Advertise on podcast: Born to Talk Radio Show

I am so happy to have my friend, Peter Bedard joining me again on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast.    Meet Peter Bedard. Peter Bedard has an MA in consciousness studies and has extensive training in hypnotherapy and alternative health.  He is a celebrated author, consultant, international speaker, and healer. After a near-death experience, Peter was faced with the greatest challenge of all.  Namley, living a life in severe physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and anxiety. The former dancer soon discovered that the anger, frustration, and anxiety that he felt, because of his injuries, were not only keeping him in pain.  Instead, they were waiting to teach him the greatest gifts of his life. Convergence Healing.     This is a amazing, proven 10-point process. Peter explains noninvasive, life-altering practices to help you permanently heal your mind, body, and spirit. His process to heal chronic pain is without prescription medicine.         Peter has also written 2 other books that he spoke about on the podcast.    Read more here.       Peter’s Takeaways. “You can heal!  When we heal on all levels of our being, we can create a healing plan for ourselves that is doable and actionable. Every pain, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual, must be addressed on all of those levels. A broken bone needs to be healed physically AND mentally in the mind.” “A broken heart needs to be healed emotionally on the spirit/energetic level AND in our physical bodies. To neglect any part of the healing process is to neglect ourselves and to force the problem into other parts of our lives.” “Someone newly sober and not drinking, must address the “emptiness” they feel physically and not fill that emptiness with cigarettes or sugar. They must give their body a new way to process the pain that the addiction was hiding and they must address the wound in their heart that was caused by the drinking…not to forget the wound that potentially prompted the drinking.” In Closing. Above all, Peter has helped thousands of people overcome pain and the fearful shadow it has cast over their lives. As a result, he helps his clients to live a life to their full potential.  While at the same time, by integrating the lessons of pain, including  physical, mental, and spiritual lessons into balanced living. Lastly, Peter will share his process of doing so. This includes his process for “Steps for Creating the Life You Want.” Thank you Peter for sharing your story with us.  Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!     [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show podcast is Debra Eckerling. Meet Debra Eckerling. Debra Eckerling is the book proposal expert and strategist, as well as an author, and podcaster. She helps thought leaders clarify their message. While at the same time she helps them elevate their platforms, and craft winning nonfiction book proposals. Thus getting the attention of agents and publishers. Debra Eckerling is also the creator of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified.  She is author of Your Goal Guide (IPPY Silver Medal, Self-Help) and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting; and host of GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb (LA Press Club SoCal Journalism Awards, 1st Place), and the Book Proposal Podcast. Debra has spoken for TEDx, Innovation Women, Wellcoaches, Writer’s Digest, the LA County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project, and more.   Deb’s Takeaways. “My goal for this conversation is for listeners to walk away feeling clear, confident, and empowered. Whether they’re thinking about writing a book or tackling any big goal. All they need is to take a “hop” of faith  It doesn’t even have to be a leap. Goals do not have to be complicated or overwhelming. With the right structure, realistic goals, and a step-by-step approach, progress becomes probable. Clarity and intention can turn ideas into action.”   In Closing. You will learn about ways to help you reach your goals and not lose momentum in the process.  The Deb Method is Goal Setting Simplified. You will hear about small steps you can take this week if you want to move closer to publishing a book. Get ready! Thank you Deb for sharing your story with us.  Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!     [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show podcast is Dr. Wojciech Kocyan. He is Pianist, Clinical Professor in the Music Department at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, President of the Paderewski Music Society in Los Angeles and Artistic Director of the American International Paderewski Piano Competition in Los Angeles. Meet Dr. Wojciech Kocyan. Dr. Wojeich Kocyan was born in Poland.  He studied with two of the world’s most esteemed piano pedagogues:  Andrzej Jasinski in Poland, where he received his Masters Degree.  