA Day 2026 is coming up Friday, July 24th from 9:30 am to Noon.  For more information on this FREE event click here.

Allison Komiyama, a consultant and senior regulatory strategist at DuVal & Associates and founder of Bluestocking Health, shares her journey from neuroscience and an FDA reviewer role into regulatory affairs and consulting. Allison explains why companies should educate FDA about their device by telling a compelling, respectful story, and discusses why “getting through FDA” is often the starting line. She highlights the post-clearance work of launch, adoption, and promotion while staying within FDA marketing rules. Allison also reflects on leadership, relying on community and advisory boards, her volunteer work, and the moments that affirm her impact when devices reach patients.  Guest links: https://www.bluestocking.health/  Charity supported: Feeding America Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 083 - Allison Komiyama [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to welcome as my guest, Allison Komiyama. Allison is a consultant focused on getting medical devices to market and helping them stay there. She frequently presents at conferences, is an advisor at numerous technology incubators, and teaches students around the world about the regulatory submissions as a faculty member at SDSU Global Campus. She received her doctorate in neuroscience in 2009, was an FDA reviewer from 2010 to 2011, received her Regulatory Affairs Certification US in 2014, and became a RAPS Fellow in 2024. Throughout her career, she's been actively involved in hundreds of pre-submissions and pre-market submissions for a wide variety of medical device companies. She recently started a medical device hype company called Bluestocking Health, where she continues to elevate and amplify the message of exciting technologies entering the market. She's also a senior regulatory strategist at DuVal & Associates, where she helps companies navigate the FDA pre-market process. Alright, well, welcome to the show. I'm so glad you're here today. [00:01:59] Allison Komiyama: Thank you so much. I'm so glad to be here. [00:02:02] Lindsey Dinneen: Well, I've been looking forward to this conversation very much. I got to meet you, I think it was maybe last fall, and it was after watching a video where I believe you were chopping wood while explaining a medtech concept, I and was like, "I have to meet this person." [00:02:21] Allison Komiyama: I like that that is how we, we, yeah, that you were introduced to me is through a wood chopping video. But yes, that was me. I love... I am a lumberjill, so yeah. [00:02:31] Lindsey Dinneen: See? And we will get into this, let's start with just a little intro into who you are, your background, and what led you to medtech. [00:02:39] Allison Komiyama: Sure. So background's actually biology, neuroscience. Left academia after graduate school and went and worked at FDA. I was just there for a brief period of time, but it was very instrumental in having me understand what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I loved regulatory affairs. I knew that I loved med devices and the intersection of medtech and innovation and regulatory and, and, and, and, and, right? Like, so all the things I was just super excited to be part of this space. But after leaving FDA, sort of tried to figure out what... You know, did I wanna work at a company? Did I actually wanna be at a specific industry job? Tried that on. Tried that hat on for a little over a year at an IVD company and just sort of missed all the stuff I got to work on at FDA. So I kind of saw it as the second-best thing after FDA is to go into consulting. So really worked with a lot of startups and companies that were bringing their technologies to market, and yeah, never looked back. I did sort of change positions over the years from going from a small consulting company to my own consulting company to a large consulting company, and now I'm sort of back at a, a smaller regulatory law firm. It's not that small, but, you know, 15-some people at DuVal & Associates working with companies that need help with strategy and regulatory support as well. And also started my passion project, which is Bluestocking Health. It is a medtech hype company, is what I call us. And we really work on helping companies after they've made it through FDA onto what... you know, what does, what does their launch look like? How do they get people to adopt their technologies and not sort of flounder and, and fail, right? So I, I love seeing really cool, nerdy, geeky tech get to market, and I think we all have a sort of inner geek that loves stuff like that, and it's my happy place where I can just kind of talk about those things and share it with patients and caregivers alike. [00:04:47] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. I love that. Yeah, and so much to dive into. But one of the things also I remember, so so I, I watch this video and you're chopping wood, and you're, you're clearly super passionate about medtech. And then I think the next one, were you possibly like baking or doing some sort of maybe chopping? [00:05:08] Allison Komiyama: Yes. I do flower arranging, so it might've been that one. I, I-- That's a great idea, though. I love to bake. I love protocol, so I think you're onto something. I need to come up with a video maybe where I'm talking about, like, the de novo process and, like, baking a cake or something. So. [00:05:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. And you're right, it was flower arranging, and I was thinking at the time, "Is there anything you don't do?" [00:05:35] Allison Komiyama: Yes. I-- There's a lot of things I don't do or don't even dare to do. Mostly dangerous sports. I, I'm a rower, so I love to row where no one's touching you. You know, like no one... There's no physical contact. You're just in a boat pulling an oar, and it's quiet and peaceful and, you know, also you're working hard. So, but otherwise, yeah, don't want any contact sports in my life. And but there's a lot of things I don't do, of course. I just have a lot of hobbies and things that I enjoy doing. [00:06:10] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. So did the idea for Bluestocking Health come from? I mean, I know you explained a little bit about what the company does and who it helps, but first of all, I'm really curious about the name, and second of all, I'm just curious about, yeah, what made you go, "Gosh, this is the right time for this"? [00:06:27] Allison Komiyama: Yeah, great question. I-- So Bluestockings were... I'll, I'll go first into the origin story 'cause I think it kind of helps explain why I picked up that name. The Bluestockings were a group of mostly women in the 1700s in England who were, you know, kind of tired of sitting around playing card games and, you know, learning new dance routines-- not that there's anything wrong with that-- I love doing all of those things. But they decided they wanted to pursue some more intellectual and intellectually stimulating conversations with people. So they would invite women and men into their salons to have these conversations, and they would talk about botany and, yeah, science, art, literature, theater, all of the things that sort of sparked their interest. And they would say, you know, "Don't worry about wearing your black stockings," which were, like, the highly fashionable, expensive stockings of the day. They said, "Just come in your blue stockings. It's fine." You know, which were wool and, you know, cheaper. And I was like, oh, I love that idea of just people getting together, talking about stuff that they find interesting, and having it be like, "Come as you are. Wear your sweats," you know? "Don't worry about getting fancy." And that resonated with me. And so I thought, you know, what I want to build is something similar to what the Bluestockings had, but have it be more medtech or health-focused, and so hence Bluestocking Health was born. I, yeah, I really... A-as I said earlier, I saw a lot of companies feel like getting through FDA was the finish line, and I s- you know, I would tell them, like, "No, that's kind of the starting line with a lot of what you're going to now need to build." You know? It's-- I, I think historically FDA was seen as, like, the hardest thing to get through, which isn't always the case, right? The, the 510K program is historically very successful with getting devices cleared. You know, FDA does wanna work with you, and that was my narrative and my mantra always was like, you know, "How do you work with FDA to get through FDA?" And then once you're through FDA, what's next? And I wanted to have those honest conversations, you know, as these companies were considering the product development, their quality system, their regulatory, and, you know, even reimbursement is also part of that post-market conversation. And I wanted them to also think about, "How are you gonna get patients to know about this? Like, what are ways that you can promote yourself and promote what you're doing without misbranding or mislabeling or adulterating anything, right?" You wanna stay within FDA's regulations and not do anything wrong marketing-wise. But it's also something to get really excited about, and I think we've often forgotten that a lot of these medtech devices do really, really cool things, do really amazing work to help people, help people s- you know, improve their quality of life. Let-- Help them survive, get them to live longer, let kids actually make it to adulthood, right? So there's so much good that I wanted to amplify that more. I wanted to get people to not just focus on the negative, right? There is, there is a lot of harm that can come from any sort of drug, device, anything, but there's also a lot of good. And so I think especially right now in the world we need more good things to talk about. Not that I wanna, you know, look at everything through rose-colored glasses. But I do think if we can focus on some of the good that's going on in the world and the things that we have in common, what a great conversation to have. [00:10:14] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, yeah, I couldn't agree more. And I love the fact that and you're so much fun. You're helping these companies also get excited too, because I think sometimes it's really easy-- I mean, we need to take our industry seriously. It's a serious industry and real life consequences, good and bad, from innovation... [00:10:29] Allison Komiyama: Yes. [00:10:30] Lindsey Dinneen: ...But I think you know, we've, we've talked a lot about this recently, even ar- along amongst just some of my colleagues, is like we're gonna take, we're gonna take our actual work very seriously, of course, but we're gonna not take ourselves super seriously. We're gonna have fun. We're gonna celebrate. We're going to each other why we're here and why we're doing this, 'cause otherwise it can get easy to get kind of bogged down in the, the nitty-gritty. [00:10:52] Allison Komiyama: Oh, it's so easy to spiral. I-- And I feel like a lot of media allows us a-and, and capitalizes on that doom scroll/spiraling of, "Oh gosh, everything's bad." And I wanna be informed, but I also, as you said, I don't wanna take myself that seriously. Like, I have so many hobbies. I laugh a lot. I have really great conversations with people, and I think that's what I, you know... the legacy I wanna le- leave behind is that I made the world a little better than when I started here. And also that I had a lot of joy to share. So yeah. [00:11:31] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. So I-I'm curious, going back to your days at the FDA, what are some of the common things that you saw where perhaps there's either a misconception about the process of approval or just mistakes you might have seen that were kind of common that maybe those who are listening who are trying to, you know, get through it as, as easily as possible could benefit from? [00:11:54] Allison Komiyama: I think one of the biggest misconceptions and it wasn't anyone's fault, was that FDA are the experts in what you're building. And maybe, maybe folks knew that that wasn't the case. You know, they walk in and they know that they're living and breathing their technology and their device day in and day out. They've been building it for years oftentimes. And so to think that FDA understands your patient population, understands the, the sensor technology or whatever technology you're building understands your software, your materials, all, all the various things that go into a s- a pre-market submission, is a terrible assumption to make, right? Not that you wanna treat FDA like a bunch of dummies, that you're like, "Oh, you guys don't know anything. I'm gonna have to start from, you know, square one here to really walk you through everything." But you definitely want to communicate and be able to tell a really solid story to FDA about what you're building or what you've built, and why you believe it's either safe and effective, or why you believe it's substantially equivalent, or why you believe the benefits outweigh the risks. And so I think if you can be that storyteller, if you can really walk FDA through what it is you've built, and why you think it should be, you know, allowed to enter interstate commerce, you've w- you know, you, you're already ahead of the game. So I think any company that really is trying to figure out what's that first interaction they're gonna have with FDA, whether it be at a pre-submission or just straight to pre-market submission, right? They're just gonna file the, the, the 510K or what have you. Really making sure that you've explained your product and they know why you're there. Otherwise, you are going to cause more questions than answers from FDA, and that's a big concern when you have somebody who doesn't understand what you're doing or why you've built it the way you've built it. That can really set you back. [00:13:56] Lindsey Dinneen: That's great advice. So, so being really prepared to kindly educate while telling the story, but you know, doing so, of course, in a, like you said, a respectful way. But, but having those answers ready, having the narrative really thought out so that you can walk in with that authority, but also explanation and storytelling. Yeah. Okay. [00:14:19] Allison Komiyama: Exactly. Yeah. It is. I mean, I always my-- I've actually, I have a podcast that I f- a few of my guests recently, they've all been expert or experts in how we tell stories, which I love even just... I mean, how we tell stories to our children is very different to how you tell a story to a colleague at work or, you know, the... and there's a way that, once you know your audience and once you know what it is you're trying to convey, there's a very clean path that you can follow. I'm still working on it. I have to, I have to confess, I am not a great storyteller. I have a tendency to get sidetracked and off topic, probably like what I'm doing right now. But, but you know, bringing it back and, like, what are, what are we trying to do? What are we trying to accomplish? And that I think that storytelling is really valuable when you have FDA as your audience. [00:15:15] Lindsey Dinneen: So I know, like you said, you have many hobbies and lots of things that keep you occupied, but you also do a lot of volunteering for boards. And I was wondering if you could share just a little bit about some of that experience and what you're passionate about there. [00:15:29] Allison Komiyama: Yeah. I think I've always been a big fan of volunteering. I think it's one of the ways that I I meet new people, I get involved in s- things that are outside medtech, which I think is extremely valuable. There's so many voices that even if it's not directly in medtech, everyone's impacted by medtech in some way, right? Like I always say, "You're either gonna start in a hospital or end in a hospital, and you're probably gonna go into a hospital at many different times or use a medical device, whether it be on your phone or, well, while you sleep or," you know, for any-- I don't know, there's a million purposes that people use medical devices. And I wanted to have more voices around me that that are, that are helping humanity, but in a different way. So, one of the boards that's always been near and dear to my heart, of course, my rowing club. I love... It's the oldest women's rowing club in the world. It's called Slack Rowing Club, based here in San Diego, and I help with a lot of the programs, but also fundraising, membership, and just, you know, having this really dynamic group of 400 women that some of them row, some of them are just there to be part of a community and help each other, which is pretty marvelous. And we do a lot of actually talks. Like we'll have a speaker series and we'll bring in physicians or we'll bring in people who are talking about sleep and perimenopause and menopause or, you know, various topics that definitely impact our our cohort. It, it's actually kind of similar to Bluestockings, like the original Bluestockings, where we'll have someone come in and talk about architecture. Like there's various things. So I love doing that. It's also-- They're-- The members are from like 12 years old to 102 years old. It's pretty amazing, and just, like, this great dynamic group of women who are fun to volunteer with and also sit in a boat with. The other one that I've joined last year was the International Relief Teams, which works on helping bring some sort of relief to an emergency situation, whether it be floods or fires or famine or war. Like, there's, They partner-- We partner with different organizations that are, like, boots on the ground in those areas to either build houses or get m- meals or get water to where it needs to be in an emergency. So IRT is fantastic. They get, like, one of the highest ratings of nonprofits. The other one is Indy Medtech. Really cool. That's a very medtech-based one. It's a virtual board, but it is building a community of medtech suppliers and people who are just needing support from each other or you know, either hiring or, "Hey, I have a question. Can someone help answer this 