POPULARITY
61 episodes with event producers
14 episodes with event producers
5 episodes with event producers
4 episodes with event producers
4 episodes with event producers
5 episodes with event producers
4 episodes with event producers
2 episodes with event producers
2 episodes with event producers
What does it really mean to build bridges that last for decades? I want you to meet Bircan Unver, whose lifelong commitment to responsibility, creativity, and global citizenship has shaped more than 25 years of meaningful work through Light Millennium. From growing up as the eldest of seven children in Turkey to creating an internationally recognized nonprofit connected with the United Nations, Bircan shares how art, public media, and open dialogue can bring people together across cultures. We explore why responsibility begins with each of us, how local communities can help solve global challenges, and why issues like water security, environmental stewardship, and human connection matter more than ever. I believe you'll enjoy hearing how one person's unstoppable mindset continues to inspire collaboration, education, and hope for a better future. Highlights: 06:55 - How growing up with responsibility shaped Bircan's lifelong commitment to serving others. 18:30 - Why public access television became the foundation for sharing voices and building community. 26:15 - The story behind founding Light Millennium and creating a nonprofit built on dialogue and education. 36:55 - How local communities can play a meaningful role in advancing United Nations goals. 49:45 - Why water security, cybersecurity, and gender equality are becoming deeply connected. 55:40 - Bircan reflects on preserving ideas through books, creativity, and lifelong learning. About the Guest: Bircan Ünver is the Founder-President of The Light Millennium, a Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization (LMGlobal.Org, 2001, New York); Executive Producer of the LMTV Programs; Multi-Media and Event Producer; Host, Author, Publisher, Public Speaker; [Head] NGO Representative of The Light Millennium to the United Nations Department of Global Communications since 2005 (formerly, UN.DPI); and Chair, Outreach and Partnerships Subcommittee at Global NGO Executive Committee and director for the 2021-2023 term. She has been also a Content Provider at QPTV since 1992, and she is the editor and co-founder of the U.S. Turkish Library & Museum Project. She has undertaken the Organization's e-publications, public programs since its inception in August 1999, and #LightMillenniumTV Series and Specials in all aspects of it since January 2000; along with, the LMGlobal.Org's all UN-related activity and programs since 2005. Bircan is the author and director of the Compulsory Peace & ICTs Education from Kindergarten to K-12, and Beyond Campaign, which she launched it through the Light Millennium Global in support of the Summit of the Future in 2024. The Campaign has delivered its 8th session along with the Coalition for the Campaign, which contains 22 organizations and educational institutions including The Light Millennium Global as the leading organization. Further, she is also author of the bi-annual international high school project, “J.U.C. Media, Research, Writing & Innovation Awards”. The third of its kind was dedicated to the “Water Action Decade” and was delivered (virtually) on the World Water Day, March 22, 2025. Bircan served as a mentor to the GPODS for three consecutive terms in Winter'22, Summer'22, and Fall'22 Fellowship Programs; and delivered lectures on “How to associate with the UN-NGO”, Public Access TVs in the U.S., and the latest one was on the #WaterActionDecade and the #2023UNWater Conference. To attach that, on behalf of LMGlobal.Org, she organized and hosted an Outside-UN Side Event ID #W175, titled, “What Is Your Commitment To The #WaterActionDecade? ~ Seven Core Ideas Toward #WaterAwareness, #WaterConscience and #GameChangers” in NYC on March 21, 2023, and was the head delegate of the LMGlobal.Org at the #UN2023WaterConference. Based on LMGlobal.Org's Commitments to the #WaterActionDecade, she launched #OneMinuteWaterActionCommitment during the #W175 Side Event, along with continues to work toward #WaterAwareness toward building up #WaterConscience. She served as the chair of the ATAA Committee on UN Relations, guided its association to the UNDGC in 2020, and also served as the New York Regional Vice-President of ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations) from October 2019 to January 2022. Furthermore, she served on several Planning Committees of the UN-Civil Society Conferences, and the Planning Committee of the High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace (HLF-CoP). She has been a strong advocate of the UN Vision, Programs & Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) along with the relevant UN Days, which are in line with the LMGlobal.Org's Mission/Purposes since its association with the UNDGC (formerly, UN.DPI/NGO) in December 2005. Currently, Bircan is on the Advisory Board of the Turkish Forum (based in Germany). She encourages and guides interested civil society organizations and members of academia toward their educational institutions' associations with the UN, along with engaging them with the UN Programs that are within her networks and beyond. Further, she is an Ambassador of Peace and Goodwill for Anuvrat (Anuvibha) Global Organization (Jaipur, India, since 2014); and a Member of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace (GMCoP, since 2012). Bircan is also the founder and president of the IsikBinyili.Org Association based in Istanbul (2010), which is a sister organization and counterpart of the LMGlobal.Org. Author of the following four book titles in print (Turkish): “En Kutsalı Yaratmak” (The Most Sacred is to Create) (1995, 2022), “Sanatın Labirentlerinde” (The Labyrinths of Arts) (2016), and “Işık Yollarında (“The Ways of the Light”) (poetry, 2017), and “Bin Yıl Daha…” (2020, A Thousand Years More…). Also, she is the author of the concept and compilation of the “Hope Never Fades” (English) book (Istanbul, 2023). Bircan initially received her local and studio television production certificates at QPTV.Org in 1992. Based on this capacity, she produced and broadcasted near to 260 television programs through local channels in New York City, which are also available online through www.vimeo.com/channels/LightMillenniumTV including 36 #OneMinute #WaterAction PSAs. Bircan celebrated her 30th Anniversary at QPTV.Org through a video profile, titled, “A Turkish Experience in America” (Duration: ~9 min. Production Year: 2022). Her works through The Light Millennium Global is a recipient of various national (U.S.) and international awards and recognitions including two awards from the Foundation of Alliance Community 2023 Hometown Media Awards (F-ACM-HMA for her “GroundWater” Light Millennium TV program in Web-based Programming and Online Events / Independent Producer categories (received at Brick TV, New York), the Anuvrat Ahimsa Award For International Peace-2023 (received in Mumbai, India), and the 2023 International Volunteer President Award by Institution of Green Engineers (received in Chennai, India), and ashe is also the recipient of the 2024 Best Web-Based Program – Independent Producer for the #HopeNeverFades program by F-ACM-HMA, which was produced based on the 2023 J.U.C. Media, Research & Writing Awards (ACM HomeTown Media Awards, San Jose, CA). Bircan holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (Istanbul, 1988) and a Master's Degree (M.A.) from Media Studies of the New School University (New York City 1999). Ways to connect with Bircan**:** Websites: www.lmglobal.org (active web site) | www.lightmillennium.org (serves as the organization's web archive)#LightMillenniumTV | www.vimeo.com/LMTV | www.vimeo.com/channels/LightMillenniumTV Social Media: Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bircan-ünver-7353207 X@lightmillennium Instagram@lightmillennium 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/ 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: Michael Hingson 00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingston, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Well, hello everyone, and I want to welcome you to another edition of Unstoppable Mindset, and today we get to talk to a very interesting person with a with a lot of roots in Turkey, but she is also doing a lot of work with the United Nations here in the U.S. and other places. Her name is Birchan Umfer, and I hope I got that right. And Bircan Unver 01:23 thank you. Michael Hingson 01:24 Oh, good. And Berjan is is with us, and is going to talk about a number of things that she is working on. She's working on, and for years has been involved with a program called Light Millennium, and we'll we'll talk about all that, but let's just start and and as usual we'll have a great conversation. So, Bir John, I want to welcome you to Unstoppable Mindset. We're glad you're here. Bircan Unver 01:50 Thank you so much, Michael Hingston. It's great honor and privilege to have your guests. Especially, I love the title Unstoppable Minds. It's really inspiring and triggering the mind. Thank you. Michael Hingson 02:08 Well, my pleasure. We're glad that you have the time to to spend with us, and we will we will we will do it and make it work. Well, let's start. I love to start this way because I really want people to learn about you. Tell us kind of about the early Birchan growing up, and then we'll go from there. So tell us about Birchan and growing up, and and and all of that. Bircan Unver 02:32 Thank you. This will be a little bit different than most people know about me, my work. Well, we'll get to Michael Hingson 02:38 your work. Bircan Unver 02:40 Yeah, I know. I mean, the people who already know my work. What I'm gonna say now is completely too different from Berja. So I am a elder of seven siblings, and I was born in an ancient village in Mid Anatolia, actually nearby the Black Sea region, and I'm proud with my age, 1959, and my family moved to town first from the village, and then Istanbul for our educations for their kids, and but I don't know really as a girl child growing up with seven kids, as especially with a traditional family, being older girl is not a good idea. But but maybe it was a kind of tough childhood as a girl child. I I don't feel that I never been a child. That's really what I feel. But on the other hand, and that was you know when you are growing up, living through like I was a kind of second mom, and also our home was kind of everyone our guest from the village town and stay over not only one night, like or a week, like sometimes months, even years. You won't believe that, and it was not because either. So, but those kind of build up maybe my feeling to be responsible, so I consider myself a responsible person because I was responsible for my sisters, brothers, and also washing dishes, making helping my mom to prepare the meal, lunch, breakfast, and clean up. Like you know, I was kind of second person, second mom at home. So those early things, all those stolen my childhood, but at the same time, provide me being able to do everything from very early age. Even though I remember several times at the time. The bread wasn't, you know, you you weren't buying the bread from the market, but from the bakery, real where they were baking the bread. So she was, and time to time also she was making the the bread at home, and then she she wasn't sending me to school because then I had to stay with my brothers and kids so she can make the you know breads a big amount for a couple days. So that said, also gave my idea. I want to suddenly want to work as soon as you know I'm 17, 1617, So and then I started early working at a bank, and it was my first eight years. I worked at a bank in Istanbul. It is called Istanbul Bank, and then my graphic is like life graphic is a little bit different, like curvy, not like straight line. Then after eight years working at a bank, I started to university and fine arts, and then I had kind of interest art history, especially TV production, art history, arts in in the concept is producing art documentaries. That was kind of my vision. Also, it was also my reason initially coming to the U.S. learning TV production. Of course, English as first. So that was very much my childhood until you know 18 until starting at the bank, and then the rest is another story. I have, I must say, I would have three different life. Michael Hingson 06:48 Well, you had certainly an interesting childhood, needless to say, and I, I can understand what you're saying about being the oldest and all the challenges. I was not. I was the youngest, but we only had two siblings, and neither of us we were we were both males, and so we we did not do a lot in terms of preparing meals and all that sort of stuff. Except my brother and I were both in the Boy Scouts, and so when we went camping and other things like that, we learned how to cook on an open or an open fire and and things like that. But still, I understand that you you had a a lot that you had to do. What lessons did you learn by being the oldest child? What kinds of things do you think that you you carry over to what to your life today, because you were the oldest. Bircan Unver 07:44 I think two different components of that. One is also because it wasn't only I was the as a kid at the home and as a girl, girl, but also at the time there wasn't that kind of awareness which we have today. Which I mean, my mom got married with my dad at the age of 15, and she had birth. She had given me birth at the age of 16, the reason I'm bringing up this, when we were going to shopping Kapolechar, Grand Market of Istanbul, when I was 1516, and literally we were halfway age difference between my mom and myself. And when I was saying mom, and the people were surprised, and she and isn't your sister, other sister? They were asking me, and she was my mom. So, but this is in the long later years. I always become the best friend with my mom, and even my brother was saying, "Oh, now I understood that she, you are the joy of my mom because she can kind of a joke, and the others, my kids, like they are kids, but I'm her friend because they kind of feel similar. That is one, you know, lifetime developed feeling and strong connection, different connection with my mom, and the other also, as I mentioned at the beginning, it really this whole, you know, not selected, but where you, which house you born, which condition you grow up, that build up for me early high level responsibility. I feel responsible to do everything, and I, you know, that's a little bit tiring because that's what I want to say here. You say something in our after our initial Zoom meeting. It's really very inspiring. You say something. I just took note. We can solve all the worst problem. We can. You say you don't say we cannot. You say we can. Solve all the world's problems. So, like, it wasn't possible. It's not possible, but you know, as if I could solve the problems or I could carry everything. So it's kind of you know build up my bricks in my life. Michael Hingson 10:18 One of the things that you certainly, it sounds like you learned as you were growing up, though, was was all about responsibility and and and learning to take charge, but learning about responsibility and and feeling that it was okay to be responsible for others in your family and so on. And I think a lot of people don't necessarily learn a lot of lessons about responsibility, like they should. But you were put in a position where you had to do that, which is is certainly a good thing because you clearly have have done that in your life. Bircan Unver 10:54 That's very true, and also it goes with everything. Let's say sometimes some people think maybe unnecessary action when people cut trees, even in their you know backyard or front yard, whatever trees or any type of trees or fruit trees. I really get mad and upset because it is irresponsible to nature, to their own environment, just feeling they're responsible to trees, loving the trees, loving the you know, for instance, if when I was it was two weeks ago, I was working on at my desk, a bees was you know flying around me, and I don't like you know trying to hit and chase the bees, and I just left the window open, moved the room two hours, and it's gone. So I don't want to hurt things, even though if it bites, it would hurt me, right? So to kind of find a way, being responsible, because also I have a subconscious thinking that if I try to chase a herd, if an insect, any of them, they you know they react sharp. So I'm not a threat to them. So they are not threat to me. So I kind of make a subconscious connection, communication. Michael Hingson 12:22 Well, and it's it's better to to learn to love than than not. So I I hear what you're saying. Now you didn't go to college or university, right? Or you did? Bircan Unver 12:35 Of course, I did. That's what I was just briefly brought this stair at that level. That after eight years working at at Istanbul Bank, from literally actually 17 to 24 or 23 late 23 early 24 then I started at the Fine Arts University in Istanbul, and I mainly study both as major Turkish tradition arts and also along with as a minor. We didn't have a minor, but we had we didn't have the minor degree, but we had a selected course. So I was following up several like four years in a row and also whole year around, not a quarter semester base artist troy and contemporary art. So I started writing on art and exhibit and interviewing artists while I started study at the Fine Arts University, which is top university in Fine Arts in Istanbul, Myanmar, Sinan Fine Arts University. Michael Hingson 13:44 So you learned a lot about fine arts, and Bircan Unver 13:47 yeah, Michael Hingson 13:47 and you had obviously learned about finance from the bank, which Bircan Unver 13:51 is didn't learn that Michael Hingson 13:53 much, huh? Bircan Unver 13:53 Not at all, and I didn't like it. That's why I, you know, I changed all my life line. Michael Hingson 14:00 Right, but but you enjoyed art. Bircan Unver 14:03 Yes, and because also art always for me, and it as it is today. Whatever the life problems we cannot be resolved, art is always for me a branch to hold on and to kind of feel strength, connect with the nature, with the art culture, whom I never might met, or maybe you know through art, through music, through books. So it's kind of really, I think the the best human conscious and what we leave behind is what we produce. Creative might be a little bit another discussion. What is the term defined? And now everyone using like creative for everything, but creativity is like really what stays, you know, central. And something as what is already before, and what you brought it something new, that new perspective, like cubism and faism and expressionism and all that different genres or pop arts and another one Dali's movement. So all the Dadaism, so each of them brought something what is already existed, and then you know moved to different level, and also technology and communication brought where we are today. So and music, I'm not any degree. Degree train or understand, but I love music as most people about music and arts and literature and writing is always for me. Also taking pictures. I don't trust my memory much, but this is not new, not because of my age now. But I somewhat I always like take the pictures, whether I have cell phone, the oldest, you know, digital or the manual photo photographs. So even though when I run into where where was it, where I was, who was with, who next to me? I can't remember. But why I love that? Because really, it brings, it captures your life, even you don't remember, and then reconnect. Also, I I come up with a new concept. I haven't done anything yet, but it's kind of developing in my mind, that we can, we are able to capture the past, but we cannot capture the future, because you know whether you know unexpected the one photo comes up, or an audio recording, or all those movies, musics, and documentaries and paintings throughout artistry, you can really capture the past depending on what you know your background or interest and education, but you cannot capture the future. But you can imagine, we can imagine the future. We can invest into the future. Michael Hingson 17:16 Well, and and the the reality is that that the future is based on so many things that happen in the past, and so you can learn to to use some of that information and and have a better idea of what the future might be like, and that's that's pretty fascinating too. So so, how long did you go to college Bircan Unver 17:42 in in Turkey the basic four university education is annual base, not semester base. It's a four years, and actually when I started it was five years. Then later on they the system education board changed it to like four years plus two years. So I graduated from a four years fine arts, and then I have a master's degree based in New York News School University. Michael Hingson 18:20 Ah, in New York. Bircan Unver 18:21 Yeah. Michael Hingson 18:22 Okay. So that was was that two years. Bircan Unver 18:27 Yes, but it was a little bit different again. Yeah. See, because first when I was here for the first time, 18 919, 89 to 1994, I started and I took to six credits and I love it. But I had to go back to Istanbul, so then I got the you know absence live of absence, and then but coming back three years later, I readmitted, and then I finish it. I got my graduate diploma in 1999 May 1999 Michael Hingson 19:12 Okay, so Bircan Unver 19:14 you've been dealing late. You've been Michael Hingson 19:17 dealing with school for a while, but but while all that was going on, you got interested in, and you started to to do things regarding public access television. And you started that, if I read your biography correctly, in in 1991, you started doing things with public public access TV. Tell us a little bit about that, and why did you do that? Bircan Unver 19:41 That's really the kind of key point in my life. In as for the initial one of the two reasons that I came to the U.S. as the first time, I was you know the first aim to learn English. The second also. To learn the TV production, and then my first year was in the U.S. was in L.A. and then I was looking for the schools and just I'm I I'd like to get the formal education, formal training, and then one of my friends there, whom I met there, she said my aunt is TV producer at Queens Public TV in New York, and she is looking for someone like you who really wants to get in and all that. And then I think a couple months later, I had a very brief trip to New York, and I met with her, and then I met with her at QPTV. Now she is unfortunately not with us, but she was also she was the first Turkish producer at QPTV, and I'm forever grateful in memory of her. She was the one who introduced me QPTV, so I met Victor at QPTV in 1990, and then when I went back to LA, I decided to move to New York. So as soon as I moved to New York and I registered to QPTV's both field production and studio, and at the time, there were seven, eight months waiting list. Eventually, I got it on the list, 1991, and first I got the field production certificate, and it was I think six months something, and we had a group project and solo project, and then studio and studio production. It's when the same group project after you are learning all the equipment and then shooting and everyone is crewing everyone is helping each other within the same group of the class and then also producing group project and then the individual project that it is the similar step for the field production and the studio, that also provides a certificate to enabling us to use QPTV equipment, studios taking out the equipment, inviting studios, studios. Unfortunately, after COVID 19, there has been a long dragging issue. They haven't opened the studios. This is I don't want to get in because it is beyond our concept, but because that was my initial reason also moving to New York. And then once I started producing program and airing, I really loved idea from one idea, just idea, and then put paper and develop it. Bring yes, bring the crew, especially with the manual three-inch tapes, and to present, put everything in a tape, and then submit it an ARC schedule. I really love that. So then, while I was there, and then I said, "Okay, I want to really have a master's degree on TV production. So my master's degree from New Zealand University is in media studies. So and I got my diploma May 1999 So, but New Zealand was amazing. I learned all the first my you know my life although it was 39 maybe 3839 years old when I was Photoshop and Premiere or Evid and all the first offline digital all the software program I learned at the new school and I edited my first program offline at the new circle as well, but when I got diploma, and then I had nowhere no access to continue. Also, you know, it's just I, I never been about the person. My mind and my heart wealthy, but not financial terms. And then, so QPT was always my second home because it provides me continuing the producing and provides me access, provides me equipment. It's like provides the community. That's what it is exists for, especially in support of the Article First Amendment and freedom of expression, and also QPTV format is really, really not well known, or not QPTV loaned. It is public access, pack programming, public education and government programming, non-commercial. So it's it is not much known widely, but it is really one of the best symbol of democracy. And now it's kind of a little bit diminishing because also widespreading out other web streaming platforms like this or other, so that there are so many. Discussion and issues, and also there is one petition to the New York Senate that is called Team New York that could also bring in all the web streaming to this community media access public access media. So then, Michael Hingson 25:19 oh, go ahead. Bircan Unver 25:20 No, I mean the question is so QPTV had has been the longest since 1991. I've been providing content, and as long as I am in the US, if I'm out of the country, even if I am out of the country, my previously submitted programs are rerunning in different, you know, whenever they schedule for my new programs, I determine which time slot because I have a time slot to be scheduled, and whether 28 minutes or one hour. But especially again after COVID 19, I couldn't produce anything at the studio at QPTV, but like this Zoom-based programs, and then for the late million organization, the programs I produce and then edit them, reformat them to schedule for QPTV. But it wasn't as it used to be produced at QPTV, at the studio with the crew, that's the excitement teaming up. It's really, I love it. But Zoom, this type also make more maybe manageable, but also bring more intonation speakers. You know, through online connection. If Speaker 1 26:54 you enjoy Unstoppable Mindset and would like to help us continue bringing these conversations to you each week, we've created a way for you to support the show. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and continue sharing stories, insights, and ideas that inspire people to live with purpose and possibility. If supporting the podcast feels right for you, you'll find the link in the show notes. Thank you for being part of the Unstoppable Mindset Community. Michael Hingson 27:28 So you you started in public access television and and and are still doing that essentially. But in 2000 you started Light Millennium TV. Tell us about Light Millennium Television. Bircan Unver 27:42 Thank you so much. Because Late Millennium, I still consider it's my third child because already 25th anniversary. The flyer on my back says 25th That also refers the 25th anniversary of the Light Millennium. I think a the experience and production, and also providing three platform QPTV, Queens Public TV, but actually the 1992 Communication Act and PAC programming, public government public education and government programming; those emerge with my new school education, like Fatrus, Plato, the concept of the two ways of messaging, and for the first time in my life, at the age of I think it was I was 39 I was able 3039, I was able to use. It was very new, also for the war. Internet. We had the internet at the new school as our media class, the open forum. One week media theory class. We have open discussion forum about Greek philosophy, further is communication, media theory. The other class we had the classic format. So all these together merged in my mind, and I really felt I found my medium. That medium is the internet, which me, especially someone is living in New York, who has you know 30 years first life in Turkey, Istanbul, that culture, and then I I didn't want to kind of disconnect from my root cultures, and internet provided me that connections, and also I always like to write and communicate, so so it becomes like natural medium. And then when I just graduated in May 1999 I send out by then like 40 people with my friends. Colleagues, and then I said, "Oh, I want to start a platform. This platform is going to be ours. And everyone wants to say, kind of to expand the QPTV's concept, because when I say QPTV's concept, this is the again First Amendment, and they don't control the content. They don't say anything you can do, you cannot unless it is a threat to someone's life. So it's all the content, or you are responsible as the producer. So I really love that freedom and responsibility again. And then then I was mentoring at the New York Food Moon Finance and Television, and I was kind of trying to find what I want to do, and I was already producing programs at QPTV. I never give up as as long as I could afford to produce the time and edit. Edit is always more time consuming, and then the executive director of the at the time 1999 Woman Film Man Television, she said you can form a nonprofit. I never taught it before, and I'm forever thankful to her. And then I said I don't know what to do where to start because she perhaps she saw the potential because I was producing non-commercial and publishing, trying to promote, you know, through group emails, and whatever the you know social media available at the time. Well, mostly email and group emails, and then she suggested me a volunteer lawyers of arts that she said they can help you, and I never knew and I never thought I if I never came to U.S. maybe I will never had a concept of forming a nonprofit or light minimum. So that U.S. and all combination brought me and news called Queens Public TV, First Amendment, United Nations Article of 19 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Everything together kind of merged in my mind. Also, the projects I produce, I communicate, is contact with people, I learn from them. So then, when I contacted with them, they ask me, you know, what is my statement this type? And then I drafted all of them, and they put in medical, you know, terms and terminology, and I was lucky that we got a pro bono at the time one of the you know major U.S. law firms. I I think I can say now because they even though I think merged K Shuler, but they took our case and they formed my organization on on a pro bono basis and officially the first as a non profit organization done with the 500 1c T V together. So we officially formed 2001 July 17, and we and then right after that they filed 501c3 for us, and then we granted that in September 18, 2002. Bircan Unver 33:14 My memory is not good, but I I remember that date as of today because it was kind of imprinted in my mind, but also the beauty was that the granted granting 501 c3 was effective of the formation date, which is July 17 2001 So then, since I developed started the light minimum concept, introducing speaking people trying creating an open platform that everyone can you know contribute be part of it, so then I started in January 2000 on January 13 2000 started first monthly the like TV series at like at QP TV. That's how it came about. Michael Hingson 34:02 Yeah, you have certainly created quite a niche in in the whole light millennium and all the other things that you've done, which is pretty fascinating. How did you get connected with the United Nations? Because I know you're doing work with them. Bircan Unver 34:18 Thank you. Actually, the concept with the UN use, I don't do work for them. Michael Hingson 34:29 Right. Bircan Unver 34:29 We do work with them. Right. You're connected Michael Hingson 34:34 with them. You're not working for them. I understand that. Bircan Unver 34:36 Yeah, I just you know one word, but it's key key differences. But as as I mentioned, how the light millennium concept emerged, and also my master's degree program, media studies at the New School, and also there is another person I have to mention here, also in. Separate for her respectful and loving memory, Danielle Camille. She was my advisor for my thesis project advisor at the new school, and all that TV ideas and my thesis project. And she loved, and I got all A. And my first TV ideas project was peace, reality, or utopian dream, and it was 11 minutes or so. It was just before the first Clinton administration election, just October, I think 2002 and then I interviewed many academicians, civil society, non-profits who whose focus area on peace and war and you know against nuclear or all that and and then that actually the concept peace reality or utopian dream that took me to the United Nations I don't know now as a as an outsider, at the time it was so welcoming, and I went to photo department. They share me with photos, and I got all the books I was looking for. Of course, public library. I got all the books about the peace and peace organization. So that 12 minutes program, peace rate or utopian dream, and physically led me to step in the UN for the first time, and then producing this project, searching kind of open to me new horizon, and also my advisor was persistent. Birjan, we know you are great. You produce fundamental programs on arts, but I want you to do something else. So that actually also forced me to move beyond producing something beyond arts. And so then then peace, reality, or utopian dream concept came in, but also it wasn't far topic in my life because my son was born 20 when I was 2022 Now he is 45 His name is Borush, and mean is in Turkish peace. Peace also at the time, you know, Africa hunger, and I was hoping when I get 4050, this will be over. It's not the case, but as a vision, I always look for humanistic positive for the humanity, not you know for myself well-being. Michael Hingson 37:38 Well, you you kind of act as a bridge between UN programs and local communities. Tell me more about that because you view that you view yourself as being a bridge between UN programs and the local community. Why do you why do you view yourself as more of a bridge? Bircan Unver 38:00 That's very nice metaphor, and I think it's very true for me too. Maybe I could take it two three step backs. One is the village I was born. There is a river, and and then there was a bridge, and that bridge was kind of fundamental. Really, going to where you know people are established, living in all the agriculture and large fields, and it was kind of nostalgic to me. It's a bridge, but it's a stone, short bridge. That's the the first part. The second Istanbul. You know, my life main path when I was in Istanbul, Turkey in Istanbul, and Istanbul the Bosphor and then the Istanbul Bridge. Now the name changed, and now three bridges, and not just the bridge itself, but also Turkish geographic Turkey's geographical space place on Earth and especially on in between Europe and Asia and Black Sea and then the Mediterranean Sea and then when you go down North Africa, and then you go up like Russia and North Europe. So you see that that connection physically, geographically, and troy physical bridges. We live, we grow up with this kind of as part of our DNA and vision. When I was working on this, the first the initial need you know in the non-profit world to describe the need need was to connect with my culture, people, friends, family, the internet medium, and then village is also metaphor, and when we associated with the. I let I'm proud to say it. Let the association process. That was also my vision from that small video for the class project. And then, then I realize this is also. I think today is real fact that local communities, even Queens here, people are paying 1000s of dollars to come to New York to get visas. All that trying to get the sponsor, you know, to attend a conference, and I I didn't see much interest within the local nonprofits there, and that little bit was shocking realization for me. So I brought to my programs UN visions programs, MDGs, UN days, sustainable development goals. For instance, when it was announced at the UN for the 2023 agenda, we created dreams for humanity. So we brought people from lots of life, poets, authors, and youths to really share their ideas for humanity, for peace. Michael Hingson 41:12 Well, you-it sounds like, from all that I've read and and studied, you're you're, or at some point, you kind of have moved more into dealing with a lot of things with the environment. So I know that your program has been able to get a credit accredited as an observer observer status with the UN Environment Program. How is how has that affected what you do and all of your work going forward. Bircan Unver 41:43 Thank you. This is also another important, I think, milestone for us. The first in connection with the UN, associated with the in the formerly United Nations Department of Public Information, and then it has changed to Department of Global Communications. Officially, we've been associated since 2005, active and good standing, and we are able to be presented at the UN with six representatives, and therefore we are able also to reflect back to our committee's networks from the UN and it's two ways. I really like the concept two ways messaging, and then always environment in somewhat it involves in our programs. But let's say through water, through energy, through, for instance, when the forest fires really burns my heart. So being sensible and trying to, as much as I could, to attend the meetings, especially MDGs for the first phase of the Millennium Declaration, really, it's. I consider UN is the best school I ever had, and it's for me lifetimes to call, and I learn about so many countries I will never otherwise know them much. Some of the names you hardly hear in media and anywhere else, so it's kind of opens and to see the global spectrum. Also, one of the things I really love at the UN, whether you you are a ambassador or president or prime minister of a country that has maybe a population 1 million or 2 million or 1 billion or two 1.6 billion, the largest one, so you have the same minutes of speaking time, same voting, especially of course, I'm talking about the general assembly. So those things I follow up, and we try to incorporate time to time. And water issue always, I wanted to involve. I want to do something about, but it's just not like because I love the tourists, and I'm not, you know, scientist, so I'm not officially trained. So also, I'm not able to protect the, you know, fires in the forest. And every year it's getting worse and worse. And then I'm sensible, but you know, you can't do much about it. And eventually, although our last name is same, but we are not blood connected. Professor Oljoymer, at the time he was vice president for the UN Water at the UN, and we connected. And I was following up, and I was aware his work before we met. We connected through the UN. So then, especially during the COVID era, then when I've seen his speeches, natural-based solutions, and then his piece on smart water, so I propose him if we can do something. About water, and then he was very supportive, very kind, very modest. We had our first water program on the World Water Day in March 2001 and then it has turned out an annual program, and we kind of made the global connections and collaborations, and especially first three, four of them, Professor Olja led and guide, and also we worked together in a sense that I brought one part of the speakers and he brought other parts. So it was also great, diverse speakers and also the level of the speakers from whether civil society, academia, UN, and youth, all that. So we already presented six of them, and 2023 we were part of the UN Water Conference. We presented a program, and then last year we participated and presented a program site event in Nice on the Ocean Conference, and we kind of we also had previously on the ocean again. So plastic also become whether ocean, whether water, whether land life, like plastic, is becoming a huge in every level. Not plastic, but also chemical, all all sorts of polluters on in environment. So then we become promoting, producing, and there are really great level of academicians and experts, and they also like to share and connect their research and their findings. So it's a platform to break down together, and then when it is a video, when it is posted as both a summary along with the full presentation or speech, so it becomes a really source where you know you can find diverse voices, diverse solutions, diverse ideas, and also we align them in support of the UN days, UN conferences, SDGs, sustainable development goals like Water Days. Also, we collaborate with an organization in India, IGEN Green Institution, Green Engineers Institute of Green Engineers. So they are focusing on energy SDG seven. So we contribute them, bringing speakers. Bircan Unver 47:40 So then they join us to our program. So really, it's an organic volunteer base. So that that actually, I was so proud that we got a call, invitation to submit the application for this accredited status, and it was June 2025 after the ocean conference. I think ocean conference kind of brought them cumulatively and maybe brought their attention. And then October they asked our official documents, the bylaws and and certificate of organization, which is the regular require any formal application at the UN, and then I I submitted them in I think it was October 1525 but I haven't heard anything, and then I thought maybe you know they didn't consider, and then literally a year later, in June, last June, we got approval, and with a, it's not just accredited for a special one particular conference. It is an observer status assembly to contribute draft ideas. I mean, to contribute drafts, draft resolution to observe, to participate, and then also to be responsible to provide every four-year quadrennial report. Let's say if we fail to produce contribution at any level to this cause, then you know we may lose that observed status, but of course we'll do our best to contribute and to continue. Michael Hingson 49:27 With all of the work that you've done in all of this, I want to come back to World Water Day in a moment. But with all the work that you've done and all the the the things that you've done in public television and so on, when you host these meetings or you participate in these meetings, do they get televised? Also, are you able to bring those to to the public through public television? Bircan Unver 49:53 When it is Zoom, then I edit within my time slot within the limits of. Time slots and QPTV provides two different time slots. One is 20-eight minutes, the other one is 50-eight minutes. So then, let's say if it's two-hour session, I you know a little bit edit and then title, etc. and part one, part two, and also depending on the length of the session or 20-eight minutes. So then I schedule them through the local channels, as we spoke at QPTV. Also, I make them available through our vmail.com/lmtv channel on web on the web. Also, when we have a summary or outcomes, so we also provide those links and share through social media. Try our best to make those information available, visible, and reachable. Michael Hingson 50:51 Well, that I'm glad you do that. I'm glad that it gets to be something that is a lot more publicized than you just attending a meeting-that's important, I would think, to do when when you talk about World Water Day and so on. One of the things that that I I understand you do is you compare water security directly with cybersecurity and gender equality. Those are three different sorts of things when you include water security. Tell us more about that. Bircan Unver 51:24 This was our latest program in last March, and we had in our prior program on AI a discussion on AI a public discussion on AI policy or AI arc. So he's a professor and at the SUNY, and he's a mathematician, and he's also teaching cybersecurity. And when I was talking about when we met about the water conference upcoming, actually in this December, in the United Emirates on I think December six to eight. Even I was thinking to attend, but I wanted part a bit this time virtually instead of going there. So when we were talking about and and I really like this idea and I say as I asked exactly what you asked for, and then his really statement explanation made great sense because everything is nowadays control troy some form of electronic or AI or a combination of those systems, right? Competing systems. So if or if there is a technical issues, that's one case. But if there is a hack, especially water is the life source for everyone, whether you are billion or trillion, or you are you know ordinary people on the you know everyday life. So water is the source for everything, including producing the energy. AI. So water is the life itself. So then, when he said, if any hacking, whether you know small you know some you know people with a bad intention or some maybe big corporation because some profit purpose they want to sell more you know bottled water whatever or some international security issues you you may name this many other things. So if a computer system, if the control mechanism, if the AI system, whatever that combination in that system, is hack, then everything is a huge risk, and that's number one. How it connects with the water. Also now you know we smart how everything is electronic. Everything and then when that somewhat the life collapses there. So including water, including energy. So everything is so much you know interconnected. And then how that the gender equality came. Also, we follow Michael the UN annual-based dedication team for each UN Day or conferences. For instance, last year, water and gender equality, because water and gender required is also so inseparable concept and conditions in many parts of the world, and then also our professor Emre Tokus, he also. Make beautiful connection that if woman or when woman, if and when women are more in the security, cyber security, IT technology sectors, they are more sensitive. They are more like maybe natural in their dealings, like mother protection. So more protective, so there is less risk than where it is now. So to increase the gender equality, both not burden on the woman, you know, where it's the water scarcity that woman has to carry the burden. Girls, even five, seven years old, when developing countries, when it comes to developing countries, and then if the girls are, and also that was staggering. Stats he gave sort of shocked me today because he is a professor at SUNY. So what I mean by that, he said one of his class has only four girls out of 31. of his class has only one girl. One of his class doesn't have no girl. So even though if if girls are girls are not getting in this field, how we gonna bring the gender balance in all cross-cutting sectors of society. So that's how both from the UN perspective, the dedication team, also cybersecurity, the profile from a university that girls are not showing attention, interest studying cybersecurity. That was the fact based on his class last semester. One Michael Hingson 56:46 of the things that you have done, as I understand, is you've written several books. Bircan Unver 56:53 Yes, there are more, but hopefully I could get work on them, publish them as well. The my first book was Michael, based on my interviews with artists and my reviews on art exhibits, and also when I had questionnaire surveys like with artists, galleries, academicians, professors, students. When I before my first life prior prior the U.S. So when I went back after four years and I was really eager to get in a job for as a TV producer and somewhat that didn't work despite all my efforts even I my project load and everyone was after me, but they want to take the project, but not give me the role what I deserve for. So then I kind of close myself, and then I said I want to compile my books, my articles, my interviews. So that was how my first book came about in Turkish. To create is the most sacred. So, like the value to give the highest value for the creativity, intellectual production. That is through all those interviews, reviews, and questions. So that's that was the first book. The second book is in a way a bridge again between U.S. and Istanbul, New York and Istanbul, or maybe L.A. New York and Istanbul. Because when I came in, also I've done freelance journalism, so I wrote some you know reviews and the magazine. I used to, you know, send and appear my interviews and reviews. So and it was include not too frequent, but it was include some of major exhibits, both from LA and also from the Metropolitan Museum in MoMA in New York. Also Turkish artists here. So I met them, you know, when I was living. I started living in here. So then I a combination of those, and also that was another metaphor developed in my mind when I was Istanbul. I was feeling like the labyrinths of arts. So that's my second book title in Turkish labyrinths in arts. So like you are like this kind of narrow and small world in Istanbul art worlds and very high competition, and then nobody expanding to New York and LA expansion means bringing some, for instance, Franz Bacon, Thomas Hart Benton, and Max Ernst and Marina Magritte. Those also the last part connecting with the New York Istanbul from my art based on my art background. Michael Hingson 59:51 So, were any of the books published in English? The Bircan Unver 59:54 last 120, 23 is English, but. It is a compilation concept is written me. I directed the project, and of course I have some pieces also beside the concept. But it is a compilation by 24 contributors. It is based on the JUC Media Research Writing Awards 2021 and 2023 High School Awards Project, and also it is also engaging the youth to involve the UN programs at an early age and encourage them award them. So that also the next one is going to be on the Water Action Decatur in the same line, same concept, and also I have a book project since 2022 I couldn't still 2022 2020 actually. I dream, therefore I am. I have 80% of the book manuscript is ready, but I couldn't finalize it, and so the other one also I was hoping but couldn't to have a book for the 25th anniversary of the latentium. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. It's a little bit seemingly not going to happen this year to come up 25th anniversary of late millennium, but I had 20 anniversary of the late millennium in Turkish, and so this is completely different issue because I introduced like Millennium both in Turkish and in English, so it's like Tiffany Sister is the Turkish one, and then I formed Turkish sister in 2010, and then so on the 20th anniversary of the Turkish organization, as it is association, official association. So I compile the first part, the concept vision, very much like Millennium, because it's the system. But the second part based on the programs, activities, and challenges in Istanbul. So this book also in English will be first the the manifesto and the first all the history will be very much in English, the original one. But the second part is going to be completely, you know, selected ideas and projects and programs from the website and public programs from the last 20-five years, and it's hard hard things to do. It it's very challenging. I couldn't do it. Michael Hingson 1:02:47 It's it's a lot of work. Well, Berjan, I I want to tell you that we have now been talking for more than an hour. Time flies when you're having fun. Man, I'm going to go. I'm going to have to go ahead and and end our time, but we'll have to do this again and and continue the discussion. But I really appreciate you taking the time to be here, and I hope that people will monitor your programs and and and read your books if they can read Turkish or English, whichever works. Troy Bircan Unver 1:03:18 has so many English pieces, and now everyone welcome to look out our website. And what's the Michael Hingson 1:03:26 website again? Bircan Unver 1:03:28 lmglobal.org. Michael Hingson 1:03:32 lmglobal.org. Okay. Bircan Unver 1:03:34 Yes, but the whole archive from 2019 to 2000 no, 2019 no. of course not 2019 1999 to 2018 The archive. Our initial website is light millennium.org Millennium is with double N double N. So the everything we are talking about, all the process, our UN programs, and the reports from the UN NGO briefings, some conferences we participated. If anyone has any question, I'll be happy to provide the link and you know to contact them. Michael Hingson 1:04:17 And we will put that information in the show notes, the notes for the podcast. So I want to thank you for being here. This has been absolutely informative. I really appreciate your time, and I hope the programs continue to go well. So I want to thank you again for being here, and this has just been a lot of fun. Bircan Unver 1:04:39 Thank you so much, Michael Kingston, it is great honor and privilege. Especially, you are a hero, and your your story is amazing, and you are also taking really one of the challenges works like producing these programs, and we never met in real life. And then this is also like Millennium and your work. How we connected through? Otherwise, there was no like regular environment or database environment that we could meet. Your work and your dedication and your inspiring contribution really connected us and bring us together in this session. Thank you, and I'm really grateful for that. Michael Hingson 1:05:29 Thank you for being here with me on Unstoppable Mindset. I hope today's conversation left you with a fresh perspective, a new insight, or at least something worth thinking about. If you're ready to go deeper into the ideas that shape how we see ourselves and others, I have a free gift for you. Head over to michaelhingson.com and download my free ebook, Blinded by Fear. It explores the invisible beliefs that hold us back and shows you how to reframe them so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this show with someone who can use a reminder that growth starts with mindset. When people think differently, we all move forward together. Thanks again for listening. Keep learning, keep questioning, and keep choosing to live with an unstoppable mindset
In this episode, Rachel Axelrod, Speaker Coach, Event Producer, Attorney, Axelrod Consulting Chicago, shares practical strategies for becoming a more engaging speaker, from using storytelling to simplifying complex messages and connecting with audiences.
In this episode, Rachel Axelrod, Speaker Coach, Event Producer, Attorney, Axelrod Consulting Chicago, shares practical strategies for becoming a more engaging speaker, from using storytelling to simplifying complex messages and connecting with audiences.