And also with John Perry at the University of Southern California, where he received a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree. He is a laureate of several international piano competitions, including F.Busoni and Viotti, as well as a special prizes winner of the XI International Chopin Competition and the First Prize winner of the Paderewski Piano Competition. The Paderewski Music Society. The Paderewski Music Society in Los Angeles, is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. It was established in 2008 by a group of prominent musicians and music lovers alike to uphold the legacy of the great Polish pianist, statesman and philanthropist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski.  Throughout his life he was deeply engaged in the promotion of music and culture and its all-important place in society.  Most recently, the Society established a scholarship fund to aid in the education of most deserving young pianists. Wojciech’s Takeaways. “We want to make the audience aware that there is an international piano competition of the highest order happening right here in Los Angeles. This is an opportunity to hear a lot of wonderful live performances, in a great intimate concert hall. It is an opportunity to meet the best young pianists from around the world, on the cusp of their professional careers. And at the same time to meet other piano afficionados. They discuss the performances in real time with real people, to passionately argue about them, to have your favorites and generally to have a lot of fun – all while supporting high culture and art in our city.” In Closing. There will be a competition at LMU for those of you that can attend from February 8-14th. You will hear 25 of the best young pianists in the world, ages 16-31. Thank you Wojciech for sharing your story with us.  Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!     [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Welcome to the first Monday in January of 2026.  Happy New Year!  I can’t think of a better way to start the year than with my guest Celeste Barbier. Meet Celeste. Celeste Barbier is a Professional Vocalist, Ordained Minister, and Certified Expert Sound Healer. She is also a women’s group travel curator & leader, and public speaker.  And,  hopefully future published author based in Oceanside, California. Known for a versatile repertoire spanning more than a century of music, Celeste brings warmth, precision, and emotional resonance to corporate events, private celebrations, weddings, and memorials. In doing so she creates experiences that feels both elevated and deeply personal. In 2019 and 2020, Celeste released two professional albums, with one original song gaining strong traction leading into 2020. During the COVID era, she became a daily content creator, beginning with “Quaranteatime,” a series of brief uplifting segments, and expanding into her one-hour show “Celeste’s Quest For Her Best Life,” streamed through outlets including The Quarantine Network (TQN) and Palapa TV. In 2022, a profound personal healing experience catalyzed her expanded path in sound healing. She became a Certified Expert Sound Healer and hosted her first sound bath on 11/22/22. Today, she and her wife René Cosby (Reiki Master) offer Resté Sound Healing experiences and curate Resté Getaway For Women.  This is a transformational group travel rooted in relaxation, exploration, culture, and connection. Resté Getaway for Women offers curated, luxury, all-inclusive women-only vacations to unique, once-in-a-lifetime destinatins. Coming in March will be a trip to Thailand.  They focuse on exclusive experiences designed for women by women, rather than being a typical travel agency. They create boutique travel events emphasizing discovery and connection, distinct from general women’s retreats or destination ideas.  In January 2026, Celeste begins her role as Director of Meditation & Music at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living in Encinitas. Celeste’s Takeaways. “My ‘why’ is to create spaces where people feel safe to soften, reconnect, and remember what matters — through voice, sound, and presence. In an era where the country feels more divided than ever, I’m devoted to the common denominator: music and healing that reunites people across all backgrounds. Healing in the form of connection, peace, nervous system regulation, nostalgia, and remembrance of who we are and why we are here: to love one another.” In Closing. Celeste joined me when I was in the LA Talk Live Studio in 2016.  In fact, here is a link from our show:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKChhMnT8A8. Thank you Celeste for sharing your story with us.  Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!     [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

