with Molly Bloom

"You never stop growing up." Irene welcomes podcast producer + host Molly Bloom! Molly Bloom is the host of the American Public Media show Brains On! & the spin-off show, Smash Boom Best.  Here is part one of the Brains On! series on emotions: Happy: All about feelings, pt. 1

Irene welcomes Susan Shehata! They talk about discovering a love of theater and the path that can open up. Susan also shares how she works on being present an dhow that brings her joy. Plus, she shares ways she works with clients to help them get unstuck. Susan Shehata, also known as The Space Guru™, is a nationally known Wellness Educator and Creative and Social Entrepreneur, who specializes in helping people Unstick their Story by releasing the limiting beliefs that keep them stuck. She does that through speaking, writing, performing, wellness services, educational programs, business masterminds and events. Though her offerings are varied, the goal of her work is the same: to clear deep patterns of resistance.

"The only way we can understand where we are, who we are, and what we are, is to look at the past and to pull all those threads and see how they're all connected." Irene welcomes Megan Dowd. Megan shares her early ambition to be a child actor on the television show 'Wishbone' and how that may have led to pursuing classical acting school. They also talk about mental illness, owning a business, and the kinds of boxes artists get stuck in. Megan Dowd helps people tell better stories & build sustainable, engaged online community.

"If not me making decisions for myself then who?" Irene welcomes the brilliant Twila Dang. They talk about the power of podcasting, the beauty of expressing emotions, and why it is silly to feel bad about what brings you joy.  Twila Dang is the Founder and CEO of Matriarch Digital Media. 

"I don't want to take the fun out of what I do because then I feel like its soulless." Irene welcomes the delightful Anahita Champion to the show. They talk about getting into the career you thought you wanted and realizing it didn't fit. They also talk about finding joy and remembering that you are enough just as you are. Anahita Champion is an On-Air Host, Event Correspondent & Brand Strategist.

"I only listen to happy songs!" Irene welcomes improvisor & podcaster Maria Bartholdi! They talk about wanting to make things that cause an emotional response, the power of shifter from fear to what's possible, and Maria talks about becoming who she wants to be in the world. Maria Bartholdi is a freelance editor, videographer, producer, host, esports announcer, podcaster, improviser, musical book writer, watercolor painter and all-around renaissance woman.

Irene welcomes the multi-faceted Courtney McClean to the podcast. They talk about making music, listening to your own body, feeling all of your feelings, and making cool stuff. Courtney McClean is a comedic performer/writer, musician, storyteller, actress, and soothing podcast voice. 

"It can't just be money. It can't just be work. It can't just be hustle. Because that is exhausting." Irene welcomes Hannah Wydeven. Together, Irene & Hannah talk about wanting to be viewed as competent, the expectations people do and don't have for women, and what it takes to be your own boss. Hannah Wydeven is an educator and owner of Solcana Fitness in Minneapolis. She's also an improvisor and part of the Shrieking Harpies, and she hosts the Bachelor + Bachelorette podcast 'You Get A Rose."  

Irene welcomes Andrea Pérez-Maikkula! They talk about being from Puerto Rico, doing health relief work in Haiti, and why names matter.  (pronunciation tip: Ahn – DRE – uh / flip or roll the r if you can) Andrea Pérez-Maikkula is a multilingual global health professional with over a decade of experience in intercultural facilitation, community engagement, and international community development, particularly in Haiti. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Andrea studied Business Law and Music Business at the University of Miami. In her early 20s, Andrea founded a non-profit organization to co-create sustainable projects in developing countries that contribute to social justice. Prior to moving to Minnesota in the fall of 2014, Andrea spent the summer in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where she worked with a street clinic providing free healthcare to homeless folks and sex workers. Andrea was a speaker at the first TEDxSanJuan event in Puerto Rico, has a master's degree in Public Health, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Irene welcomes Shanan Custer!  Irene + Shanan talk about the power of slowing down and really thinking about what does or does not bring joy. Shanan talks about finding her voice, hearing her writing performed on stage, and the joy of Harry Styles and Rosemary Clooney. Shanan is an actor, writer, director, improvisor, educator, and voracious reader. For more on Shanan go to https://www.shanancuster.com