Show up to the studio 100 times and make 10 dope songs.The pressure to create content distracts from the basic truth: making good music is the goal. In order to make good music, you must find yourself in the studio. If you're not showing up to the studio, you're not going to make anything, let alone anything good. Late London says: “Show up to the studio 100 times and make 10 dope songs.”This perspective also speaks to respect for the challenge inherent in making good music. It represents a conscious setting of expectations to prioritize showing up, removing pressure, and enjoyment in the experience of making music. Output is an artifact of process.Late's respect for the challenge of making music is also seen in the way that he participates and interacts with his community. Not having seen each other since college, he immediately asked me to send him a track and did not hesitate to say “this vocal should be loud and proud.”He limits himself to three working sessions on tracks to avoid over-thinking and exchanges works in process with other producers. They help each other across the finish line to get the best — not the perfect — version of a song and then they move on. This is because he also values forward motion. More can be learned and experienced through continuing than from staying in place.All of this is filtered through his expansive and dynamic lens of what it is to be a professional. Late London regularly shape-shifts between DJ, Music Producer, Event Producer, Engineer, and Educator — he is mentally flexible in how he arrives. There are many ways to make it as an artist, he reminds us that how we define it is our choice.ProducerHead is free to subscribe. Subscribers get access to The Practice — an ongoing video archive of in-studio sessions from guests on the show. Late London built a track from scratch in 30 minutes and it is available now. Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe
Send us Fan Mail*Warning, this episode contains a conversation about suicide.*In honor of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month, we're sharing some interviews from a really special event that we participated in back in November, the fifth annual Pinayista Summit hosted by Make it Mariko. Pinayista is a vibrant community of Filipino women entrepreneurs and creative solopreneurs with a mission to build sisterhood in the hustle, and we were invited to be part of a panel called "Turn Up the Volume: Pinays in Music & Media". It was a day full of inspiration, connection, and Filipino love.First we sit down with Gina Mariko Rosales (Founder and Event Producer for Pinayista and Make it Mariko) and her mother Lillian Rosales for a beautiful discussion about intergenerational healing, and then you'll hear from Lisa Angulo Reid (CEO & Co-Founder of Dear Flor) on the importance of owning our own businesses, followed by Chef Charleen Caabay (CEO & Co-Founder, Culinary Creative Entrepreneur, and first Filipino-American female chef to win Food Network's Chopped) on the beauty of Filipino food and grief as a part of growth, and we cap it off with LadyRAY (former radio personality for 106.1 KMEL and Community Engagement Director) on community and women in media.Follow Make it Mariko on IGFollow Gina Mariko Rosales on IGFollow Lisa Angulo Reid on IGFollow Chef Charleen Caabay on IGFollow LadyRAY on IGSupport the showThanks for listening and for your support! We couldn't have won Best of the Bay Best Podcast in 2022 , 2023 , and 2024 without you!--Fight fascism. Shop small. Use cash. Fuck ice.--Support Bitch Talk here!Subscribe to our channel on YouTube for behind the scenes footage!Rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts!Visit our website! www.bitchtalkpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and SubstackListen every Monday at 7 am on BFF.FM
We made it to 250 episodes — and we're taking a moment to reflect on what that really means. In this milestone episode, we look back on the conversations that shaped the podcast, including our top 5 most popular episodes and what we'd say differently today. We also share what 250 episodes have taught us about events, how our perspectives have evolved, and what feels less urgent now than it once did. A reflective, behind-the-scenes conversation — and a big thank you to everyone who's been part of the journey.SHOW NOTES:Register for our How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopRiverside Podcast Analytics Article: https://riverside.com/blog/podcast-analyticsTop 5 Episodes:Ep. 74 - How to Start an Event Planning Business: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nu5ut7xSoVjMP8wKTpTGy?si=V9up3CeTQuKuao4JVcj9nQEp. 223 - What Is Day-Of Event Management? A Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tBanvW3KYjasVPSmemuxj?si=oOCJWcjxT1y0dlC1tBtGrQEp. 196 - Pre-Event Routines for Event Planners and Event Producers: https://open.spotify.com/episode/748FVGOsYelEDWq3SNTdJ7?si=IBgc9cNfTzeOTRfPzgEExgEp. 227 - The Business of Events: Scaling Budgeting and Ownership: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LlVHr2pEkcjIVZncdbTIU?si=sCwYrsHnRlq6rDqcYCKVBg Top Episode: Ep. 72 - Skills That Every Event Planner or Event Producer Needs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IZPc59zynDFX6NgKAYvLU?si=Nt9q6V58Tj-ywaV_cvpvOwRegister interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at bettereventspod@gmail.comTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)
This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Plato Media Company helps organizations produce successful events by managing the technical production, audiovisual setup and behind-the-scenes logistics. Their team helps ensure conferences, meetings and live events run smoothly from start to finish. Event Producer, Michelle Kennedy, joins us with more. Michelle Kennedy: If you've ever planned an event then you know how much is riding on the day going well. Months of planning, and it all comes down to a few hours in a room full of people. The last thing you need is something going wrong with the tech. At Plato Media Company, we make sure it doesn't. We're a Salt Lake City-based event production and audio visual company. We handle the sound, lighting, visuals and crew — everything that makes a live event actually feel the way it's supposed to. Our clients come to us when something important is on the line and it can't fall apart. We show up prepared with high-quality equipment and run a seamless show so the only thing people remember is a great event. The next time you need speakers, mics, lights, projectors, video cameras, LED wall or staging, reach out to our expert team at Plato Media Company. Derek Miller: From planning to production, Plato Media Company ensures Utah organizations host seamless, unforgettable events that connect people. Discover their services and how they support Utah businesses at PlatoMediaCo.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 4/3/26
On today's Radio Night Live: Fun Friday! Christiani Pitts, star of the Broadway play: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake across New York); & John Nimick, President at Squash Engine, Inc. & Event Producer of Sprott Tournament of Champions presented by Crowd Street ABOUT CHRISTIANI: In Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), Christiani Pitts plays Robin, a 26-year-old New Yorker struggling to find meaning while stuck in an unfulfilling, monotonous routine. Pitts was drawn to the role of Robin because of the character's relatable experience of depression, which the actress appreciates for not being over-explained in the production. Pitts' Broadway debut in A Bronx Tale, beginning as an ensemble member before taking over the co-starring role of Jane, was followed by the leading role of Ann Darrow in King Kong. She made history as the first woman of color to play Darrow, working to flesh out the character traditionally depicted as a damsel-in-distress archetype. Now, following the pandemic and the birth of her first child, Zora Makena, Pitts is back as one half of the two-hander musical rom-com Two Strangers with co-star, Sam Tutty. Currently, she recurred on Starz's Power Book III: “Raising Kanan” and starred in the Netflix feature Resort To Love. Her other credits include: Dead Ringers, “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Fight,” “Evil,” “Elementary.” Christiani is repped by Buchwald Talent and Authentic Talent & Literary Management. ABOUT TWO STRANGERS (Carry a Cake Across New York) Meet Dougal, an impossibly upbeat Brit who has just landed in New York City for the first time to attend the wedding of the father he's never met. Meet Robin, the sister of the bride and a no-nonsense New Yorker with a lot of errands to do for the bride—including picking up the groom's estranged son from the airport. These two strangers begin their journey together navigating New York City, secrets, and second chances. ABOUT JOHN: Nimick began playing pro squash in the 1980s, when hardball squash was growing in the U.S., though the sport wasn't played in arenas and received relatively little press coverage. John achieved a ranking of No. 2 on the World Professional Squash Tour in 1990-91 and won four “Grand Slam” singles squash titles during his professional career. John also won the Intercollegiate Singles title, U.S. National Singles title and numerous other singles and doubles championships. Nimick is now the president of sports marketing company Squash Engine, the leading promoter of international squash. Nimick's comprehensive, value-driven approach to sports championship and entertainment management quickly established Squash Engine as the leading promoter in international squash and enabled his forerunner company Event Engine to provide similar services to the tennis, golf and classical and popular music markets. His company is known for hosting squash championships in non-traditional venues. Its tentpole event, the Tournament of Champions, is held in New York City's Grand Central Terminal. Now, the “ToC” is the largest squash spectator tournament in the world. ABOUT TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: The Tournament of Champions can trace its distinguished international squash lineage back to 1930 when it was first staged as the “U.S. Professional.” In the late 70's it became the World Professional Squash Championships and then the Tournament of Champions in 1992. A women's invitational draw was added to the event in 2001 with a full championship draw added in 2002-2003, 2005-2007 and 2012 forward. The tournament is the oldest, annual competition for squash professionals in the world. The list of titleholders is a veritable “who's who” of squash through the years. The tournament has been played in 17 different cities but is now closely identified with its majestic Grand Central Terminal venue where the ToC was first presented in 1995.
In this episode, Rachel Axelrod, Speaker Coach, Event Producer, Attorney, Axelrod Consulting, LLC shares her journey from attorney to speaker coach and explains how storytelling, focus, and clarity help leaders connect more deeply with audiences.
In this episode, Rachel Axelrod, Speaker Coach, Event Producer, Attorney, Axelrod Consulting, LLC shares her journey from attorney to speaker coach and explains how storytelling, focus, and clarity help leaders connect more deeply with audiences.
The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. To find out more from the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | FlickrHave feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at news@sigmanu.org. Hosts for this EpisodeChristopher Brenton - Beta Tau Chapter (North Carolina State) Alumnus and Sigma Nu Fraternity's Director of CommunicationsGuest for this EpisodeJoseph Ditto - Mu Beta Chapter (Alabama in Huntsville) Alumnus and Event Producer for Pixel Point, LLC, Sigma Nu Fraternity's A/V Partner for College of Chapters and Grand ChapterGeneral ResourcesRegistration for College of Chapters is an intensive, interactive program for our collegiate chapter and colony Commanders, focusing on chapter management, leadership, and core competencies.Prospective Member Referral - Do you know a young man who would be an ideal candidate for Sigma Nu? Please submit a membership referral.Employment and Staff Hiring Resources - If you are interested in learning more about working for the Fraternity as a consultant. Please visit the employment webpage for resources and access to the position application. The application deadlines are October 15 and March 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Contact Scott Smith at scott.smith@sigmanu.org for more information.Become a Volunteer - Learn more and take the next steps to become a volunteer for the Fraternity.Establish or Serve an Alumni Chapter - Learn more about how to help establish and maintain an Alumni Chapter.Organize an Alumni Club - Learn more about how to become engaged with or set up an Alumni Club.Donate to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation - Give a gift to help advance the Fraternity's honorable Mission.
Have you ever carried a family secret so heavy that the only way to heal was to bring it into the open? On this week's episode of Love University, we sat down with Richard K. Lowy—international event producer, creative director, and now author of Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele's Auschwitz (Jan 2025). Through deep, painstaking interviews with his father, Leopold, and his father's childhood friend, Kalman, Richard uncovers how two Hungarian-Jewish boys—friends by circumstance—survived Josef Mengele's experiments, served SS guards, endured unspeakable horror, and ultimately reunited more than five decades later. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: From stages to testimony. Richard had a successful career producing events for icons like Van Morrison and thought leaders such as Malcolm Gladwell, but says he reached a tipping point: the weight of his father's unwritten history was greater than the draw of any concert or summit. The bridge between film and book. His documentary, Leo's Journey, became the foundation for deeper psychological layers in the memoir—exploring post-traumatic growth, social support as a buffer, gallows humor, and how friendship can serve as a lifeline in extreme trauma. Friendship as survival, and the science behind it. In the camps, Kalman and Leopold became a “protective pair.” Psychological research supports the concept that in trauma zones, strong dyadic bonds (pairs) lower mortality risk. Richard also explores reciprocal altruism (mutual giving and protection between two people) and how it plays out in survival—each risking for the other, not out of obligation, but from shared trust. Humor, grief, and truth. The memoir includes moments of gallows humor—dark laughter amid horror. Richard says that while the book risks jarring readers, it was essential to preserve the emotional authenticity of his father's voice. Tragedy as a platform for inspiration. With his media appearances and public speaking, Richard's mission is to turn sacred memory into living purpose—raising witnesses, protectors, and storytellers to resist forgetting the unforgettable. Always remember Richard's lesson we need to learn: suffering doesn't just require remembrance—it demands witness, action, and connection.
Have you ever carried a family secret so heavy that the only way to heal was to bring it into the open? On this week's episode of Love University, we sat down with Richard K. Lowy—international event producer, creative director, and now author of Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele's Auschwitz (Jan 2025). Through deep, painstaking interviews with his father, Leopold, and his father's childhood friend, Kalman, Richard uncovers how two Hungarian-Jewish boys—friends by circumstance—survived Josef Mengele's experiments, served SS guards, endured unspeakable horror, and ultimately reunited more than five decades later. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: From stages to testimony. Richard had a successful career producing events for icons like Van Morrison and thought leaders such as Malcolm Gladwell, but says he reached a tipping point: the weight of his father's unwritten history was greater than the draw of any concert or summit. The bridge between film and book. His documentary, Leo's Journey, became the foundation for deeper psychological layers in the memoir—exploring post-traumatic growth, social support as a buffer, gallows humor, and how friendship can serve as a lifeline in extreme trauma. Friendship as survival, and the science behind it. In the camps, Kalman and Leopold became a “protective pair.” Psychological research supports the concept that in trauma zones, strong dyadic bonds (pairs) lower mortality risk. Richard also explores reciprocal altruism (mutual giving and protection between two people) and how it plays out in survival—each risking for the other, not out of obligation, but from shared trust. Humor, grief, and truth. The memoir includes moments of gallows humor—dark laughter amid horror. Richard says that while the book risks jarring readers, it was essential to preserve the emotional authenticity of his father's voice. Tragedy as a platform for inspiration. With his media appearances and public speaking, Richard's mission is to turn sacred memory into living purpose—raising witnesses, protectors, and storytellers to resist forgetting the unforgettable. Always remember Richard's lesson we need to learn: suffering doesn't just require remembrance—it demands witness, action, and connection.
A casual movie night with a friend unexpectedly led Raisa Chua-Bergola into event production. With the words “I'll try it, let's see how we go,” she went from housewife to accidental producer, proving that sometimes the most unexpected moments can spark life-changing opportunities. - Hindi inaasahan ni Raisa Chua-Bergola na ang isang simpleng movie night kasama ang kaibigan ay magiging tulay sa pagpasok niya sa mundo ng event production. Mula sa pagiging housewife siya ay naging accidental producer, patunay na minsan ang pinaka-hindi inaasahang sandali ay maaaring magbukas ng mga pagkakataong magbabago ng buhay.
This week the Bollotta-philes are back with a very special guest, YINKA FREEMAN owner and CEO of TRIPLE POCKET EVENTS. The team gets to know this Sales Manager, Strategist and Event Producer through conversations about her relationship to the LGBTQ+ community and how she has married her passion and expertise in a market that is often looked over. Just because the pandemic is over, doesn't mean the virtual event is dead and Yinka shares her experience in that arena as well. From her work with San Diego Pride and San Diego Black Pride to her time volunteering with organizations such as ILEA and production of Know Other Festival, get to know this powerhouse this week on Bollotta-FIDE!Consult and HIRE Yinka at https://www.triplepocketevents.com/Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram
Businesses and organizations often invest heavily in creating change, but what kind of mentorship truly drives results? In this episode, Deborah sits down with Dr. Summer Watson to explore the impact of cross-generational leadership and mentorship programs. Dr. Watson's approach helps organizations unlock extraordinary success and create lasting transformation! Stay tuned! Here are the things to expect in the episode:How Dr. Watson's multicultural upbringing and life as a military spouse shaped her resilience, adaptability, and passion for empowering others.What KORE stands for.Why cross-generational leadership and mentorship are game-changers for cultivating thriving workplace cultures.The mission behind Kore Women.The importance of aligning core values and using individualized assessments to foster authentic, empowered leadership.And much more! About Dr. Summer Watson:Dr. Summer Watson, MHS, PhD, is a High-Performance Coach, Dr. of Psychology, Podcaster, Event Producer, Live Show Host, Author, Mentor, and Military Spouse of over 21 years. Dr. Watson is also the owner of KORE Women, which supports companies to develop thriving cross-generational leadership and mentorship programs, fostering healthy and sustainable communities. KORE stands for how we Kinetically connect, Organically learn from one another, Reshape lives through diverse interaction, and Empower one another to promote change, which are values that run through everything Dr. Watson does, from running her business, podcasting, to creating community events and community development. Connect with Dr. Summer Watson!Website: https://www.korewomen.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summer-d-watson-mhs-phd-17371921/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korewomen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoreWomen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@korewomen Book Recommendation:The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Connect with Deborah Kevin:Website: www.deborahkevin.comSubstack: https://debbykevin.substack.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbykevinwriterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/storytellher Check out Highlander Press:Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highlanderpressInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlanderpressFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlanderpress
Modern Woodworkers Association Podcast - Conversations Among Woodworkers
On this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back our good friend Austin Waldo, Founder and Event Producer of the Texas Woodworking Festival. Austin shares all the exciting details about this year's festival that will make it the best one yet. Check it out!Texas Woodworking Festival TicketsTexas Woodworking Festival - 2024 EDU VideosAustin Waldo@texaswoodworkingfestival & @austinschooloffurniture on IGtexaswoodworkingfestival.comaustinschooloffurniture.comWWing News Woodpeckers' new Joinery SledLAP - New Edition of 'Roubo on Furniture'Haystack Mountain School of Crafts Boss Dog GlueHosts' Contact Info:Kyle Barton@barton.kyle & @bbcustomtools on Instagrambbcustomtools.comOn Youtube under BB Custom Tools & Kyle BartonKyle Barton on FacebookSean Wisniewski@Seanw78 on most social mediaMark Hicksjointeffort.netJointeffort.net/mwa@markbuildsit on InstagramOn Youtube under Plate 11 / Joint EffortBrian Obst@obstwoodworks on Instagram
For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com In this candid episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by Aaron Kaufman, President of Fifth Element Group. They discuss the current state of the events industry, challenges to professionalization, and the necessary steps to transform events from a vocation into a legitimate industry with standards, ethics, and business credibility.
In this week's episode, dive into the essential pre-event routines that seasoned event planners and producers swear by to ensure everything goes smoothly. From the final high-level preparations the day before an event to the non-negotiable tasks that set the stage for success, our discussion covers it all. Learn about the checklists, team protocols, and personal habits that keep top professionals focused and calm, including how they manage their energy with specific meals and physical prep like comfy shoes and hydration. Plus, discover the one thing they wish they had started doing sooner in their careers to enhance their performance and efficiency on the job. SHOW NOTES: Learn more about Event Badger at https://www.eventbadger.com/ Mention the Better Events Podcast for 10% off your first order! Buy the replays to the 2024 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/ Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review! Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117 —— FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @bettereventspod @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan) @epeventsllc (Mary)
We Are Excited To Interview Event Producer Bob Saul On The Life Box Media Channel Radio Podcast We Talk About This Weekends Big Event The Lone Star Poetry Gathering In Alpine Texas February 21 - 22, 2025 For More Information Go To LoneStarPoetry.com For Tickets Go To https://lonestarcowboypoetry.com/tickets/index.html A Huge Thank You To Bob Saul For Taking The Time Thank You To Barry Rogers Of Wayne P R For Arranging This Great Interview
Vanessa Gordon went from English as a Second Language (ESL) and fitness teacher to the CEO and Publisher of a digital publication and runs an event production and consulting business based on her love of the Hamptons of Long Island. As a Hampton's native, she has deep ties and relationships that allow her to share the magic of where she's from and why she loves it through her digital content and events. Originally created in 2016, East End Taste is a digital publication that focuses on sustainable and international culinary travel for coastal destinations. Two years later, she created the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, an annual summer event series. She also helps consult and produce many other events.We talk about:What it's like to be in the publishing and media industryHow real relationships are essential components for successWhy listening to your intuition and instincts are criticalThe behind-the-scenes details of planning upscale eventsVanessa Gordon - GuestVanessa's InstagramVanessa's websiteEast End Taste MagazineJulie Berman - Podcast Host & ProducerJulie Berman's LinkedIn Profile@womencooljobs (Instagram)www.womenwithcooljobs.com Send Julie a text!!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I absolutely LOVE being the host and producer of "Women with Cool Jobs", where I interview women who have unique, trailblazing, and innovative careers. It has been such a blessing to share stories of incredible, inspiring women since I started in 2020. If you have benefitted from this work, or simply appreciate that I do it, please consider buying me a $5 coffee. ☕️ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/julieberman Thank you so much for supporting me -- whether by sharing an episode with a friend, attending a LIVE WWCJ event in Phoenix, connecting with me on Instagram @womencooljobs or LinkedIn, sending me a note on my website (www.womenwithcooljobs.com), or by buying me a coffee! It all means so much.
Randy Rebold, Event Producer of the Pine Valley Camp Christmas holiday festival, discusses the myriad attractions that attendees will experience at the festival that runs through Sunday, December 22.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media"Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 18 years. "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting. About Mission Fed Credit UnionA community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations. For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/
James Lott Jr has a chat with Jeff Krauss, he's a celebrity event producer based in New York. His company is IE Group NYC. He's worked with a number of celebrities in the hospitality space including George Clooney, Alicia Keys, Megan Fox, Brooke Shields, Connor McGregor, and a to name a few. He also co-founded FanRoom Live along with Mich Faulkner and Cedric The Entertainer, an online platform that has fans interacting with celebrities. goto iegny.com and follow him on IG and X @iegroupnyc
On the Read My Lips stage where passion beams true akaRadioRed on her Scarlett mic in the live-streaming hue Welcomes you to The Hospitality of Creativity today Featuring savvy Creatives with a lot to say Annie McCune, Dr Emilio Justo M.D., and Roger Igo, too Watch or listen as we share inspiration with you!
Dr. Summer Watson, MHS, PhD is a High-Performance Coach, Dr. of Psychology, Podcaster, Event Producer, Live Show Host, Author, Mentor, and Military Spouse of over 21-years. Dr. Summer Watson is the Founder of KORE Women, LLC. KORE Women is a place where women Kinetically connect, Organically learn from one another, Reshape lives through diverse interaction, and Empower one another to promote change. KORE Women strives to support women through shared wisdom, kindness, mentorship, and guidance as well as through the use of films, podcasts, seminars and strategies to support each other's success and to help build successful businesses. Follow her:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5GH2n5JM1HuRBIzWgDPLg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kore-women-podcast/id1401140103 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31XuzQcl2OVbjJ3ghUgwhB iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-the-kore-women-podcast-43078251/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/The-KORE-Women-Podcast/dp/B08K591X6C PodBean: https://korewomen.podbean.com/Website: https://www.korewomen.com/podcast/ ***********Susanne Mueller / www.susannemueller.biz TEDX Talk, May 2022: Running and Life: 5KM Formula for YOUR Successhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_5Er1cLvY 700+ weekly blogs / 450+ podcasts / 1 Ironman Triathlon / 5 half ironman races / 26 marathon races / 3 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk
We've seen stories this week about concern over election violence, fires in ballot boxes, and worries over election security. This even as we know how safe and secure our election process is! How do we restore confidence in our election? KSL Newsradio's Amanda Dickson asked her guests on A Woman's View. Her guests this week include Meghan Holbrook, Senior Vice President of Government Relations with Zions Bank, Ginette Bott, President and CEO of the Utah Food Bank and LuAnne Banks, Partner and Event Producer for the Women's Wellness Summit.
How do we function in this time of deepfakes? How do we know that politician or personality or police officer online is real or a deepfake generated by AI? KSL Newsradio's Amanda Dickson asked her guests on A Woman's View. Her guests this week include Meghan Holbrook, Senior Vice President of Government Relations with Zions Bank, Ginette Bott, President and CEO of the Utah Food Bank and LuAnne Banks, Partner and Event Producer for the Women's Wellness Summit.
A few years back, we decided it would be better to spread homeless shelters out in various places throughout our communities. That, it seems, did not work. So now officials are thinking about creating one massive homeless campus for thousands of homeless people. Is that the right way to go? KSL Newsradio's Amanda Dickson asked her guests on A Woman's View. Her guests this week include Meghan Holbrook, Senior Vice President of Government Relations with Zions Bank, Ginette Bott, President and CEO of the Utah Food Bank and LuAnne Banks, Partner and Event Producer for the Women's Wellness Summit.
The average Utah family is spending 10% of the total family income on food, and we live in one of the most affordable states. In some states, it's 20%! How do we address this problem? Families are spending more on childcare than they are on food! KSL Newsradio's Amanda Dickson asked her guests on A Woman's View. Her guests this week include Meghan Holbrook, Senior Vice President of Government Relations with Zions Bank, Ginette Bott, President and CEO of the Utah Food Bank and LuAnne Banks, Partner and Event Producer for the Women's Wellness Summit.
If you've ever wondered how to land those coveted speaking and panel spots at events, this episode is for you! I'm thrilled to have Johanna (Jo) Murillo join me to share her insider knowledge on how event organizers and producers choose speakers and panelists. Jo is an event producer extraordinaire based in Orlando, Florida, where I live. She runs Wow Brand Studios, a full-service agency specializing in event production, brand strategy, and helping business owners stand out through powerful visual branding. I've had the pleasure of attending several of Jo's events, and they are truly one-of-a-kind! In our conversation, Jo reveals the secrets of what she looks for when selecting speakers and panelists. It's not just about who has the biggest social media following, but about who can bring genuine value, inspire the audience, and share knowledge in a way that makes everyone in the room feel uplifted and enriched. We dive into: The importance of attending local in-person events to build your visibility and network The qualities Jo looks for in speakers (hint: it's more than just being an expert!) How diversity and inclusion play a central role in curating impactful events Memorable stories of speakers who wowed the audience and exceeded expectations Red flags that make event organizers hesitate to book a speaker How to make sure you are meeting expectations as a speaker and how event organizers can ensure a successful event for speakers Ready to develop your signature talk and land more speaking opportunities? Join our Thought Leader Academy where you'll work on creating your signature talk, developing your thought leadership, and learning the business of speaking. Get all the details and sign up at speakingyourbrand.com/academy. About My Guest: With over 25 years of experience in visual design, brand development, and marketing, Johanna (Jo) Murillo stands as a dynamic and accomplished professional in the industry. She is the proud owner of WOW Brand Studios, a full-service branding and public relations agency renowned for its creative and strategic excellence. A trailblazer for Hispanics in our community, Johanna was unanimously elected to join the Board of Directors for Opera Orlando. Further amplifying her impact, Johanna recently founded The WOW PWR, a nonprofit organization that empowers women in business by providing them with essential resources and a supportive network to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/415/ Jo's website: https://wowbrandstudios.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/ Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn: Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox Jo Murillo (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannamurillo/ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 401: Strategies for Getting Momentum on the Speaking Circuit Episode 396: Creating a Signature Talk that Attracts Paid Speaking Opportunities Episode 367: Steps for Creating Your Speaking and Visibility Plan
Colleen Bousman (REC '95), Owner & Event Producer at See & Be Productions and Wildflower Experience, talks with Dr. Brian Greenwood (Cal Poly Experience Industry Management) about her life and career to date.
Kyla is an Event Producer, Content Creator and Marketer based in Austin, TX. In this episode we walk through her health journey of discovering SIBO & Candida Overgrowth and healing from that, to her journey in the wellness industry in many different roles. This episode tells the BTS of the hard work and scrappy nature of growing in roles and figuring things out. Kyla's story is both inspiring and relatable. Follow Kyla HERE: https://www.instagram.com/iamkylaellis_/ Follow Claire HERE: https://www.instagram.com/clairebays/ Claire's Coaching App HERE: https://www.clairebayscoach.com/
POET, AUTHOR, EVENT PRODUCER, HOST.....LEGEND
Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati is the former Chairman and an influential board member of Hidden Treasure. Rachana Gurung Sharma, as the Creative Director, Show Director, Pageant Choreographer, Pageantry Trainer, Personal Grooming expert, and Event Producer, brings unmatched creativity and expertise. Together, they drive excellence in pageantry and beyond.
Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati is the former Chairman and an influential board member of Hidden Treasure. Rachana Gurung Sharma, as the Creative Director, Show Director, Pageant Choreographer, Pageantry Trainer, Personal Grooming expert, and Event Producer, brings unmatched creativity and expertise. Together, they drive excellence in pageantry and beyond.
Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati is the former Chairman and an influential board member of Hidden Treasure. Rachana Gurung Sharma, as the Creative Director, Show Director, Pageant Choreographer, Pageantry Trainer, Personal Grooming expert, and Event Producer, brings unmatched creativity and expertise. Together, they drive excellence in pageantry and beyond.
Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati is the former Chairman and an influential board member of Hidden Treasure. Rachana Gurung Sharma, as the Creative Director, Show Director, Pageant Choreographer, Pageantry Trainer, Personal Grooming expert, and Event Producer, brings unmatched creativity and expertise. Together, they drive excellence in pageantry and beyond.
Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati is the former Chairman and an influential board member of Hidden Treasure. Rachana Gurung Sharma, as the Creative Director, Show Director, Pageant Choreographer, Pageantry Trainer, Personal Grooming expert, and Event Producer, brings unmatched creativity and expertise. Together, they drive excellence in pageantry and beyond.
Life Changes Show with Filippo Voltaggio and cohost Mark Laisure, with Executive Producer Dorothy Guests, Rap Artist, KD and Singer Songwriter Demi Demaree and, Actor, Entrepreneur, Community Builder, Nick Spano Featuring Performance Guest, Rap Artist, KD and Singer/Songwriter Demi Demaree; and Interview Guest, Actor, Acting Coach, Entrepreneur, Event Producer, Community Builder, and Restaurateur of Re/creation Café, Nick Spano, on The Life Changes Show, Episode 797 Interview Guest: NICK SPANO; and Performance Guests: KD and DEMI DEMAREE
Ru is a transgender woman who works as a hospice nurse in Ohio, and since 2018 has been involved as an immersive artists, virtual DJ, and event producer holding weekly events in her psychedelic space called Kaleidosky, which is nominated for Best Music Experience for Raindance Immersive 2024. I had a chance to get a tour of her Kaleidosky 3.0 event space where she showed me how the intuitive VJ system works in creating feedback-loop fractal art in a kaleidoscope that's projected onto a sphere serves as a fully immersive skybox with a floating island in the middle that contains plenty of hang out spots, mini games, and a dancefloor. Kaleidosky has an indie art spirit with a lot of avant-garde performances, with many of them being within the trance or psychedelic trance (aka psytrance) genre, but performers are not limited to this genre. There ends up being an experimental vibe, and happened to have a lot more intimate conversations happening and deep listening happening rather than intensive dancing. Ru doesn't even consider Kaleidosky to be a club, but more of an event space for DJs and VJ artists to experiment with their artistic practice. Ru has featured over 300 different performers since opening the first Kaleidosky in December 2022 and holding events on a weekly basis. I had a chance to catch up with Ru to get a lot more context about her story as being one of the most prolific virtual music event producers in the VRChat scene. Be sure to join the Beat Syndicate group in VRChat and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) for more information on upcoming events. Also be sure to also check out these YouTube documentaries about the clubbing scene in VRChat as well as explorations of gender, and the thriving trans community on VRChat. I Went Clubbing in Virtual Reality: Raves of VRChat by Josef Lorenzo on PBS Voices [which features Ru and her Kaleidosky club] Why are there SO many Trans people in VRChat? Gender, Identity, and Self Discovery by The Virtual Reality Show Identity, Gender, and VRChat (Why is everyone in VR an anime girl?) by Straszfilms This is a listener-supported podcast through the Voices of VR Patreon. Music: Fatality
Dannella Burnett is the Founder & Speaker Strategist at 'Speakers Need to Speak' and Founder & Event Producer at 'Encore Elite Events' who Skyrocket Your Success with Profitable, Captivating and Influential Events and speaking engagements.Here's where to find more:http://EncoreEliteEvents.com http://SpeakersNeedToSpeak.com http://Facebook.com/DannellaBurnett___________________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself
Christina Varga (b. 1971, Milwaukee, WI) is a self-taught visionary artist living in the Hudson Valley. Her work incorporates a variety of materials including up-cycled and discarded objects, appropriated day-to-day ephemera such as vintage maps and magazines, holographic mylar, tissue paper, and mixed media including paint pens, pastels, acrylic, and oil paints. Her subject matter references pop culture trends, interdimensional pattern, and a repetition of Pixelated squares. In 2003 Christina Varga founded VARGA Gallery in Woodstock, New York. For over a decade she showcased an eclectic variety of cutting edge artists and conceived, planned, publicized, and curated hundreds of exhibitions. She directed and produced the weekly cable access program "Apocalypse VARGA", an Arts, Culture, and Media Variety Show - a showcase for artists represented by VARGA Gallery as well as musicians, speakers, and other creative industry professionals. Her work has been shown at The American Visionary Art Museum, The Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine, and at Kunsttiendaagse in Bergen, North Holland. Her work is in the collections of Uma Thurman, Grace Potter, Dweezil Zappa, Kate Pierson, and Dave Wakeling. She has been featured in The Sufi Journal, Resurgence Magazine, The New York Times, Chronogram as well as other regional, national, and international publications. Varga launched the Phoenicia Festival Of The Arts in August 2023 The festival is a town wide event happening every August and spans the entirety of Main Street and includes a Main Street Market for Artists and Artisans in the center of town and plenty of family friendly activities and happenings throughout town. The Phoenicia Festival of the Arts is a project 20 years in the making bringing musical, theatrical and visual events promoting diversity and unique cultural offerings. Christina lives and works in Phoenicia, NY where she fuses her love of gardening, creativity and motherhood. She is the proud mother of two children and a self-proclaimed Art/Garden/Life-ist. Email phoeniciafestivalofthearts@gmail.comShe is currently presenting MADE YOU LOOK at Queen of Rogues in Glenford, NY. This is Varga's first solo exhibition since masking began and an eclectic collection of a variety of new works including collaged vessels, a “String Theory” series of works incorporating filament, thread and yarn and new mixed media collages, paintings, portraits and VARGA Girls. An outdoor display of Varga's 16 foot mural featuring luminary and celebrity Daphne Guinness created during the Howl Festival in New York City is planned with 4 other Guinness inspired portraits included in the exhibit including an appropriated Lee Sanna painting “Liverpool” as background to Varga's original portrait of the Guinness Brewery heiress and muse of the late Alexander McQueen. Closing party May 31st, 6-9pm. 2440 Route 28, Glenford, NY.Today, Christina shares deeply and passionately about her life philosophies including how and why art is such a vital part of who and what she does. There are nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout our talk as well as moments intended to inspire. She is currently connecting with folks who want to be a part of this year's Phoenicia Festival of the Arts, so be in touch if this is you!You can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vargagallery/.Today's show was engineered by Ian Seda from Radiokingston.org.Our show music is from Shana Falana!Feel free to email me, say hello: she@iwantwhatshehas.org** Please: SUBSCRIBE to the pod and leave a REVIEW wherever you are listening, it helps other users FIND IThttp://iwantwhatshehas.org/podcastITUNES | SPOTIFYITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i-want-what-she-has/id1451648361?mt=2SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/show/77pmJwS2q9vTywz7Uhiyff?si=G2eYCjLjT3KltgdfA6XXCAFollow:INSTAGRAM * https://www.instagram.com/iwantwhatshehaspodcast/FACEBOOK * https://www.facebook.com/iwantwhatshehaspodcast
Lainie Strouse learned that modelling success at age 13 was a happy introduction to financial success, but that it was also temporary. She learned to do everything she could with the best intentions, that there would be ups and downs, that you do what you can with what you've got. She learned flamenco dancing and serving tables. She learned problem solving, how to understand people, keep a calm head, keep ego out, and to make the best of every situation. These are skills one might need later! Now, as a celebrity event creator, she has learned to pause, listen, come from a respectful place, be adaptable & solution focused, and produce the dream result that her clients really want. Every client & every attendee is special. Do the best you can in every moment, don't pretend to know everything, and ASK. Learning something is always good.Website: https://lainiestrouse.com/
Brad & Diego waste no time catching up with Morgan and his exciting adventures around the globe, working on projects with the likes of Teller and Gary Oldman!Like our Podcast? Wanna Support with a Donation of any size?venmo - @BradAshtenWe thank you for your patronage & Keeping the arts alive!#actor #actress #director #producer #sound #lights #camera #action #directorofphotography #artists #musicians #hair #makeup #wardrobe #casting #castingdirector #models #stars #celebrities #music #performers #tv #film #radio #television #indiefilms #scripts #deadcelebs #toys #art #awards #sag #aftra #aea #unions #movies #theatre #arts #politics #mystery #thriller #drama #suspense #comedy #fightchoreography #stunts #universalstudios #warnerbros #dc #dccomics #comicbooks #writers #screenplay #hollywood #losangeles #california #newyork #industry #castingcouch #auditions #selftape #redcarpet #oscars #emmys #mtv #abc #nbc #sony #talk #chat #discuss #fun #energetic #unique #standup #comedians #dancer #soundmixer #nashville #europe #unitedstates #books #magazines #sports #athletes #magicians #poets #singer #famous
The basketball world is incomplete without Gina Paradiso. She has been involved in sports in every capacity you can think of. and some you may not even know existed: as a young fan in the Bay Area, a hooper in college, a Talent Executive and Event Producer at ESPN and the ESPYs, an agent at CAA and Lift Sports Management, and as the Chief Content Officer at Lift. Host Gigi Speer asks Gina about all things prepping for the WNBA Draft, what voices she wants to hear calling games, being selective in representation, The Syd and TP Show, and much more. Gina even dives into what she learns from Angel Reese.Follow & Subscribe on All Podcast Platforms…
In this powerful and honest episode, my dear friend and sister Krystian Eklund joins us to share her inspiring journey of transformation. From her years in the fast-paced Las Vegas nightlife scene to embracing sobriety and spirituality, Krys' story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and taking radical responsibility for one's life. As a multi-certified health & wellness professional, as well as a seasoned Event Producer with over 12 years of experience creating extraordinary large-scale events - Krys has made it her mission to promote a balanced and authentic lifestyle. In our conversation, she opens up about the challenges she faced on her path to recovery, the role spirituality played in her healing process, and the importance of being true to oneself. Krystian's insights will resonate with anyone seeking to break free from limiting patterns and embrace a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Tune in and be inspired by her remarkable journey. Connect with Krys: INSTAGRAM LIVEUNLMTD Connect with Tori: TIKTOK INSTAGRAM COACHABLE YOUTUBE COACHABLE INSTAGRAM COACHABLE FB COMMUNITY Join My Community Membership - THE HUDDLE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Born and brewed in Ireland, Forged Irish Stout was created by MMA Champion Conor McGregor as a specialty beer for his Irish pub, The Black Forge Inn. After its initial launch Forged Irish Stout was met with a positive reception, and McGregor decided to expand the brand, buying the collaborating brewery to focus on larger-scale production with the intention to launch internationally. So in October of 2023 McGregor launched his brand inside Bartley Dunne's in New York City with a huge tasting event. Now, you can purchase Forged Irish Stout at specific locations in NY, NJ, PA, and beyond--so grab one and taste Conor McGregor's Forged Irish Stout for yourself!Bringing everyone together is what our next guest is all about--Buck's Beer Bash's Event Producer, Geff Rapp joined us for the 4-1-1 on this inaugural event. Brewers and other vendors will be on-site for you to taste your way through a huge representation of what Buck's county and the surrounding areas have to offer. What's even sweeter than a way to try so many beers at once? A portion of every ticket sold goes to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). So bring your bestie and share the beer cheer at the first annual Buck's Beer Bash happening on March 9th at The Fuge!You'll feel like the King of Queens when you bring your F∙R∙I∙E∙N∙D∙S to check out Yah Brew in Hershey, PA, this '90's-themed brewery was founded in 2022 by Justin and Annie Hoak, and officially opened their doors to a brick and mortar location in the Spring of 2023. If you're a fan of the 1990's era, you'll find this foodie-based News Radio show is bringing you a fun spot to indulge in beers, cocktails, food, and more at Yah Brew. And don't go chasing Waterfalls; instead, crack open one of their Hazed By The Bell, a hazy IPA or an Orange Sherbert Push Pop (a fruited sour) and chow down on some of the tasty menu items!
Today meet Dr. Summer Watson who is an Emotional Entrepreneur, a doctor of psychology, and a passionate dreamer. During her doctoral program in clinical psychology she was mentored in dreamwork by Stanley Krippner. We start by talking about recurring dreams and lucid dreams, then get into a bit of Freud vs Jung. Summer shares a recurring childhood dream about trying to escape boulders rolling down a mountain at her and Katherine shares her recent recurring theme of ukulele dreams. She shares stories about growing up in Santa Cruz and about being a prolific day dreamer and what those day dreams meant to her. After the break, we get a call from speculative horror author Bibiana Krall from Savannah Georgoa who shares a recurring nightmare she had associated with violent experiences that occurred near where she was sleeping and with the dramatic changes that she was going through in waking life. BIO: Dr. Summer Watson, MHS, PhD is a High-Performance Coach, Dr. of Psychology with a Clinical Emphasis, Podcaster, Event Producer, Live Show Host, Author, and Military Spouse of over 21-years. Dr. Watson's mission is to bring community together and help people understand what it is to be an emotionally agile entrepreneur. Find our guest at: TheLifeLoveAndMoney.com, KOREWOmIG: KOREWomen and the.emotional.entrepreneur, FB: KOREWomen, Twitter: KOREWomen1, TikTok: KOREWomen, YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5GH2n5JM1HuRBIzWgDPLg Show was broadcast live on December 30, 2023 on KSQD.org, community radio of Santa Cruz. Intro music is Water over Stones and outro music is Everything both by Mood Science. Ambient music is created new every week by Rick Kleffel. The audio can be found at Pandemiad.com. Many thanks to Rick Kleffel for also engineering the show and to Tony Russomano for answering the phones. Contact Katherine Bell with feedback or suggestions for future shows at katherine@ksqd.org. Follow her on FB and IG @ExperientialDreamwork to find out about upcoming shows. To learn more or to inquire about exploring your own dreams with her go to ExperientialDreamwork.com. The Dream Journal is produced at and airs on KSQD Santa Cruz, 90.7 FM. Catch it streaming LIVE at KSQD.org 10-11am Saturday mornings Pacific Time. Call or text with your dreams or questions at 831-900-5773 or email at onair@ksqd.org. Podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms and are released the Monday following the live show. The complete KSQD Dream Journal podcast page can be found at ksqd.org/the-dream-journal/. Now also available on PRX at Exchange.prx.org/series/45206-the-dream-journal Thanks for being a Dream Journal listener! Available on all major podcast platforms. Rate it, review it, subscribe and tell your friends.
Bob Legasa is not only a former US Freestyle Team Member, he's also the only athlete I've ever had on the podcast who's survived a Grizzly Bear attack. Those two things alone can make a podcast good, throw in that Dan is known as the most legendary prankster in skiing and this one is great. On the podcast, we talk about filming for Hot Dog, jumping at the Rose Bowl, Greg Stump, and a lot more. Bob Legasa Show Notes: 3:00: Grizzly Bear 17:00: Rollerblade: They invented inline skating and make the best skates on the planet. Best Day Brewing: All of the flavor of your favorite IPA or Kolsch, without the alcohol, the calories and sugar. Elan Skis: Over 75 years of innovation that makes you better. 20:00: Getting hit by a chairlift, skiing in Tahoe, moving to Idaho, and meeting Dan Herby 29:00: Freestyle Camps, The Spud Boys in Tahoe, and Ballet 37:00: Stanley: Get 30% off site wide with the code pmovement Peter Glenn Ski and Sports: Over 60 years of getting you out there. 39:00: Aerials, Hot Dog, The Movie, US Freestyle Team, and the Team was too expensive for him 53:00: The Volvo Ski Show, Outrageous Air, The Rose Bowl and filming Greg Stump 67:00: Inappropriate Questions with Dan Herby
Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives. Over the past month, we have been fortunate enough to be sponsored by Skylight Frame. [Check it out at: https://www.skylightframe.com] And guys, if you need a calendar for your family, for your kids, if your kids are neurodiverse- look at skylightframe.com! You order it, you hang it on your wall. It connects to your WIFI. You import your calendars, you add chore lists. My daughter knows all her chores. She knows everything she has to do. There's no more fights, no more arguments. She looks at the chores. She does them. She clicks the little button, the little touch screen, and it means that she's done and she gets her Roblox cuz that pretty much is what kids exist on today under the age of 12. They exist on, on Robux and, and apparently high quality mac and cheese. Apparently, you know, regular mac and cheese that we ate as kids. No, that's not good enough anymore. Skyline Frame is awesome. Use code PeterShankman at checkout. That will give you up to $30 off. I love the thing. You can also throw up all your photos on it. Uh, so when you're not using the calendar, it just. Scrolls your entire life by you and it looks pretty cool. It's in our kitchen. When I wake up at two in the morning to go get some cold water, I see a photo of me and my daughter or my dog, or my late cat, NASA, and it's pretty awesome. Makes my night. So https://www.skylightframe.com code: PeterShankman up to 30 bucks off. You will not regret this. If you get it, send me a note, let me know that you have it, and uh, I'll send you a photo for it. All right, again thank you to Skylight Frame! Enter discount code: PeterShankman for 10% off, up to $30 off https://www.skylightframe.com Our guest today is Stephanie Scheller. Stephanie has studied human psychology for more than a decade and built her first business from scratch to walk away from her job in less than five months. She has now worked with more than 5000+ companies and is dedicated to helping small business owners understand how to create their greatest impact. Using the violin to tap into the human subconscious, Stephanie breaks down the psychology behind business growth strategies and marketing that makes an impact to simplify implementation and accelerate growth. She is a TEDx speaker, a two-time best-selling author, an award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Grow Disrupt, a company that designs and produces educational events for the ADHD small business owner! In her downtime, you'll find Stephanie playing on the violin, out in the Texas Hill Country with her horse, or in the garage painting endlessly. Enjoy! 00:40 - Thank you so much for listening and for subscribing! Thank you Skylight Frame - Get your coupon now! https://www.skylightframe.com Discount Code: PeterShankman for 10% off, up to $30 off 01:45 - Introducing and welcome Stephanie Scheller! 03:04 - How long have you been playing violin? 04:30 - Is music and the Arts in general an ADHD brain booster? 04:45 - On unlocking your focus on what to do correctly! 05:20 - On having a plan for when you succeed. 05:53 - Peter's T-shirt idea- …that was successful. 06:08 - When were you diagnosed, and how did that go? 07:20 - On ‘covering' for your ADHD and building events that will keep us focused 08:15 - What are YOU doing to care for your ADHD? [On Peter's diagnosis/non-diagnosis] 08:42 - What happens in your brain when you start playing violin? Has it always been easy? 12:00 - On finding your happy thing, and how it can completely change your life! 13:30 - What kinds of events are you doing, what kind of content and tools are you employing? 14:48 - How do our spectacular subscribers find out more about you? Web: www.GrowDisrupt.com and https://www.thestephaniescheller.com Socials: @GrowDisrupt on Facebook YouTube 15:18 - Stephanie.. would you give us just a little taste of your violin, 48secs or so? 16:00 - Thank you so much for making time for all of us today Stephanie! 16:40 - Hey, you there! Yes YOU! We are thrilled that you are here & listening! ADHD and all forms of Neurodiversity are gifts, not curses. And by the way, if you haven't picked up The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number one bestseller in all categories. Click HERE or via https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman 16:40 - Faster Than Normal Podcast info & credits. Guys, as always thanks so much for subscribing! Faster Than Normal is for YOU! We want to know what you'd like to hear! Do you have a cool friend with a great story? We'd love to learn about, and from them. I'm www.petershankman.com and you can reach out anytime via email at peter@shankman.com or @petershankman on all of the socials. You can also find us at @FasterNormal on all of the socials. It really helps when you drop us a review on iTunes and of course, subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already! As you know, the more reviews we get, the more people we can reach. Help us to show the world that ADHD is a gift, not a curse! —
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
