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After 12 seasons, 122 episodes, and conversations with 120 incredible guests, we’re bringing It’s About To Go Down! with Marc & Cathey to a close. But before we do, we’re taking one last walk down memory lane.What started during the early days of the pandemic as a simple idea between friends turned into something far bigger than we imagined. A web show built around idea conversations. A space where creativity, curiosity, and authenticity led the way. A place where ideas were challenged, refined, and sometimes completely transformed. In this final episode, we reflect on the journey: • The origin story of the show and how it began during COVID• The behind-the-scenes ritual we did before every single episode (yes…FIRE!)• The evolution from coaching conversations to powerful idea conversations• Some of our favorite moments and guests from across the seasons• The lessons we learned from 120 people sharing their ideas and experiences• How this show ultimately led to the creation of Speaker Skills Academy More than anything, this episode is about gratitude. Gratitude for the conversations, the ideas, the laughter, the breakthroughs, and the incredible people who joined us along the way. And while this chapter is ending, the journey continues. We’re excited to announce the next evolution: The Future of Speaking, a new webshow focused on the power of communication, storytelling, and the role speaking plays in shaping our world. Because at the end of the day, speaking is one of the most human things we do. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. And remember…There are no ordinary moments. #ItsAboutToGoDown #TheFinalEpisode #SpeakerSkillsAcademy #IdeaConversations #FutureOfSpeaking #Storytelling #SpeakingSkills #MarcAndCathey

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with Heather Barta, a proud member of the Speaker Skills Academy—to unpack the transformative power of knowing and using your strengths. Heather, a certified Gallup Strengths facilitator, reminds us that talent plus investment equals strength, but not in the way we’ve always thought. She challenges the assumption that strengths are just what you’re good at, and invites us to consider that our real power comes from being seen and understood for who we truly are. Together, they explore the concept of developed and mature strengths, and ask: What happens if you don’t even know what your strengths are? This conversation is a permission slip to stop reinventing yourself—and start rediscovering what already makes you whole. To connect with Heather, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbarta/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with Lefford Fate—retired Command Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, TEDx speaker, city leader, and “useful servant” in every sense of the phrase. Together, they explore what Lefford calls the sweet spot—that sacred intersection of who you are, what you know, and what you do with what you know. and how you serve others. This episode explores the 4 questions that Lefford suggests we all ask ourselves. From Air Force discipline to spiritual self-inquiry, Lefford shares stories, laughter, and hard-won truths that will stir your heart and spark your purpose. To connect with Lefford, go to https://lefford-fate.mykajabi.com/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey are joined by retired Air Force Command Chief and farm owner Linus Jordan—a man who radiates purpose and grounded wisdom.Linus invites us to consider a powerful question: Are you truly “understanding your assignment?” More than a motivational catchphrase, “understanding the assignment” is about slowing down, tuning into your deeper purpose, and being present enough to see the opportunities that surround you daily. Linus shows us how awareness, generosity, and connection are part of the divine design of our everyday lives. Together, they explore a heartfelt reminder that everyday moments carry sacred assignments—if we’re present enough to see them. To connect with Linus, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/linus-jordan-jr/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with Alexina Atin Shaber—founder of Luminaries, author, and communications leader—whose work challenges us to rethink leadership, service, and self-discovery. Alexina shares her powerful philosophy that “the mess is in our message.” Rather than running from life’s messes, she invites us to run toward them—not to toxically positivity ourselves out of discomfort, but to treat our mess as an act of service, a fertile ground for growth, and a space for authentic connection. Together, they explore: Why embracing your mess is one of the most courageous acts of leadership; How Alexina’s Compass framework can guide you back to center when life feels chaotic; The power of perspective to shift how we see ourselves and others; and Why co-creation and collaboration can transform not just our work, but our lives. This conversation is equal parts wisdom, warmth, and healing—a must-listen for anyone ready to stop hiding from the hard stuff and start transforming it. To connect with Alexina, go to https://www.alexinashaber.com/luminaries/ignite

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey are joined by Josue Cevallos—a veteran, entrepreneur, and mindset mentor—who brings a powerful message: “Shift Happens… but you can Make Shift Happen.” What starts as a deep dive into unexpected life transitions quickly evolves into a masterclass on intentional transformation. From military service to entrepreneurship, Josue shares how letting go of your “cape” (aka your former identity) is not about loss—it’s about evolution. This episode explores: The emotional anatomy of a shift: fear, identity, acceptance, and action and why comfort zones are dangerous and disruption is necessary. Whether you’re navigating a transition or feeling stuck, this conversation reminds us that we don’t have to wait for life to make us shift—we can choose to Make Shift Happen. To connect with Josue, go to https://diamondwoodhi.com/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey are joined by Elizabeth Rodriguez-Perez—an educator, social worker, and unapologetic advocate for humanizing systems and honoring full identities. Together, they explore what it means to show up whole—in institutions that often ask people to fragment themselves—and how stories, space, and social work can become tools for collective liberation. From growing up in the Bronx to navigating higher education, Elizabeth shares her journey of becoming someone who questions, reframes, and reclaims power for herself and her community. This episode is a masterclass in courage, self-definition, and the quiet strength of choosing to live your story out loud. To connect with Elizabeth, go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/civil-conversations/id1665705750