'cause I don't know where to go to get the answer to this?" So really cool, and they, they're doing a podcast as well. I love it. And then last but not least is the San Diego Regulatory Affairs Network. So I have been in San Diego, moved here back here, I should -- i'm from San Diego-- but moved back here in 2011, 2012, and I joined the San Diego Regulatory Affairs Network. It's the SoCal... Like, there's a similar one in Orange County, the Orange County Regulatory Affairs, so OCRA, and then there's also, of course, RAPS, and there's a Southern California chapter. And it's just a group of regulatory folks that love to meet up, love to support each other. "Hey, I have this job opening coming up. Hey is there a mentee that would like a mentor?" And so I'm now the VP of programs for that, and once a month we try to have a speaker either virtually or in person. There's gonna be some in-person ones. And I love it. It's just a great way to network, to support each other, and also to learn more cool stuff going on in regulatory. So yeah, that's a smattering of the ones that I'm part of. So, you know, as, as you said, like, it's kind of like they're all over the place, but it definitely makes me feel more connected with humans, with our-- you know, like, and, and not doomscroll. I'm, I'm too busy to doomscroll. So. [00:19:44] Lindsey Dinneen: That's, that's a good thing, I feel like. So, I love that. Okay. Those are g- those are such cool organizations. Thank you for sharing a bit about them. [00:19:51] Allison Komiyama: Yeah. Thanks for asking. [00:19:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. So all right, I'm curious. Going back, could eight-year-old Allison have ever imagined what you're doing now? [00:20:02] Allison Komiyama: Never in a million years. Yeah, I think I, I knew I loved biology and bugs and science at a very young age, so I knew that I was probably on that trajectory. But if you asked eight-year-old-- or actually, I-- if you asked five-year-old Alison what she wanted to be, the first was hummingbird, and I did... That did not pan out. [00:20:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Dang it. [00:20:29] Allison Komiyama: But and then I would say florist 'cause I love flower arranging, so that is something that I've s- I've kept up with, as you said, like you saw the video of me arranging flowers. I still love doing that. I, I enjoy that creative outlet. But not in regulatory. I didn't really know that regulatory affairs existed as a career especially until I was 26. I mean, which is crazy to think, like I was in grad school, and I took a course on the history of FDA, and I was like, "What is this? This is so exciting, so interesting." And I knew that was something, that something along those lines is what I wanted to do with using my biology and, and neuroscience background, but also how do I maybe get closer to medicine in a certain way? Like, I, I didn't wanna be a medical doctor, but I knew I wanted to help people. Like, I think most people wanna help people. And that was, that was the right pivot for me at that point. [00:21:32] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. So, all right. So you've had a bunch of different leadership positions now over the years. And of course, you have led your own company now a couple different iterations, I suppose, of, of what you've been doing. But what has that leadership journey been like for you, especially perhaps how different it is between working for another company where you might be in a leadership role versus leading yourself and your company? [00:21:56] Allison Komiyama: Great question. I-- what was it, what's it been like? I would say there's like equal parts fearlessness, excitement, and terror. I don't know, like I-- maybe those are all kind of, of the same like ilk of those, those feelings. My daughter always says, she's like, "I'm nervous and I'm excited," like before she goes on stage in the talent show, and she's like, "I'm nerve-cited." And I, I, I use that a lot now too 'cause, you know, before I give a talk or before I you know, go on a podcast like this, I'm like, "I'm nerve-cited," 'cause it's gonna be something that I haven't done before, right? Every day is a little different and... But it's also exciting to do. I Yeah. I, I feel like it was not always easy. Like, people are like, "Oh, you made it look so easy and, and just, you know, seamless." And oof, there were moments that I really struggled. It's... You know, there have been times that I really relied on my family, on therapy, on my friends to really help me. And even just, you know, something as simple as I had a friend who made my first website for me. He was like, "You're so busy and stressed," like, "Let me help you." And so I think calling on others and really having people be your community that you've built, right? Like, I think sometimes we try and go it alone, and maybe that's the worst thing to do when you're building something 'cause you really need to rely on others to help you out. And so I've had, you know, I've, I've, I've worked really hard on my network and to build the friends and colleagues that I want to surround myself with, and then I have reached out to them when I knew I need them. So I, for example, I think with Bluestocking Health, I... When I was-- Before I launched in last year, so September of 2025, I called a bunch of folks that I really trusted to tell me if I was going off course or to also help me build stuff. And my advisory board for Bluestocking Health is amazing. Like, they're not all in regulatory, 'cause that's not what I wanted to build. They're in media. They're in quality system, reimbursement, business strategy. Like, there's such a diverse group of folks that will also help be my sounding board, right? Like, I had a couple medical doctors that I reached out to that are on the advisory board that I was like, "I'm thinking of doing this. Can you give me, like, your thoughts pro/con?" And they always are so willing to help, right, if they have the time. It's been extremely rewarding. So I would say that leadership journey, again, not the easiest at times, but also when it gets hard calling on those friends to really support me has been really marvelous. [00:24:49] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. You know, that's such an interesting thing because this has come up a lot, especially in the last few episodes and just conversations I've had in the industry of the importance of community and mentorship and surrounding yourself with those good people who you can call and go, "Okay, I have this, I have this, I think maybe crazy idea. What do you think?" Or just, "Hey, life is a little tough right now. Can we just, can we just talk?" So that's... [00:25:15] Allison Komiyama: Yeah. [00:25:15] Lindsey Dinneen: ...Really cool. [00:25:17] Allison Komiyama: Yeah. Absolutely [00:25:19] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Okay. So as you've gone through your career, and especially within the medtech industry, which seems like you've really just, you know, fell in love with and, and stayed, so that's wonderful. Are there any moments that stand out to you as really affirming that, "Yes, I am in the right place at the right time"? [00:25:40] Allison Komiyama: I think every clearance De Novo granting that I've ever been part of, even if my name's not on the file, has been one of those moments where, oh, it feels so good. It feels so great to see those companies make it through FDA. And then also, you know, to the next point or d- you know once they are selling and they're, they're helping patients, I've had clients reach out to me and say, "I just got this amazing testimonial from somebody and I wanted to share it with you because you were part of that journey." And oftentimes I'll say, "Can I share that with the FDA reviewer that helped us 'cause they're still there and I really think that they would value that, that piece of information, just that commentary and that validation." I mean, w- I've had ones where the testimonial was like, "Because of this device, my kid is alive today. My kid would have been-- would have died two years ago if it hadn't been for this product." And like, I even just got chills. Like I-- honestly, it feels like even though I'm not a medical doctor, even though I was, you know, integral maybe in putting their 510K together or their submission together, and I've never touched the device necessarily, I feel so rewarded that it's like, we did it. We did it together, right? And I, I wanna share that with others. I think that's part of what I'm trying to do with Bluestocking Health is like we all are part of this community, and it's not that we just like clock in and we, you know, do document control or, you know, work on our risk assessments and, you know, clock out for the day. It's like, no, we, we do all help save lives, right? What a, what a powerful thing to be part of and to know that that's, that's something that you helped do. I don't know. I, I-- maybe that sounds again a little too like look how great we are. Like how, you know, look at, look at how amazing this space is, but oh, it is. It 100% is, so. [00:27:43] Lindsey Dinneen: No, I could not agree with you more. I've, I've always felt the same way of just like, "Okay, I'm, I'm not the scientist, I'm not the engineer, I'm not the regulatory affairs person. I, you know, I play a very small role. I, I help talk about the devices." I sh- you know, the marketing... [00:27:59] Allison Komiyama: Yes. [00:28:00] Lindsey Dinneen: ...And that's, you know, that's, that's not the biggest component of bringing these devices to market by any stretch of the imagination. But I do get to play a role, and I think that is the coolest thing ever. Yeah. [00:28:12] Allison Komiyama: Yeah. Well, and think of-- I mean, I'm gonna be your hype woman for a second because think of all the people who learn about that tech or understand, "Hey, this might be something right for me or my loved one, and if I hadn't learned about it or if I hadn't you know, been exposed to this idea or even knowing that this is in clinical trials, okay, now I'm gonna go look into the clinical trial." Like, that information sharing and even just talking to people or talking to laypeople, like, there's such an important piece of the marketing and the strategy around that, that it's huge. I-- you know, like, directly or indirectly, you've saved a life, right? How cool is that? [00:28:56] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, exactly. How cool is that? It's, it's remarkable. Okay. So, all right. Pivoting the conversation a little bit just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a master class on anything you want. [00:29:09] Allison Komiyama: Ooh, yes. [00:29:10] Lindsey Dinneen: What would you choose? [00:29:10] Allison Komiyama: I mean, all of the things in my header, I think at LinkedIn. So I lo- but I'll, I'll give you a real answer in a second. I think, I mean, all of the... I love my creative outlets. So I love flower arranging, I love face painting, I love chopping wood. I love cross-stitch and needlepoint, and my daughter and I just started doing crocheting together. So I feel all of those things are so I... Not that I'm a master in any of those things, but maybe it's being willing to try new things or having that, I don't feel, I don't consider myself to be a totally fearless person, but maybe channeling some of that fearlessness and a willingness to try new things, and where do we find that and how do we kinda overcome some of that activation energy sometimes to get to try those new things? And I think innovators have that in spades, right? So a lot of the companies that we work with, they're like, "I have an idea, and I don't know if this is gonna work, but I'm gonna go for it." And I think a lot of those cre- it, it's a creative outlet for them as well, right? They're trying something new. And so maybe it's giving people more more support or more confidence that they can try new things. I feel like I don't love change. Like I, I, as a child, I like, I liked the things that just stay the same. But when you look at my arc and my, my origin story, it has been all about very unsettling moments or, you know, like where I was felt, feeling very unsettled or like trying something new, and I'm so grateful for all of those things, and I'm also really grateful that I did it, right? So a- and again, it came down to a lot of my community, my friends, my family that supported me and said, "Yeah, you can do this," right? Having those hype people to help me. So maybe a masterclass in just like being the hype person for people who wanna try new things and try leadership, right? Or try a new path that they hadn't thought about yet. [00:31:24] Lindsey Dinneen: Like, I think to your point too, the more that you're willing to do that and kind of step a little bit outside of your comfort zone and have that potential for quote unquote "failure." But, you know, first of all, the more you do that, the more resilient you get, which means it's easier and easier and easier to take those first steps, right, into something new. [00:31:43] Allison Komiyama: Yes. [00:31:44] Lindsey Dinneen: But I also think-- I, I often think about it in terms of if you can frame those kinds of moments as "I am exploring, this is an exploration" and not like pass-fail, if you're exploring, there's, there's no chance of failure, right? You can, you can explore something and go, "Ugh, not for me," or you can go, "Oh, I actually love this, but it's hard and I'm gonna have to keep working at it." But I think if you can like kind of maybe take it in a slightly different mental direction, that also helps, you know? [00:32:13] Allison Komiyama: Ooh, I like that. Yeah. Like reframing. This is not, this is not something that's gonna, you know, end in failure, 'cause I agree with you. You know, I've called it failure in the past where it's like, "I'm gonna try things. If this fails, then I'll go do something else," right, which then it's not really a failure. You learned something. But it is being able to change directions. It is the ability to say, "Okay, I figured out that I something from that, and then what am I, what am I gonna do with that information?" So I love that. [00:32:48] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, that'll be a masterclass. I can't wait. okay. And how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:32:55] Allison Komiyama: Oof. I hope I... It's, oof. I, I, I hope to be remembered. Yeah. What does my dash look like? Isn't that what they say? Like, what is the dash between the, the birth year and your the year of your death? I definitely wanna be remembered for, like, what my kids are doing, 'cause I'm pretty proud of, like, how badass both of those girls are. But back to your question. I would like to be remembered as somebody who helped innovators and people who were building in the medtech space to grow their brand, to get their message out there, and to really bring awareness to the benefits of medtech. I think it's so easy, as I said earlier, it's very easy for us to get caught up in the bad and the negative, and here are the risks, and we really are so nervous about the risks of things, as we should be. We should be a res- risk-averse population. Like, they-- I don't wanna be walking towards something that's gonna cause me harm. And at the same time, there's a lot of benefit to what we're doing, and I think if we can I guess what we were just talking about, reframe a little bit and say, "Yes, there's risk. There's inevitable things that are gonna happen, but here's the potential benefit," and how do we h- in a human way, weigh those things so that we can get other people to also see that this is something that could benefit them. So it's sharing that message. I wanna know, be, you know, considered somebody who also didn't take herself too seriously, made people laugh. You know, maybe they showed their, their kid a, a video of me doing something silly, but also maybe there's some kid out there that's like, "Oh, she was talking about regulatory affairs. What's that? Maybe I should look into that as a career option." So, yeah, I hope some of it is inspiring to others. [00:34:48] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. That's, that's great. And then final question: What's one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:34:59] Allison Komiyama: I wanna say my kids, but really it's probably hummingbirds. I have never lost the total fascination with hummingbirds. They are so interesting. They're so beautiful. There's a lot of them here in San Diego where I live, and I kid you not, last year, a mother hummingbird built her nest right outside of our front door. And so we'd have-- we told our guests, like, "Come through the, the side gate 'cause do not walk close to, to our sweet hummingbird." And she laid two eggs, and I was able to watch these two little hummingbirds grow and fledge. And I... It was just one of-- again, it makes me smile every time I think about it. Every time I see a hummingbird, I'm like, "That might be our girl that, that had, that had her nest right here." So yeah, I think that whimsy, the, the, the fun and just how gorgeous they are. They always bring... sparks me joy, for sure. [00:35:58] Lindsey Dinneen: Absolutely. Me too. I adore hummingbirds. One of my favorites. Yeah, love that. Oh my goodness. Well, this has been an amazing conversation. Allison, thank you so much for taking time today to speak with me, and we are so honored to be making a donation on your behalf today to Feeding America, which works to end hunger in the United States by partnering with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger, and also they advocate for policies that create long term solutions to hunger. So thank you so much for choosing that charity to support. Oh my gosh, and just thank you so much for everything you're doing to change lives for a better world. We're grateful for you. [00:36:42] Allison Komiyama: Thank you. It's so nice to be here. Thank you so much for having me on. [00:36:45] Lindsey Dinneen: Absolutely. Until next time. [00:36:49] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

