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Coaching skills are changing how teams communicate and solve problems. This episode features Alexis Murray, Level 2 Program Manager, as we explore why employers now see coaching as essential rather than optional.Learn more at https://cappinstitute.com/
In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Katie Brinkman to discuss the nuances of biocompatibility, the critical role of biological evaluation plans, and the evolving regulatory landscape, including the importance of risk assessment. Katie also shares her experience with biocompatibility evaluation during significant regulatory changes such as EU MDR remediation and the 10993 standard updates.Katie Brinkman LinkedInHohenstein WebsiteHohenstein Group LinkedInDuane Mancini LinkedInProject Medtech WebsiteProject Medtech LinkedInThank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.
This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Tracy Schober. Tracy is the Executive Director at Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR). She leads the organization in five core service areas including Education, Advocacy, Support, Community, and Information & Referral, covering 21 counties in Eastern New York. Tracy joins us to discuss upcoming some of ASGHR's programs, and upcoming events. ASGHR hosts a Mom's Night Out Social Connection Club. This is a great way to meet other caregivers, exchange ideas, share strategies and resources, make friends, and find a sense of community. ASGHR recently started their BRIGHT (Brave Resilient Inspiring Girls Happening Together) initiative. BRAVE is a social and empowerment program for autistic and neurodiverse pre-teen and teen girls designed to build confidence, friendships, and self-awareness. You can follow ASGHR on Facebook for information on upcoming events, fundraisers, and other advocacy efforts! Learn more about how you can support ASGHR: https://asghr.org/ | Email: communications@asghr.org Tracy's Bio: Tracy is the Executive Director at Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR). She leads the organization in five core service areas including Education, Advocacy, Support, Community, and Information & Referral, covering 21 counties in Eastern New York. Previously Tracy had a thirteen-year tenure as an ACA team member, she served as an Admissions Administrator, Supervisor of Medicaid Service Coordination, Senior Admissions Administrator, Director of New Program Development, and ECHO Autism Lead. As Executive Director of ASGHR Tracy continues to develop and implement trainings at local and national levels. Tracy is a doctoral candidate, pursuing her Doctor of Public Administration degree at Capella University. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Marist College, a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from SUNY College at Brockport, and an Associate's degree in Recreation Leadership from Erie Community College. Tracy earned a certificate as A Social Change Ambassador from the American Association of University Women (member). Tracy is an approved Housing Navigator (NYHRC) and an approved Trainer for Autism Society of America's Safety on the Spectrum™ - First Responders training. Tracy is also a member of the American Society for Public Administration and the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society. Tracy previously served as Program Manager of Adult Residential Services at COARC, a non-profit disabilities service provider, in Columbia County, NY, where she oversaw multiple Individual Residential Alternatives and apartments. Tracy's doctoral focus is on housing. She is a proud mom of an adult on the spectrum. Where to listen: The Beacon, WGHQ 92.5FM/920AM Kingston, NY, hvbeacon.com, Sundays, 8:30AM EST WBPM 92.9FM/96.5FM and 1260AM/1420AM Beacon, NY, 929wbpm.com, Sundays, 6:00AM EST WHUD 100.7FM Beacon, NY, WHUD.com, Sundays, 6:00AMEST Oldies, WGNY 98.9/105.3FM and 1220AM New Windsor, NY, WGNYFM.com, Sundays, 7:30AM EST 1 in 31 can be streamed from the following apps: Search ‘1 in 31' or ‘Anderson Center for Autism' Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Boomplay iHeart Podbean Podchaser Spotify YouTube Learn more http://andersoncenterforautism.org/1in31 https://www.facebook.com/ASDpodcast
As college students everywhere are returning to campus following winter break, some are struggling with substances. Those in recovery navigated the holidays soberly. And a few, like Tim Rabolt, are there to help anyone on a college campus who has substance use issues. Tim is the Program Manager for "Recovery at Marquette," an urban university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a Past Executive Director of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE). Tim has 14 years of sobriety and is a proud girl dad to Nina. View Recovery at Marquette and their resources. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
I really enjoyed this conversation with Natalie and her mother, Mary, because it reminded me how an unstoppable mindset is often built quietly, over time, through creativity, learning, and persistence. Together, they share what it has been like to navigate life across generations while facing learning disabilities, health challenges, workplace adversity, and the constant need to adapt. We talk about Natalie's journey with attention deficit disorder and anxiety, how creative outlets like baking, art, music, and storytelling helped her find focus and confidence, and why returning to school later in life became an act of self-trust rather than fear. Mary's story adds another powerful layer. She reflects on growing up with low self-esteem, navigating male-dominated workplaces, and dealing with sexual harassment long before there were systems in place to address it. As a mother, artist, and professional, she shares what it means to keep moving forward while supporting her daughter's growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore accessibility, creative entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and why accommodations and understanding still matter. I believe you will find this episode both honest and encouraging, especially if your own path has been anything but linear. Highlights: 00:00 – Hear how creativity and resilience shaped an unstoppable mindset across two generations.08:35 – Learn how attention deficit disorder and anxiety changed the way focus, learning, and confidence developed.14:33 – Discover why stepping away from a demanding career can open the door to new growth.21:23 – Understand how workplace sexual harassment leaves lasting effects long after it happens.35:16 – See why protecting and celebrating local artists became a personal mission.59:09 – Learn why accessibility, accommodations, and empathy still matter in everyday life. About the Guest: Mary Dunn: Mary was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the only child of Norman and Lucille Rump. At a young age, she liked to draw and as she grew older she enjoyed painting. Her first painting was in oil and Mary was eleven years old. However, because of the expense of art supplies, it was difficult to pursue a continuous endeavor in that particular form of art. While in high school, nothing really exciting happened as Mary was on the shy side. She didn't belong to any groups and she really just wanted to graduate. She graduated in the upper third of her class. The most momentous part of the graduation was that Jeff Goldblum was also a graduate of her class. After graduation, Mary continued her education at The Pittsburgh Beauty Academy. There she studied cosmetology and acquired a teacher license. Although she never taught, she did work at a few different shops and also managed a shop. These experiences helped Mary to become less shy. At that time, she met her first husband and had two children. The marriage lasted for eleven years, and Mary was left with two small children. Mary realized that her background in cosmetology would not be sufficient to raise two small children. She decided to go to college. With the support of her parents, she was accepted to attend Carlow College which is now Carlow University. There she studied business and minored in theology. She almost minored in art, but she needed one more credit to have that as a minor. It was important for her to graduate in order to take care of her children. While in college she belonged to several organizations. One organization was an honor society called Delta Epsilon Sigma. There she became an assistant chair of the organization. The second organization was OASIS. The organization was for non-tradition students. She was vice-president during her senior year at Carlow. She graduated in 1991 cum laude. After Carlow, she found her first employment opportunity working the Equitable Gas Company as a “Technical Fieldman”. In this position, Mary would draft pipeline installations, work up costs for those installations, and fill in for supervisors when they went on vacations. The job was difficult as it had usually been filled by men prior to her. She was thrust into a job that she learned on her own and was subject to sexual harassment. At that time, sexual harassment was not spoken about. Mary didn't even realize that her peers were doing these things to her. When she supervised union personnel, they were nice and valued her expertise. However, when she returned to the office, more harassment continued. During that period, Mary decided to get a Master's Degree and enrolled in Carnegie Mellon's Heinz school of Public Management. Her classes were very valuable as she learned about leadership, information systems, and marketing communications. She graduated in 1996 with distinction. Even though after she graduated from CMU, she continued to be sexual harassed. She thought it might be a good idea to document the issues that made her position difficult. She began to take notes on these incidents. When she went to Human Resources, Mary was told that she should confront these people and tell them how she was feeling. Mary couldn't do that because she felt it would make matters worse. She applied for another position within the company. In 1997, Mary became Program Manager of Energy Technology. While there, Mary developed and implemented a marketing plan to promote the use of alternative fuels. As a Program Manager, Mary became a member of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities which focused on alternative fueled vehicles. During this time, she became a board member and focused on grants and wrote the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Newsletter. In 1999, her position was eliminated at Equitable. In some ways, Mary was relieved about the elimination, but in other ways, it was the first time this ever happened to her. She was now remarried and was concerned about her children. It was very scary. Thankfully, Mary was not unemployed for long. She was hired at Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as a Transportation Planner. In this position she implemented a newly designed client tracking system of their products and services that helped to increase revenue. Additionally, she worked on a communication plan to implement branding and crisis communications. Eventually, Mary became a Marketing/Communication Specialist for Southwestern Pennsylvania Communications. She was responsible for multi-media communications connected with branding. Mary designed logos for special projects, arranged special affairs, open houses and conferences. She remained a part of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities. Mary additionally prepared presentations for executive management to deliver regarding the Joseph A. James Memorial Excellence in Local Government Achievement Award that recognizes a municipal government elected or appointed official in any local government, agency, or Council of Government for a lifetime of exemplary governance or management. Unfortunately, a new Executive was hired to replace the past Executive who had passed away. Because of this, our whole department was eliminated. After Southwestern, Mary was hired as the Manager of Administration and Human Resources for THE PROGRAM for Female Offenders. While at THE PROGRAM, Mary was responsible for maintaining the policies and daily operations in THE PROGRAM. She implemented a cost effective foodservice program, introduced staff ID cards and implemented the Windows NT network server and computer security using a Digital Subscriber Line which is a type of high-speed internet connection that uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet access to three PROGRAM facilities. Additionally, Mary implemented a human resource database for directors and managers that targeted specific employment information. Mary maintained safety equipment and introduced a safe evacuation plan for her building.. Unfortunately, because THE PROGRAM was grant based and when it was time to acquire grant money much of the previous grants were not renewed and Mary lost her job. Mary eventually was hired by Roach and Associates, Inc. as a Project Manager. In this position, she negotiated oil and gas leases for exploration and productions of future gas wells in Clearfield County Pennsylvania. During this time, Mary was responsible for permitting activities with the state, county and federal agencies as well as prepared training seminars to meet pipeline safety regulations as per U.S. Department of Transportation, CFR49, Parts 192-193. Mary authored documentation regarding pipeline regulations for various housing authorities and gas production companies within Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York. Besides working at Roach, Mary became part of the Transition Team for Peduto for Mayor of Pittsburgh. That was such a memorable experience as my team focused on some of the issues facing the newly elected Mayor. It was nice to be a part of change. After working ten years at Roach and Associates, Inc., Mary decided it was time to retire in 2015. While working at Roach, Mary began dabbling in art again. It had been quite a while since college and painting. But she began to work in pastels and eventually more in the line of acrylic painting. She became president of the Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League. She no longer is president of that group. Mary now belongs to the Pittsburgh Society of Artists where she was juried into the group. She has had her work display at The Galaxie in Chicago, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Monroeville Library, Gallery Sim, Boxheart Gallery, Southern Allegheny Museum of Art, Saville Gallery in Maryland and various other galleries around Pittsburgh. Her Study in Pastels won an Award of Excellence from Southern