My guest today on The Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast is Evan Hart.  Evan is a music teacher and Handbell Choir director at Highland Hall Waldorf School in Northridge, CA. He is a composer, also a founding member of an Alternative LA Rock Band, Stage 11. Meet Evan. Born into a musical family, Evan began playing drums at age five and was soon gigging with his father in the Santa Barbara area. As a teenager, he formed a rock band with friends and performed original music at venues across California’s Central Coast. Evan is a founding member of the alt-rock band STAGE 11 and currently performs in three additional bands. He has also played in the pit for numerous musicals and contributed his skills as a session drummer, film composer, and audio engineer.  Evan brings over 30 years of experience in music, drumming, and percussion to his teaching. In doing so, he helps students discover how fun and expressive playing music can be. His students learn the basics of Western music theory while also developing active listening and collaboration skills. Handbell Choir Director. In Evan’s middle school and high school classes, students who often have no experience playing music learn the fundamentals; melody, harmony, rhythm, and especially teamwork. He brings over 30 years of experience in music, drumming, and percussion to his teaching, helping students discover how fun and expressive playing music can be. His students learn the basics of Western music theory while also developing active listening and collaboration skills. Evan’s Takeaways. “Music and sound designs are forms of storytelling. As a composer, I don’t have to be a wordsmith to contribute meaningfully to a story. And if a composer or sound designer has done their job well, most people won’t necessarily notice because they will be so enveloped by the story. I encourage people every once in a while to mindfully notice the music in movies, TV shows, and video games. Listen to how it builds tension, punctuates the moment, and brings the story to life. As a teacher, I encourage people who have trouble expressing themselves in words to try music. You don’t need to start with an expensive instrument or formal lessons, although that can help later on. Play around with any instrument you can get your hands on, stay curious and explore. You might surprise yourself.” In Closing. Evan’s inspiration comes from a lifetime surrounded by music—classic rock, Motown, funk, R&B, jazz, breakbeats, and classical—often making music alongside his father. From an early age, music was an essential language for expression. Today, he thrives in exploring deep grooves and experimental sounds, always seeking new ways to tell stories through music. Thank you Evan!  Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!     [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast from across the pond in Preston, England is Debra Blackman. This is the first time I have had a guest from the United Kingdom. Meet Debra Blackman. Debra Blackman is an entrepreneur, international multimedia speaker, and the visionary CEO of Viessentially Ltd. She is also the host of the acclaimed podcast Sphere of Success that can be seen on Youtube. Debra empowers purpose-driven individuals to find their voice and amplify their impact through her signature podcast training programs. She helps entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and business owners get seen, heard, and recognized.   Whether it’s through powerful podcasts, media appearances, live events, or streamlined business support that frees up their time for what truly matters, Debra is there to guide her clients along the way. Viessentially LTD. Founded in 2016, Viessentially has a highly commercial mindset collaborated to spot business opportunities, be it an ambassador for your brand, become the eyes and ears of your office, make sure your customer touchpoints are seamless, increase profitability, and more. Often referred to as Your Mary Poppins of The Office, Viessentially really gets to know your business.  In doing so, by taking the time to understand your brand, customers and processes. This enables them to provide authentic support for both you and your clients. Every service is uniquely tailored to you and your business, so you can be confident you’re receiving the best advice and support possible. Sphere for Success Podcast Here are some of the questions I will be asking Debra about her experience as a podcaster.  What’s one common mistake people make when preparing for a podcast guest spot. How do you fix it?  Why do you believe podcasting is one of the most powerful visibility tools for purpose-driven entrepreneurs?  How do you help clients turn one podcast appearance into long-term visibility and credibility?  What’s your advice for someone who wants to be a guest on podcasts but doesn’t know where to start? Debra’s Takeaways. In this powerful episode, listeners will discover how podcasting became a transformational tool for one introverted entrepreneur, turning quiet confidence into captivating presence. Debra shares how stepping behind the mic not only amplified her voice but also unlocked new business opportunities, authentic visibility, and meaningful connections. Through real stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts. Debra reveals how podcasting and guest appearances can help purpose-driven professionals grow their influence without compromising who they are. Whether you’re introverted, unsure where to start, or simply curious about the power of podcasting, this conversation will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take the next step toward being heard.  Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!     [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Today’s guest is Erin Thompson.  