Dave Norris, Father, Former Charlottesville Mayor, Community Advocate, Nonprofit Leader & Housing Champion, joined Marc Hunt live on A Life, Unedited! A Life, Unedited airs live Wednesday from 10:15 pm – 11:00 am on The I Love CVille Network. “A Life, Unedited” is presented by Martha Jefferson House.

7 Alkaline is a 23-year-old community advocate from the Greenville section of Jersey City dedicated to creating real change through grassroots activism, public engagement, and community outreach. Born and raised in Jersey City, 7 Alkaline has built a growing platform focused on speaking up for residents, connecting communities with resources, and encouraging meaningful conversations around the issues affecting local neighborhoods.A graduate of Hudson Catholic High School who also studied Political Science at New Jersey City University, he uses his voice and social media presence to bridge the gap between community members and local leadership. Through direct engagement with politicians, organizers, and residents, he advocates for solutions that uplift the people of Jersey City—especially within Greenville and surrounding communities.Known for hosting community-driven events and initiatives, 7 Alkaline focuses on providing practical support and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. His work includes organizing food drives that distributed groceries, wellness products, canned goods, and everyday essentials to local residents in need. He is also currently organizing a Sexual Assault Awareness Event aimed at supporting survivors, promoting healing, encouraging prevention conversations, and connecting individuals with critical resources.With an audience of over 7,600 followers on Instagram, 7 Alkaline uses his platform to inform, empower, and mobilize the community through content centered on awareness, advocacy, and local impact. Beyond his activism, he has an athletic background in football, track, and baseball, and enjoys content creation, gaming, and community engagement.Representing the voice of the youth and the realities of everyday residents, 7 Alkaline stands for grassroots advocacy, accountability, and building stronger communities through action, connection, and change.Tagline: “Speak up, build solutions, and deliver change.”Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/7_Alkalineinstagram: / 7alkaline__ Twitter: / 7alkaline_ Music: https://song.link/tjz3rbnxk7nk7https://createcards.io/card/sexual-assault-awareness-event?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcASAYd1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAadNY8cqK2Nj0Jvvt9uZ41rR3Y62E25ff8UsQFtt3TinIdEH4TD4YoNA_EreKA_aem_NXyDCX-KEZCUCTknv4fgfg

What happens when the way you grow up teaches you to see the world through empathy, inclusion, and connection? In this heartfelt conversation, I talk with Maria Gallucci about being raised by deaf parents, growing up as a CODA, and how those experiences shaped her life, business, and advocacy work. Maria shares powerful lessons about communication, bullying, accessibility, ASL, LGBTQ inclusion, and why small acts of kindness can change someone's life. You'll also hear how her book Raised in Silence became an Amazon bestseller and why she believes connection matters more than labels. Highlights: · 00:54 - Learn how growing up with deaf parents shaped Maria's view of empathy and inclusion. · 04:00 - Hear how bullying inspired Maria to advocate for acceptance and accessibility. · 15:15 - Discover how helping her parents with real estate closings shaped her career path. · 20:06 - Learn what finally pushed Maria to publish Raised in Silence after 15 years. · 35:06 - Hear why being fully present can make people feel seen and valued. · 46:55 - Discover why human connection still matters more than technology. About the Guest: Maria Gallucci – Award-Winning Colorado REALTOR®, Advocate & Author Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning Colorado real estate broker, author, and lifelong advocate for inclusive communication and accessible housing. With over 30 years of experience, Maria specializes in working with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as builders, investors, and families across Denver, Colorado Springs, Northern and Southern Colorado, the Western Slope and Nationwide. She is the founder of Uptown Realty Group and Gallucci Homes, and is consistently ranked among the top 1.5% of REALTORS® nationwide. Maria is also a top-producing agent at Compass Real Estate. A Personal Mission Rooted in Inclusion As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Maria learned American Sign Language (ASL) before English. At just 12 years old, she helped her parents purchase their first home, serving as an unofficial interpreter. This pivotal experience shaped her mission: to ensure that clients from underrepresented communities are seen, heard, and respected—especially in the home buying and selling process. Maria founded: ASL @ Compass , an affinity group for ASL-fluent agents ASL Realty , a national platform connecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients with ASL-communicating REALTORS® Her motto, "Just Try," encourages everyone to make meaningful connections, even across communication differences. Expertise Across All Colorado Real Estate Markets Maria's depth of knowledge spans: Residential real estate across Denver Metro, Colorado Springs, Northern/Southern Colorado and Nationwide New construction, Single Family homes, Land, Condos, townhomes, and duplex developments Real estate investment opportunities Builder marketing and sales strategy Her clients trust her ability to negotiate, design winning strategies, and execute seamless transactions that are profitable and low-stress. A Community Advocate and Author Outside of real estate, Maria serves on the boards of: Rocky Mountain Deaf School DOVE (Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment) Colorado Association of the Deaf (CAD) She is also the author of Raised in Silence, a memoir and guide to bridging communication gaps — a love letter to the Deaf community that raised her. Awards & Recognition Top 1% of Colorado REALTORS® Top 1.5% REALTORS® Nationally 5280 Magazine Double Black Diamond Award Real Trends / Top 100 Agents in America Tom Ferry / Best Real Estate Agent in America Outstanding Women in Business Five Star Real Estate Agent 5280 Five Star Professional Award Denver Metro REALTOR® Association Diamond Excellence Award South Metro REALTOR® Association 5-Carat Diamond Circle Club Award Whether you're looking to buy, sell, invest, or build in Colorado, Maria Gallucci is the inclusive, experienced, and results-driven REALTOR® to guide you every step of the way. Ways to connect with Maria: maria@galluccihomes.com https://www.youtube.com/@galluccihomes https://www.facebook.com/TopASLRealtor https://www.instagram.com/galluccihomes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gallucci-18725b9/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:

