The Duncan Tree Podcast with Ouida – Featuring Author & Psychologist Gal Podjarny

In this episode of The Duncan Tree Podcast, host Ouida Duncan sits down with writer and psychologist Gal Podjarny to explore the power of stories to bridge divides. Gal’s debut novel, Until the Walls Come Down, follows a Jewish Israeli woman who discovers her childhood home once belonged to her Palestinian husband’s family—forcing her to confront history, identity, and uncomfortable truths.

Together, Ouida and Gal reflect on generational trauma, resilience, empathy, and the courage it takes to hold space for multiple truths. Gal shares how her multicultural journey—from Israel/Palestine to Canada and the UK—shaped her worldview, and why fiction can open hearts where politics often closes doors.

This inspiring conversation reminds us that listening without judgment, choosing compassion over fear, and embracing complexity are powerful tools for personal and collective healing.

Gal Podjarny, PhD, is an author, psychologist, and social impact leader. Born in Israel/Palestine, she has also lived in Canada and now resides in London. Her work—including the short story collection Human Fragments, contributions to anthologies, and her new novel Until the Walls Come Down—explores how cultural histories, displacement, and personal identity intersect. Through her blog GalPod.com, she shares essays and free stories, and as co-lead of the Disrupt Foundation, she supports initiatives for social justice and dialogue across divides.

Learn more: galpod.com

Ouida Duncan, CPC, ELI-MP, MBA (Strategy) is the founder of Duncan Tree Ventures and a transformational coach dedicated to helping individuals and organizations break free from limiting beliefs and lead with purpose. A Jamaican native and former advertising strategist, Ouida blends her 20+ years of business experience with deep training in emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion, and trauma-informed leadership.

Through her nonprofit and consulting practice, she created In the Middle, a coaching and mentoring program designed to support emerging leaders and communities in transition. Ouida draws on her lived experience, resilience, and faith to empower others to cultivate wholeness—emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially.

Learn more: ouidaduncan.com | duncantree.org

#TheDuncanTreePodcast #OuidaDuncan #GalPodjarny #UntilTheWallsComeDown #UncomfortableTruths #MultiplePerspectives #GenerationalTrauma #Resilience #Empathy #TransformationalCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #IsraelPalestine #LondonUK #CognitiveFlexibility #Complexity #ActiveListening #StorytellingForChange #FictionForEmpathy #SocialJustice #HealingConversations #LeadershipWithPurpose #Compassion #HumanConnectionWithPurpose, while reminding us that #Compassion and #HumanConnection remain at the heart of transformation.

🎙️ S3E4 : Beware the Quiet Man – A Conversation with Tony Bennett

In this rich and reflective episode, host Ouida Duncan sits down with writer, international businessman, psychotherapist, and hypnotherapist Tony Bennett to explore the deeply personal and universal themes behind his work. His powerful novel centres on Ollie, a young boy from Wales whose journey to adulthood unfolds in the vibrant yet turbulent landscape of 1960s London.

Tony opens up about his origins as a storyteller, how his father’s unfinished legacy inspired his writing, and why the landscapes of Wales—its myth, mystery, and music—serve not just as setting but as living character in his fiction. Together, they discuss the quiet rebellion of a man who turns away from societal noise to embrace a soulful, introspective path to healing.

You’ll hear about the transformative power of place, the emotional scars of grief and guilt, and the enduring value of storytelling in preserving both personal identity and collective memory. As Tony recently celebrated his 81st birthday, he shares hard-won wisdom for younger generations on agency, mindset, and the importance of surrounding yourself with those who uplift your growth.

This episode is a poignant blend of literary insight, emotional depth, and timeless life lessons—perfect for fans of character-driven narratives and seekers of quiet truths.

🎧 Listen now—and discover why you should always beware the quiet man.

About our guest Tony Bennett

Tony grew up in Wales, UK, working in the family garage business, pumping gas, cleaning windshields, and fixing flats. Chef, Caterer, International Businessman, Public Speaker, and Author.