Erin is the Chief Operating Officer at the Polk Institute Foundation. Meet Erin. Erin earned a Jurist Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School where she graduated as a member of Phi Delta Honors Society. She was President of the Entertainment Law Society and Treasurer of the Mediation and Arbitration Society. Erin also studied abroad with the South Western Law School in London. She has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Columbia College. She also spent time studying at Augustana College and American University. Erin was an adjunct professor in Loyola Marymount University’s MBA program in Playa Vista, CA where she taught Social Entrepreneurship. The Polk Institute Foundation. The Polk Institute Foundation is a 501(C)(3). It is an innovation driven enterprise offering a tuition-free Master Practitioner, Training and Incubator and Accelerator programs. There is an 11-month Incubator Program for startups and pre-revenue companies and an 11-month Accelerator Program for existing businesses. Their focus is on graduating fundable CEOs. At the Polk Institute Foundation, social entrepreneurship companies are endeavors that are purpose-driven. They represent the passion of the founder, Gary Polk.  These endeavors focus on People, Planet and Profit (Triple Bottom Line) and the belief that behaving ethically and generating profits are not conflicting concepts. This is a virtual training program with the focus of graduating ethical and fundable CEOs.  Applications are being accepted for the 2026 Cohort through November 23. Erin’s Takeaways. “When you meet someone who mentions that they want to start, scale, or transform their business, we want the Polk Institute Foundation to be at the top of your mind.   The membership program is for mature and legacy owned businesses to find community and explore exit, merger and acquisition strategies and can be joined at any time of the year. We are here to help.” In Closing. The Polk Institute Foundation believes in the power of business to bring about positive change in the world.  Their mission is to serve social entrepreneurs to help make the world a better place.  There are numerous ways to get involved.  You can donate, volunteer, or become a mentor. Check out their website to learn more.   Thank you for sharing your story with us, Erin!!!    Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

My guest today is Karin Wallerstein. She is the CEO of the Venice Chamber of Commerce, located in Venice, California. Meet Karin Wallerstein. Karin Wallerstein was born in New Jersey and has been a Venice resident for over 14 years.   Karin brings drive, energy and love for the Venice Community into her role as Chief Executive Officer. She earned her Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and Research from John Jay College in NYC and has given her time to the Venice Chamber of Commerce and Santa Monica Rotary Club for five years.  In doing so, she leads volunteers in their philanthropic efforts and giving her time to community and volunteer efforts.  Karin is a believer of teamwork and collaboration and  to foresee great things ahead for Venice.  Karin also currently serves on the Board of the Santa Monica Rotary Club. Venice Chamber of  Commerce. Venice is one of LA’s most creative spots to work, play and visit! By joining the Venice Chamber, members become part of a network of local leaders serving to promote and support businesses within the community.  And at the same time, working to enhance the image of Venice. Being involved with Chamber activities is a great way to give back.   Therefore, it allows members to do their part to help keep the community a thriving place to work and live. Chamber involvement is the cornerstone to building a solid foundation for pursuing  professional goals. Chambers of commerce provide access to valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products. Joining a chamber of commerce can boost sales and significantly improve a local business Santa Monica Rotary Club. Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”, embodies the humanitarian spirit of more than 1.2 million members worldwide. Chartered in 1922, the Rotary Club of Santa Monica is one of the largest and most active clubs in the Greater Los Angeles area. With over 120 business and professional leaders who live or work in the community, the club has earned a reputation as a hub for Westside professionals committed to improving both local and global communities. Their weekly meetings offer the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build strong networks. Through hands-on service projects, members engage in meaningful philanthropy, learning, leading, and making a lasting impact together Karin’s Takeaways. “I am honored and excited to the lead the Venice Chamber of Commerce into its next chapter. With the blend of the unique Venice character and the Chamber a catalyst for economic growth, we can see a thriving Venice for all to enjoy! I believe in being a “communitarian” giving back to people in my community and around the world. And, I believe that together we can make the impossible happen. I am a lover of life and laughter, and always say,  keep on rocking and rolling, because you never know when the music ends!”   Thank you for sharing your story with us, Karin!!!    Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