In this episode of Community Connection, Tina Cosby and Contributing Analyst James Patterson discuss the Pendleton Two case with special guest Jauston "Jok" Huerta, a member of the Pendleton Two Defense Committee, Community Advocate w/New Afrikan Independence Movement. They delve into the story of John Cole and Christopher Trotter, two men who stood up against Ku Klux Klan members in 1985 and were sentenced to over 200 years in prison. The conversation touches on the injustices they faced, the lack of support from the community, and the ongoing efforts to secure their release. The episode also features music from Foxy Cayenne, who is on Jauston Huerta's album "Healium" which is inspired by the Pendleton Two story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest:Carrie Napiorkowski is a Dripping Springs local who doesn't just live in the Hill Country, she fights for it. She's a licensed aesthetic educator with a long track record in the skincare world, but around here, she's just as well known for speaking up when it matters. Carrie has been a vocal advocate on issues impacting the community—from development concerns to protecting displaced citizens and preserving the character of Dripping Springs. She's not afraid to challenge the status quo, ask tough questions, and push for accountability when growth starts to outpace common sense. She's the kind of person who shows up when things get complicated—and stays in the fight long after most people head home. Thoughtful, direct, and deeply invested in the future of the Hill Country, Carrie brings a perspective that's equal parts passion and practicality. We find common ground on the kind of issues most people just shout past each other about. This episode is a real example of how neighbors with different perspectives can come together and actually move the needle where it matters.Monologue:Library On Wheels Is RollingElectric Scooters Wreak HavocProto-Town and Start Up CowboysTicket Masters Called OutCar Buying PitfallsMother's Day Coming UpSaying what needs to be said and broadcasting straight outta Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis serve up unfiltered, unforgettable conversations with the most interesting folks you've never heard of-yet. From wild small-town stories and Hill Country gossip to sharp takes on real life, they mix humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Texas grit. It's like pulling up a chair at your favorite local bar, where the banter is real, the guests are bold, and nobody's afraid to speak their mind. You'll laugh, you'll think, and you just might see your own story in theirs. New episodes every week...because ordinary people make the best damn stories.Send us Fan MailSupport the showThe Best Realtor in Dripping Springs? The #1 choice is the Mallett Integrity Team, led by Steve Mallett. Local experts and results-driven service-Cedric Mills, Carlisle Kennedy, Maury Boyd, and Michelle Lewis.SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. Your neighborhood Bank. Stop by a branch today! The Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in the TX Hill Country just outside Austin, TX, welcomes over 75K visitors annually and sits within the former bottling plant. Family Friendly Fun in the Hill Country. Black Slate Construction /Black Slate Roofing-Locally owned and operated in Austin, TX! Over a decade of experience-their skilled team delivers high-quality construction/roofing and exceptional service.Follow us, leave a review and TELL A FRIEND!AppleInstagramWebsite

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Aleta has seen plenty of the world and sits in a unique position to comment on social issues

Community advocate Deaunte Damper has been named a grand marshal for the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, an honor recognizing his impactful work at the intersection of Black identity, public health, and LGBTQ advocacy. This development aligns with Seattle Pride 2026's theme, "Rally," which underscores unity, visibility, and collective action in response to increasing challenges faced by LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Tatiana is a mining engineer by training, a creative by instinct, and a question-asker by nature. She immigrated to Canada from South America as a teenager, carrying with her a spirit of curiosity, deep resilience, and a desire to understand not only herself but, by extension, the people around her.Along the way, she learned to bridge the worlds of logic and intuition, reconciling a highly analytical mind with spirituality, culture, and creative expression. What began in engineering soon expanded into something far greater: a journey into artistic, entrepreneurial, and community-centred spaces where ideas collide and new narratives are born.Her work flows from a deeper calling rooted in Spiritual Collective Healing, with a focus on community building, questioning inherited beliefs, and honouring the inherent worth of every human being.With a quirky, thoughtful, and unapologetically honest voice, Tatiana uses her own privilege to challenge societal expectations, explore shared ancestry, and celebrate African, Caribbean, and Indigenous cultures. Through her presence and practice, she invites others to think deeper, listen closer, and make space for unity, curiosity, and collective growth.Check her out @lead.tierra

Quad Cities advocate Royce Wright gets real about youth mental health, the homelessness crisis, and what it means to show up consistently for kids and communities that the system keeps overlooking.SHOW NOTES:Some of the most important public health work doesn't happen in clinics or conference rooms. It happens on street corners, in shelters, and in honest conversations with kids who just need somebody to show up.This week on The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with his cousin Royce Wright — a community advocate based in the Quad Cities who has built a reputation for doing exactly that. Royce works with at-risk youth navigating mental health challenges, behavioral issues, and identity crises, while simultaneously raising his voice about the growing homelessness crisis in his community. His approach is rooted in lived experience, patience, and an unshakeable belief that trust is the foundation of everything.In this conversation, Royce shares what it's really like to work with kids who are struggling, why the family unit matters just as much as the child, and how a chance encounter while filming a TikTok video led to a viral moment — and a GoFundMe — aimed at opening emergency overflow shelters and youth spaces across the Quad Cities.What We Cover:Youth Mental Health & AdvocacyWhy are so many at-risk kids caught in an identity crisis and performing toughness they don't actually feelHow adverse childhood trauma shapes behavior — and why patience is the most underrated tool in youth workWhat it means to be authentic with young people who can read you in secondsThe importance of modeling behavior, not just preaching itHow to advocate for youth mental health even if you're not on the frontlineHomelessness in the Quad CitiesHow policy changes around shelter placement have pushed the unhoused out of safe spacesWhy people become homeless faster than most of us realize — and why warm weather doesn't solve the problemThe viral TikTok moment where Royce connected with a young man who had just become homeless and didn't even know a local shelter was openWhy abandoned buildings in the Quad Cities are at the center of this conversationRoyce's Mission & How You Can HelpHow Royce went from passing out coats from his storage unit to becoming a community voiceThe GoFundMe campaign: Creating Safe Spaces for the Unhoused and At-Risk YouthA $100,000 goal to fund emergency overflow shelters and additional youth spaces in the Quad CitiesResources & Links:

Sue has been very upbeat about the positive aspects of AI in our world, but concerned about a lack of regulation. Now more concerns about its use in the military has arisen

Friday, February 13, 2026 UnPacking LIVE WURD 96.1 FM & 900 AM Guests: Dr. Jazmin Evans Scholar and Health Advocate @imnotjaze D'Angelo Virgo Education and Community Advocate @dangelovirgo 02:04 Philly School Closures: What happens to Black children and Black communities? 05:47 Closing schools is not the solution- investing in sustainable spaces that enrich our youth is! 09:57 How school closures impact health outcomes, safety, transportation and more 13:44 What are some solutions that the community can impact? 21:22 Bad Bunny Most Watched Halftime performance 29:34 Turning Point USA takes a big loss 31:18 African American Heritage Flag is gaining popularity 32:58 Surya Bonaly is owed an apology!

The stench emitting from a faulty wastewater treatment plant in Christchurch has gotten worse in recent weeks. The smell, nicknamed, 'The Big Stink,' has been affecting Bromley for nearly 4 years, resulting in locals having to check wind direction before socialising outside or hanging washing. Community Advocate Stephen McPaike told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, 'It's just as bad as what happened when the fire happened, if not a little bit worse.' The council says it's going to be another week before they can get it back under control. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arrington welcomes Hailey Dollar; she is the Libertarian Candidate for Virginia's 3rd Congressional District. A Combat War Veteran, human traffic survivor, and Community Advocate. There has never been a Libertarian to win an election in Virginia.

Doc & Jacques talk with Gilda “Gigi” Hodges, who shares her remarkable journey, beginning with quirky details surrounding her birth, her early days as a magician's assistant, her involvement with the Best Friends Animal Society, and more. She also addresses her personal challenges. Hosts: GiGi “Doc” Reed MD, Jacques Kepner; Producers: GiGi “Doc” Reed MD, Jacques Kepner Beginning and end music from freepd.com, in the public domain. House of the Rising Sun, performed by Kenny Lee, is a traditional American folk song. The harmonic piece was composed and performed by Kenny Lee. The opinions expressed here are those of the individual participants. Curry Coast Community Radio takes no position on issues discussed in this program. If you enjoy this program and want to hear more like it, consider supporting Curry Coast Community Radio. Here’s How.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Josh Smith shares his journey from a trusted news anchor to an adjunct instructor and entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of journalism, the challenges of rural healthcare, and the importance of gratitude and community service. The dialogue also touches on the future of media consumption, the role of education, and personal reflections on family and faith.TakeawaysJosh Smith has transitioned from journalism to teaching and consulting.The erosion of trust in media has been exacerbated by recent events.Gratitude is a powerful tool for maintaining positivity.The future of media consumption is shifting towards digital platforms.Teaching young minds offers fresh perspectives on communication.Healthcare in rural America faces significant challenges.Starting a new business can be a fulfilling venture.Public service is essential for community development.Family plays a crucial role in personal happiness and fulfillment.Maintaining a positive mindset is a choice that can lead to a better life.Buy your next home, or list your current home with us!https://www.thecolinandcarlygroup.com/Be a guest on the Johnson City Living Podcast: https://www.johnsoncityliving.com/guests?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf_qLsH2l73s8fTV40Oebx8kSAGlIFS_y50ij7CRneeNX3I6NzzfQMUKP-7hw_aem_xHCpTZ5r_cOfc22X1DNvmw

Ce qui fait vivre — ou mourir — une communauté Dans cet épisode de Yes We Care, Faustine Duriez reçoitGuillaume Grillat, Principal Tech Community Advocate chez Le Boncoin. Ancien recruteur passé par Deezer puis Adevinta, Guillaume a fait un choix singulier : quitter la logique de la “guerre des talents” pour s'intéresser à une question bien plus décisive sur le long terme : qu'est-ce qui fait que les gens restent, s'engagent et grandissent ensemble dans une organisation ? Depuis plusieurs années, il conçoit, fait grandir et rend durables des communautés internes (produit, data, engineering, UX) mais aussi des communautés affinitaires (Pride, Women in Tech, santé mentale…). Avec une conviction simple et exigeante : l'engagement ne se décrète pas, il se cultive. Dans cet échange dense et très concret, Guillaume partage une vision rare du leadership et de la transformation, fondée sur le don et le contre-don, l'apprentissage entre pairs, la confiance — et beaucoup d'humilité. Avec Guillaume, nous parlons notamment :

The Irish Stew podcasters venture across Westmeath one last time, to the county's eastern reaches to explore the picturesque village of Tyrrellspass, where they once again find a story of community commitment…and a bog.The community leader giving cohosts John Lee and Martin Nutty the grand tour of his charming town is Eugene Dunbar, a retired teacher who never retired from educating anyone who'd listen about the treasures unique to Tyrrellspass.After meeting Eugene at the town's centerpiece castle tower, the trio followed the signs to the Cloncrow Bog & Village Trail.“I came here in 1972 as a geography teacher, and I was absolutely intrigued with the whole system of the bogs and having one so close to us here in Tyrrellspass,” he says. “It's what they term an intact raised bog, with the same vegetation that would have been on it 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,000 years ago. So, you're looking at a unique landscape that hasn't changed in millennia.”Eugene tells of how people moved from viewing bogs purely as fuel sources to recognizing them as vital carbon sinks and ecological wonders, driven locally by the volunteer effort known as ETHOS--Everything Tyrrellspass Has On Show. Refusing to be bogged down by  bureaucratic challenges, Dunbar and the other ETHOS volunteers created the interpretive raised boardwalk through the local raised bog, which morphs into a trail through the highlights the village itself, culminating in its picture-perfect town green with its evocative 1970 Imogen Stuart sculpture of three school children representing the future of the new Ireland.After a restorative pint (or maybe it was two) in the snug, welcoming Willie's Bar, Eugene took the podcasters back to his inviting home, decorated with the paintings of his wife Josephine who served the trio tea and scones while the podcast recording began in earnest.Add signature Irish hospitality to Everything Tyrrellspass Has On Show!It's off to Longford next week when Irish Stew adds a mysterious Iron Age road to its Off the Beaten Track Road Trip itinerary as they explore the Corlea Trackway, discovered in 1984 by workers digging peat in the local bog--yes, again with the bog!LinksCloncrow Bog & Village Trail WebsiteETHOS WebsiteFacebookYouTubeIrish Stew LinksWebsiteInstagramLinkedInMedia Partner: IrishCentralEpisode Details: Season 8, Episode 1; Total Episode Count: 143