Ouida Duncan's bio

Ouida Duncan is a transformation coach, podcast host, and founder of the Duncan Tree Ventures, Inc. (formerly Duncan Tree Foundation). Born in Jamaica and seasoned by a global journey of healing, leadership, and service, Ouida empowers individuals to rise above adversity and live purpose-driven lives. As a Certified Professional Coach and emotional intelligence expert, she brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep commitment to personal and collective growth. Through her podcast and nonprofit work, she’s changing lives—one story, one conversation, one act of service at a time.

Follow Ouida Duncan on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ouida-duncan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coached.by.ouida

https://www.ouidaduncan.com

Or visit: https://www.duncantree.org to learn more about Duncan Tree Ventures. We invite you to volunteer, join our Board of Directors or make a financial contribution.

• #BewareTheQuietMan

• #TonyBennettInterview

• #OuidaDuncan

• #QuietStrength

• #SpotifyPodcast

• #PodcastInterview

• #LeadershipConversations

• #EmotionalIntelligence

• #PowerOfSilence

• #MensMentalHealth

• #TransformativeTalks

• #AuthenticLeadership

• #CourageousConversations

• #MindfulLeadership

• #StillWatersRunDeep

• #CommunityChangeMakers

• #DeepDiveDialogue

• #TheQuietManSpeaks

• #DuncanTreeConversations

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with KC Curberson-Alvarado—educator, leader, and community champion—to explore what it means to live a purpose-driven life. KC shares her journey from classroom teacher to Assistant Principal and District CTE Director at Lakeway Christian Schools, and how she found joy through serving others. As co-founder and Vice-Chair of HOLA Lakeway, KC also discusses the power of inclusion, multicultural advocacy, and community transformation in East Tennessee.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about calling, faith, leadership, and legacy.

🔗 Learn more and follow:

• Lakeway Christian Schools: lcstn.org

KC Curberson-Alvarado Bio

KC Curberson-Alvarado is a transformative leader with over 15 years of experience in educational strategy, workforce development, and community engagement. As District Director of Career and Technical Education and Assistant Principal at Lakeway Christian Schools, KC manages the operations of a 48-teacher, 35-staff team, steering the creation of cutting-edge programs that integrate technology into curricula and enhance student career readiness. KC's impact resonates beyond the school district. As Co-Founder and President of HOLA Lakeway, they have successfully secured over $1 million in grant funding, led crisis-response initiatives, and organized impactful community events to foster resilience and empowerment. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through co-founding Frank’s Weld Works, where KC honed expertise in business management, client relations, and strategic growth. Renowned for their ability to drive organizational success, KC combines data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and a passion for lifelong learning to align strategic goals with measurable outcomes.

Ouida Duncan's bio

Ouida Duncan is a transformation coach, podcast host, and founder of the Duncan Tree Ventures, Inc. (formerly Duncan Tree Foundation). Born in Jamaica and seasoned by a global journey of healing, leadership, and service, Ouida empowers individuals to rise above adversity and live purpose-driven lives. As a Certified Professional Coach and emotional intelligence expert, she brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep commitment to personal and collective growth. Through her podcast and nonprofit work, she’s changing lives—one story, one conversation, one act of service at a time.

✨ Healing is possible. Joy is a choice. Purpose is the path. ✨

#OuidaDuncan #TransformationCoach #PurposeDrivenLife #DuncanTreePodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #GlobalImpact #WomenWhoLead ✨ #KCAlvarado #LakewayChristianSchools #HOLALakeway #PurposeDriven #EducationalLeadership #CommunityImpact #FaithInAction #CTE #EastTennessee

Episode Title: Healing Words: A Creative Writing Journey, A Conversation with Gilly Beckett

Episode Description: In this gentle yet deeply insightful episode, Ouida Duncan sits down with Gilly Beckett, author of Pull and a seasoned creative writing facilitator, to explore the healing power of writing. From reading Shakespeare aloud in the kitchen with her mother to completing four novels while living on a Greek island, Gilly shares how writing has shaped her personal journey, relationships, and understanding of the human condition.

Listeners will gain:

• A deeper appreciation for writing as a tool for self-discovery and emotional well-being

• Insights into the role of creative writing in mental health and community healing

• Encouragement to start or return to writing—whether for publication or personal growth
  

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or simply curious about how storytelling helps us make sense of life, this conversation will pull you toward your own creative spark.

About Gilly Beckett: Gilly Beckett is a UK-based author, creative writing teacher, and advocate for writing as a wellness practice. Her debut novel Pull draws from her years of observation, imagination, and resilience. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and Wellbeing, and her workshops have helped many discover the joy and transformation of writing.

🌐 Visit: www.gillybeckett.com

About Ouida Duncan: Ouida Duncan is the founder of The

Duncan Tree Venntures and White River Consulting. A global coach, educator, and storyteller, she is committed to emotional intelligence, healing-centered education, and empowering voices that often go unheard. To learn more about Ouida visit ouidaduncan.com.

About Tony Bennett: Tony Bennett is a writer and former public speaker based in Porthcawl, South Wales. His Substack, Tony Bennett: Unforgettable Stories, features immersive narratives where fiction and real life collide, drawing inspiration from his Welsh roots and personal experiences. Follow Tony Bennett on Substack and learn more about his book 'Beware The Quiet Man.'

https://yestonybennett.substack.com/p/beware-the-quiet-man?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Audio engineer: Lemuel Hernandez

For more information about Duncan Tree, visit duncantree.org

🎙️ Duncan Tree Podcast with Ouida – Season 3, Episode 1: “Next Gen Narrative—Gen Z Insights and Bridging the Generational Gap”

In this powerful Season 3 opener, Ouida sits down with Rishi Singhal, one of Duncan Tree Ventures' newest Board Members, who is a dynamic Gen Z voice that helps to unpack the complexities, pressures, and potential of today’s youth. From navigating mental health challenges and the aftershocks of COVID-19 to confronting the curated chaos of social media, this episode explores the emotional terrain Gen Z is learning to master in real time.

The conversation with Rishi tackles:

1. Misconceptions about Gen Z’s work ethic and emotional resilience
2. The importance of mindset, peer support, and mentorship in shaping identity
3. How to lead when you're not the loudest or smartest in the room
4. The evolving definition of “impact” as young professionals chart their paths
5. Why soft skills are not optional—they’re essential
6. Strategies for managing leadership conflicts and interpersonal tension
7. The reality that life doesn’t peak at college, and what comes next

Listeners are invited into a rich dialogue about intergenerational wisdom, emotional intelligence, and the value of being met exactly where you are.

🎧 Join the ITM movement:
If you believe in mentoring the next generation with compassion, clarity, and curiosity, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to The Duncan Tree Podcast with Ouida and join our movement to democratize coaching, bridge generational gaps, and transform communities—one conversation at a time.

🌱 Want to support our work with youth and emerging leaders? Donate or volunteer at www.duncantree.org or email us at [email protected].

Who is Rishi Singhal?

Rishi Singhal, a Senior Software Engineer at a leading global medical device manufacturer, specializes in firmware development for cardiac rhythm management. Passionate about medical innovation, he focuses on global mental health solutions, pacemakers, and minimally invasive surgical devices.

With a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell, Rishi has experience in medical device development and co-founded Vita Innovations, where he helped create VitalMask, a triage assist device improving ER patient monitoring.

Beyond engineering, he advocates for mentorship and education as Community Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator for Duncan Tree Ventures, supporting initiatives that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Who is Ouida Duncan?

Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Chair of Duncan Tree Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to mentorship, coaching, and transformative education. A transformation coach specializing in COR.E energy and emotional intelligence, she empowers individuals to overcome worthiness struggles and lead with confidence.

With a background in advertising and executive leadership, Ouida blends strategic vision with a passion for social impact. She leads initiatives like the in the Middle (ITM) coaching program, helping young people navigate challenges and build resilience.

