Kelly shares her journey about discovering art around the world by creating textiles and other products with her hands. She is a textile designer and founder of Cardamom Collective. - www.cardamomcollective.com/

Cardamom Collective is a socially conscious textile and home goods company. Kelly works with artisans and other small business owners to design and collaborate in an effort to create treasures to be purchased now, and passed down later.

Music: SoundImage - soundimage.org

Photography: Natalie Jennings- www.nataliechampajennings.com

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep12-kelly/

NOTES:

• [4:00] Kelly talks about coming from a family of quilters
• [4:50] Talks about realizing her love of textiles
• [5:25] Kelly talks about grad school in Sweden for the first time
• [7:00] Kelly talks about her experience going to Cultural Cloth
• [7:40] Speaks about the work and stories that go into handmade pieces
• [8:00] Kelly goes to Norway
• [9:10] She talks about becoming aware of where textiles are really from
• [10:15] Kelly talks about going back to Egypt
• [11:05] She talks about her life in Minneapolis and what she thinks about success
• [11:45] Kelly talks about making her “life work” be her work
• [12:25] Talks about doing something just to do it
• [13:15] First mention of Cardamom Collective
• [15:50] Kelly talks about shifting perspectives of where you spend your money

Mental illness is widely misunderstood in our culture. In this episode, Chris shares his experience before and after his diagnosis as a person with Bipolar Disorder - www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Additionally, Chris shared a few resources for listeners wishing to learn more about Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and other mental illnesses.

Natalie opens with a few notes on her experience at Podcast Movement 2016 in Chicago, the world’s largest conference for podcasters. This was the third annual gathering. - podcastmovement.com/

For information or support regarding mental illness:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: dbsa.org - http://dbsa.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org - nami.org/

Statistics mentioned in this episode came from MentalHealth.gov - www.mentalhealth.gov/

Music: Komiku - freemusicarchive.org/music/Komiku/Its_time_for_adventure_/Komiku_-_Its_time_for_adventure_-_13_Bleu

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep11-chris/

NOTES:

• [4:50] Mental health facts, figures, and stigmas
• [7:10] Chris talks about his family and how they felt about mental health
• [8:00] Chris talks about why he thinks it’s important to share his story
• [9:00] He talks about why he was a “terrible student”
• [10:35] He talks about his older sister’s health for the first time
• [11:30] Chris reflects on how he acted around his parents and family as a kid
• [12:20] The definition of Bipolar Disorder
• [13:20] The mania side of the disorder, for Chris
• [14:30] Chris talks about depression for the first time
• [15:42] Chris talks about simply thinking he was “weird” as a kid
• [16:40] He mentions his struggles with self esteem
• [17:35] Speaks on how he would hide his issues
• [19:20] Chris talks about his first time seeing a psychiatrist
• [19:58] Chris talks about his experience with his medication
• [21:45] He talks about how the disorder has lost him friends and the difficulties with that
• [22:30] Chris talks about finally being diagnosed as bipolar
• [23:20] Chris talks about how medications are trial and error
• [24:25] Speaks about how the disorder makes him feel old
• [26:23] Chris gives advice to others struggling
• [29:10] What goals and dreams mean for Chris

Laura Cortese is an American singer, songwriter, and fiddler. She was born in San Francisco and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she is currently based. We caught up with Laura on her cross country CD release tour in 2013. She is recording a new album this summer with her band Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards. Listen to a preview track here: http://www.thebluegrasssituation.com/read/listen-laura-cortese-dance-cards-california-calling

“Since the release of Cortese’s most recent album, Into the Dark (2013), Cortese hasn’t shied away from heavy subjects. On “Brown Wrinkled Dress” she writes from the point of view of a woman who discovers her husband’s infidelity; on “Village Green” she sings in the voice of a servant who yearns for something more. Both songs echo traditional themes – “Brown Wrinkled Dress” is a murder ballad in the most classic sense – but others have an undeniably modern cadence. You can hear pop in Cortese’s deftly-written hooks and rock ‘n’ roll in the syncopated pulse that propels even her gentlest melodies. Her cover of Laura Veirs’s “Life is Good Blues” perhaps captures this spirit best: when Cortese sings, “Life is good when the band is smokin’ hot,” it’s easy to believe her.”

Learn more about Laura on her website. - www.thisislauracortese.com/

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep10-laura/

NOTES:

• [5:55] Laura says that she sings and plays the fiddle
• [6:15] Laura talks about touring for the first time
• [6:50] What it means to be an artist for Laura
• [7:45] Laura talks about sharing music and how she does that
• [8:20] Laura talks about the experiences of getting to new towns and each venue
• [9:20] Laura talks about having an idea of what you’re trying to accomplish
• [9:50] Laura comments on things that are meaningful to her

In this episode, Keela shares her story about her son’s rare pulmonary hemorrhage at birth.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -Albert Einstein

**UPDATE from Keela (6/20/16):

“Since we’ve last chatted, Calian is doing well. We have learned Calian’s left lung is not functioning or growing with him. This is causing asymmetry of his chest and pushing his heart over, which may cause issues over time. However, his right lung is healthy as ever and is growing large to compensate for his left. He also has some developmental delays, but catches up in his own time. We still do not know the cause for his lung hemorrhage, but the doctors continue to keep a close eye on him and his lung growth.

“Despite these abnormalities, one can live fully well off just one lung. We are happy to report that Calian is healthy and very active, he is strong and we know whatever may come his way he will continue to push through it. He is the sweetest little lover and we are truly thankful for our miracle boy Cal Cal everyday. We are also fortunate to share that we gave birth to a healthy baby girl, and Calian is now a big brother to his one-year-old sister Elora.”

Music: Norah Rendell - norahrendell.com/

CaringBridge: caringbridge.org

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep09-keela/

NOTES:

• [2:16] What is the definition of a ‘miracle’
• [6:50] Keela first talks about her emergency C-section
• [8:20] Keela talks about her son being transferred to the NICU
• [8:55] Keela sees her son for the first time
• [9:20] Keela talks about her son’s rare pulmonary hemorrhage
• [10:05] Talks about the struggle to keep her son in stable condition
• [10:40] Keela talks about the call informing her that her son had a collapsed lung
• [11:30] EMCO is mentioned for the first time- son’s “last resort” at 13 days old
• [12:25] Keela talks about how the doctors never gave them any hope for their son’s survival
• [13:13] Keela sees her son open his eyes for the first time
• [14:14] At 24 days old, Keela finally gets to hold her son
• [15:30] Doctors are still unsure about her son’s future
• [16:36] Keela talks about all of the support they received from people

In this episode, 97-year-old Luba shares her story about moving to Ukraine from Chicago in 1922. Luba discusses her struggles and triumphs throughout her life, including surviving World War II as a factory worker in Germany and how she met her husband.

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep08-luba/

NOTES:

• [6:30] Talks about her beginning
• [7:15] Luba talks about moving to Ukraine
• [8:00] Talks about getting land and being happy with her family in Ukraine
• [10:00] Talks about how they would go to bed hungry
• [12:00] Luba speaks about the start of communism
• [13:00] Talks about having no communication with her father for 10-15 years
• [15:00] Speaks about knowing what it is to be poor and hungry
• [16:30] Talks about being taken to Germany for the first time
• [18:30] Talks about “disinfection” in Germany
• [20:30] Talks about meeting her husband
• [22:25] Talks about her and husband getting married
• [24:45] Writes a letter to her father in America
• [26:00] Talks about her feelings of America

Originally from a village outside of Hanoi, Vietnam (Ha Noi, Việt Nam), Giang now lives with his family in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In this episode, Giang shares his story about his job as a tour guide in Vietnam. His tours include biking, hiking, and kayaking throughout the diverse and beautiful scenery Vietnam has to offer.

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep07-giang/

Children’s book illustrator, Kayla, talks about her life as an artist and what inspires her whimsical and captivating artwork.

Since this interview Kayla and Peter were married and Kayla signed a book deal with Sky Pony Press for her picture book “Mary Had a Little Lizard,” scheduled to be released in the fall of 2017. She also illustrated the picture book “Juma the Giraffe” for the Wild Nature Institute that will be available in the fall of 2016.

This episode features music from Cloud Cult - www.cloudcult.com/. Cloud Cult is an experimental indie rock band from Duluth, Minnesota led by singer/songwriter Craig Minowa. The name originated from the ancient prophecies of indigenous North Americans.

Kayla’s website: www.kaylaharren.com - www.kaylaharren.com/

Follow Kayla! She often posts new drawings to her instagram account here: @kaylaharren - www.instagram.com/kaylaharren/

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep06-kayla/

NOTES:

• [5:10] Kayla talks about why she choose illustration
• [5:50] Talks about how she found children’s books in college
• [6:30] Talks about her goals and dreams for her career
• [7:40] Talks about meeting her fiancé
• [8:44] Talks about their different tastes in children’s illustrations
• [8:55] Speaks on her biggest challenge as an artist
• [9:55] Kayla’s advice to aspiring artists

In this episode, Terri shares her story about surviving a major car accident, including her struggles, losses, and what it means to be given a second chance.

Terri is a policy coordinator for Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition - www.ccjrc.org/, a “non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate the overuse of the criminal justice system and advance community health and safety. We are people convicted of crime, survivors of crime, and the families and allies of both. We advocate and organize for public safety strategies that are more holistic, effective and just.”

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep05-terri/

NOTES:

• [3:30]: like the part that she probably wouldn’t have gone to college if not for what happened
• [5:45]: “we weren’t drinking lightly, we were drinking pretty heavily…”
• [7:00]: “we were getting shit-canned”…
• [8:30]: list of injuries might also be a good intro clip
• [15:50] She knocks on something when she says “thankfully’
• [16:00] Description of back brace is friggin perfect
• [17:30] “I’m gonna fuckin’ walk again…” – “I’m very blessed”
• [18:00] Last people to finish – “this gift of being here still”
• [19:25]-[20:50] Don’t ever…
• [22:29] “a lot of people make bad choices and deserve second chances…”
• [24:50] “such a great feeling to be able to do that with my folks” “they were proud” “I scared the shit out of everybody including myself” “it’s amazing”
• [26:20] More excellent description of injuries
• [27:20] “seizure on a bike…”
• [29:00] Where everyone is now
• [29:55] “me broken” “fresh off the boat” “self explanatory”
• [33:40] New intro without “before the accident”
• [35:45] Injury detail + the giggles at the very end

We join Clarence at Vision Loss Resources where he shares his story about working with guide dogs after losing the central vision in both of his eyes later in life.

Clarence passed away from a long battle with cancer after this interview. We’d like to dedicate this episode to his wife, Nancy, as well as all of his family and friends. Clarence had a passion for community involvement that allowed him to touch the lives of so many people from all walks of life. He will be deeply missed.

Music: Eric Matyas - soundimage.org/sci-fi/ & Bensound - www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music/acoustic-folk/

Photography: Natalie Champa Jennings - www.nataliechampajennings.com/

Additional Resources:

Guide Dogs for the Blind - welcome.guidedogs.com/

Vision Loss Resources - visionlossresources.org

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep04-clarence/

NOTES:

• [4:20] Talks about his eyesight and difficulties
• [6:50] Talks about his failure and his successes
• [7:20] Speaks about guide dogs for first time and the process to get one
• [9:15] Says that less than 1% of the blind choose to use a guide dog
• [9:40] Talks about the safety that guides dogs allow you to feel
• [10:15] Talks about his own guide dogs for first time
• [11:00] Talks about how each dog has their own personalities, specifically his dog, Telly
• [12:00] Speaks about his cancer for the first time
• [14:00] Says that he owes it all to his parents and how their memories carry him through tough times

LIGO** scientist, Alastair, shares his experience being a part of scientific history due to the recent detection of gravitational waves from two black holes colliding over one-billion years ago. This discovery confirms Einstein’s theory of general relativity and opens the door to new scientific discoveries about our universe.

Photography: Jonathan Hanson - www.jhansonphoto.com/

Music: Eric Matyas - soundimage.org/sci-fi/

Additional Resources:

NY Times full gravitational waves article - www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/science/ligo-gravitational-waves-black-holes-einstein.htm

LIGO - www.ligo.caltech.edu/

**UPDATE: LIGO does it a second time: MIT - news.mit.edu/2016/second-time-ligo-detects-gravitational-waves-0615

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep03-alastair/

NOTES:

• [4:15] Talks about first detection of gravitational waves
• [5:20] Talks about growing up with science as a child
• [6:05] Speaks about University and the beginning of his interest in gravitational waves
• [6:45] Talks about enjoying research and physics
• [9:30] Talks about how everything we have on earth comes from the stars and the universe
• [11:00] Points out the excitement of this field of study
• [12:10] Our understanding (or not) of black holes
• [12:45] Talks about LIGO for first time
• [14:30] Favorite parts of Alastair’s job
• [15:30] Talks about the day of the detection of gravitational waves
• [19:05] Talks about data analysis and being able to really look at what happened
• [20:10] Sound bite of what 2 black holes spiraling into each other and colliding sound like
• [22:20] Talks about concept of space and time being linked
• [25:15] Significance of this discovery
• [27:00] Talks about how we’re at a new frontier in science
• [28:50] How this discovery changed things