Send us a textWhat would you do if your body gave up before your spirit did? In this powerful episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, host Jennifer Loehding sits down with Ari Medrano, a medical miracle, motivational speaker, and community advocate, to share her unbelievable journey from wheelchair to the dance floor in just 21 days.Ari opens up about her fight through heart disease, brain tumor surgery, and a car accident that nearly took her life, and how faith, focus, action, and commitment became the four pillars that rebuilt it. This isn't just a recovery story; it's a blueprint for anyone ready to overcome adversity, rebuild their life, and rediscover purpose.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Ari turned her medical miracle into a mission of community empowerment✅ The 4-step system (Faith, Focus, Action, Commitment) that can help you overcome any challenge✅ How to turn pain into purpose and trauma into transformation✅ Why emotional healing and inner child work are crucial for real growth✅ Lessons on setting boundaries, practicing empathy, and building resilience✅ How to find strength, hope, and motivation when life falls apartWhether you're struggling through your own season of hardship or simply need inspiration to move forward, this conversation will help you see that miracles happen when faith meets focused action. This episode is more than inspiration; it's a guide to real transformation. If you've ever searched for how to overcome adversity, how to rebuild your life, or how to turn pain into purpose, this story will give you the framework, mindset, and motivation you need to start again. Perfect for anyone seeking resilience, healing, and faith-based motivation or those looking for a real-life comeback story that proves nothing is impossible.Connect with Ari Medrano:

Marcel Clarke is a serial entrepreneur with a unique journey to success. An honor student of the streets, he transformed his life. Now, he is a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer, with investments in the stock market and cryptocurrency. Marcel is also a community advocate, speaker, and mentor, dedicated to sharing industry knowledge and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Marcel discusses his journey with Max, and it's a great hang!   For More From Marcel: Marcelclarke.co | Marcel's Book: Hiding In Plain View For More From Sober Coach/Substance Abuse Counselor Max Njist, visit MaxNijst.org

Noell talks about the activity on advocacy.broadcom.com and why people should be still talking about VMware Tech, it's cool, challenging and rewarding.