Her work has taken her across 30 countries on six continents, reinforcing her commitment to global change.

Currently, she is expanding Duncan Tree’s reach, fostering partnerships, and advocating for coaching as a tool for education reform and personal transformation.

In Season 2, Episode 8 of the Duncan Tree Podcast, host Ouida Duncan sits down with Jenny DeLeon, a former colleague from the fast-paced world of NYC advertising. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of building a career in one of the world’s most challenging industries as women of color. Jenny and Ouida share candid stories about navigating the ad world’s relentless demands, breaking through glass ceilings, and finding their voices in rooms where they weren’t always heard. But the conversation goes beyond the typical advertising struggles; both women have faced deeply personal battles around custody, a rarely discussed topic among career-driven women of color. Jenny opens up about the emotional toll of custody battles and how they shaped her resilience and sense of purpose. This episode is more than just industry insights—it’s a powerful conversation about perseverance, redefining success, and supporting each other in the face of adversity. Whether you're in advertising, balancing parenthood with your career, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to overcome barriers and thrive on your own terms.

Ouida's bio

Ouida Duncan is an iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), as well as a Hoffman Institute and Landmark Education graduate. She earned her MBA in International Business from the University of Bath in the U.K. and holds a DEI certification from Cornell University, which enhances her expertise in leading transformative change.

A survivor of narcissistic abuse, Ouida specializes in helping clients resolve childhood traumas and overcome burnout through emotional intelligence. She partners with entrepreneurial-minded individuals at crossroads to overcome negative thoughts and unproductive habits, guiding them to channel their energy toward self-awareness, resilience, and growth. As a 22-year advertising professional known as “the fixer,” Ouida brings calm and clarity to challenging situations, uncovering clients' hidden potential. Also a philanthropist, she founded the Duncan Tree Foundation in 2008 to organize medical missions for underserved communities.

An avid reader, world traveler, and poet, Ouida is working on her autobiography, drawing on a lifetime of connection and discovery across six continents.

Ouida is also the proud mom of four beautiful, talented, and brilliant daughters and the Oma of Justice and Milan.

Jenny's bio

With 30 years of experience in advertising, Jenny built a career navigating the dynamic world of creative strategy and branding. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants, she carries a deep connection to her roots and the resilience instilled in me by her parents. She is also a proud single mother to a brilliant young man who she strives to inspire and support every day.

Audio Engineer: Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into valuable life lessons learned across a dynamic career. From asking for what you want to embrace your uniqueness, and navigating career transitions, each story highlights the resilience and growth found in everyday experiences. Listeners will hear how trusting your gut, knowing your worth, and maintaining balance can make a profound impact on your career and personal well-being. Discover how even the smallest connections, like a conversation at a salon, can open doors. Tune in to learn why embracing your journey and focusing on what truly matters is essential to lasting success.

About our host, Ouida Duncan.

Ouida is a Kingston native with a passion for global exploration, personal growth, and transformative coaching. She has traveled to 30 countries across six continents, deepening her perspective on human potential. With two decades in consumer and pharmaceutical advertising for clients like Johnson & Johnson, Ouida is recognized as a strategic “fixer,” blending Olivia Pope’s crisis management with Oprah’s emotional insight. She founded Duncan Tree Ventures to democratize coaching for marginalized communities and leads the "Kids in the Middle" mentoring program. Her clients gain lasting confidence and clarity, overcoming barriers to reach their full potential.

She has an MBA in international business from the University of Bath in Somerset, UK. She is a professionally trained and licensed worthiness coach who focuses on training first-time managers on soft skills to become empowered and empowering team leaders. Ouida is also certified as a diversity & inclusion strategist through Cornell University, ILR.

About Judy Jackson.

Judy Jackson, best known for her candid, straightforward approach and her unmistakable laugh, is driven by bringing out the best in others while maintaining her authentic self. She is a well-respected thought leader in human resource management. Judy founded JLC Ventures to help build inclusive cultures within corporate spaces by supporting under-represented groups in their career growth, development, and well-being. She also works with leadership to provide the vision and strategy for building a culture where people can bring their whole selves to work and be respected for who they are.

Earlier leadership roles include Global Head of Culture at WPP, Global Chief Talent Officer at Wunderman Thompson, Chief Talent Officer at IPG Mediabrands, NA, Digitas, and People leadership roles at Essence Communications, ABC Disney, and Planned Parenthood of NYC.

She has contributed to several articles and books on human resource management and has received several awards including the 4A’s 2022 Gladiator Award. She serves on the board of directors for BRIDGE, an organization dedicated to addressing the gap in Belonging, Representation, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in the workplace. She is the co-founder of We All Rise Together, created to minimize the impact of the pandemic on communities most at risk. She is also the former president of BRAINY, an organization committed to developing people of color in the communications industry.

To learn more about Judy and her work through Judy Loves Culture. Visit https://www.jlcventures.net/our-team.

Audio Engineer: Jason C. Fiverr

🎧 New Episode Alert! 🎧

Join host Ouida Duncan as she chats with the one and only Dr. Michael Rich, a.k.a. "The Mediatrician," from the Boston Children’s Hospital Digital Wellness Lab! 🌟 In this insightful episode, Dr. Rich tackles hot topics like cell phones in schools, must-know takeaways from his book The Mediatrician's Guide, and essential tips from the Family Digital Wellness Guide to help families thrive in today’s digital world. 📱✨

Tune in to explore how we can foster healthy digital habits and make technology work for us, not against us! For more fantastic resources, including the Family Digital Wellness Guide, visit digitalwellnesslab.org/family-guides 💻👨‍👩‍👦

About our host Ouida Duncan

Ouida Duncan, the founder of Duncan Tree Foundation a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible public charity, has been a professionally trained and licensed iPEC success coach for the past seven years. Ouida specializes in emotional intelligence and through that lens transforms small businesses and individuals from the inside out. Her MBA clients at the University of Bath (UK) and the University of Exeter (UK), small businesses, and seasoned professionals worldwide benefit as she aids them in identifying their blindspots and strengths, clarifying and addressing their weaknesses, and gaining insight into their career and personal decisions. Additionally, she assists clients in navigating emotional obstacles and intricate relationships. Ouida's overarching mission is to empower her clients to flourish by overcoming these obstacles, enhancing their mental resilience, and communication skills which help resolve conflict, improve job performance, and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Discover how to turn your fears into a powerful source of motivation and drive in this masterclass. Learn techniques and strategies from experts to leverage fear positively and achieve your goals.

Follow Ouida Duncan on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ouida-duncan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coached.by.ouida

https://www.ouidaduncan.com

Or visit: https://www.duncantree.org to learn more about Duncan Tree Ventures. We invite you to volunteer, join our Board of Directors or make a financial contribution.

Introducing...

Michael Rich, MD, MPH is recognized globally for his acclaimed work as a pediatrician, child health researcher, and children’s media specialist. He is the Founder and Director of the Digital Wellness Lab whose mission is to understand and promote positive and healthy digital media experiences for young people, from birth through young adulthood. Dr. Rich is also the Founder and Co-Director of the Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders (CIMAID), the first evidence-based clinical program designed to address Problematic Interactive Media Use (PIMU) in children, adolescents, and young adults. Using a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Rich works with young people and their families to help them adopt and sustain healthy approaches to engaging with interactive media and technology.

Follow Dr. Rich on...

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-wellness-lab/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digitalwellnesslab

Instagram: @digitalwellnesslab

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

We invite you to listen to and enjoy this conversation with Exec Coach Aileen Edwards, ACC, and former Chief Human Resource Officer at a major hospital in Canada.

There are many reasons people decide to leave their jobs way before submitting their resignation letter.

If this conversation resonates with you, drop us a line and tell us why at [email protected].

About Ouida Duncan, Host

Ouida Duncan, the founder of Duncan Tree Foundation a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible public charity, has been a professionally trained and licensed iPEC success coach for the past seven years. Ouida specializes in emotional intelligence and through that lens transforms small businesses and individuals from the inside out. Her MBA clients at the University of Bath (UK) and the University of Exeter (UK), small businesses, and seasoned professionals worldwide benefit as she aids them in identifying their blindspots and strengths, clarifying and addressing their weaknesses, and gaining insight into their career and personal decisions. Additionally, she assists clients in navigating emotional obstacles and intricate relationships. Ouida's overarching mission is to empower her clients to flourish by overcoming these obstacles, enhancing their mental resilience, and communication skills which help resolve conflict, improve job performance, and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Discover how to turn your fears into a powerful source of motivation and drive in this masterclass. Learn techniques and strategies from experts to leverage fear positively and achieve your goals.

Here are a few testimonials.

About Aileen Edwards, Guest

Aileen M. Edwards, MA Leadership, Associate Certified Coach (ACC) is an Executive Coach who draws on a range of models and frameworks in bringing about transformational change. A coach, mentor, and facilitator who brings Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity skills to focus conversations that facilitate performance, change, and learning relevant to their personal, organizational, or business context. Aileen uses her coaching skills and strengths to assist clients in achieving their goals and achieve success by engaging in a learning partnership with them to create purposeful actions for their goals Aileen excels in building strong and trusted relationships with boards, senior management, employees, and labor unions. She is an authentic collaborative and experienced facilitator, leader, and coach with a strong executive presence. Aileen’s main fields of expertise are:

• Executive Coaching using lived Marginalized and Racialized background

• Healthcare Experience

• Executive Human Resources expertise

• Leadership Development

• Facilitator

Aileen has a Master of Arts degree in Leadership; and a Queen’s University Leadership Excellence certificate; is a Business Coaching Advantage Certified Coach (BCACC™) and has a Team Coaching Advantage™ certificate.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

My cohosts Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, Tony Bennett, and I had a lovely conversation with Dr. Anna Huttenlocher about her father Peter Huttenlocher's research on synaptic pruning. Wow! What an eye-opener.

In plain English, understanding brain development and synaptic pruning in children, teens, and young adults is crucial because it shapes their cognitive and emotional abilities. Synaptic pruning can be likened to spring cleaning for the brain: the brain removes weak or unused connections between brain cells to make it more efficient. This process occurs frequently during childhood and adolescence.

This understanding is important for society as it can help create better educational strategies, mental health support, and social policies. By supporting optimal brain development, we can foster healthier, more capable individuals. This can lead to a society with fewer mental health issues, better academic performance, and improved social interactions, ultimately contributing to overall societal well-being and productivity.

This is what the Kids in the Middle Coaching and Mentoring Scholarship Program is looking to address. https://lnkd.in/gt-hbSKiWhy is this important? One reason is the pandemic wreaked havoc on our children's mental health. Schools in the U.S. are experiencing a massive attendance problem. Upon further research, we realize this is a global problem, e.g., Australian parents and teachers are struggling with the issue of school refusal. Read The Kids Who Fear School article and the growing crisis of school refusal is gripping Australia, leaving families in a hidden struggle.

Anna Huttenlocher is the Anna Ruth Brummett Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a physician-scientist who seeks to understand how cell migration is regulated and how defects in cell migration contribute to human disease.  Her research is at the interface of cell biology and immunology and is centered on understanding inflammation and its resolution. She seeks to dissect how external cues and cell signaling networks are integrated to regulate cell migration during tissue damage and repair and how this is altered in human disease. Her laboratory has pioneered approaches to visualize and manipulate leukocyte motility in zebrafish and human stem cells, and using these tools has uncovered new mechanisms that regulate the resolution of innate immune inflammation. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, was chair of the Gordon conference on Directed cell migration, Co-chaired a Banbury conference, and served on ASCI council.  She also served on the council for the American Society of Cell Biology and the American Physician Scientists Association.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez