For the final episode of the 2025 Rare & Real season, co-hosts Nate Milam II and Carter Hemion turn the mic inward, welcoming a voice listeners don't hear often, but feel everywhere: SOS Creative Director, Mary Aufuldish.

From the logo to the Rare & Real podcast branding, merch designs, and visual storytelling, Mary is the creative force behind the look and feel of Stripes of Solidarity. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Mary shares what it’s been like stepping into the rare disease space, learning alongside the community, and using her creativity to support a mission rooted in advocacy, equity, and real impact. As a longtime friend of Nate, long before SOS ever existed, Mary reflects on the personal journey of blending friendship and creative collaboration.

This episode is a love letter to behind-the-scenes work, chosen family, and the power of creativity in movement-building. It’s a reminder that advocacy also lives in design and the people who help bring a vision to life.

Tune in as we close out the 2025 season of Rare & Real by celebrating creativity and the people who make this work possible.

Happy New Year!!!