Allegheny Museum of Art. Mary also came in second place in the Jerry's Artarama Faber Castel Contest. As time went on, Mary decided to focus more on her art work and began teaching students how to paint with Acrylic. She also began a YouTube channel, Pittsburgh Artist Studio, where she gave free art lessons in acrylic to future artists around the country. Unfortunately, Mary developed chronic back issues, and she had to give up her teaching. She has had two back operations to alleviate the pain, but the second operation really didn't help. It has caused more painful issues. Therefore, it is difficult for her to paint a long period of time. Currently, Mary devotes her time to illustrating her oldest daughter's books for children. The books are a series about a little boy's adventures in his life. Her books can be found on Amazon under her name “Nicole Leckenby”. Additionally, she has illustrated a book for her younger daughter, Natalie Sebula, entitled “The Many Colors of Natalie”. In conclusion, now that Mary is retired, she has had more time to work on different art projects a little at a time. She lives with her husband Steve and two dogs Grumpy and Sally. She belongs to a group of wonderful women who review Bible Psalms each week. Since my minor in theology, I do enjoy reading various books on different religious subjects. I am thankful for each day that I have and continue to work on the gifts God has given me. Natalie Belin: I am focusing on the arts. I am a creator with an ambitious attitude. I have no problem thinking BIG and dreaming BIG. While everyone else stays inside the lines, I boldly color outside the lines. Natalie resides near Pittsburgh, PA. She is 40 years old and loves adventures. Within these 40 years Natalie has experienced highs and lows. However, during the low points she was like water: adaptable, resilient, and always finding a way through. At toddler age, it was brought to the attention that she had high pressure in her eyes. However, nothing was really done about it because of her age. Typically, high pressures occur in older adults. After many years, one eye doctor took it seriously. He prescribed eye drops and finally recommended a laser technique to open the tear ducts. This alleviated the high pressure and since no eye drops have been needed. In 5 grade, she was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Her mother, Mary Dunn advocated for her until someone listened, and her teachers realized it was a real problem. Steps were taken to help Natalie focus more. As she grew older, it was important to do activities that helped her focus such as cheerleading and possible careers in culinary. Because of the importance of focusing, Natalie decided that culinary arts would be beneficial. Natalie graduated in October of 2004 from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute with an associate's degree in Specialized Technology Le Cordon Bleu Program in Patisserie & Baking. While there, she was elected class president. The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute offered externships to various prestigious areas to hone the craft. Natalie's externship was at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulpher Springs where she was ultimately hired. However, Natalie decided to return to Pittsburgh after a car accident. Natalie continued to work as a pastry chef for about five years. After, she decided to further her education, and Natalie graduated in December of 2023 from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. Some of her academic achievements are National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Sigma lambda-Alpha Chi Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, Delta Alpha PI Honor Society. During her academic life, Natalie became an Emmy nominated producer for Pitt to the Point (a class focusing on the news as well as behind the scenes of a news/magazine program that covers the City of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh regional campuses as well as national and international events.) Currently, Natalie is in a Graduate Certification Program which is also at the University of Pittsburgh. The Certification is in Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law (SEAL). She hopes to use this program as a steppingstone to complete her master's degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law. In addition to the SEAL certification, one could say that Natalie is a woman of many colors. She works full-time as an Administrator for the Rehabilitation Science Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. This is where she provides administrative support for general program management, advising and faculty. Another aspect of Natalie's many colors is writing. Several years ago, she wrote a poetry book called The Many Colors of Natalie. This is a book for 18+. There are several illustrations in the book that complement the poems. Mary Dunn, Natalie's mother, created the illustrations. In August of 2020, Natalie launched The Many Colors of Natalie Blog. She started this blog to give a new perspective to Pittsburgh other than being known for sports. This allows individuals the ability to educate themselves on different variations of Pittsburgh's art or artists as well as bringing awareness to the art scene. Natalie's motto is Love Art & Support Your Local Artist! Additionally, Natalie has been a model/actor since 2012. Most of her work consists of being an extra in various music videos and movies. Furthermore, she is an ambassador for Ambassador Sunglasses and Just Strong Clothing. Just Strong Clothing's Mission “We are a clothing brand on a mission to empower those who are not just strong for a girl, they are just strong. Whether you are an experienced lifter, a new starter or have simply overcome great adversaries in your life, the JustStrong community are here to empower and motivate you to never give up.” “Ambassador was formed to extract, refine, and exhibit the marriage between what was and what will be in fashion culture. When wearing Ambassador, you break the mold of the mundane to embrace your unmatched individualism.” Besides being an ambassador, Natalie became a Creative Percussion Artist in 2020. “Creative Percussion is a family-owned business, established in 2018, and run by husband-and-wife team, Kevin and Cheri Feeney.” Her picture is on the site as a CP percussion artist. Not only is Natalie a musician, but she dabbles in various mediums in art. Her mixed media piece Peace, Love, and Woodstock is currently in the Woodstock Museum located in Saugerties, New York. “The purpose for the Woodstock Museum is: To gather, display, disseminate and develop the concept and reality of Woodstock, encompassing the culture and history of a living colony of the arts, with special emphasis placed on the exhibition of self-sustaining ecological technologies. To encourage and increase public awareness of Woodstock by providing information to the general public through cultural events, displays of artifacts, outreach programs, communication media events and personal experiences, and to contribute, as an international attraction, to the cultural life and prosperity of our region; and to engage in all lawful activities in pursuit of the foregoing purposes.” Lastly, Natalie and her mother Mary Dunn started a side hustle several years ago. Mother and Daughter Collaboration (vending show name) is a great opportunity for Natalie to showcase her entrepreneurial skills in addition to her art. Their Etsy name is Maker's Collab Studio. In conclusion, Nat is excited for the future, and to see what is in store. She considers herself to be dynamic and resilient. Even those who know Natalie would say the same. Regardless of what she has been through, she keeps going. She realizes that the tough times eventually do end. In self-reflection, the “tough time” may have been a life lesson, or a possible steppingstone to what's next in her life. Only time will tell. Natalie will always be a supporter of the arts, and she will always create in some way. As Natalie ages, she sees the importance of advocating for the disabled. At one point in her life, she was embarrassed about sharing her learning disability because she felt that we live in a society where having a disability isn't necessarily welcomed and is frowned upon. Do not fear individuals who need special accommodations. Instead, educate yourself. Try being that individual who needs certain accommodations, and the accommodations are not provided or easily accessible. Progress has been made in educating the ignorant. However, there is more work that needs to be done. Ways to connect with Natalie & Mary**:** Blog website: Home - The Many Colors of Natalie Personal website: Home | natalie-sebula-belin Book of poetry: The Many Colors of Natalie: Written by: Natalie Belin - Kindle edition by Dunn, Mary, Leckenby, Nicole, Merlin, Grace, Palmieri, David. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Facebook: (1) Facebook Instagram: Natalie Sebula (@themanycolorsofnatalie) • Instagram photos and videos Etsy: MakersCollabStudio - Etsy About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson 01:21 Hi everyone, and welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset. We're doing something that we've done a few times before, and we get to do it again today. We have two people as guests on unstoppable mindset this time, mother and daughter, and that'll be kind of fun they have, between them, lots of experiences in art, but in all sorts of other kinds of things as well. They live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and I'm not going to say a whole lot more, because I want them to tell their stories. So I want you to meet Natalie bellen and her mother, Mary Dunn. So Natalie and Mary, both of you, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 02:03 Well, thank you for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 02:03 having us. Yes, we're happy to be here. Thank you. Michael Hingson 02:06 Well, let's see. We'll start with mom. Why don't you tell us something about the early Mary growing up, and you know what? What life was like growing up? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 02:18 Well, growing up, I was born in Pittsburgh. I was actually born on in the south side of Pittsburgh, and it was called St Joseph Hospital, and now it's an apartment building, but we lived here. I've lived here all my life. I lived in Hazelwood until I was about the age of three. Then we moved to Whitaker, Pennsylvania, and now I'm in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. So it's like we hopped around a bit. Growing up in my family was a little bit difficult. I had been bullied quite a bit by my cousins, so it kind of like left you know how it does with bullying. You know, it's not like today. Of course, I didn't want to go out and do something terrible to myself. It's just that it left my self esteem very low, and I just kind of stayed and was by myself most of the time. So until I grew up, I graduated from high school, I went to West Midland, North High School, I graduated in the same class as Jeff Goldblum. Although I didn't know him, I knew that he was very talented. I thought he was more talented on a piano than he was with acting, but he is still he's still very good with the piano, with his jazz music, and that's basically it. I've been in West Mifflin now for she's been quite a bit Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 03:49 since I was in seventh grade, and now I'm 40 years old, so we've been here a long time. Michael Hingson 03:54 Yeah, so it's sort of like 3027 years or so, or 28 years? Yes, well, Natalie, tell us about you when it was like growing up in and all of that. Sure. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 04:08 No problem. So I grew up in Whitaker for the most part, my yearly eight years, like until about fifth grade, I guess about like fifth grade, and then we moved, well, we just moved to a different house and whatever. Yeah, that when we moved for the second time, it was more in a neighborhood with kids, so that was, like, a lot more fun. And we played like tag and all that. So that my early years, I remember that like playing tags, swimming, I love, like skiing on the water, jet skis, stuff like that. Definitely. I loved running around. And I loved dance as a kid too, that was a lot of fun. Michael Hingson 05:00 Okay, and so you went to high school? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 05:05 Oh, yeah, I went, Yes. I went to West Midland area high school, and I graduated in 2003 in 2004 I graduated from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute as a pastry chef and part of the things that I had to do to graduate, I had to do, like, about a six month internship where I resided in white sulfur springs, West Virginia, and I got to do my externship at the Greenbrier, and that was pretty exciting, because it has quite the history. There. People love it there for Well, one of the things that sticks in my mind is Dorothy Draper, who decorated that resort. Her taste is very cool, because she went bold, like with flower print and stripes mixed together for wallpaper. There's stories in history behind the sulfur water there. And then most people might know the Greenbrier for their golf courses, for the golf course actually, or in history about the sulfur water Michael Hingson 06:26 now, you had high eye pressure for a while after you were born, right? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 06:31 Oh, yes, the eye pressures. That's quite the story, let me tell you so at a very young age, like different doctors and eye doctors that I went to. They knew that I had high pressures, but they didn't seem like it was a big issue. But my mom had the inkling that I needed to go to a different doctor when I was like, I guess you Middle School, Michael Hingson 06:58 yeah, yeah, you were about now, was there a lot of pain because of the pressure. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 07:02 I didn't even know was happening, so I wasn't in discomfort or anything. So they said, don't they kind of dismissed it. So I wasn't worried about it, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 07:14 Neither was I. But you know, like eventually we did go to a doctor and he said, Oh, my goodness, you have these high pressures. And it's, it could be like glaucoma. We don't ever see that in a young person, you know, they haven't ever seen anything like that. He was just amazed by it. And go ahead, you can finish this. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 07:36 Dr Al, I have so much respect for him, because he truly took care of my eyes for a very long time. I started seeing him in middle school, and I saw him up until, like my late 30s, and he I would see him quite frequently, because he would always monitor those pressures, because he knew the importance of that and how they could damage my eyes and I can lose my sight. So he always had me do like fields test eye pressure checks, because your pressures in your eyes can fluctuate throughout the day. So I would come in in like different times of the day to make sure they're not super high and stuff like that. He would prescribe me on different eye pressure medications like eye drops, because the they like the eye drops would help my eyes to it to regulate the pressures to a certain point, and then my eyes would get used to them, it seemed like, so then we would have to go to a different prescription. I caused that doctor a lot of stress, I think, because he was always thinking about my case, because it was so rare. And he went to a conference, actually, and brought that up at a conference, and at that conference, they said for me to get the laser, laser procedure done to Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 09:10 open the tear ducts. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 09:12 Yeah, yeah. And luckily, that solved it. Michael Hingson 09:18 Wow, so you so the the tear ducts were, were small or not draining properly, correct? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 09:26 Yeah, it was points where, like, if I wanted to cry, no tears would come Michael Hingson 09:31 out, no tears would come out. Well, yeah, yeah. Then you also discovered, or somehow you you learned about being Attention Deficit Disorder. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 09:45 Yeah, so, um, when I was from like one or like, from kindergarten to third grade, I went to a Catholic school, and I didn't seem like there was anything. Being really wrong. But then when I went to a public school, I was really having a hard time grasping the material, and I would get really frustrated when I was at home trying to do the homework and I just wasn't understanding. I believe the educators there said like I was also behind, which could have been part of the issue. But my mom would like try to help me with my homework, and it was like Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 10:28 it was hard. She would, she would get so frustrated and throw the papers and just, you know it, because it was very difficult for her, and we really couldn't under I couldn't understand why. You know this was happening, because my, my other daughter, I never had issues like that with so we had, I guess we were told to go. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 10:53 I think that was Miss Lenz in fifth grade. Yeah, she had me get tested for a learning disability, and with all the testing that was done with that, they said that I had attention deficit disorder. So whenever that diagnosis was made, I was able to get like teacher teaching aids to help me through tests to help me understand the curriculum a little bit better. Tutors did the counselor Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 11:28 I well they I did take her to get tested outside of school, and that's they actually told me some things that could help her with this. And then I went to the teachers, and the teachers, some of them, didn't, like, actually take this into consideration. They, they didn't really realize attention deficit disorder at that time. It was new. And so they, they kind of said, well, we don't, we don't believe in that or whatever. And I said, Well, can you just have her, like, sit up front, because she would pay attention more and she would focus better, because that's the problem she couldn't focus on. So it took a while, and then finally, the principal in the fifth grade, he had a meeting with the teachers us, and he actually was the one who brought that to their attention, that this is a problem, that attention disorder, you know, does occur, and some of it is hyper, just hyperactive disorder. So it luckily she didn't have that part of it, but it was the focusing, and we just got her more involved in things that she could learn how to focus. They recommended cheerleading, they recommended culinary school, and I think that really helped her to learn more on focusing. But she still has anxieties and things like that. It's still Michael Hingson 13:03 it's still there. So why culinary school? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 13:07 So that is such a fun question. When my grandma used to watch me, she was very particular on what I was like watching. She didn't want me to watch anything like super crazy or out there. So I would always watch cooking shows, and I thought he was so unique, the different recipes and everything that these chefs were making. And I love some of their personalities, like emerald, he was always so hyper and loud, so fun. And it was interesting to see the different types of foods that they were creating that, like certain countries make. You know, I love Spanish food. It's so good. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 13:55 She decided not to even get into that part. That was the thing. She wanted to be a pastry chef, yeah, Michael Hingson 14:02 something to be said for chocolate chip cookies. But anyway, go ahead. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 14:07 Yeah, she makes a good one, too. At Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 14:10 this point, I don't even know why. What drew me to baking more than culinary I think the two different styles are cooking are very interesting, because like with cooking, you don't have to be so exact with the measurements and everything with certain things like the spices and stuff. If you don't like rosemary, you don't have to put it in there. But with baking, it's definitely more scientific. Have to be more accurate with the measurements of certain ingredients, like baking soda, because it's lavender and like, altitude will totally screw up your baking Yes, so many reasons that elevation is so important. So yeah, so Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 14:59 mine's to it. Or whatever, you know? Yeah, Michael Hingson 15:01 so you went and did an externship, and then what did you do? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 15:06 So with the externship, I was there for a little bit over six months, I was officially hired, and I graduated from culinary school, but, um, I got in a car accident. So that's like, why left? So I was in baking professionally for about a total five years, and then I went back to school. Sorry, that's grumpy. Can you hear him barking? 15:36 I'm sorry. I'll go. No, no, it's fine. Michael Hingson 15:41 So why did you leave culinary? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 15:43 Um, I was just ready for a change. Because I started working professionally when I was like 19, so by my mid 20s, I was just ready to go back. I mean, that is a very demanding field. You're working several hours. Um, you're working with all types of personalities, certain pressures, long days sometimes. And I was just ready to see what else was out there for me. Michael Hingson 16:12 So you went back to school to study, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 16:15 yes, so my when I graduated in 2023 with my undergraduate degree, it was in humanities, and it focused on three areas of art, music, studio, arts and theater. The main focus was theater, okay? Michael Hingson 16:39 And so, what did you do with that? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 16:42 So with that degree, I did several different things. I wrote a poetry book, which I provided a link so people can access if they would like to purchase it. I created a blog in 2020 called the many colors of Natalie, and I created a blog to help bring a different perspective to Pittsburgh, other than just it being a city for sports, because there's a lot of talented artists out there, and plus, like during a pandemic, that caused a lot of strain on a lot of things, and I was really worried about certain venues that were iconic here closing and completely wiping out the whole art industry here, you know. So, um, with that too, I also, um, I was doing music at the time as a percussionist, and that's when I got introduced to creative percussion products, and I was using that with the different performances that I was doing. And I ended up being one of their artists featured on their page, website or website, yeah. Okay, yeah, and I also volunteered at a local dance studio called Lisa de gorrios dance, and I got to work with the younger kids, and I did that for a couple years. So that was interesting to see what it was like to teach and put on performances. It's a lot of you get to see the behind the scenes and time management and stuff like that. Also, I'm thinking here for a second, sorry. How about, oh, we, my mom and I created an Etsy shop. So we started a few years ago, called Mother Daughter collaboration, a vending that was like our vending show name, and we did that for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 18:56 we've been doing that for a while. Yeah, we, we put different products up. I kind of tend to do my artwork, and she puts up some things also in art, we have, we have interesting things like CD, telephone, covers, cases, purses, you know. And we're working on a new product now to to put on to the Etsy shop this year. We didn't do many vending shows. I had surgery last last year on my back, and I had a hard time recovering because it was pretty expensive. So we're hoping to get that going again this year, or towards the end of the year, when the Christmas shows start happening, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 19:47 we did, um, create an Etsy shop called makers collab studio, and we were focusing more on that this year. Um, so we do have, like, a variety of different products. Um. Um, which I also provided the link to the Etsy shop. If anybody wants to check out our products and what we have, that'd be great if you stop checked out that. Michael Hingson 20:11 Yeah, my late my late wife, was a quilter and tried to run an Etsy shop, but people didn't want to pay any kind of real prices for handmade quilts, because they just thought that quilts should be, like, 50 or $75 and that just wasn't realistic. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 20:30 But, well, that's, that's the trouble. What we're seeing also, yeah, we do, I do, like, we do t shirts and things like that too. But people it. I don't think people realize what's behind the whole process. No, or they don't care. No, you know, I mean, there's a lot involved as far as your equipment. When it was covid, I was, well, I'm retired, but I was working part time, and I was able to, you know, get what is it, you know, workers, whatever, yeah, you know, yes. And with that money, I actually bought like things to do, T shirts, like the heat press and different parts to like a cricket that we can do things with. And so, you know, like the things that you know, you still have to buy supplies, even with my artwork, it's so expensive anymore, when I first started back in, you know, when my kids grew up and they were on their own, where I really focused on it, and I can't believe the expense of it. You know, it's just, it's everything's expensive these days. So, yeah, really watch what you're doing and how you approach it too. You know, you can't spend a lot of money on things. We don't have, like, a whole backlog of products. I mean, we just do a few things and hope that the things that we make are sellers, you know, Michael Hingson 22:05 yeah, well, and I hope it, it can is more successful for you going forward. That's a useful thing. You You've done a lot Mary with with art over the years, but you've also had other, other kinds of jobs where you've worked for some pretty large companies, and you've been reading your bio, you faced some sexual harassment issues and things like that, haven't you? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 22:29 Yes, yes, that was difficult boy, and I didn't realize that at the time I went to college late in life because I was getting divorced and I needed a job that I could take care of my family, my girls, and so I decided to go to college and my my mom and dad watched my kids while I went to school, which was nice. And the first job I had was with the gas company here, and I was called a technical Fieldman. And what I would do is, like, I would draw pipeline installations and the and sometimes I would fill in as a supervisor. When I filled in first as a supervisor, it was great. I mean, the guys were decent. We always came to a conclusion. I always trusted what they're you know what they would say about pipeline? Because I knew nothing about pipeline. It was all new to me. But when I would go back to the office, it was, it was just like crazy things that would happen. I mean, I won't go into detail, and I started writing these things down because I thought this just doesn't seem right, that these people are saying these things to me or doing these things to me. I had a nice little book of all these incidents that happened, and I went to the HR department, and they wanted me to confront these people in my office, to tell them how I felt. Well, that, to me, would have made everything worse, because that's just that, you know, kind of work environment. So luckily, I was, I was promoted into a job that lasted two years, and then my job was eliminated. So that was my first, my first thing with that was the only time I really had sexual harassment that was really bad. I went on to another which was the program for female Well, I worked for a university for a while, and then I went into the program for female offenders, which was really interesting work. I enjoyed that it was like people that were out on that needed to, that were like drug addicts and and they were looking for a new way. They had been in jail and this incarcerated, and they came into this. Program they had that was part of their incarceration or parole. They had to do this, this program, and that was so interesting. I mean, it was just heartfelt, because you just saw these people that were trying so hard to make a good life for themselves and not to go back to their original way of living. And unfortunately, that was all grant money. And that job ended also so that, you know, and I was a transportation planner, I did a lot of things, and then I ended up going back into the gas industry. I worked for an engineer, and we were working in the production side of everything. So he had drove to you wells, and we had leases, and I took care of those. And I liked that job for about 10 years. I stayed there, and then I I retired. I was getting tired of it at that point. Michael Hingson 26:02 Yeah. Why was your first why was your first job at the original gas company eliminated? Or when you were promoted and you said it was eliminated, yeah? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 26:10 Well, that's what I like to know why it was eliminated. I think sometimes that job was just to keep me quiet. That's how I felt. I mean, I, I they, they knew that I was upset and that I didn't like what was happening. And I think it was just to keep me quiet, and they realized that that job wasn't going to last, but it was a marketing job. We were using different ways to use gas, alternative fuel vehicles, fuel cells, you know. So it was an interesting job, too, but it it didn't really have the supervisor we had was not really a person that pushed the product, you know. So that could have been the reason, too, that they eliminated a lot of that. Yeah, so I wasn't the only one that went I mean, there was another person in that at that time, and eventually that whole department was eliminated. Now that gas company, they sold all that off, and another gas company took it over and equitable. Still is EQT here, and they work, I think at this point, they work with the leases and things like that, and horizontal drilling, they call it. Michael Hingson 27:38 So now that you're retired, what do you do? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 27:41 Well, for a while there, Michael Hingson 27:44 in addition to Etsy, yeah, for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 27:47 a while, I was actually doing hair. I was my first, my first, I guess, employment type, or whatever. I went to beauty school, and I became a cosmetologist, and I also became a teacher in cosmetology. So when I first became all that the money wasn't so great. I worked my first job. I was so excited I had this job because I thought I was going to be making millions. You know, they they really pump you up in in beauty school that you're going to really succeed and you're going to make this money. Well, my first job, I worked over 40 hours at that job, and I only got $15 in my first pay. It was like we had to stay there the whole time until everyone was finished working. So the girls that had their clientele that they worked the whole day and into the evening, like till eight o'clock. Maybe we had to stay till eight o'clock. Even though I didn't have anybody to do. I might have had one person that day, yeah, so that that wasn't too I just worked at that for a few years, and then I decided to leave and take care of my family. Yeah, well, that that I went back to it when I retired, and it had changed significantly, making pretty good money. I was only working three days a week, and I did pretty well. But then my back. I had the issues with my back, and I couldn't go back to it, which really upset me. I really love that job. Michael Hingson 29:29 Well, things happen. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 29:31 Yeah, it does. You know, I'm happy not to stay at home. I figured now that I'm actually 73 years old now, so I think I I should retire Michael Hingson 29:47 and enjoy my life a little. Well. So Natalie, you graduated in 2023 and so then what did you start to do? And what are you doing now? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 29:57 So what I'm doing now is I'm. Still focusing on the Etsy shop, but I also got into a graduate certificate program, and this certificate is in sports entertainment and arts law, and I really hope to use this program as a stepping stone to complete my master's degree in the sports entertainment and arts law program. Michael Hingson 30:25 What exactly is a graduate certification program, as opposed to a master's degree? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 30:32 So that's a great question. So the certificate program is like a newer program, and it's like the only one in the world, I'm pretty sure, that focuses on sports, entertainment and art. So it's like a newer, more modern type of learning program. And this certificate is a great stepping stone, and for me to check it out before I actually go in to the master's program. This is, like, my second week, and I love it so far, and all these classes that I'm doing, and if I keep my grades up and everything, will apply to the master's program if I get in. Michael Hingson 31:15 Okay, well, so Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 31:20 less credits than, like, what you would need for a master's program, and it's less I don't need a textbook. I have these things called nutshells, where I'm pretty sure, like, I'll be studying different types of cases or something like that through that. So it's like online stuff. Michael Hingson 31:43 The Okay? And how long do you think it will take you to complete that Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 31:49 the certification program should be about a year, and it's all online, okay? Michael Hingson 31:55 And how, how long have you been doing it so far? Just two weeks. Oh, so next August, yeah, yeah, yeah. And the hope is then you can use that to go forward and actually work toward getting a master's degree. Which, which sounds pretty cool, yeah, for sure. What do you want to do with it once you get a master's degree? Well, like Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 32:20 all those points like sports entertainment and arts, I think is Pittsburgh is a great city to represent all of those. And I hope to help represent like clients, maybe do like to protect their works and them as an artist. And I would like to hopefully get into paralegal work. That's what I'm focusing on right now. Michael Hingson 32:47 So is school pretty much full time for you these days? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 32:51 No, it's still part time, and that's what I like love about this program, because, like all week, you'll be doing 10 hours outside of so I still work full time as an administrator in the SHRS program, and I am the administrator for Rehabilitation Science. So yeah, it's great to have like, bosses and everything that support me in my educational journey, because that makes my life a lot easier too. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 33:26 Yeah, that's some great bosses. Michael Hingson 33:29 Well, it's good to have some people who tend to be a little bit more supportive. It helps the psyche when you get to do that. Yes, yeah. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 33:39 Because the one thing that I noticed with this program, it is definitely more manageable, because, like the undergrad program, I did enjoy the process. For most parts, some of it was really challenging. But the undergraduate program, it was really hard for me to get late night classes. Most of those classes that I had to take were I had to be in person, so like late classes were pretty hard to get, but my bosses allowed me to take earlier classes so I could help finish the program faster, but I just had to make up that time. Right? Michael Hingson 34:28 When did you discover that you had artistic talent? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 34:32 Um, I don't know if I ever really discovered that I had the talent, but I was very passionate at a young age, like when my mom was going back to school, I always loved watching her paint, because she had like the painting classes. I always thought so I like sit on the floor and watch her paint. And at a very young age, I was in the dance class. Do you remember the name? A France Dance School of Dance, France School of Dance. And I love dance class so much. I remember one time the dance school was closed because of a holiday, and I was, like, so upset, like, I didn't believe, like, the dance school was closed and I didn't understand, like, why I wasn't allowed to go. So they called the school and it went straight to, like, the answering machine so they could prove, like, it was closed and nobody was there. I was like, ready to show up. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 35:30 She wanted to go, yeah. She was just about three or four when she was taking the dance classes at that time. Yeah. But then it became on, you know that they both the kids were involved, but I couldn't afford it anymore. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 35:45 So dance is very expensive. Yeah? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 35:48 Well, you know, like, at that time too, I was going to school, and I didn't have much of a salary, and I was living with my parents, so, I mean, and they were retired, so it was, like, very tight. Yeah, right. Michael Hingson 36:04 Well, it nice to have an enthusiastic student, you know, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 36:13 so true. Well, Michael Hingson 36:15 so you've created the many colors of Natalie blog, tell me about that. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 36:22 So I reach out to different artists that were that are located in Pittsburgh or at one time, working or living in Pittsburgh. So this is like musicians, photographers, actors and they, I I create questions for them, for them to answer in their own words, like advice that they would give, or funny stories that they had while working in the field. And that's that's the main point of the blog, because I want it to be a resource for people and for them to also see, like, why that genre is cool. And I think another reason that motivated me to create that blog is some people just don't see an importance to art, and I find that so offensive. Like, yeah, so I just wanted it to be as an educational type thing as well. Michael Hingson 37:28 How long has the blog been visible? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 37:33 So it's been visible for about five, six years now, five years, yeah, and I did over like 50 some posts. Michael Hingson 37:45 Do you do that with consistency? Or So do you have one, like, every week or every three weeks, or every month, or something like that? Or how does that work? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 37:53 So when I first started, I was consistent with the posts I don't ever leave my blog, like, not active for like a year. Like, I always try to post something, but it's a little more challenging to do a post. Like, every month, whenever I'm working, going to school, volunteering for different things, running the Etsy shopper, vending so I had to cut it back a little bit because that is just me running it. Michael Hingson 38:30 So you've also created a mixed media piece. First of all, what is a mixed media piece? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 38:35 You want to explain Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 38:36 the mixed media? Oh, well, a mixed media is like different mediums. It could be paint, it could be pictures, and it's posted on a board, a canvas, or whatever it can be in a journal. You know, you just use various types of mediums. It could be using lace, it could be using fabric, it could be using, like I said, pictures, paper, and they call it mixed media. So she decided she wanted to create a mixed media. I had a huge canvas that was given to me. It was like 36 by 36 giant. It was huge, and I knew I couldn't do anything on that, because I don't paint big. I like to paint on smaller canvas, like an eight and a half by 11, or eight and a half by 14. So she, she decided she wanted to use that Canvas for something. But you go ahead and tell them. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 39:38 So, um, whenever Woodstock had their 50th anniversary, and I believe that was around 2019 I had the opportunity to go to yaska's Farm and camp where the original campers from the very first Woodstock would stay in that. Campsite was like, right next to this yaska farms. So I took some pictures of it, like me with the yaska farm house. And so it was very inspirational to go to that because I was doing research on what Woodstock was, the original Woodstock. And what that was about, I talked to Uber drivers that were actually at the original Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite musicians, and for him to not be there, I was like, so sad. Very sad. So with all the education experience. I needed to release that. And I took my mom, let me have that canvas, and like I created a mixed media giant collage, and I got that into the Woodstock Museum in Socrates, New York. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 41:01 Wow, it's actually there now, Michael Hingson 41:04 yep. How long has it been there? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 41:07 I believe got that in there? Yeah, about two years. Michael Hingson 41:13 Wow. So it's kind of almost a permanent piece there. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 41:17 I hope so. I hope they keep it there for sure. What? Michael Hingson 41:21 What prompted them to be interested in having it there. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 41:25 So I that piece was so giant, and I loved how it turned out, and I wanted that more than just in my house, my art pieces are very close to me, because that's like my soul and my work, and I want it out there to somebody who cares about it. So I reached out to Shelly nation, Nathan, because they, I believe, are the owners of the Woodstock Museum, and they were more than happy to have it. I had it shipped out there. And then, whenever the season was to reopen the museum, I went out there and visited it. And it's a very great it's a very cool place. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 42:10 Recommend, yeah, she, she was interviewed by them, also, right? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 42:14 Oh, yeah, we did go on a radio station. And that was also a cool experience, because I was never on a radio show at that time. Cool. Michael Hingson 42:25 Well, that's pretty exciting. I have not been to the Woodstock Museum, so that might be something to explore at some point when I get get back there next that'd Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 42:35 be great. Yeah, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 42:37 all those things like, you know, like I grew up during that period, of course, I didn't go to the Woodstock. Original Woodstock wouldn't let me do that. I was only 16 at the time, and but I mean, you know, like, like looking back at that and and seeing how all those people were there, and not nothing terrible happened, you know, I mean, hundreds of 1000s of people, and nobody got hurt. Well, they might have passed out, maybe from things, but nobody was, like, shot or killed or and like today. I mean, you can't you're so afraid to do anything today, you don't know what's going to happen. And it just was a different time. And the musicians that were there. I mean, that music was is still good today. You know, it's it, it hasn't faded. And I wonder sometimes about today's music, if it will continue to be popular in years to come, or if it's just going to fade out. You know, we won't know that, and so well I won't be here, probably Michael Hingson 43:44 we won't know for a while anyway, yes, but I did hear on a radio station a rebroadcast of a lot of the Woodstock concerts that was kind of Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 43:56 fun. Yes, yes. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 44:00 Sorry I didn't mean to cut you. Go ahead. Go ahead. When I was talking to like the Uber drivers and stuff like that, and people who were at the original Woodstock, it seems like they were reliving that experience when they were telling the stories. I mean, it was great. Michael Hingson 44:15 Yeah. Well, you play creative percussion. First of all, what is pre creative percussion? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 44:23 So I actually have that written in some notes, what it actually is. So do you mind if I read off my notes? Michael Hingson 44:30 You're welcome to however you want to answer, perfect. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 44:33 So I was asked to be a creative percussion artist in 2020 and creative percussion is a family owned business established in 2018 and run by husband and wife team, Kevin and Sherry Feeney. They're great. I've had the opportunity to talk to them very much a couple of times, and my pictures also on the site. Um. Uh, under like my stage name now is a Bulla. So if you scroll down spell that it's S, E, B as a boy, u as in unicorn, L, L as in Len and a is an apple. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 45:16 Okay, what types of things, kinds Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 45:18 of there's various types of shakers that I played because of various bands that I was in, I was the percussionist, so I played tambourine and stuff. But like, they have uniquely shaped shakers, like there's the hatch shakers, which I love them. They had a baseball shaker, and these little golf ball shakers, and they all carry different sounds, and they really blended differently with the type of song that I was playing was playing, yeah, so it's cool, Michael Hingson 45:53 yeah, so interesting. So you you play them as part of being with a band, or what Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 46:01 for the most part, yeah, sometimes there was an acoustic band or just like a full band, and either way, I tried to have those pieces blend into the song. What I didn't learn when I was doing that is and an acoustic you really have to be on your game, because, like, if you mess up, like, people are gonna hear it more than if you're in a full band. So, yeah, right. Michael Hingson 46:38 So you do you still do that? Do you still play Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 46:42 at this time? I don't, um, just because I wanted to focus on other things, so I took a step back from that. Michael Hingson 46:51 Do you think you'll do more of it in the future, or Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 46:56 possibly, but like, that's how I am. I kind of just like, experience it, do it until I'm ready to move on to something else. Michael Hingson 47:04 So you flit, you flip from thing to thing, yeah, yeah, yeah. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 47:10 So, like, if you ever follow me, you might just see, like, me evolving and just trying other things. Michael Hingson 47:19 Well, you're adventurous. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 47:22 Yes, I love adventure. Michael Hingson 47:25 Nothing wrong with having an adventure in the world and getting to really look at things. So what are you doing now if you're not doing creative percussion and so on? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 47:38 Well, for the last couple months, I was helping my mom recover from like the back surgery. And then I was I was focusing on my blog, just really paying attention to that, getting certain interviews, and then schooling, getting ready to go into the certificate program. Michael Hingson 48:05 So you think you're gonna go ahead Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 48:09 and I'm setting up the Etsy shop. Michael Hingson 48:13 So you're pretty excited about seal, the sports entertainment, art and law. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 48:19 Yes, I'm very excited about that. I was very excited to get into the program. The professors are great. The whole programs like really good. The people involved in it, they seemed, they seem really organized and let me know what I need to do to get into the program. And they are really nice. If I have a question, they're happy to answer it. I love the curriculum, so I hope you go, Well, Michael Hingson 48:46 do you experience anything any more dealing with like attention deficit? Oh, 100% it still creeps up, huh? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 48:55 Well, it's more anxiety than anything. But like this program, I think, is to help calm my anxiety with just different things that are set up. And like, how responsive the professors are and how nice they are. But my goodness, when I was in my undergraduate program, like I was really pushing myself, and I would like, of like, when 2020, came around in the pandemic, I needed to talk to my doctor and get on meds, like I could no longer not do that without meds. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 49:29 Yes, she was, she was struggling. It was tough. Yeah. I mean, when I went for my Bachelor's, I I I wasn't working. She was working. When I went for my master's, I was working, but, and I know how hard that is, you know, trying to balance things, especially I was working at equitable at the time, and the things that I was going through and being, you know, filling in for supervisors was I. I was on call, like, 24 hours a day, and it, you know, like that was, I can see how difficult it is to do both. It's just, I know what she was going through there, and she goes through it, but she did well. She graduated sigma, sigma cum laude. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 50:17 Yeah, I did get some honorary, like accolades for like, whenever I graduated. So that was pretty exciting, because the hard work did pay off. Michael Hingson 50:29 What do you think about studying and attending classes virtually as opposed to physically being in the room? Hybrid learning? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 50:38 Some people may have an issue with that, but I personally, cause I was working full time and it was hard for me to get later classes, I preferred the online learning, but I understand, like some of the classes really did need me to be there, like the theater classes, and I was okay with that. I don't mind either, either or, but it just seems like online learning is more manageable. For me, it Michael Hingson 51:08 takes more discipline to to stick with it and focus on it, as opposed to being in the classroom. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 51:14 Um, yeah, I agree, but I think which, which is not a negative thing, by the way. Oh, yeah, no, no, no, I totally understand, but I think, um, I forget what I was going with that. Michael Hingson 51:26 Sorry. Well, we were talking about the fact that more discipline dealing with, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 51:33 Oh, yeah. Oh, that's right, thank you. It's just, um, I think if you truly want it, you're gonna put forth the effort in anything. You know, it's may not always be enjoyable, but like, if you want it, you'll put through it. You'll push through it, like with high school, my mom knows, just like from elementary to high school, like that curriculum, I was just not feeling it, but I knew I had to stick it out. I wanted to be a high school dropout. I voiced that many of times, but like, I knew if I wanted to get to culinary school, I had to really focus on my academics through then and just try to push through and just do it, do what I had to do to graduate. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 52:19 Yeah, it's such a different environment to high school, I believe, you know, like I found that I really enjoyed college. I enjoyed my subjects. They went fast. The classes went fast. It was fast paced, but it was an I learned more. I you know, I think that slowness of the way that they do things in in the high school, it takes them like three weeks to get through one chapter, you know, and so it, it just, it just made it a big difference. And I, I wished I could continue to go to school. I think I was a really good student. Michael Hingson 52:59 I think one of the things about college is, and I've talked to several people who agree, is, you certainly learn from the courses that you take, but College offers so much more with with with the extracurricular activities, with the interaction with people, with The greater responsibility. College offers so many more life lessons if you take advantage of it, that really makes it cool. And I, I always enjoyed college. I liked it a lot. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn 53:29 Yeah, yeah, I did too, I think with some of my challenges and frustrations, not only with my learning disability, but like the fact that
Nature as Teacher: Stories and Reflections from Nature Journaling with Wendy Nadherny Fachon, Environmental Educator and Spiritual Storywalker Poet Williams Wordsworth is noted for saying, “Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.” He regarded Nature as a living personality (spelled with a capital N) and presumed there is a divine spirit in all objects of Nature. He believed Nature's supernatural intellect could teach one how to live a spiritual life. Nature's lessons are subtle, so in order to derive the most benefit from Nature's wisdom, it is necessary for us humans to slow down, pay attention, and take time to reflect. In this episode, Wendy shares two bird watching stories from her Nature Journal, makes meaning from these stories, and leaves listeners with some life lessons and food for further thought. Birds have long been regarded as messengers, heralds, and symbols of profound meaning for thousands of years among many cultures. The observation of bird behavior can help children grasp spiritual concepts. Flight becomes a metaphor for freedom, transcendence and heaven. This episode is a sound journey full of story, reflection, interpretation, poetry and song. Backyard Birding Nature Kit coming soon at storywalking.com Subscribe to Wendy's substack to receive notification of new podcast and product releases -https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/ Journal Links Parable of Three Birdies - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/parable-of-three-birdies Goldfinch Brings a Message - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/goldfinch-brings-a-message Spider Web Messaging - https://storywalkerwendy.substack.com/p/spider-web-messaging Reading Recommendations Ask for these books at your local library: Animal Speak by Ted Andrews (all ages) Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds by Jim Arnosky (children) Stoke's Beginner's Guides to Birds (all ages) The Backyard Bird Journal by Amy Tan (family reading) Recent Related Podcasts Spiritual Pathways for Environmental Restoration with Rev. Rachel Field, Program Manager, An Episcopal Path - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/spiritual-pathways-environmental-restoration/ Nature-Inspired Creative Expression with Selia Qynn, Artist, Musician and Habitat Steward - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/nature-inspired-creative-expression/ Growing Our Spiritual Connection with Nature with Asia Suler, Teacher, Earth Intuitive, Nature Writer, and Spiritual Educator - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/spiritual-connection-nature/ Down to Earth Plant Messengers - https://dreamvisions7radio.com/down-to-earth-plant-messengers/ Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1 Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/ Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards. Subscribe to Wendy's blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog. Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio
Mike Rudasill serves as a Battalion Chief with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), assigned to the 3rd Battalion in West Baltimore. He joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1998 and has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles throughout his career, including Firefighter with Rescue Company 1, Lieutenant with Truck Company 2, and Captain with Engine Company 8. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2010. Chief Rudasill is a former United States Marine and holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Science and Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore's School of Public Policy. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Chief Rudasill serves as the Program Manager for the BCFD Mental Performance Initiative and oversees the development program for Baltimore City's first-line and chief-level foreground commanders.
In this episode of The Influence Factor, host Alessandro Bogliari chats with Emily Rutt, Program Manager of Social Media Marketing at Mazda. Emily dives into Mazda's strategic approach to launching their TikTok channel, highlighting the power of building a community-driven social ecosystem. She breaks down the shift to the 'always-on' influencer program, shares how to identify the right creators for long-term partnerships, and explores the impact of the first-to-finish activation. Emily also looks ahead at emerging trends in creator partnerships and social media, offering actionable insights for brands aiming to connect authentically and engage audiences in meaningful ways.
Brandon Campbell, Director of Region 4 for the United Auto Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed some of the challenges facing American autoworkers, including trade deals, corporate stock buybacks and the need for greater solidarity among labor unions. Amy Howell, Program Manager at the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workforce development efforts in Lake County, Ohio, and how they bridge the skills gap through tailored support for both job seekers and employers.
In this episode of Scaling the Summit, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome “Radio Gold” listeners to a special conversation with Hasaan Hawthorne, one of the NAHPL 2026 Summit keynote speakers!Hasaan shares the powerful story behind his “Never Quit” attitude, from refusing to be limited in sport and life to stepping onto the wrestling mat against able-bodied competitors in high school and college. You'll hear how his drive led to a high school state championship, a collegiate career, and a long list of academic and athletic honors, including being a 3-time Collegiate Academic All-American and a recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award.The conversation also dives into Hasaan's passion for giving back through coaching from his time as a volunteer wrestling coach at Hastings College in Nebraska to his current role coaching with Warrior Wrestling Club in Alabaster, Alabama. Plus, Hasaan breaks down the work he's doing at UAB as Program Manager for the Inclusive Well-Being Translational Science Collaborative, and what inclusive well-being truly looks like in action.And of course because it wouldn't be Scaling the Summit without it, Sandra asks her favorite question about the most influential person in Hasaan's life, followed by a fun round of rapid-fire questions.Don't miss this inspiring episode—and make plans to join NAHPL in Orlando, Florida, March 2–5, 2026 for the NAHPL Health and Physical Literacy Summit. Learn more at NAHPL.org.
BIIE 233: Increasing Drug Awareness in School with Rachael BischelThis week, Ryan sits with Rachael Bischel, the Program Manager of Victoria's Voice, a foundation founded by David and Jackie Siegel after losing their 18-year-old daughter, Victoria, to a drug overdose. Rachael shares the mission of Victoria's Voice, Florida state holidays that bring awareness to fentanyl and drug overdose, communication in the school setting, best and least effective intervention methods in reducing substance abuse, and more. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasInEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Laura Blanco
As we close out Season 3 of the Military Transition Academy Podcast and wrap up 2025, we're ending the year with a conversation many service members can relate to — transitions shaped by med boards, medical retirements, or unexpected discharges that leave little time to prepare.In this episode, Craig Jones shares how a sudden medical retirement from the Marine Corps forced him to face the question, What now? His answer was simple: do what you can, when you can.Craig walks through his path from Marine to Program Manager at USAA, including how he discovered project management, recognized his transferable skills, and used certifications to translate his experience into a language civilian employers understand. He also shares the mindset shifts that mattered most, why “no” is often redirection, and how steady forward motion builds momentum over time.This episode is for veterans closing out the year feeling uncertain, behind, or unprepared. Craig's story is a reminder that progress does not require a perfect plan, just a willingness to take the next step.As we head into a new year, this conversation offers a simple way to prepare today for your post-service career tomorrow. Connect with Craig: Craig Jones | LinkedInStart where you are with Vets2PM: www.vets2pm.com/training
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down one of the most overlooked but powerful strategies in government contracting: using industry day materials to identify and connect with real decision-makers before opportunities hit the street. Randie explains how experienced contractors mine industry day PDFs for program managers, division chiefs, and project leads—and how those early relationships create warm introductions, credibility, and access that most small businesses never get. This episode reinforces a critical mindset shift: relationships are built through preparation, persistence, and professionalism—not instant replies. Key Takeaways Industry day PDFs are contact goldmines—if you actually read them Starting with the small business office increases your credibility Non-responses and rejection are part of the process—keep moving If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ Website: https://govcongiants.org/ Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/
Special Interview Episode: UW Division Of Extension NPM Program Manager Dan Smith
The Four Star Leadership Podcast: Core Principles of Leadership with General Tommy Franks
David discusses his time in the military and how working at GTFLIM gives him the same purpose he felt in the military
In this special year-end episode, we explore conversations with industry leaders revealing where sustainable aviation truly stands in 2025.Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon Strategy at Heathrow Airport, reveals airports control just 0.1% of their carbon footprint directly but use landing charges to incentivise SAF adoption.Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancouver Airport, explains moving their net-zero target forward to 2030 by leveraging control of central infrastructure.Lena Wennberg, Chief Sustainable Development Officer, and Therese Forsström, Head of Environmental Department at Swedavia, explain achieving fossil-free operations in 2020 and how they are looking to support fossil-free domestic flights in Sweden by 2030.Aaron Robinson, Vice President of SAF at International Airlines Group, identifies airlines' reluctance to adopt SAF as a cultural problem rooted in safety-first mindsets that resist innovation.Matthew Ridley, Director of Sustainability at The oneworld Alliance, discusses their $150 million fund with Breakthrough Energy Ventures for next-generation SAF.Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, details their photocatalytic technology converting biogas into SAF at smaller scales, targeting jet fuel parity.Tim Boeltken of INERATEC explains their modular e-fuel technology deployable wherever green hydrogen is produced.Marc Allen, CEO of Electra, describes how electric aircraft will succeed by enabling new capabilities like 150-foot takeoffs rather than competing with jet fuel.Billy Thalheimer of Regent introduces Seagliders – wing-in-ground effect vehicles offering new transportation for coastal routes.Jolanda Stevens, Program Manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM, emphasises airlines' responsibility in enabling hydrogen and electric aircraft.Luke Farajallah, CEO of Loganair, discusses how their mandatory £1 carbon levy receives almost no passenger complaints.If you LOVED this episode, you'll also love all the conversations we had through the year with dozens of industry executives, technology leaders and scientists. Check out the archive here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry's challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air: Volume 2'. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It's about time.Links & More:Book: Sustainability in the Air, Vol Two - SimpliFlyingSustainable Aviation Outlook Report 2025 - SimpliFlying
O paulistano Felipe morou na terra da garoa até os 30 anos de idade. Por lá, se formou em Engenharia de Controle de Automação e engatou alguns estágios. Em um deles, na GE, ele foi efetivado e passou a trabalhar com sistemas de controle de ferrovias.Essa bagagem lhe ajudou quando apareceu a oportunidade de migrar para a Amazon, no time de QA que ajudou a trazer a Alexa para o Brasil. Dentro da Amazon, ele passou a trabalhar remotamente para uma equipe de Boston, para onde, depois de 1 ano, ele se mudou.Neste episódio, o Felipe detalla o famoso (e cansativo) processo de entrevista da Amazon, além dos hobbies, dos desafios, e das alegrias de se morar na cidade cuja busca por um apartamento fez o Felipe se sentir em um episódio de How I Met Your Mother.Fabrício Carraro, o seu viajante poliglotaFelipe Blanes, Technical Program Manager Sênior na Amazon em Boston, Estados UnidosLinks:Amazon AGI LabsAmazon NovaAmazon Nova ActAWS Nova Act no GitHubTechGuide.sh, um mapeamento das principais tecnologias demandadas pelo mercado para diferentes carreiras, com nossas sugestões e opiniões.#7DaysOfCode: Coloque em prática os seus conhecimentos de programação em desafios diários e gratuitos. Acesse https://7daysofcode.io/Ouvintes do podcast Dev Sem Fronteiras têm 10% de desconto em todos os planos da Alura Língua. Basta ir a https://www.aluralingua.com.br/promocao/devsemfronteiras/e começar a aprender inglês e espanhol hoje mesmo! Produção e conteúdo:Alura Língua Cursos online de Idiomas – https://www.aluralingua.com.br/Alura Cursos online de Tecnologia – https://www.alura.com.br/Edição e sonorização: Rede Gigahertz de Podcasts
Guy Bowling is Program Manager of the FATHER Project at Goodwill/Easter Seals in St. Paul, Minnesota. He oversees a substantial grant funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Guy brings 19 years of experience working with low-income, unmarried, non-custodial fathers and fragile families. On this episode, Maureen Leif talks to him about how he got involved in this work, how it has evolved over the years and we get some insights into his personal journey that brought him to this work.
T Bone and the Program Manager have a Christmas adventure.
MaryGrace Sharp, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter, joins Lisa Dent to share the five things we have learned about Alzheimer’s in 2025. Sharp reviews lifestyle changes that promote brain health, the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, a newly approved at-home option, and more.
Part 1 - Neville James is joined by VI Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel and Jomo McClean highway Program Manager, provide an update on DPW's ongoing Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan Update, known as USVI 2050.
On November 7, Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, will host The Asian American Foundation's (TAAF) first-ever AAPI Youth Mental Health Summit. Under the theme “Sparking Solutions Together,” the summit will convene hundreds of experts, advocates, funders, and business executives to address the urgent and often overlooked mental health challenges facing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth. From 2018 through 2022, suicide was the leading cause of death among Asian Americans aged 15–24, and the second leading cause of death among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Yet despite being deeply impacted by the nation's mental health crisis, AAPI youth remain largely invisible in the national mental health conversation, and the data needed to understand their mental health is scarce at best. To fill the gap, TAAF released "Beyond the Surface" in December 2024, the most comprehensive study to date on AAPI youth mental health, which revealed: Nearly 1 in 2 AAPI youth screen positive for moderate depression; 1 in 3 have planned or attempted suicide; Stigma, family pressure, and silence keep many from seeking help; Only 53 percent feel comfortable talking with their parents; Just 1 in 4 have accessed formal care; and 46 percent have never seen a mental health provider. Building on these findings, the November 7 summit will bring together leading experts to spark dialogue on breaking stigma, closing gaps in care, and exploring how community partners and technology are reshaping the ways young people seek and receive support. Join us online to hear from: Midori Francis, Actor, "Grey's Anatomy" Ryan Alexander Holmes Owin Pierson, Creator and Mental Health Advocate Lisa Ling, Journalist Noopur Agarwal, VP of Social Impact, MTV Norman Chen, CEO, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) Philip Yun, Co-President and Co-CEO, Commonwealth Club World Affairs Rushika Fernandopulle, MD, Practicing Physician; Co-Founder and Former CEO, Iora Health; TAAF Board Member Juliana Chen, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Cartwheel Perry Chen,Director of Programs and Partnerships, Behavioral Health at Blue Shield of California Rachel Miller, Founder & CEO, Closegap Meena Srinivasan, Founding Executive Director, Transformative Educational Leadership Ayesha Meer, Executive Director, Asian Mental Health Collective Henry Ha, Program Director, Community Youth Center of San Francisco Anne Saw, PhD, HOPE Program Reid Bowman, MPH, CHES, Outreach & Program Manager, UCA Waves Rupesh Shah, COO of Crisis Text Line Tone Va'i, LCSW, Clinician, Samoan Community Development Center Amy Grace Lam, PhD, Chief Program Strategist, Korean Community Center of East Bay Christine Yang, ASW, Korean Community Center of East Bay Christina Yu, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor, Korean Community Center of East Bay William Tsai, PhD, Associate Professor, New York University Cindy H. Liu, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, BOBA Project, Harvard Medical School Tiffany Yip, Professor of Psychology, Fordham University Quynh Nguyen, TALA (Thriving AANHPI Leadership Accelerator) Fellow This program is presented by The Asian American Foundation and Commonwealth Club World Affairs. For full program, please visit: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/video/youth-mental-health-summit-sparking-solutions-together Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Audit ATX speaks with Investigator Temitope Eletu-Odibo about an investigation regarding an Austin Water Program Manager violating City Code.