I’m happy to say that Wendy Smith is joining me again on my Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast! Meet Wendy Smith. Wendy Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, is a retired clinical professor of social work and associate dean of curriculum development and assessment at USC, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She taught courses on child and adolescent development and social work practice with children, families, and transition age youth.  Wendy is a licensed clinical social worker who maintained a private practice in psychotherapy in Los Angeles for thirty-five years. She specialized in the treatment of individuals, couples, and survivors of childhood maltreatment.  Wendy is a recognized expert in child abuse and child development. Wendy has a long history of community volunteer work related to children and families, including 8 years on the Los Angeles County Commission for Children and Families.  She chairs the board of directors of the National Foster Youth Institute, and is a member of the Foundation Board of the Venice Family Clinic.  Wendy is also a member of the Advisory Committee of the Children’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch.   She is an advocate for individuals incarcerated for crimes committed as juveniles. Wendy has previously served on the boards of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and United Friends of the Children. Author. Wendy is the author of Youth Leaving Foster Care: A Developmental, Relationship-Based Approach to Practice 2011. Her latest book is Before Their Crimes Before Their Crimes: What We’re Misunderstanding about Childhood Trauma, Youth Crime, and the Path to Healing.  In this  ground-breaking book, Wendy sheds new light on the relationship of childhood trauma and juvenile crime. She uses the framework of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to explain how the toxic stress of early childhood trauma can make children vulnerable to committing criminal acts. Wendy draws from interviews with twenty men and women from across the racial and social divide who spent years in prison after committing serious crimes as children. Not only does she reveal the pernicious mechanisms that link early trauma to later crime, but also illuminates the potential for healing among even the most egregious offenders. Wendy’s Takeaways. “We forget how intense childhood is, and how everything that happens—the good and the bad—affects children deeply.  Traumatic experience can be completely derailing for kids who are alone with trying to understand or recover from it.  But if there is a trusted adult to process even the most distressing events with, children are able to heal and move forward in their lives.” Thank you for sharing your story with us, Wendy!!!    Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Meet Mike Reesé Mike Reesé is a very accomplished man.  He is a Los Angeles-based artist, 7× Cannes Lions–awarded art director, and cultural organizer. Raised in Mid-City Los Angeles, Mike began sharing his art at 14—customizing shoes, designing t-shirts, and selling his work to classmates. He later studied Communication Arts at Otis College of Art & Design. Mike’s fine art works utilize archetypes and semiotics to explore and build new contexts of visual language through storytelling. The works’ narratives surface from tension, harmony, joy, pain, fantasy, and brut-reality. Mike uses sculptural painting techniques alongside principles of color field and expressionism to build the form and color of this works. Mike is the co-founder Dreamhaus a 501(c)(3) arts non-profit that has provided internships, creative programming, and immersive experiences to students and emerging creatives since 2014. He also serves as the Art Director and partner for Dom Kennedy’s The OpM Company, an independent record label. DREAMHAUS. The Dreamhaus mission: to mobilize visual arts for artists and low-income youth in South LA. Dreamhaus provides artists a platform to express themselves and give back to the community. Dreamhaus prizes innovation and creativity in the arts and its education. With its growing team of three members, the organization aims to be a pioneering force in South LA by hosting events, programs, and workshops that uplift the arts and spark social change. They host workshops and interships with youth of all ages to crystalize moments that explore personal identity.  And at the same time, to empower the creative maker inside every individual. Mike’s Takeaways. “If you have a vision, may you also find the courage to follow it. In life, courage has the power to shape one’s sense of purpose, which isn’t always discovered by chance, but built intentionally, brick by brick, through effort, faith, and deep self-reflection. In the end, legacy isn’t defined by what you accomplish alone, but by how generously you show up for others—just as someone once showed up for you. Real power lies in the commitment to empowering others to define life and purpose on their own terms.” Tune in to hear Mike’s story! Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it! [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Joining me on  The Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast, is Beth Kurland. Meet Beth Kurland.  