Your Most Precious Thing

TW: Mentions of child death Quick historical note: I got The Great Migration and the Westward Expansion confused in this episode, so just as a heads up, when you hear references to the Great Migration in this episode, we are technically talking about Westard Expansion because that more accurately describes the time period that Andrea's family lived through. Andrea Luce does fundraising at a small local nonprofit that does taxes for low and moderate-income individuals. In her spare time, she is a facilitator at a mental health support group and volunteers by encouraging reading for elementary school kids. Outside of that she still reads the newspaper and is always listening to the newest dark techno beat that she can find.  During this episode, you will hear Andrea talk about: How she came in possession of a unique part of her family's past Her family's connection to the history of the Westward Expansion How she plans to keep the story of her family alive for the next generation The importance of knowing your family's stories to pass them along   You can follow Andrea on her Instagram at @whiskfern. You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

Gail Piner is a retired academic who is finally pursuing the career she thought she'd have when she was twelve. She doesn't recommend waiting as long as she did to pursue your dreams. Gail is interested in strong women, resilience, and the humor and hope that can help us get through difficult times. Her first novel, A High Courage, is about all those topics and is based on the best example she has known personally—her grandmother. Gail lives on the coast of North Carolina, where her main forms of exercise are dodging beach traffic, hurricanes, and alligators. During this episode, you will hear Gail talk about: How she received a special pitcher from her grandmother, and how she discovered how old it was What led her to write her grandmother's story in her novel, "A High Courage" The unique circumstances that her grandmother dealt with to save her family in the face of tragedy How her grandmother handled this question: What makes a good mother?   If you want to find out more about Gail online, you can check out the links below: Official Website - gailpiner.com Amazon Link - A High Courage Barnes & Noble - A High Courage   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn. Check out the transcript for this episode here! Please note after this episode, all upcoming episodes of the podcast will premire every first Thursday of each month!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Amber Cygan loved video games, and is always being drawn to survival and post apocalyptic themed titles. She sought to turn her passion for interactive entertainment into a rewarding career by moving to Florida to pursue a degree at Full Sail University and beginning her career at Universal Creative. There she helped teams create immersive theme park experiences across the globe. She is now a Producer in the gaming industry, playing a crucial role in bringing games to life and loving every second of it.   During this episode, you will hear Amber talk about: Her favorite stories that she has of her beloved teddy bear, Mr. Teddy The weirdness that comes up when your childhood is considered vintage by today's standards The importance of reconnecting with your younger self   If you want to find out more about Amber online, you can check out the link down below:   LinkedIn   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

My guest for this week's episode, Kara,  currently resides in DC, with roots tracing back to Rhode Island. Her professional realm rests in the domain of marketing, complemented by her pursuit of creative endeavors on the side. Art functions as a significant emotional channel for her, and despite not categorizing herself as a complete artist, she occasionally engages in artistic ventures. The lineage of artistic prowess extends from her mother to her grandmother, affectionately known as Mimi. Both maternal figures have profoundly shaped her journey by instilling the importance of fostering her own creativity. This episode aims to unveil the tale behind a special item bestowed upon her by Mimi, which stands as a testament to the influence on her life and ranks among the most unconventional gifts she has ever been presented with.   During this episode, you will hear Kara talk about: The story and possible meaning behind the most unique gift her Mimi had given her The role that this item plays as both a comfort item and a connection to her Mimi How their relationship led her to pursue her interest in art and bring creative The greatest lessons that she has learned from her Mimi.   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

In the eyes of some, Octavien Courdent is seen as a traveler who is passionate about helping the world around him. Born in France, he spent his childhood in English-speaking countries and a year in a British boarding school in Nigeria, where he has gained a very good command of multiple languages. He is also involved in civic life, being part of two Nigerian associations, "Life" and "Khan Foundation," which help with the education of children in difficulty (by building schools or investing in school materials). Passionate about human exchange, he joined the CA'store association at Kedge and was promoted to the manager of the "web department." This position made him independent and allowed him to acquire skills in web development. Since February 2022, he has joined Kozminski University in Warsaw, Poland on a university exchange while continuing his course in International Business. In addition to his University work, he has also interned with brands such as Garnier-Thiebaut USA and Viral Luxe.   During this episode, you will hear Octavien talk about: How his life changed when he was given his first pair of glasses when he was 10 years old Why he can't afford to lose or break his glasses, or what he learned from going into the ocean with his on The greatest thing he has seen when he improved his vision The similarities between his glasses and a pair from another historical figure who recently had a Netflix show If you want to find out more about Octavien online, you can check out the links below: Instagram LinkedIn   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

Genna Rosenberg is an almost 30-year toy and licensing industry executive focused on the intersection of Social Impact and Consumer Products. She is the CEO of a global PR and marketing agency GennComm, and Chief Ideator at the Company's licensing and product development think tank, GennComm ImaGENNation.  With an intentional lens toward empowerment, diversity, inclusion and social responsibility, she has been a trusted thought leader and industry innovator, having served both public and private toycos and agencies. Both she and GennComm have been advisors and storytellers for many of the top entertainment and gaming studios in the world, including Paramount, SONY, NBCUniversal and The Jim Henson Company, American Greetings Entertainment, and hundreds of top beloved brands including Care Bears, Cabbage Patch Kids, Pokémon, Disney and Marvel brands, SpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa, Pound Puppies, Ghostbusters, The Fresh Dolls and countless more.  She is on a mission to attract diverse talent from underserved communities into the Toy Industry through her Careers in Toys curriculum, and she actively mentors several young executives and students. In 2021 she was named by The Toy Association as an Official Genius of Play Ambassador, charged with sharing-out to the world the incredible benefits of play on society, and ahe has served in several capicities foe global non-profits, including Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WiT) and others. Genna has also been named recently an Inaugural Catalyst for Change by That License! Global Magazine, and you can check out more of her interview here as well. During this episode, you will hear Genna talk about: The story behind her first Cabbage Patch Kid How she started working in the toy industry by chance The opportunities that she was apart of while working with Cabbage Patch Kids including planning the 25th Anniversary - Birthday event at Toys-r-Us Times Square with the brand's founder, Xavier Roberts and celebrity chef, Duff Goldman. Why there is a need for a diverse workforce within the toy industry The newest initiative that she is working on with The Singing Machine Company If you want to find out more about Genna online, you can check out the link below:   Genna's LinkedIn   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

Hi Everyone! Your Most Precious Thing will be going on a brief, summer hiatus, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 10, 2023! If you have been enjoying the show, and want to be a guest, please check out my calendar link to schedule your interview!  You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn. You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Marlene Sharp is a creative and business-savvy entertainment multi-hyphenate who originally hails from New Orleans but is now a (San Fernando) Valley girl. Firmly ensconced in LA life, Marlene is top dawg at Pink Poodle Productions. Noteworthy clients and collaborators include The Center for Learning Unlimited and its companion animation studio employing adults on the autism spectrum Brainstorm Productions; Neko Productions; Panda Mony Toy Company; Action Amanda Frohlich; Rainshine Entertainment; and the Agency for Cultural Affairs for the Japanese government. Prior to Pink Poodle, Marlene served as Director, Production at LEVEL-5 abby, home of YO-KAI WATCH and other Japanese hit video game-based franchises. Formerly, as TV Series Producer at Sega of America, Marlene worked on much more than the Teen Choice Award-nominated Cartoon Network series SONIC BOOM. For example, her extensive Hedgehog duties took her to the heights of nerd-dom as an official San Diego Comic-Con panelist. She also contributed to the 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog feature film. As a freelance journalist, Marlene concentrates on pop culture for noteworthy fan sites and industry periodicals, such as Global Toy News, Game Developer, Broadway World, and DOGTV. As a short film auteur, she has snagged recognition at La Femme Film Fest, Austin Comedy Film Festival, KIDS FIRST! Film Festival, Canine Film Festival, and San Luis Obispo Film Festival. Marlene is the proud winner of the 2019 LA Shorts International Film Fest Script Competition (an Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying fest), at which her backdoor sitcom pilot received a staged reading courtesy of The Groundlings. As a human being, basically, Marlene Sharp loves all kinds of pups. For proof, please look at her LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/marlenesharp During this episode, you will hear Marlene talk about: The story behind the pink, vintage refrigerator that she received during the pandemic How life is too short to not go for the things that you want in life The inspiration behind the award-winning short film, Blanche's Bichon Buzz How Blanche became a huge part of her life   If you want to find out more about Marlene online, you can check out the links below: Pink Poodle Productions Official Website Marlene's LinkedIn   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*  

Peppur Chambers is an international writer/producer/educator. An alum of Moving Arts MADLab, Circle X Emerging Playwrights Group, and Antaeus Playwrights Lab, she uses her voice to amplify women's issues, social justice and love. Her radio plays The Fire In-Between, End of the Line, and Chester Higgensworth & The Boll Weevil can be found on podcast platforms. Her plays have been produced in LA and Prague. Her books Harlem's Awakening and Harlem's Last Dance (March 2023) can be found on Spaceboy Books, B&N, Amazon or ask at your local bookstore. Visit penandpeppur.com where she tells stories of heroes, including her own.   During this episode, you will hear Peppur talk about: How a fun, beloved school project led her into the world of writing What inspired her to write her first published book, Harlem's Awakening Her love of history and how that plays a role into her work How she handles her imposter syndrome as a creative   If you want to find out more about Peppur online, you can check out the links below:   If you are local to the Chandler, Arizona area, check out Peppur's one woman show, From Where to Here: A One Woman Show about 1930s Migration performing on July 29, July 30, August 3, and August 4.   Her Official Website - peppurchambers.com   Her Official Blog - Pen and Peppur   Instagram - @peppurthehotone   Twitter - @Peppurthehotone   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn.   Check out the transcript for this episode here!   You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Eva Moon is an author, musician, playwright, screenwriter, performer, and former Huffington Post blogger. Her plays and musicals have been staged across the US and UK, and her solo musical, "The Mutant Diaries: Unzipping My Genes" is streaming on Amazon. She recently released her first novel: "Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World."  During this episode, you will hear Eva talk about: What inspired her to start playing the ukulele The community that she both found and created through playing music How a genetic mutation changed her life and inspired her creativity The story behind her first novel "Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World."  If you want to find out more about Eva online, you can check out the links below: Official Website Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World The Mutant Diaries: Unzipping My Genes   You can follow me at @claudiahenock on Instagram and Twitter and Claudia Henock on LinkedIn. Check out the transcript for this episode here! You can also follow You Most Precious Thing through my official website, in addition to anywhere, you listen to your podcasts!  Music: Synapse by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com *Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Your Most Precious Things Episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*