In this episode of One Vision the Fintech Fuse, we chat with Kristen Castell, Managing Director, Fintech CAFE (Center for Accelerating Financial Equity) and Ryan Venderlic, Program Manager at CAFE. The trio discuss the accelerator program's evolution, its focus on financial equity for low to moderate-income communities, and the transformative power of collaboration among founders. Kristen and Ryan also share insights on the impact of AI in fintech and future disruptions in financial services. Tune in to learn how CAFE is fostering mission-driven fintech innovations and supporting their founders post-program.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:17 Insights from the CAFE Accelerator Program03:32 Evolution of the FinTech Ecosystem05:32 Post-Program Support for Alumni and the Founders Circles09:52 Mission-Driven FinTech and Challenges13:21 The Role of AI in FinTech17:24 Future Disruptions in Financial Services#AI #Fintech #FinancialServices #FinancialInclusion #BankingIndustry
In this episode of One Vision the Fintech Fuse, we chat with Kristen Castell, Managing Director, Fintech CAFE (Center for Accelerating Financial Equity) and Ryan Venderlic, Program Manager at CAFE. The trio discuss the accelerator program's evolution, its focus on financial equity for low to moderate-income communities, and the transformative power of collaboration among founders. Kristen and Ryan also share insights on the impact of AI in fintech and future disruptions in financial services. Tune in to learn how CAFE is fostering mission-driven fintech innovations and supporting their founders post-program.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:17 Insights from the CAFE Accelerator Program03:32 Evolution of the FinTech Ecosystem05:32 Post-Program Support for Alumni and the Founders Circles09:52 Mission-Driven FinTech and Challenges13:21 The Role of AI in FinTech17:24 Future Disruptions in Financial Services#AI #Fintech #FinancialServices #FinancialInclusion #BankingIndustry
This episode explores how veterans can overcome financial barriers and achieve stable homeownership through tailored counseling and supportive programs. Our guests, Jacob Merritt, Senior Counselor at Money Management International; David Ramirez, Army Veteran and Program Manager at Soldier On; and Gerard Romeo, Navy Veteran and program participant, share how financial education, credit-building tools, and wraparound supports empower veterans on their journey to long-term stability.Click here for Episode Insights
Join us for an insightful conversation with Fernanda Michels, MSc, PhD, ODS-C, Program Manager of Data Quality and Integration at the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). In this episode, Dr. Michels explains the critical role state cancer registries play in cancer surveillance and why data quality and accuracy matter for meaningful outcomes. Listen now to gain expert insights into the backbone of cancer data collection.
In honor of Vocations Awareness, join SJVC's four Permanent Deacons for a discussion on their calling and journey in this vocation. Deacon Jim Friend, Director of Mission Advancement, facilitates a panel with Deacon Steven DeMartino, Director of Consultation Services; Deacon Tim Lynch, Program Manager for Suicide Awareness and Education Program; and Deacon Dan Giblin, former Spiritual Care Advisor for SJVC and now facilitator of SJVC's Grace and Gratitude Program for AA. Learn more about Saint John Vianney Center by visiting our website at www.sjvcenter.org
Steven Guo, Program Manager at Carnegie Mellon's Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, shares how he's helping CMU founders scale through the VentureBridge accelerator (alumni have raise over $200M and are valued at over $500M) and a thriving alumni innovation network. With a systems-thinking approach to building startup ecosystems, Steven reveals how community, mentorship, and collaboration fuel lasting impact.
Welcome to the #ShareYourHotness Podcast episode 172! Thomas Scaria Resilience & Accountability Coach | Ultra-Marathoner | Author & Podcaster of Resilience+Rise The High: At the peak of Thomas' career as a Project and Program Manager, he felt invincible. With over a decade of experience and a string of successful projects under his belt, he was on top of the world. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he relished the challenges that came his way. The Low: However, the relentless cycle of managing tasks and navigating complex projects began to take its toll. The thrill of the challenge dulled, replaced by monotony and anxiety. He found himself trapped in a maze with no clear direction, where passion faded and burnout loomed dangerously close. The Mess: In the midst of those, life felt more endured than enjoyed. The once vibrant career Thomas had built seemed to crumble around him. The sense of accomplishment was overshadowed by stress and dissatisfaction. He questioned his purpose and wondered if it was all there was to his professional journey. The Turnaround: Determined to reclaim his life and passion, he embarked on a transformative journey. Drawing from his experience in project management and his resilience honed through conquering 85 long-distance ultra-marathons and marathons, he began to master the art of true resilience. He realized that challenges were not hurdles but stepping stones to a fulfilling life. He redefined his goals, aligned his daily actions with his deepest values, and embraced the power of small, consistent steps forward. Key Milestones: 1) The passing away of Thomas' father & the loss of his job, in less than 24 hours, during COVID. 2) Taking the challenge to do 5 weekends / 5 full marathons (26 miles) to raise money for Cancer research. 3) 111 KM (69 Miles) run challenge, for charity. 4) 2 packs a day smoker, with an unhealthy lifestyle & health issues, to an ultra-marathoner. The Outcome: Today, Thomas brings these hard-earned lessons to others as an Accountability and Resilience Coach. His career is no longer just about professional achievement—it's about personal revolution. Each day is infused with passion and purpose, and helping others navigate their paths with the same determination. Together, we break free from monotony, rediscover passion, and transform professional journeys into enriching experiences. By helping others find their true north and stay the course, Thomas turned his own challenges into a source of inspiration and strength. Thomas is also the author of Resilience+Rise: 26.2 Transformative Miles to Unleash Your Marathon of Life Mindset Life isn't a sprint—it's a marathon, filled with unpredictable terrain, uphill battles, and moments of sheer triumph. And just like any marathon, success in life requires resilience, focus, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough. Support The #ShareYourHotness Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-syh-podcast Find out more at https://the-syh-podcast.pinecast.co
This week on Rising Up For Justice, Collin Rees, the U.S. Program Manager at Oil Change International joins us.
Today on Steel News, host Ann Vandersteel brings you a powerful two-part broadcast exposing corruption in America's schools and corruption in America's government.In Segment One, Ann speaks with Ryan Kennedy, Program Manager of Educational Policy & Advocacy for the Florida Citizens Alliance (FLCA). Kennedy has led major statewide efforts—from combating explicit materials in schools to pushing for parental rights, AI transparency, and microschool alternatives.In Segment Two, Ann welcomes Ivan Raiklin—retired Green Beret, constitutional attorney, national-security analyst, whistleblower, and subject of at least a dozen federal investigations. Raiklin breaks down the “America Only” movement, new revelations regarding the DOJ's Arctic Frost operation, internal sabotage around President Trump, the uniparty-intelligence nexus, COVID-era crimes, and a roadmap for true political reform.This is a blockbuster double-header exposing the systems that target our children and target the American people.Ann is the co-founder of AmericanMadeFoundation.org and AmericanMadeAction.orgFollow: ANN VANDERSTEEL https://AnnVandersteel.comFollow Ann Vandersteel on Pickax: https://pickax.com/annvandersteel
Gumbo, BBQ, and biscuits–what makes Southern food Southern? Caity Finlayson (University of Mary Washington) talks about the fusion of cultures–African food brought by enslaved people, British and French food brought by early European colonists–that created a mouthwatering Southern cuisine. And: For indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic and Sri Lanka, hunting and gathering is still a main source of food. Eranga Galappaththi (Virginia Tech) is working with these communities to address how climate change is affecting their food sources. Later in the show: Recipes from home can comfort us and connect us, both to the past and to the present. Suryani Omar is the Program Manager at Mozaic, a nonprofit that works with refugees and asylum seekers. She's collaborating with some of the women Mozaic serves to write a cookbook of stories and recipes from their homes.
This month, Recycled Content host Kara Pochiro is joined by the Association of Plastic Recyclers' (APR) Kate Eagles, Program Director of Policy & Markets, and Emily Tipaldo, Program Manager for the Market Development Committee. Together, they break down the APR Recycling Demand Champions Program, an initiative supported by The Recycling Partnership, that recognizes companies committed to the long-term use of North American post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. They also discuss how this year's recognized champions, Amcor, Charter Next Generation, Kraft Heinz, Novolex, and Triton Group, demonstrated strong commitments to purchasing or manufacturing products with recycled plastics and expanding PCR use. Kate and Emily discuss current market pressures facing the plastics recycling industry, including low-cost virgin plastic and rising imports, and explain why strong, reliable demand for PCR is essential to maintaining and scaling a circular plastics economy. Tune in to learn how the APR Recycling Demand Champions Program drives investment in high-quality PCR, keeps recyclable materials in the value chain, and helps strengthen the circular economy for plastics. This episode is sponsored by MCC Label, visit iml.mcclabel.com to learn more.
When was the last time you seriously considered building agency for yourself? In this episode of the “Owning Your Strength” series, we're joined by Dell Ivy, Program Manager for Student Experience at the University of Houston's CT Bauer College of Business. As a second-generation college graduate, Dell draws from his journey as a TRIO Coordinator and the child of nontraditional college graduates. He highlights the importance of building agency, finding mentors, expressing your voice, and staying intentional inside and outside the classroom. Dell shares practical advice for navigating parental pressures, building reputation after setbacks, and embracing mentorship and autonomy. Find out how he reminds students to stay resilient, seek direction, and not take life too seriously as they shape their own unique path. Dell completed both his M.S. in Higher Education Leadership in Student Affairs and his Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. As a dedicated advocate for student development and mentorship, Dell credits much of his own success and confidence as an undergraduate to the transformative power of student success initiatives. Inspired by those experiences, he is committed to creating and sustaining programs that empower students through mentorship, teamwork, and confidence-building. Guided by these principles, he strives to exceed student expectations and ensure every student has access to meaningful, impactful experiences that foster both personal and professional growth. To learn more about Dell and his work, visit his website at UH.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Join us for this episode of the Academy i3 Podcast as we welcome Sunni Dominguez, Tribal Stars Program Manager and member of the Ipay Nation of Santa Isabel. Sunni shares her expertise on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), discussing its history, why it matters, and how it impacts Native American families and child welfare professionals.In this conversation, we cover:The origins and purpose of ICWAKey provisions and compliance challengesThe importance of cultural connection and community leadershipBest practices for social workers and agenciesReal stories and lived experiences from Native communitiesWhether you're a child welfare professional, student, or someone interested in social justice and Native American issues, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for making a positive impact.Sunni Dominguez is Iipay/Kumeyaay from the Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel. She served as an elected tribal official for 14 years and currently sits on the Tribal Advisory Committee for the CDSS Office of Tribal Affairs. With over 20 years of experience in tribal family advocacy, early childhood education, and cultural preservation, she now serves as Program Manager for the Academy for Professional Excellence Tribal STAR program. As a trainer for ICWA: Working with Native American Families and Tribes, Sunni draws on her experiences as a mother, grandmother, foster parent, and Indian custodian to support better outcomes for Native American children and families. Her work focuses on spiritual healing and protecting past, present, and future generations.