Beth Kurland, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, mind-body coach, and author of four award winning books and a public speaker.  With a passion for and expertise in mindfulness and mind-body strategies, Beth brings over three decades of experience to help people cultivate the whole person with health and wellness.  Beth offers 1:1 coaching and group classes.  She helps busy professionals, caregivers, high achievers and soul-seeking individuals to learn practical tools. This includes reducing stress, cultivate deep well-being, and uncover the version of themselves that life is waking them up to.  Beth is passionate about helping people understand about the mind-body connection.  In doing so they will learn to access their inner toolkit to discover that they don’t need to fix . At the same time to change themselves to awaken the power of inner transformation. Beth’s Latest Book. In You Don’t Have to Change to Change Everything, readers learn that instead of forcing themselves to feel “happy” this results in pushing away what is unpleasant.  Instead of getting hooked by intense emotions, another path can lead to more profound well-being. Rather than trying to change one’s inner experiences, this book offers six ways to shift one’s vantage point when difficult emotions arise. Being aware from each of these six vantage points allows readers to cultivate inner stability, willingness to turn toward rather than away from themselves, greater perspective, internal strengths and inner resources, self-compassion, connection with the “Whole Self” versus identification with “hole self,” and interconnection with the world around them. Beth’s Takeaways. “Our autonomic nervous system underlies everything we do. We have survival circuits that get activated when we experience “threat” (e.g., various forms of stress) and put us in states of protection (e.g., fight, flight or freeze).  We also have “thriving circuits” that we can learn to activate more often in our lives, that help us feel safe and connected, balanced and regulated. Mind-body tools and practices help us to regulate our nervous system so we can be more flexible and resilient in our daily lives.  From here we can thrive and flourish.  In my experience, change comes about most powerfully not by finding what is wrong and trying to fix it, but by finding what is right (what is working) and trying to strengthen it.” In Closing. “Instead of focusing on what we can subtract, change or get rid of especially when it comes to more difficult emotions, something I have found more helpful is to focus on what we can ADD into the equation. When we invite acceptance, self-compassion, awareness, gratitude and other such qualities to sit side-by-side our more difficult emotions, we experience greater ease.”   Tune in to hear Beth’s story! Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast is Angela Lewis.  She is a Strategic Accelerator & Brand Expert and the Founder of The Pink Elephant Solution. Meet Angela Lewis. Angela Lewis transforms bold ideas into lasting global influence. As the driving force behind Savvy Designs and The Pink Elephant Solution, she guides entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creative leaders from initial concept to market-leading execution, ensuring their brands resonate far beyond industry boundaries.  Known to clients as their “North Star” and “Ultimate Wingman,” Angela delivers clarity, confidence, and breakthrough results, combining fiscal responsibility with creative boldness. Whether you’re launching your first venture or expanding market reach, Angela Lewis provides the strategic acceleration and authentic brand development that turns vision into reality. Savvy Designs. Strategic Connections & Proven Leadership With over three decades of multi-industry experience and advanced credentials from Harvard Business School, IDEO, IIT Institute of Design, and the John Maxwell Team.   Angela’s consultative leadership is trusted by clients featured on red carpets, at startup launches, and in nonprofit initiatives. Her global network of media and industry decision-makers enables her to secure placements that accelerate growth and amplify visibility. Empowering Growing Businesses Angela specializes in helping founders operate in their unique zone of genius while building enduring brands. Her approach is rooted in visual storytelling and disciplined strategy, empowering clients, from promising startups to scaling enterprises, to develop the systems and visibility needed to thrive in competitive markets. Her signature methodology unfolds in four phases: Ideation: Bringing clarity to ambitious vision and uncovering transformative opportunities for sustainable growth. Creation: Shaping resilient, elegant brands and systems built to outlast fleeting trends. Execution: Turning blueprints into real-world results, removing operational barriers, and fueling progress. Delegation: Assembling expert teams that enable leaders to scale confidently without losing sight of their core purpose. The Pink Elephant Solution. Angela’s philanthropic mission comes to life through The Pink Elephant Solution. This initiative provides a comprehensive free library and accessible educational classes, featuring volunteer experts who empower small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. By democratizing business knowledge, Angela creates opportunities for visionary leaders to build sustainable brands and strong foundations. Angela’s Takeaways. “Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on what it truly means to “Begin, Continue, and Become a Sustainable Brand.” Through our conversation, you’ll discover how intentional brand building is more than just marketing or aesthetics.   It’s about cultivating purpose, clarity, and authentic influence that transcends industries and borders. You’ll learn how visionary leadership, creative storytelling, and disciplined strategy empower founders and leaders to unlock their unique potential.  Which in turns, drives meaningful impact, and build enduring legacies. Whether you’re launching your first venture or seeking to amplify your reputation on the global stage, our conversation will equip you with actionable insights. Along with renewed confidence to operate authentically in your zone of genius and leave a mark that lasts.” In Closing. Beyond business, Angela is an environmental advocate and philanthropist, serving as Vice President and board leader for veteran and environmental organizations. Her dedication to service, sustainability, and social impact reinforces her mission to build legacies that matter. You will hear, her say that “collabration is currency.”  I’m so very grateful for my collabration with Angela! Thank you for sharing your story with us, Angela!!!    Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

My guest on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast is Samuel Jay Keyser. Meet Samuel Jay Keyser. Samuel Jay Keyser is an American theoretical linguist who is an authority on the history and structure of the English language and on linguistic approaches to literary criticism.  In 1962, Samuel received his PhD in linguistics from Yale.  And, he is also the former Associate Provost at MIT. Samuel, also known as “Jay” has authored numerous books and scientific publications and is Editor-in-chief of the journal Linguistic Inquiry.  He is also a jazz trombone player.  His new book, Play It Again Sam  Repetition in the Arts, was recently published by MIT Press. Play it Again, Sam   Repetition in the Arts To begin with, in his book, Jay explores in detail the way repetition works in poetry, music, and painting. For example,  he argues that the same cognitive function underlies both how poets write rhyme in metrical verse.  For instance, this also includes the way songwriters like Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart constructed their iconic melodies. Furthermore, the repetition found in these tunes can also be found in such classical compositions as Mozart’s Rondo alla Turca and his German Dances, as well as in galant music in general.  According to Jay, artists have exploited repetition throughout the ages. The reason why is straightforward: the brain finds the detection of repetition innately pleasurable. Play It Again, Sam offers experimental evidence to support this claim. Turning Turtle: A Memoir of a Man Who Would “Never Walk Again.”   In his Memoir,  Turning Turtle  Jay tells us about his story that changed his life in the blink of instant, he suffered a medical catastrophe. His story is one of extraordinary performance by EMTs, doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, allowing him to overcome a high likelihood of lifetime paralysis. The good news, he has fully recover and is no longer paralzyed. Jay’s Takeaways. “I’m fascinated by the way repetition works in the “sister arts” of music, poetry, and painting.  Repetition has been prominent in the arts, from the Homeric epics to present-day.  The reason artists have exploited repetition through the ages is straightforward: the brain finds the detection of repetition innately pleasurable.  Realizing that repetition plays a central role in the joy we receive from art will forever change the way we experience culture.” In Closing. Lynn Cooley, is the Dean of the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate School Alumni Association.  She has announced the 2025 Wilbur Cross Medalists.  The Wilbur Cross Medal is named in honor of former Graduate School Dean and Governor of Connecticut Wilbur Lucius Cross.  It was established in 1966 to honor alumni of Yale Graduate School for outstanding achievements like those of Dean Cross during his multifaceted career. Medalists are nominated by their peers in recognition of their achievements as leaders in their respective fields, true innovators, and world-changing thinkers. They are among the best examples of what can be accomplished with a doctoral degree after leaving Yale. This is the highest honor that the Graduate School bestows on its alumni. Recipients of the medal return to campus to receive the award and spend time with their departments.  Congratulations to Samuel, named one of the receipents this year! Congratulations are also in order on Jay’s recent milestone Birthday!    Tune in to hear this story!!! Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Meet Taalib Saber. Taalib Saber is the principal attorney at The Saber Firm, LLC.  He practices Business, Sports and Entertainment Law, and Estate Planning.  Taalib was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2010 from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.  Then, his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2015 in Durham, North Carolina. Taalib is also a licensed FIFA-certified sports agent, representing elite and emerging athletes worldwide.  In doing so he provides comprehensive legal strategy, brand protection, and long-term career guidance.   Taalib is also the Founder and Executive Director for Kazi Za Wahenga, a Maryland based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are dedicated to the empowerment of people of African descent.  He has established impactful initiatives including African Birthright Tours, Swahili language courses, Know Your Rights education, and criminal expungement clinics.   Kazi Za Wahenga is Swahili for “Work of the Ancestors.” He created this nonprofit for the youth and young adults of African descent to travel internationally, learn and discover their African roots and heritage.  He also provides leadership development and training to prepare them to become the future global leaders this world needs. Taalib’s Takeaways. “Listeners can expect a real and honest look at how law, legacy, and leadership intersect in the world of sports.  Including  entertainment, and entrepreneurship. My goal is to give practical insight into how legal strategy can be used as a tool for empowerment. This includes why protecting your name, image, and long-term interests is key to building a lasting brand.” In Closing. Taalib’s most recent experiences include addressing the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent on racial discrimination from 2022-2024. And lastly, congratualtions are in order. Taalib was named the 2025 Emerging Leader by Who’ s Who in Black Baltimore! Tune in to hear his story!!! Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter

Meet Michael Levy. Michael Levy is an author, philosopher, poet and lecturer.  He has authored  17 inspirational books that lead the readers to an open door to authentic prosperity. Michael’s poetry, essays and investigative journalism enhance many web sites, newspapers, journals and magazines throughout the world. He is a prominent speaker on health/wellness maintenance, stress eradication, wealth creation/development, true joy and inspirational poetry. Michael Levy grew up simply in a poor neighborhood of North Manchester, England. He left school at sixteen, started his own business at nineteen with $100 and was married with two children before he turned twenty-one. He retired successfully from the business world at forty-six and went to live in Florida. After six years, of asking profound questions inwardly, he woke up one day and started writing the answers. After retiring early in life Michael asked himself this question: “Are You choosing Your Thoughts or Do You Allow Your Thoughts To Choose You?” Well Well Well   Well Well Well, is a groundbreaking book on healthy eating, meaningful thinking and authentic living. The first section deals with food and nutrition. This includes many useful ideas on how to stay healthy and active throughout a lifetime on earth. Health is a choice and this book gives plenty of authentic choices. The second part of the book turns the microscope on the way we humans process our thoughts. And at the same time, how are the ways they can destroy via ignorance or invigorate our lives in a meaningful way via inner truth and wisdom. The third part of the book helps people to obtain full value for the time they have been gifted.  For time is our most precious asset, we need to spend it wisely. The last part of the book is an excellent guide to mediation via metaphysical spiritual poetry.   Cutting Truths     Has anyone taken you for a ride and lost you money? Has anyone given you stress and made you sick? If you could buy eye glasses that would let you cut through peoples talk so that you could see if they were telling you the truth, would you buy them? Well, Michael Levy’s new book cannot work miracles; however, it does cut the misty confusion of fallacies and myths that pose as the truth. They say pre armed is pre warned.  Are you ready to look in the mirror and face your logic and reasoning to find out how valid it is? If so, open the first page and walk the road least traveled…The road that leads to truth. Michael’s Takeaways. “I guess when I was born I got a smack on the bottom to make me cry and I must have instinctively thought, nobody will possess the power to make me cry again when I mature into an adult. Many have tried to ridicule and insult me throughout my 80 years on earth, few have succeeded. I trust my answers today to deep searching questions. By doing so it will give you time to contemplate and comprehend who it is that controls of your thoughts.” In Closing. After retiring early in life Michael asked himself this question:”Are You choosing Your Thoughts or Do You Allow Your Thoughts To Choose You”? Tune in to hear his story!!! Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time.  What’s Your Story? I want to share it!   [email protected] Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter