In a system facing a workload crisis, Sofia Maria Bosch explores how we can move beyond "just caring" to redesigning educational systems that empower both neurodiverse students and the teachers who lead them.

In this episode, Michael Abney speaks with Sofia Maria Bosch, a bilingual special education teacher and founder of MAMU, about her journey in education and the innovative solutions she is creating to support neurodiverse and multilingual learners. The conversation delves into the importance of community and the need for systemic change in the educational landscape.

Is your drive for success actually burning you out?

In this episode of the 33 Conversations Podcast, Michael Abney sits down with Trent Mahler, a therapist specializing in the "silent struggles" of high performers. Drawing from his journey as a college athlete and aspiring lawyer, Trent explores a profound irony: the more successful you appear, the less likely you are to have a safe space to fail.

We dive deep into the pressure of maintaining a "polished" image and why true growth requires a shift toward authentic connection.

• The Career Pivot: Why Trent left law to address a critical gap in mental health support.
• High-Performance Isolation: Why "carrying the weight" feels heavier the higher you climb.
• Growth Mindset: Moving from "polished" work to "published" work.
• Therapy as an Advantage: Shifting from viewing therapy as a threat to seeing it as a competitive edge

• High performers often face intense pressure to appear successful, leading to deep isolation.
• Connection is the most essential element for effective therapy and personal growth.
• Recognizing your struggles is the first step toward true healing, not a sign of weakness.
• Helping others through your own growth contributes to collective success.

• Website: trentmahler.com

"Is it possible to take the world's most violent experiences and turn them into a blueprint for global peace? Today, we sit down with Stan to find out how he did exactly that."

From child soldier and covert operative to peace-building founder, Stan’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. Discover how he transitioned from "hard power" to "soft power" to heal fractured communities.

In this episode, we sit down with Kagusthan (Stan) Ariaratnam to explore the real cost of conflict. Stan opens up about his experiences behind enemy lines, the stigma of being labeled a "double agent," and his mission to protect at-risk children through culture and education.

Key Topics We Cover:

• Reclaiming Identity: Moving past the trauma of being a child soldier.
  
• The Power of Dialogue: Why soft power (arts and education) beats hard power.
  
• Combatting Misinformation: How truth is distorted in conflict zones.
  
• Bottom-Up Peace: Why healing starts at the community level.
  

If you found Stan’s story as moving as we did, please Like, Subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs to hear a message of hope today.

#PeaceBuilding #Resilience #SocialJustice #SoftPower #PersonalTransformation #StanAriaratnam

A city often misunderstood, Minneapolis is quietly becoming a symbol of resilience and connection. But what if the real story isn’t what the headlines say? Instead, it’s the stories of solidarity, vulnerability, and the collective effort to rebuild trust those are the insights that could reshape your perspective on leadership and community.

In a candid conversation, a leader from Minneapolis shares how perceptions are shifting not through headlines, but through tangible acts of support and understanding. They reveal how outsiders see their city as a symbol of Midwest integrity and resilience, yet internally, they're navigating a complex web of divisions and misunderstandings. The question isn’t just about Minneapolis’s reputation; it’s about how communities facing scrutiny can transform isolation into collective strength.

You’ll discover how connection and shared narratives are the real catalysts for change. We break down why recognition from beyond can heal internal divides and how collective effort can turn perceived setbacks into opportunities for growth. For any leader committed to fostering unity in chaos, this episode offers a roadmap rooted in authenticity and mutual support.

This isn’t just a story about Minneapolis, it’s a blueprint for how you can build bridges where others see walls. Perfect for founders, leaders, and changemakers ready to harness the strength of vulnerability and collective wisdom. When we acknowledge our shared pieces of the puzzle, nothing is impossible.

Is the way we do business evolving? In this episode, we explore the shift away from fragmentation and "hustle culture" toward a model of Feminine Business rooted in authenticity, joy, and coherence.

Michael Abney is joined by DJ and creative guide Alexandra Alden to discuss how everything is in a state of evolution—including our work. We dive deep into the challenges women face with identity fragmentation, the terrifying nature of being truly "visible," and why joy isn't just a luxury—it's a business strategy.

Alexandra shares her journey of using dance as a "healing technology" to release fear and connect with the body's wisdom. If you are looking to design your work around your natural cycles and find support in community, this conversation is for you.

[Key Takeaways]
🌱 Authenticity is key: How to build a cohesive brand identity without losing yourself. 💃 The Wisdom of the Body: Using dance and movement to process fear and find clarity. ⚡ Joy as Fuel: Why energetic alignment matters more than grinding. 🤝 Community: The importance of support systems in personal and professional growth.

Can the scientific method help you pivot in life? In this episode, Michael Abney is joined by evolutionary biologist Noah Wilson-Rich to reveal why "adapt or die" is a leadership strategy, not just a biological fact.

We explore the surprising link between biodiversity and personal growth, and what bees can teach us about building resilient communities and careers.

🎧 THIS EPISODE COVERS:

• Why "Planting a Flower" is a leadership act.

• Using the scientific method to navigate life decisions.

• The "Golden Hour" of growth: Why failure is just data.

• How vulnerability strengthens your authority.

• Connection as a survival skill.

Guest: Noah Wilson-Rich, Ph.D. | Host: Michael Abney

In this episode of 33 Conversations, host Michael Abney speaks with Mo, the creator of the Happiness Planner. They discuss Mo's journey into personal development, the inspiration behind her products, and the importance of embodiment in personal growth. The conversation delves into the transformative power of daily rituals, the impact of community, and real-life health transformations. The episode culminates in an unboxing of the Happiness Planner, highlighting its features and the intention behind its design.

In this episode of 33 Conversations, host Michael Abney speaks with Tiffany Mazza, founder of Not To Die For, a curated vegan and cruelty-free marketplace. They discuss Tiffany's journey to veganism, the challenges of finding cruelty-free products, and the importance of aligning personal values with lifestyle choices. Tiffany shares insights on building a supportive community, understanding product labels, and the feedback she receives from customers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of taking small steps towards ethical living and the impact of consumer choices on the market.

In this episode of the 33 Conversations podcast, host Michael Abney speaks with Ade Ayoade, the founder of a company focused on transforming the concept of home. They discuss the emotional and experiential aspects of home ownership, the importance of personal connection to space, and how technology can enhance the home-building process. Ade shares insights from his childhood and the lessons learned from his mother about appreciating the little things in life. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the home-building process, the significance of emotional well-being in design, and the freedom found in Los Angeles. Ade emphasizes the importance of trusting one's vision and staying true to oneself amidst external pressures.

In this episode, Michael Abney speaks with Giacomo Perazzo, founder of PickEat, a platform aimed at optimizing food and beverage ordering at events. They discuss the challenges of queues at events, the importance of understanding risk in startups, and the necessity of data-driven decision-making. Giacomo shares insights from his journey as a founder, including the transition from building a product to managing a business, and the importance of hiring the right people. The conversation concludes with thoughts on future challenges and opportunities in the event industry.