Danielle (00:20):Welcome to the Arise podcast, conversations about reality and talking a lot about what that means in the context of church, faith, race, justice, religion, all the things. Today, I'm so honored to have Sarah Van Gelder, a community leader, an example of working and continuing to work on building solidarity and networks and communication skills and settling into her lane. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Hey, Sarah, it's so good to be with you. And these are just casual conversations, and I do actual minimal editing, but they do get a pretty good reach, so that's exciting. I would love to hear you introduce yourself. How do you introduce yourself these days? Tell me a little bit about who you are. Okay.Sarah (01:14):My name is Sarah Van Gelder and I live in Bremer and Washington. I just retired after working for the Suquamish Tribe for six years, so I'm still in the process of figuring out what it means to be retired, doing a lot of writing, a certain amount of activism, and of course, just trying to figure out day to day, how to deal with the latest, outrageous coming from the administration. But that's the most recent thing. I think what I'm most known for is the founding yes magazine and being the editor for many years. So I still think a lot about how do we understand that we're in an era that's essentially collapsing and something new may be emerging to take its place? How do we understand what this moment is and really give energy to the emergence of something new? So those are sort of the foundational questions that I think about.Danielle (02:20):Okay. Those are big questions. I hadn't actually imagined that something new is going to emerge, but I do agree there is something that's collapsing, that's disintegrating. As you know, I reached out about how are we thinking about what is reality and what is not? And you can kind of see throughout the political spectrum or community, depending on who you're with and at what time people are viewing the world through a specific lens. And of course, we always are. We have our own lens, and some people allow other inputs into that lens. Some people are very specific, what they allow, what they don't allow. And so what do we call as reality when it comes to reality and politics or reality and faith or gender, sexuality? It's feeling more and more separate. And so that's kind of why I reached out to you. I know you're a thinker. I know you're a writer, and so I was wondering, as you think about those topics, what do you think even just about what I've said or where does your mind go?Sarah (03:32):Yeah. Well, at first when you said that was the topic, I was a little intimidated by it because it sounded a little abstract. But then I started thinking about how it is so hard right now to know what's real, partly because there's this very conscious effort to distort reality and get people to accept lies. And I think actually part of totalitarian work is to get people to just in the Orwellian book 1984, the character had to agree that two plus two equals five. And only when he had fully embraced that idea could he be considered really part of society.(04:14):So there's this effort to get us to accept things that we actually know aren't true. And there's a deep betrayal that takes place when we do that, when we essentially gaslight ourselves to say something is true when we know it's not. And I think for a lot of people who have, I think that's one of the reasons the Republican party is in such trouble right now, is because so many people who in previous years might've had some integrity with their own belief system, have had to toss that aside to adopt the lies of the Trump administration, for example, that the 2020 election was stolen. And if they don't accept those lies, they get rejected from the party. And once you accept those lies, then from then on you have betrayed yourself. And in many ways, you've betrayed the people who trust you. So it's a really tough dilemma sort of at that political level, even for people who have not bought into the MAGA mindset, or I do think of it as many people have described as a cult.(05:31):Now, even for people who have not bought into that, I think it's just really hard to be in a world where so many fundamental aspects of reality are not shared with people in your own family, in your own workplace, in your own community. I think it's incredibly challenging and we don't really know, and I certainly don't know how to have conversations. In fact, this is a question I wanted to ask you to have conversations across that line of reality because there's so much places where feelings get hurt, but there's also hard to reference back to any shared understanding in order to start with some kind of common ground. It feels like the ground is just completely unreliable. But I'd love to hear your thoughts about how you think about that.Danielle (06:33):It's interesting. I have some family members that are on the far, far, including my parent, well, not my parents exactly, but my father, and I've known this for a while. So prior to what happened in a couple weeks ago with the murder of an activist, I had spent a lot of time actually listening to that activist and trying to understand what he stood for, what he said, why my family was so interested in it. I spent time reading. And then I also was listening to, I don't know if you're familiar with the Midas Touch podcast? Yeah. So I listened to the Midas Brothers, and they're exact opposites. They're like, one is saying, you idiot, and the other one is like, oh, you're an idiot. And so when I could do it, when I had space to do it, it was actually kind of funny to me.(07:34):Sometimes I'm like, oh, that's what they think of someone that thinks like me. And that's when that guy says, calls them an idiot. I feel some resonance with that. So I did that a lot. However, practically speaking, just recently in the last couple months, someone reached out to me from across the political ideology line and said, Hey, wouldn't it be fun if we got together and talked? We think really differently. We've known each other for 20 years. Could you do that? So I said, I thought about it and I was like, yeah, I say this, I should act on it. I should follow through. So I said, okay, yeah, let's meet. We set up a time. And when you get that feeling like that person's not going to show up, but you're also feeling like, I don't know if I want them to show up.(08:24):Am I really going to show up? But it's kind of like a game of chicken. Well, I hung in there longer, maybe not because I wanted to show up, but just because I got distracted by my four kids and whatnot, and it was summer, and the other person did say, oh, I sprained my ankle. I can't have a conversation with you. I was like, oh, okay. And they were like, well, let me reschedule. So I waited. I didn't hear back from them, and then they hopped onto one of my Facebook pages and said some stuff, and I responded and I said, Hey, wait a minute. I thought we were going to have a conversation in person. And it was crickets, it was silence, it was nothing. And then I was tagged in some other comments of people that I would consider even more extreme. And just like, this is an example of intolerance.(09:13):And I was like, whoa, how did I get here? How did I get here? And like I said, I'm not innocent. I associate some of the name calling and I have those explicit feelings. And I was struck by that. And then in my own personal family, we started a group chat and it did not go well. As soon as we jumped into talking about immigration and ice enforcement and stuff after there were two sides stated, and then the side that was on the far right side said, well, there's no point in talking anymore. We're not going to convince each other. And my brother and I were like, wait a minute, can we keep talking? We're not going to convince each other, but how can we just stop talking? And it's just been crickets. It's been silence. There's been nothing. So I think as you ask me that, I just feel like deep pain, how can we not have the things I think, or my perception of what the other side believes is extremely harmful to me and my family. But what feels even more harmful is the fact that we can't even talk about it. There's no tolerance to hear how hurtful that is to us or the real impact on our day-to-day life. And I think this, it's not just the ideology, but it's the inability to even just have some empathy there. And then again, if you heard a guy like Charlie Kirk, he didn't believe in empathy. So I have to remember, okay, maybe they don't even believe in empathy. Okay, so I don't have an answer. What about you?Sarah (11:03):No, I don't either. Except to say that I think efforts that are based on trying to convince someone of a rational argument don't work because this is not about analysis or about rationality, it's about identity, and it's about deep feelings of fear and questions of worthiness. And I think part of this moment we're in with the empire collapsing, the empire that has shorn up so much of our way of life, even people who've been at the margins of it, obviously not as much, but particularly people who are middle class or aspiring to be middle class or upper, that has been where we get our sense of security, where we get our sense of meaning. For a lot of white people, it's their sense of entitlement that they get to have. They're entitled to certain kinds of privileges and ways of life. So if that's collapsing and I believe it is, then that's a very scary time and it's not well understood. So then somebody comes along who's a strong man like Trump and says, not only can I explain it to you, but I can keep you safe. I can be your vengeance against all the insults that you've had to live with. And it's hard to give that up because of somebody coming at you with a rational discussion.(12:36):I think the only way to give that up is to have something better or more secure or more true to lean into. Now that's really hard to do because part of the safety on the right is by totally rejecting the other. And so my sense is, and I don't know if this can possibly work, but my sense is that the only thing that might work is creating nonpolitical spaces where people can just get to know each other as human beings and start feeling that yes, that person is there for me when things are hard and that community is there for me, and they also see me and appreciate who I am. And based on that kind of foundation, I think there's some hope. And so when I think about the kind of organizing to be doing right now, a lot of it really is about just saying, we really all care about our kids and how do we make sure they have good schools and we all need some good healthcare, and let's make sure that that's available to everybody. And just as much as possible keeps it within that other realm. And even maybe not even about issues, maybe it's just about having a potluck and enjoying food together.Danielle (14:10):What structures or how do you know then that you're in reality? And do you have an experience of actually being in a mixed group like that with people that think wildly different than you? And how did that experience inform you? And maybe it's recently, maybe it's in the past. Yeah,Sarah (14:32):So in some respects, I feel like I've lived that way all my life,(14:44):Partly because I spent enough time outside the United States that when I came home as a child, our family lived in India for a year. And so when I came home, I just had this sense that my life, my life and my perceptions of the world were really different than almost everybody else around me, but the exception of other people who'd also spent a lot of time outside the us. And somehow we understood each other pretty well. But most of my life, I felt like I was seeing things differently. And I don't feel like I've ever really particularly gained a lot of skill in crossing that I've tended to just for a lot of what I'm thinking about. I just don't really talk about it except with a few people who are really interested. I don't actually know a lot about how to bridge that gap, except again, to tell stories, to use language that is non-academic, to use language that is part of ordinary people's lives.(16:01):So yes, magazine, that was one of the things that I focused a lot on is we might do some pretty deep analysis, and some of it might include really drawing on some of the best academic work that we could find. But when it came to what we were going to actually produce in the magazine, we really focused in on how do we make this language such that anybody who picks this up who at least feels comfortable reading? And that is a barrier for some people, but anybody who feels comfortable reading can say, yeah, this is written with me in mind. This is not for another group of people. This is written for me. And then part of that strategy was to say, okay, if you can feel that way about it, can you also then feel comfortable sharing it with other people where you feel like they're going to feel invited in and they won't feel like, okay, I'm not your audience.(16:57):I'm not somebody you're trying to speak to. So that's pretty much, I mean, just that whole notion of language and telling stories and using the age old communication as human beings, we evolved to learn by stories. And you can tell now just because you try to tell a kid some lesson and their eyes will roll, but if you tell them a story, they will listen. They won't necessarily agree, but they will listen and it will at least be something they'll think about. So stories is just so essential. And I think that authentic storytelling from our own experience that feels like, okay, I'm not just trying to tell you how you should believe, but I'm trying to say something about my own experience and what's happened to me and where my strength comes from and where my weaknesses and my challenges come from as well.Yeah, you mentioned that, and I was thinking about good stories. And so one of the stories I like to tell is that I moved to Suquamish, which is as an Indian reservation, without knowing really anything about the people I was going to be neighbors with. And there's many stories I could tell you about that. But one of them was that I heard that they were working to restore the ability to dig clams and dies inlet, which is right where silver Dial is located. And I remember thinking that place is a mess. You're never going to be able to have clean enough water because clams require really clean water. They're down filtering all the crap that comes into the water, into their bodies. And so you don't want to eat clams unless the water's very clean. But I remember just having this thought from my perspective, which is find a different place to dig clamps because that place is a mess.(19:11):And then years later, I found out it was now clean enough that they were digging clamps. And I realized that for them, spending years and years, getting the water cleaned up was the obvious thing to do because they think in terms of multiple generations, and they don't give up on parts of their water or their land. So it took years to do it, but they stayed with it. And so that was really a lesson for me in that kind of sense of reality, because my sense of reality is, no, you move on. You do what the pioneers did. One place gets the dust bowl and you move to a different place to farm. And learning to see from the perspective of not only other individuals, but other cultures that have that long millennia of experience in place and how that shifts things. It's almost like to me, it's like if you're looking at the world through one cultural lens, it's like being a one eyed person. You certainly see things, but when you open up your other eye and you can start seeing things in three dimensions, it becomes so much more alive and so much more rich with information and with possibilities.Danielle (20:35):Well, when you think about, and there's a lot probably, how do you apply that to today or even our political landscape? We're finding reality today.Sarah (20:48):Well, I think that the MAGA cult is very, very one eyed. And again, because that sense of safety and identity is so tied up in maintaining that they're not necessarily going to voluntarily open a second eye. But if they do, it would probably be because of stories. There's a story, and I think things like the Jimmy Kimmel thing is an example of that.(21:21):There's a story of someone who said what he believed and was almost completely shut down. And the reason that didn't happen is because people rose up and said, no, that's unacceptable. So I think there's a fundamental belief that's widespread enough that we don't shut down people for speech unless it's so violent that it's really dangerous. We don't shut people down for that. So I think when there's that kind of dissonance, I think there's sometimes an opening, and then it's really important to use that opening, not as a time to celebrate that other people were wrong and we were right, but to celebrate these values that free speech is really important and we're going to stand up for it, and that's who we are. So we get back to that identity. You can feel proud that you were part of this movement that helped make sure that free speech is maintained in the United States. Oh, that'sDanielle (22:26):Very powerful. Yeah, because one side of my family is German, and they're the German Mennonites. They settled around the Black Sea region, and then the other side is Mexican. But these settlers were invited by Catherine the Great, and she was like, Hey, come over here. And Mennonites had a history of non-violence pacifist movement. They didn't want to be conscripted into the German army. And so this was also attractive for them because they were skilled farmers and they had a place to go and Russia and farm. And so that's why they left Germany, to go to Russia to want to seek freedom of their religion and use their farming skills till the soil as well as not be conscripted into violent political movements. That's the ancestry of the side of my family that is now far.(23:29):And I find, and of course, they came here and when they were eventually kicked out, and part of that them being kicked out was then them moving to the Dakotas and then kicking out the native tribes men that were there on offer from the US government. So you see the perpetuation of harm, and I guess I just wonder what all of that cost my ancestors, what it cost them to enact harm that they had received themselves. And then there was a shift. Some of them went to World War II as conscientious objectors, a couple went as fighters.(24:18):So then you start seeing that shift. I'm no longer, I'm not like a pacifist. You start seeing the shift and then we're to today, I don't know if those black sea farmers that moved to Russia would be looking down and being good job. Those weren't the values it seems like they were pursuing. So I even, I've been thinking a lot about that and just what does that reality mean here? What separations, what splitting has my family had to do to, they changed from these deeply. To move an entire country means you're very committed to your values, uproot your life, even if you're farming and you're going to be good at it somewhere else, it's a big deal.Sarah (25:10):Oh, yeah. So it also could be based on fear, right? Because I think so many of the people who immigrated here were certainly my Jewish heritage. There is this long history of pilgrims and people would get killed. And so it wasn't necessarily that for a lot of people that they really had an option to live where they were. And of course, today's refugees, a lot of 'em are here for the same reason. But I think one of the things that happened in the United States is the assimilation into whiteness.(25:49):So as white people, it's obviously different for different communities, but if you came in here and you Irish people and Italians and so forth were despised at certain times and Jews and Quakers even. But over time, if you were white, you could and many did assimilate. And what did assimilate into whiteness? First of all, whiteness is not a culture, and it's kind of bereft of real meaning because the real cultures were the original Irish and Italian. But the other thing is that how you make whiteness a community, if you will, is by excluding other people, is by saying, well, we're different than these other folks. So I don't know if this applies to your ancestors or not, but it is possible that part of what their assimilation to the United States was is to say, okay, we are white people and we are entitled to this land in North Dakota because we're not native. And so now our identity is people who are secure on the land, who have title to it and can have a livelihood and can raise our children in security. That is all wrapped up in us not being native and in our government, keeping native people from reclaiming that land.(27:19):So that starts shifting over generations. Certainly, it can certainly shift the politics. And I think that plus obviously the sense of entitlement that so many people felt to and feel to their slave holding ancestors, that was a defensible thing to do. And saying it's not is a real challenge to somebody's identity.(27:51):So in that respect, that whole business that Trump is doing or trying to restore the Confederate statues, those were not from the time of slavery. Those were from after reconstruction. Those were part of the south claiming that it had the moral authority and the moral right to do these centuries long atrocities against enslaved people. And so to me, that's still part of the fundamental identity struggle we're in right now, is people saying, if I identify as white, yes, I get all this safety and all these privileges, but I also have this burden of this history and history that's continuing today, and how do I reconcile those two? And Trump says, you don't have to. You can just be proud of what you have perpetrated or what your ancestors perpetrated on other people.And I think there was some real too. I think there were people who honestly felt that they wanted to reconcile the, and people I think who are more willing to have complex thoughts about this country because there are things to be proud of, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the long history of protecting free speech and journalism and education for everyone and so forth. So there are definitely things to be proud of. And then there are things to recognize. We're incredibly violent and have had multiple generations of trauma resulting from it. And to live in this country in authenticity is to recognize that both are true and we're stuck with the history, but we're not stuck without being able to deal with that. We can do restitution and reparations and we can heal from that.Danielle (30:15):How do you stay connected even just to your own self in that dissonance that you just described?Sarah (30:30):Well, I think part of having compassion is to recognize that we're imperfect beings as individuals, but we're also imperfect as cultures. And so for me, I can live with, I mean, this is something I've lived with ever since I was in India, really. And I looked around and noticed that there were all these kids my own age who were impoverished and I was not. And that I knew I have enough to eat at the end of the day, and I knew that many of them would not have enough to eat. So it's always been a challenge for me. And so my response to that has been when I was a kid was, well, I don't understand how that happened. It's certainly not right. I don't understand how it could be, and I'm going to do my best to understand it, and then I'll do my part to try to change it. And I basically had the same view ever since then, which is there's only so much I can do, but I'll do everything I can, including examining my own complicity and working through issues that I might be carrying as somebody who grew up in a white supremacist culture, working on that internally, and then also working in community and working as an activist in a writer in any way I can think of that I can make a contribution.(31:56):But I really do believe that healing is possible. And so when I think about the people that are causing that I feel like are not dealing with the harm that they're creating, I still feel just somebody who goes to prison for doing a crime that's not the whole of who they are. And so they're going to have to ultimately make the choice about whether they're going to heal and reconcile and repair the damage they will have to make that choice. But for my part, I always want to keep that door open in my relationship with them and in my writing and in any other way, I want to keep the door open.Danielle (32:43):And I hear that, and I'm like, that's noble. And it's so hard to do to keep that door open. So what are some of the tools you use, even just on your own that help you keep that door open to conversation, even to feeling compassion for people maybe you don't agree with? What are some of the things, maybe their internal resources, external resources could be like, I don't know, somebody you read, go back to and read. Yeah. What helps you?Sarah (33:16):Well, the most important thing for me to keep my sanity is a combination of getting exercise and getting outside(33:27):And hanging out with my granddaughter and other people I love outside of political spaces because the political spaces get back into the stress. So yeah, I mean the exercise, I just feel like being grounded in our bodies is so important. And partly that the experience of fear and anxiety show up in our bodies, and we can also process them through being really active. So I'm kind of worried that if I get to the point where I'm too old to be able to really move, whether I'll be able to process as well. So there's that in terms of the natural world, this aliveness that I feel like transcends me and certainly humanity and just an aliveness that I just kind of open my senses to. And then it's sort, they call it forest bathing or don't have to be in a forest to do it, but just sort of allowing that aliveness to wash over me and to sort of celebrate it and to remember that we're all part of that aliveness. And then spending time with a 2-year-old is like, okay, anything that I may be hung up on, it becomes completely irrelevant to her experience.Danielle (35:12):I love that. Sarah, for you, even though I know you heard, you're still asking these questions yourself, what would you tell people to do if they're listening and they're like, and they're like, man, I don't know how to even start a conversation with someone that thinks different than me. I don't know how to even be in the same room them, and I'm not saying that your answers can apply to everybody. Mine certainly don't either, like you and me are just having a conversation. We're just talking it out. But what are some of the things you go to if you know you're going to be with people Yeah. That think differently than you, and how do you think about it?Sarah (35:54):Yeah, I mean, I don't feel particularly proud of this because I don't feel very capable of having a direct conversation with somebody who's, because I don't know how to get to a foundational level that we have in common, except sometimes we do. Sometimes it's like family, and sometimes it's like, what did you do for the weekend? And so it can feel like small talk, but it can also have an element of just recognizing that we're each in a body, in perhaps in a family living our lives struggling with how to live well. And so I usually don't try to get very far beyond that, honestly. And again, I'm not proud of that because I would love to have conversations that are enlightening for me and the other person. And my go-to is really much more basic than that.Maybe it is. And maybe it creates enough sense of safety that someday that other level of conversation can happen, even if it can't happen right away.Danielle (37:14):Well, Sarah, tell me if people are looking for your writing and know you write a blog, tell me a little bit about that and where to find you. Okay.Sarah (37:26):Yeah, my blog is called How We Rise, and it's on Substack. And so I'm writing now and then, and I'm also writing somewhat for Truth Out Truth out.org has adopted the Yes Archive, which I'm very grateful to them for because they're going to keep it available so people can continue to research and find articles there that are still relevant. And they're going to be continuing to do a monthly newsletter where they're going to draw on Yes, archives to tell stories about what's going on now. Yes, archives that are specifically relevant. So I recommend that. And otherwise, I'm just right now working on a draft of an op-ed about Palestine, which I hope I can get published. So I'm sort of doing a little of this and a little of that, but I don't feel like I have a clear focus. The chaos of what's going on nationally is so overwhelming, and I keep wanting to come back to my own and my own focus of writing, but I can't say that I've gotten there yet.Danielle (38:41):I hear you. Well, I hope you'll be back, and hopefully we can have more conversations. And just thanks a lot for being willing to just talk about stuff we don't know everything about.As always, thank you for joining us, and at the end of the podcast are notes and resources, and I encourage you to stay connected to those who are loving in your path and in your community. Stay tuned.Kitsap County & Washington State Crisis and Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 911.This resource list provides crisis and mental health contacts for Kitsap County and across Washington State.Kitsap County / Local ResourcesResourceContact InfoWhat They OfferSalish Regional Crisis Line / Kitsap Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Call LinePhone: 1‑888‑910‑0416Website: https://www.kitsapmentalhealth.org/crisis-24-7-services/24/7 emotional support for suicide or mental health crises; mobile crisis outreach; connection to services.KMHS Youth Mobile Crisis Outreach TeamEmergencies via Salish Crisis Line: 1‑888‑910‑0416Website: https://sync.salishbehavioralhealth.org/youth-mobile-crisis-outreach-team/Crisis outreach for minors and youth experiencing behavioral health emergencies.Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS)Main: 360‑373‑5031; Toll‑free: 888‑816‑0488; TDD: 360‑478‑2715Website: https://www.kitsapmentalhealth.org/crisis-24-7-services/Outpatient, inpatient, crisis triage, substance use treatment, stabilization, behavioral health services.Kitsap County Suicide Prevention / “Need Help Now”Call the Salish Regional Crisis Line at 1‑888‑910‑0416Website: https://www.kitsap.gov/hs/Pages/Suicide-Prevention-Website.aspx24/7/365 emotional support; connects people to resources; suicide prevention assistance.Crisis Clinic of the PeninsulasPhone: 360‑479‑3033 or 1‑800‑843‑4793Website: https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/607/Mental-Health-ResourcesLocal crisis intervention services, referrals, and emotional support.NAMI Kitsap CountyWebsite: https://namikitsap.org/Peer support groups, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.Statewide & National Crisis ResourcesResourceContact InfoWhat They Offer988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (WA‑988)Call or text 988; Website: https://wa988.org/Free, 24/7 support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, relationship problems, and substance concerns.Washington Recovery Help Line1‑866‑789‑1511Website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/suicide-prevention/hotline-text-and-chat-resourcesHelp for mental health, substance use, and problem gambling; 24/7 statewide support.WA Warm Line877‑500‑9276Website: https://www.crisisconnections.org/wa-warm-line/Peer-support line for emotional or mental health distress; support outside of crisis moments.Native & Strong Crisis LifelineDial 988 then press 4Website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/suicide-prevention/hotline-text-and-chat-resourcesCulturally relevant crisis counseling by Indigenous counselors.Additional Helpful Tools & Tips• Behavioral Health Services Access: Request assessments and access to outpatient, residential, or inpatient care through the Salish Behavioral Health Organization. Website: https://www.kitsap.gov/hs/Pages/SBHO-Get-Behaviroal-Health-Services.aspx• Deaf / Hard of Hearing: Use your preferred relay service (for example dial 711 then the appropriate number) to access crisis services.• Warning Signs & Risk Factors: If someone is talking about harming themselves, giving away possessions, expressing hopelessness, or showing extreme behavior changes, contact crisis resources immediately.Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that. Well, first I guess I would have to believe that there was or is an actual political dialogue taking place that I could potentially be a part of. And honestly, I'm not sure that I believe that.

Today's guest is Tony Williams, Stage IV Lymphoma survivor and CEO and founder of the Olandus Foundation, empowering individuals and families affected by cancer, especially those in historically underserved communities, through education, advocacy and support. Tony is also the host of the Eagles Don't Quack Podcast.We talk about fighting cancer and faith, different treatment approaches, resiliency and the importance of staying active, and so much more!! I love Tony's approach to life's challenges: Full Gas and Full Throttle, push through difficulties and persist until you reach your goal.Resources:Tony's Eagles Don't Quack YouTube ChannelTony's Eagles Don't Quack PodcastTony's Website: https://theolandusfoundation.org/Tony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-williams-25a22527/Tony's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.williams.94064Follow:Follow me: https://www.instagram.com/melissagrosboll/My website: https://melissagrosboll.comEmail me: drmelissagrosboll@gmail.com

My guest today is Leo Louis II. Louis has been a community advocate in a multitude of roles, including gang intervention, urban farming and entrepreneurship for over a decade. Louis began his career in advocacy while a sophomore at North Omaha High School, where he drafted a 10 point  email addressing issues relating to gang violence and CC'd every person in the school, which led to community-centered gang intervention programming that is still active.He has also worked with the Malcolm X Foundation where he helped create the Shabazz Community Garden before serving as Board President of the organization from 2019 to 2024. He also stars in a new film called My Omaha, a documentary highlighting  social movements during the social and political unrest in Omaha in 2020. My Omaha,  directed by Nick Beaulieu (Bow-lee-yew) was selected to the Slamdance, Middlebury, and Ashland Film festivals. Today, we're talking about the intrinsic connection with social justice and hip hop, ways community members can be more involved in the state legislative process, and how he stays grounded while leading movements.

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Episode 62 of News Man Weekly kicks off with Carl, Zac and Hayden swapping stories from opening night of high school football — the first time in decades Carl wasn’t on the sidelines. Alongside the laughs and riffs, the team covers the week’s big local headlines, including arrests in the Ja’Myrion Hobbs murder case, a packed Heart of the City Cruise-In and Lexington’s $500,000 safety corridor project. This week’s guests bring both creativity and advocacy to the studio. Mansfield Playhouse artistic director Doug Wertz joins the show to preview the theater’s 100th season and its opening comedy Moon Over Buffalo, plus updates on a $7.5 million capital campaign for a new facility. Later, longtime attorney and community advocate Eric Miller sits down to discuss his history of tackling Mansfield infrastructure issues — from potholes and water mains to his latest focus on the Clear Fork Reservoir. It’s a mix of news, entertainment and conversation you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating and grab a cup of something good from our friends at Relax, It’s Just Coffee. Relevant links: Heart of the City Cruise-In showcases classic cars & cherished memories Police laud public tips after 2 arrests in connection with Mansfield murder Lexington moves forward with safety corridor project in the village Check out the 2025-26 Mansfield Playhouse season Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson. Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cerise Turner is a dedicated public servant, community advocate and champion for peace whose lifelong commitment to service was recognized with the 2024 President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. This national honor reflects her extraordinary contribution of more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service devoted to improving the lives of seniors, youth and families across Washington, D.C.As Ms. Senior D.C. 2023 and a Senior Ambassador for the Department of Aging and Community Living, Cerise advocates for more than 120,000 older adults across all eight wards. Her leadership and outreach span hundreds of events from senior wellness centers to policy forums, parades, cultural celebrations and citywide resource fairs. She has given testimonies before the D.C. Council Committees and remains a trusted voice for equity, respect and quality of life for seniors.She describes her metamorphosis when she became Ms. Senior D.C. She re-made herself by pushing herself to step outside of her typical behind the scenes type of lifestyle. She recommends volunteering as a way to get outside of oneself and meet others. She continues to challenge herself and live her best life at age 67.In 2025, Cerise was named a United Nations Global Peace Ambassador (Appointed through an UN-affiliated NGO), a global recognition of her tireless efforts to promote unity, service, and community unity. She has also taken part in public awareness campaigns protecting seniors from fraud, served as a speaker on financial empowerment for women, and volunteered with countless interfaith and intergenerational initiatives.Cerise's professional background includes a successful career in the private legal sector in which she provided high-level litigation and legal support in leading law firms. Her work was marked by precision, discretion and a strong commitment to excellence, qualities that also define her volunteer leadership and advocacy.Her passion for service has guided her through roles such as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Educational Surrogate Parent for OSSE and Parent Watch Advocate where she supported children and families navigating complex educational and legal systems with empathy and determination.Her community contributions have earned her multiple certificates of appreciation and excellence from the Department of Aging and Community Living, recognition from senior wellness centers, and acknowledgments from local organizations for her steadfast commitment to outreach and engagement. Cerise continues to serve with grace, purpose and compassion believing that lasting change begins with kindness, courage and the willingness to show up for others.Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerise-elaine-turner-90901241/https://www.facebook.com/cerise.turner.1https://www.instagram.com/cerise.turner.1/

Jason Rieger is the Co-Founder and CEO of Switch. Jason was the first employee for the largest group travel company for college students (JusCollege Acq. by Pollen for $25M). He was responsible for building and scaling their sales rep network across 200 college campuses and delivering over $100M in revenue. He is a brother of AEPi from Cal State University. Drew Hopson is a Nonprofit Executive, a Tech Sales Leader, a Community Advocate, and is Driving Impact at the Intersection of Innovation, Service, and Education. He is currently the Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at Switch, a financial technology company that is working in the Fraternity and Sorority Life space. In episode 583 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired the founders to build Switch (a financial technology company), what problem they were trying to solve for Fraternity and Sorority chapters, what features Switch offers that traditional payment tools like Venmo or spreadsheets simply don't provide, how Switch makes money, how Switch helps chapters who struggle with transparency and accountability in their finances, how Switch helps new treasurers transition smoothly when leadership changes, whether Switch integrates with any other systems or tools commonly used by campus organizations, what are some success stories they can share, and what is the long term vision for Switch. Enjoy!

3pm: Guest – Rudy Pantoja – North Seattle “Aurora” native and community advocate on the history of the Aurora problem and the failed efforts to fix them // A quick recap of the John Wilson saga

Big John Leacock, a passionate community advocate and successful realtor, was born in Tobago and spent his formative years immersed in a diverse cultural and athletic environment. He attended Bishops High School in Tobago, where he was the most outstanding Player Basketball Award 1982, on the Basketball Championship team, a Cadet Force Drill Sergeant for the top platoon in country AND excelled In Ball Room Dancing in high School Dance Competitions!His higher education began at Dawson College in Montreal, earning a Diploma in Health and Social Sciences (1984-1987), excelling on the basketball court as a member of the Dawson College Blues, the number one ranked college team in Canada for two consecutive years (1986 and 1987). John continued his education at the University of Guelph, obtaining a Diploma in Agriculture with a focus on General Farm Management from 1987 to 1990, while also contributing to the university as a power forward for the Varsity Basketball Team. He earned a General Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management. Upon completing his diploma in Agriculture, he gained hands-on experience at the University of Guelph's Research Farms, working extensively with large animals and managing a feed mill. In 1992, John founded Big John Entertainment, promoting local club events and growing his email list of fans to over 350 by 1993, then served as a music director and radio announcer at CFRU 93.3FM from 1997 to 2001, where he increased advertising revenue as the Advertising Sales Manager. In 2001, Big John moved back to Tobago with his family and operated a bed and breakfast while promoting local cultural events, including jazz and writer's festivals, while creating Mr. Fiddla's Cafe, a popular light meal café and social spot.Returning to Canada in late 2002, Big John embarked on a career as a realtor on January 1, 2006, with Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate. Since then, he has consistently positioned himself among the top 5% of sales associates within the Guelph and District Association of Realtors in both commercial and residential real estate sectors. He holds a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, enabling him to handle a wide array of real estate transactions, both locally and internationally. Mr. Leacock has served in various leadership capacities within the Guelph and District Association of Realtors, including as a past board member and chair of the Marketing, Public Relations, and Publicity Committees. He was instrumental in the creation of the independent real estate publication, "Real Estate Update," and actively participated in the rebranding efforts of the Association, with the view of: "Real Estate is not about houses – it's about people." He became involved with the Hillside Festival and served on the Hillside Board. A founding member of the Guelph Black Heritage Society, he has contributed to the Downtown Guelph Renewal Committee. For 8 eight years, Big John has played a significant role in Guelph's Downtown Advisory Committee, which works closely with City Council to enhance the downtown area's vibrancy. He is also on the Village Finding Committee. He regularly sponsors events such as: the Guelph Jazz Festival, the Gospel Festival, and Guelph Pride. Contact Mr. Leacock at: https://www.bigjohnleacock.com

Let's engage in meaningful conversations that can inspire positive change together! Join us for an enlightening session featuring our Community Advocate! Don't miss this opportunity to connect and collaborate!

Show Overview: Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year from April 11-17 to raise awareness and improve Black maternal health outcomes. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related causes than White women. It is crucial for us to take collective action to address systemic issues affecting Black mothers and their families. This show will look at the Black Maternal Health Project, a community partnership that is doing just that in the New Haven area. Co-Hosts: Reverend Dr. Leroy O. Perry, Jr. Pastor, St. Stephens AME Zion Church and Cultural Ambassador to the Yale Clinical Research program Reverend Elvin Clayton Pastor, Walters Memorial Bridgeport, CT and Cultural Ambassador to the Yale Clinical Research Program Irene Saunders Registered Nurse, Community Advocate and Cultural Ambassador to the Yale Clinical Research Program Guests: Jenell Lawson Deputy Director and Vice President of Human Resources at Community Action Agency of New Haven, Inc. (CAANH) Lorraine Gibbons Executive Director, Cardinal Shehan Center and President of the New Haven Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women

Send us a textIn this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mathias Lemos Castillo. A powerful community engagement consultant and cultural bridge builder who leads with heart and purpose.Mathias shares his inspiring journey from Uruguay to the U.S. and how that experience shaped his mission to foster authentic relationships and create meaningful connections across diverse communities. Through his work at MLC Consulting, he focuses on mobilizing, listening, and connecting to amplify the voices of those often left unheard.We talk about the importance of speaking from lived experience, the impact of creating spaces where stories are celebrated, and the deep work it takes to truly connect. Mathias also shares how he navigates the balance between mental and physical health, and why self-care and mindfulness are essential parts of his life as an entrepreneur and facilitator.This conversation is filled with powerful insights on leadership, identity, and the ripple effect of intentional connection.Connect with Mathias on LinkedIn: Mathias Lemos CastilloSupport the showRegister for the next cohort of NLP Certification Training with Metafit Metamind Academy! https://metafitmetamind.com/certified/ Check out our YouTube Channel!Metafit Metamind con KarlaGive us 5⭐ & Review! Follow @metafitmetamindpodcast @coachkarlita @HERanimeuniverse CONNECT with Me!

Matthew Lesko, an 81-year-old entrepreneur, shared his life journey, his realization about government money programs, and his desire to educate people about them. He also discussed the importance of giving and helping others, the role of technology in sharing information, and the significant income disparity in the US. The conversation concluded with a discussion on personal growth, the widening income gap, and the importance of taking control of one's own destiny.   Community Economy and Capitalism Discussion Matthew Lesko shared his experiences and insights about the balance between the community economy and capitalism in the US. He emphasized that the community economy, which includes government and nonprofit organizations, accounts for 40% of the economy, while the remaining 60% is driven by capitalist ventures. Matthewlesko also discussed his personal journey, from growing up in a working-class family to becoming a successful consultant and entrepreneur. He expressed his frustration that many people, particularly those struggling financially, are unaware of the government programs and resources available to them, and that those who are more affluent often exploit these systems for personal gain. The Value of Giving and Helping Matthew and Michael discussed the importance of giving and helping others, drawing from their personal experiences and observations. Matthew shared his journey of realizing the value of giving and how it has grown over time, particularly through his subscription service that has helped 15,000 people access grants. He emphasized the importance of sharing one's unique talents and not copying others. Michael agreed, highlighting the positive impact of Matthew's service on society. They also touched on the idea of finding one's own unique talents and not being afraid to fail while pursuing them. The conversation ended with Matthew expressing his frustration over the misconception that his subscription service was a strategic branding move, when in fact, it was born out of a desire to help others. Google's Impact on Income Inequality Matthew expressed his belief that Google is negatively impacting society, particularly those who are struggling financially. He pointed out that the average income for the bottom 90% of earners has not increased significantly over the past 40 years, while the top 10% have seen substantial growth. This, he argued, has led to a higher poverty rate in the US compared to other developed countries. Michael responded with a non-committal "Hmm". Widening Income Gap and Society Michael and Matthew Lesko discussed the widening income gap and its impact on society. Matthew shared his belief that the gap started around 1979 and that it's not just about wealth, but also about skills and education. They agreed that there are programs now for skills training, which could lead to higher-paying jobs without the need for a college degree. They also touched on the topic of greed and dissatisfaction, which they believe contribute to hatred. Matthew emphasized the importance of personal growth and comfort in improving one's life and society as a whole. They concluded the conversation with Matthew sharing his community resources and Michael expressing his appreciation for Matthew's service and insights.  

Brian Bednar: a lifetime of service Join us for a special episode as we celebrate Brian Bednar, a true community champion, as he prepares to retire from SRP. With years of dedicated service, Brian has not only powered our communities but has also been a driving force behind impactful local initiatives. We reflect on his incredible journey, the legacy he leaves behind, and what's next for this passionate advocate of community engagement

GenAI Traffic: Why API Infrastructure Must Evolve... Again // MLOps Podcast #295 with Erica Hughberg, Community Advocate at Tetrate.Join the Community: https://go.mlops.community/YTJoinIn Get the newsletter: https://go.mlops.community/YTNewsletter

In this episode, Dr. Isha Metzger is joined by Heather and Khandis, two psychology graduate students at Georgia State University, to talk about the relevant and important topic of getting involved in your community. Together, they will discuss what community means, where to look for opportunities to get involved in advocacy, and how to transfer and adapt your existing skills and resources to support the causes and communities you care about.   If you have questions or want to connect, contact us at theempowerlab@gmail.com.   How to connect with today's guest: Isha Metzger Instagram: @drishametzger Lab Instagram: EMPOWER Instagram

This week the Rude Crew is joined by Anthony "Cool Ant" Williams, Baltimore based Philanthropist, and Community Advocate. We discuss life after leaving your home town, DEI, corporate politics and more.Sponsored by: No Heart No Hustle Clothing Co.Studio/Editing: Digital Empath Studios (Baltimore).

Join us for an insightful session with the Community Advocate. Let's dive into meaningful conversations together! Please join the discussion

In our third episode, we join in a healing conversation with “woman of the community,” birth specialist, and Boston Breastfeeding Coalition (BBC) leader, Dominique Bellegarde. A true servant leader and long time Vital Village Networks champion for birthing people and families in Boston, Dominique shares how her personal experiences navigating motherhood and becoming a certified lactation counselor and educator shaped her journey of becoming an advocate. We learn more about the BBC's efforts to create pathways for community scholars and design resources, such as their signature Breastfeeding Support Warmline, that responded to community needs and priorities.  She reflects on the unique role of coalitions, particularly in her field, to bring about collective action and demonstrating the power and ripple effects of helping others and inviting others into the “circle.” Featured guest: Dominique Bellegarde, Community Advocate & Educator, Community Health Worker, Birth (full spectrum birth & postpartum attendant, doula) & Lactation Specialist (CLC & CLE), candidate for IBCLC, Enthusiast & Influencer, co- facilitate Baby Cafe & Mother Healing Nurturing Center and Founder of D. Legacy Pace Setters  Host: Ronda Alexander, Director of National Partnerships, NOW at Vital Village NetworksProduced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child WellbeingMusic: Want U W/ Me (Instrumental Mix), by Akira Sora, From the Free Music Archive, CC BY 4.0Edited By: Resonate Recordings 

Dr Erica Sze Lok Ho is a founder of peer support communities for PhD candidates and other higher degree by research (HDR) students and a Research Analyst at UTS Business School where she promotes HDR student engagement and wellbeing.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we are joined by Karen Smyers, a triathlon legend and an inspiring figure in endurance sports. Karen's accolades include winning the 1995 Hawaiian Ironman World Championship, claiming three ITU World Champion titles, and earning her place in both the World Triathlon and USA Triathlon Halls of Fame. For 26 years, she competed at the top level of professional triathlon, and today, she's making an impact by coaching athletes and organizing local endurance events like the Lincoln Kids Triathlon: Splash, Mash, Dash in Lincoln, MA.Karen shares insights on her illustrious career, memories of competing in iconic races, and reflects on her journey as a coach. We dive into topics like the evolution of triathlon in New England and the challenges of balancing family life while training for Ironman events.  Plus, we explore her passion for getting kids involved in endurance sports and discuss her vision for a more inclusive future in triathlon.Don't miss this episode filled with stories, advice, and inspiration from one of triathlon's all-time greats.Tune in and follow us on Instagram @newenglandendurance for more details and updates!Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Join Maestro Jerry Tello and Ricardo Jasso, as they discuss the importance of including our culture in our everyday lives, the issue of substance abuse in various communities, and the journey through being drafted and deployed to creating an organization for community work.Find out more about Amistades at: Amistades LinktreeFor more about the National Compadres Network, visit: National Compadres NetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healgenpodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealGenPodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Healing.Generations.PodcastEmail: HGP@compadresnetwork.org

With practical techniques and mindset shifts you are able to better navigate a grief journey, while finding renewed purpose and joy in life.If you get a ton of value in this episode, I would love to invite you to subscribe because it costs nothing to subscribe.Rachel is the Founder and CEO of Living Beyond Grief, and embodies resilience and transformation. She is a Grief Warrior, Senior Partner at The Wellness Universe, Certified JOYELY Ambassador, and Community Advocate for Modern Widows Club, Women experiencing grief hire Rachel to guide them, and their children, along their journey to cope with loss, find strength, and embrace healing.So they can overcome pain and rediscover inner peace, as they heal. Rachel helps difficult life transitions transform into a life filled with hope, dreams, and endless possibilities. Welcome, Rachel!Support the Show.Check out Petite2Queen for more great interviews, podcasts, and blogs to help you achieve more, faster!https://www.petite2queen.com/​

Today Trae sits with Brodrick Ryans, the Director of "Brown Bodies on a Blue Earth". He shares his pathway into theater and directing while also discussing what the audience can expect out of this show. Next, Trae talks with Arlene Hampton, a Community Advocate, about her inspiration to do the work she does in community and why it's important.