For this episode, the Activist Lab welcomes our guests, Nazneen Pal and Aria Garling, public health advocates who also serve on the Florida Let's Chat taskforce. These public health professionals discuss the topics of loneliness and social isolation, reasons for the increase- especially among the younger generation, and strategies for change, including the work of the Health Buddies program (Seniors in Service) and more! Guest: Let's Chat taskforce members Aria Garling, BA, Program Manager, Seniors in Service Program of Tampa Bay; and Nazneen Pal, MPH, Public Health Practitioner
Medicare can be confusing—whether you're approaching retirement, supporting a loved one, or navigating Open Enrollment. In this Caring for Caregivers Conversation, our state director Marguerite Ro sits down with Tim Smolen, Program Manager for SHIBA, the volunteer-powered program from Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner that offers free, unbiased Medicare guidance to Washington residents. What you'll learn: What Medicare is and how it works The best way & time to file for Medicare Why Open Enrollment matters Medicare or Medicare Advantage Common concerns and how to address them How SHIBA can help you make confident decisions
Chemical regulations are only part of the story. In our latest episode, Bob Trimble, Program Manager for Global Restricted Substances at Intertek Assuris, sits down with Anju, an expert in U.S. consumer product safety, to explore how CPSC e-filing is changing the compliance landscape, specifically for children's products.From documentation requirements to digital reporting, they unpack the challenges companies face and share insights to help you stay ahead of evolving safety expectations.Tune in to learn how to simplify compliance and protect your brand's reputation in a more transparent, data-driven future.Speakers:Robert Trimble, Program Manager – Global Restricted Substances, Intertek AssurisAnju Kang, Consultant – Risk Strategy & Management, Intertek Assuris Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.
Spiritual Pathways for Environmental Restoration Guest Rev. Rachel Field, Program Manager, An Episcopal Path Spending time in nature, one sees God's creativity all around us, and so develops an appreciation for the divine intelligence behind the beauty, functionality and mystery of Nature. The Creation Story in the Book of Genesis tells of God creating the heavens, the earth, the fish, the birds, all the other creatures and, finally, man and woman. Children of the Cherokee Nation hear the story of Grandmother Spider, who, they are told, embodies the creative force of the universe, having woven the network that interconnects all living beings and symbolizes the importance of ecosystems, community and relationships. There is something to be learned from these and other creation stories. Reverend Rachel Field joins us to talk about our role in Creation Care. She is the Program Manager for An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, an initiative equipping church communities to grow in knowledge and skills as they progress along the four-fold path: Prayer, Learning, Action, and Advocacy. Rachel explains these four pillars in detail and draws on diverse approaches for diverse contexts. Those walking an Episcopal Path commit to form and restore a loving, liberating, life-giving relationship with all of Creation, and they collaborate with other faith organizations. Rachel shares her deep wisdom and shines a light by framing our environmental degradation as a “spiritual crisis” and showing us the power of spiritually enlightened engagement. Rachel has more than 15 years of experience leading creation-centered retreats in the Episcopal Church. She is also Owner/Director of Heartberry Hollow Farm & Forest, which is a regenerative farm and retreat center in central Vermont. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and a certificate in Contemplative Leadership from the Shalem Institute. She is a member of the Clergy at Parish of St. Mary in Northfield, VT. INFORMATION RESOURCES View my fabulous spider web photos https://substack.com/home/post/p-174923967 Learn more about “An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice” https://www.episcopalcreationpath.org/ Engage with the BTS Center - Cultivating and Nourishing Spiritual Leadership for a Climate-Changed World https://thebtscenter.org/ Read about the Creation Care curriculum: Love God, Love God's World https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/creation-care/love-god-love-gods-world-curriculum/ Join Rachel on a Walking Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hHCViU1YFo Visit Heartberry Hollow Farm and Forest heartberryhollowfarmandforest@gmail.com Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1 Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/ Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards. Subscribe to Wendy's blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog. Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio
This week on Hustleshare, host Ron Baetiong sits down with Dave Del Rosario, Program Manager of DLSU Animo Labs and one of the unsung heroes behind Philippine Startup Week. From his early days as an intern at IdeaSpace to empowering innovators across Mindanao, Dave shares how his grassroots experience continues to shape the next generation of founders and drive inclusive growth within the Philippine startup ecosystem.Links/Sponsors:OneCFO: https://www.onecfoph.co/Hustleshare is powered by Podmachine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Smart Social Podcast: Learn how to shine online with Josh Ochs
Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/eventsEpisode Summary:In this engaging episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs discusses the importance of digital citizenship with Julie Garcia, Senior Director of Future Ready Learning, and Derek Suzuki, Program Manager for Instructional Technology, both from the San Diego Unified School District. They delve into topics such as online interactions, AI usage in education, screen time issues, and proactive strategies for fostering digital safety in schools. The conversation includes practical tips for parents and educators to enhance students' online experiences while mitigating risks associated with social media, AI, and excessive screen time.Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™
What makes leadership training for youth in the church so valuable? Julianna Schults, DCE and Program Manager of Resources and Leadership for LCMS Youth Ministry, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens during YouthLead training, why it's important, and how empowering youth equips them to lead in their communities. She also shares details about the upcoming YouthLead Training and YouthLead Servant Event happening in 2026. Learn more and register at lcms.org/youthlead. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
This week, we prepare for the 37th Annual Homeless Requiem to take place on November 3. Our guest speaker at today's Dean's Forum is Tracy Woodard, Program Manager for Homeless Services at Intown Cares. Tracy discusses how that agency is responding to the ever-increasing number of people facing food and housing insecurity and how we at the Cathedral can help.
In this interview, Melissa and Clay interview husband and wife team Ed Pettys and Debbie Chang from their home in Paʻauilo mauka on Hawaiʻi Island about their work helping to connect people to Hawaiian landscapes beginning in the late 1960s. They talk about growing up in Hawaiʻi–Ed from Lihue, Kauaʻi and Debbie from Kohala, Hawaiʻi and meeting through their work in the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Debbie helped to spearhead the new Na ʻAla Hele trails and access program in the 1980s while Edʻs work took him across Micronesia–from Pohnpei to Kosrae, and eventually to Kauaʻi as Forestry and Wildlife District manager. Theirs is a collective understanding of the importance of teamwork and leadership especially in the wake of hurricane Iniki.
Welcome to the final installment of Your Path. Your Purpose., a special series from The Dignity of Work podcast. In this episode, we hear from Tony Parks, Program Manager at WorkSource Spokane/Career Path Services, whose story of transformation reminds us of the power of saying “why not.” After fifteen years in corporate America, Tony found himself searching for meaning, connection, and a way to give back. Through unexpected turns—volunteering, teaching CPR, and even hosting trivia nights—he discovered his calling in workforce development. Tony shares how embracing openness, resilience, and authenticity led him to a career that not only changed his life but allows him to change others' lives every day.
ONE HOT FEST – ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL is a special mini-series from One Heat Minute Productions, diving into Australia's most charismatic celebration of cinema. Host Blake Howard takes you inside the Adelaide Film Festival — from filmmaker interviews and festival dispatches to reviews and discussions with guests and critics — relaying the energy, stories, and spirit that make it one of Australia's most electric film events.In this episode, we talk to the CEO & Creative Director of the Adelaide Film Festival, Mat Kesting, about the identity and personality of the fest and its growing connection with the community. Mat Kesting GAICD - CEO & Creative DirectorMat Kesting is a festivals and programming specialist having worked in the sector since the late 1990s. Named as a one of Screen International's Future Leaders, Mat has led the Adelaide Film Festival since 2019 as CEO & Creative Director. In this time, he has curated the AFF Investment Fund investments overseeing more than 50 commissions, driven year on year box office and audience growth, a doubling of the AFF Investment Fund and overseen AFF's transition from biennial to annual presentation. Mat has held an association with AFF since 2008 in various programming roles and has a deep love for the organisation and championing Australian cinema.Previously, Mat was Exhibition Manager at the Mercury Cinema and Program Manager at the Brisbane International Film Festival. Mat has also produced the 15/15 Film Festival and worked with the AFTRS, Lumiere Cinemas, ACMI and various other arts festivals. Mat is Deputy Chair, Festival City Adelaide and has a passion for the Adelaide's renown cultural life.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-heat-minute-productions/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
If you've ever wanted to work with me, help people live freer, more empowered lives, and be part of a team that actually changes the world, this is your chance. We're hiring for two key roles: a CEO/EOS integrator and a Program Manager.If you're resourceful, a self-starter, and obsessed with creating impact, head to unfuckyourbrain.com/hiring to see the details and apply. This could be your next big move!
On episode 528 of The Nurse Keith Show nursing and healthcare career podcast, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, Keith interviews Kristen Gilmore, the Program Manager for Nurse Well-Being at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. In the course of their conversation, Keith discusses with Kristen her experience as a leader whose sole responsibility is to foster an environment and culture where the mental health of nurses is truly a top priority. The program that Kristen oversees is funded by a generous endowment supported by a $7 million grant made possible through the stewardship of Jefferson's Board of Trustees. This program could serve as a blueprint for healthcare institutions looking for an example of how to move beyond platitudes and lip service towards meaningful interventions with nurses' best interests in mind. Kristen is a registered nurse at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and serves as the inaugural Program Manager for Nurse Well-Being, supporting the Jefferson Bucks, Frankford, Einstein Montgomery, and Torresdale campuses. Prior to this role, she held multiple nursing leadership positions and provided direct care in emergency medicine, where she developed a deep commitment to clinician well-being. A graduate of Holy Family University and Walden University, Kristen has consistently championed the well-being of both her colleagues and the nursing profession as a whole. She currently serves as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and chairs the ENA's National Wellness Committee. A Certified SMART (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) Practitioner, Kristen delivers evidence-based well-being education across the Jefferson Health System. Her speaking engagements include presentations for the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, the Emergency Nurses Association, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of AACN, the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Kristen also co-authored a recent article in the Journal of Emergency Nursing examining the impact of gratitude in the workplace. Kristen has also featured her well-being work in healthcare on multiple podcasts. Connect with Kristen Gilmore and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital: Kristen.Gilmore@Jefferson.edu LinkedIn Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Contact Nurse Keith about holistic career coaching to elevate your nursing and healthcare career at NurseKeith.com. Keith also offers services as a motivational and keynote speaker and freelance nurse writer. You can always find Keith on LinkedIn. Are you looking for a novel way to empower your career and move forward in life? Keith's wife, Shada McKenzie, is a gifted astrologer, reader of the tarot, and teacher and mentor who combines ancient and modern techniques to provide valuable insights into your motivations, aspirations, and life trajectory, and she offers listeners of The Nurse Keith Show a 10% discount on their first consultation. Contact Shada at TheCircelandtheDot.com or shada@thecircleandthedot.com.