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with Rose Kaz—change-architect, storyteller, and unapologetic champion of data-sovereignty—to unpack her bold mission: building the safest place on the Internet for women (and their allies). What began as live panel conversations with women across the globe turned into a five-year quest to design a digital home where sharing ideas about money, sex and politics isn’t policed by algorithms—or trolls. Together, they unpack the risks women communities face online, the power of persistence over perfect timing, and hands-on tactics for building safer, more open digital spaces. Whether you code, curate, coach, or simply care about healthier digital culture, Rose’s mix of high-vibe optimism and real-talk strategy will leave you rethinking how—and where—you share your brilliance. To connect with Rose Kaz, go to https://business4good.co/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with the passionate and powerful Tony Vega—national public speaking champion (Mexico), sales and negotiation trainer, and beloved Speaker Skills Academy member—for a heart-opening conversation about the greatest investment with the highest return: our children. Tony shares how a life-altering journey—from professional success to personal hardship—revealed what truly matters: pouring love, presence, and purpose into the next generation. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, teacher, or simply someone with young people in your orbit, this episode will challenge you to ask: What kind of legacy am I leaving behind? If you’ve ever wondered whether the little things you do really matter—this episode is your resounding yes. Legacy isn’t about what you leave behind. It’s about who you lift up while you’re here. To connect with Tony Vega, follow him on Instagram at @tonyvegaspeaks

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with the incomparable Raabia Shafi—executive coach, organizational culture strategist, and self-proclaimed facilitation ninja—for a real talk about the power and responsibility of leadership. Raabia unpacks what it truly means to be a "followable" leader and challenges all of us with one critical question: Would you follow yourself? Together, they explore: Why being in a leadership position (official or unofficial) comes with unseen influence; The dangers of autopilot leadership; How to step outside “the jar” to actually read the label on our own behavior; and What it means to lead with discernment, not just reaction. Whether you lead a team, a household, or just yourself, this episode will push you to examine the habits, mindsets, and default settings that shape the way you show up in the world. Spoiler alert: the magic might just be in the space you’re automating. To learn more about Raabia Shafi, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/raabiashafi/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey are joined by Cathey’s sister and brilliant systems thinker, Karin Kusumakar. Together, they unpack the concept of mental load—the invisible, constant labor of planning, organizing, remembering, and managing everyday life. The conversation offers both clarity and compassion as they explore: Why mental load is about more than doing—it's the thinking before the doing; How uneven distribution of cognitive labor affects burnout, relationships, and identity; The hidden weight of always having to “remember”; Tools for sharing the load and showing appreciation; and What it looks like to raise kids—and support adults—with emotional awareness. Karin brings fresh insight, humor, and heart to a conversation that will change how you see the work behind your life.

In this celebratory and soul-stirring Season 11 finale of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey look back at a season filled with wisdom, wonder, and wild creativity. From artistic co-creation and inner storytelling to zipline metaphors, meadow mindsets, and rituals of remembrance—this season took us places.With their signature mix of insight and playfulness, Marc and Cathey revisit each guest and the idea they brought to the table. Special shout out to the the Season #8 community: Gary Hirsch, Roger Caesar, Fursey Gotuaco, Lestarya Malloy, Kami Roberts, Rena Satre Meloy, Alicia Butler Pierre, and Teresa Younkin. Season 11 reminded us that powerful ideas are everywhere—and that co-creation, community, and a willingness to be real can turn good conversations into great ones.

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with high-performance mindset coach Ann Rivera for conversation about flow—what it is, why it matters, and how we can access it every single day. Ann shares how flow isn’t just for elite performers—it’s a joyful state of being that’s available to all of us, in many forms. Ann opens up about her journey as a former professional volleyball player turned coach, and how she now helps clients—from athletes to executives—unlock their own flow by aligning with their values and reconnecting with what brings them joy. She also explores the four major blockers to flow and how to cultivate proactive confidence to create more presence, peace, and purpose. To learn more about Coach Ann Rivera, go to https://www.coachannrivera.com/

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey talk with Samantha Harris—certified life coach, leadership mentor, and trailblazer in male-dominated industries. Her story isn’t just about breaking into spaces where she wasn’t expected—it’s about transforming them from the inside out. From pouring asphalt and fixing plumbing to leading coaching sessions and championing unapologetic confidence, Samantha shares the raw highs and lows of a life lived boldly. Her journey challenges outdated assumptions and offers a new blueprint for leadership, especially for women who’ve been told they don’t belong. Highlights include: Why confidence is both a process and a practice; A challenge to re-examine who we think of as “leaders”; “Brag Bagging” as a tool to own your accomplishments. Samantha’s courage and clarity will remind you that you don’t need permission to thrive—you just need purpose, presence, and power. Connect with Samantha Harris at www.samanthakayeharris.com

In this episode of It’s About to Go Down!, Marc and Cathey sit down with Teresa Younkin—technology expert, certified coach, and lifelong learner—to explore a powerful question: How will our identities change as a result of AI? From her deeply personal experiences to her professional insights in healthcare and tech, Teresa leads a thought-provoking conversation about identity, humanity, and the systems that try to define us. Highlights include: The evolution of identity; how AI might challenge (or redefine) the roles we’ve attached ourselves to; the loss of connection in healthcare and social spaces due to algorithm-driven systems; and a heartfelt reflection on grief, resilience, and rediscovering wholeness outside the box. Teresa’s warmth, intellect, and vulnerability invite us to consider what it means to be fully human in a world that increasingly wants to reduce us to data. To learn more about Teresa Younkin, go to https://teresayounkin.com/