Everyday Heroes with Andrew Norlen

In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable, Diamond Essence White. (We actually recorded this episode in the spring of 2021—so I am beyond excited to finally share her story, her point of view, and her power with all of you!) Diamond and I discuss her childhood, the March On Broadway, her activism, her very personal experiences with racism in the workplace during her time at Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. She shares her heart with us with grace and honesty. You don...

In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with a new friend who is the epitome of kindness, empathy and is quite honestly the best dancer on Broadway—Khori Petinaud! This episode brings us back—along with Robyn Hurder's episode—to celebrate Mother's Day with these two extraordinary women/mothers and also—celebrate SEASON TWO of Everyday Heroes returning, after a three month break. Khori and I chat about her covid-19/2020 pregnancy, loss, birth and new life, growing up in sports yet ...

In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with the force-of-nature that is Robyn Hurder! This episode brings us back—along with Khori Petinaud's episode—to celebrate Mother's Day with these two extraordinary women/mothers and also, celebrate season two of Everyday Heroes returning, after a three month break. Robyn and I talk about everything from her ditching school for a week to test the waters of the Broadway scene in NYC as an eager and passionate teenager, to this last year of i...

I have been wanting Marissa to be on the show for months, and we have finally made it happen and I couldn't be anymore excited for you to hear from this light of a woman! We catch each other up on our families lives and covid—of course—and she shares how special and needed this time of slowing down has been for her soul. We discuss the storming of the capitol and her own anger and helplessness surrounding our countries current divide. We reminisce about her many years in the incredible show D...

This is a really special one for me! I know I always say that, and it is true, every guest I have is special, but this is MiMi—my best friend! It seems fitting that I started this podcast—19 episodes ago, in February—with my other best friend Catalina, and this is how we are ending the year now, with MiMi. My people are my everything and when you listen you will understand just what I mean. I fully cried my way right through this incredible interview. I can't wait for you to hear her heart, h...

In this episode I sit down with my Aunt Michelle two days after Christmas! I have not had the ability to sit down face—to—face with one of my guests in over 10 months, so this was a special treat to interview her and her wife—my Aunt Lisa— while they joined our Covid pod for the holidays. We discuss her time in the Navy, her relationship with her mom, her coming out story, her senior year of high school when she lived on her own, family dynamics, shame, love, race, women supporting women...

In this episode I sit down with my Aunt Lisa the day after Christmas! I have not had the ability to sit down face to face with one of my guests in over 10 months, so this was a special treat to interview her and her wife Michelle while they joined our Covid pod for the holidays. We talk about her high school days, her first marriage to a man, her coming out journey, the dynamics of being queer in our family, sexual abuse, shame, regret, and above all else - love. I am so excited to -finally- ...

This hero of mine has been a pillar in my life for over eight years. Ale embodies kindness, strength, and compassion. Her and I became fast friends our freshman year of undergrad and she continues to change my life as our friendship grows and changes over the years. In this conversation, we sit down (over FaceTime of course!) to catch up and discuss her journey over the last few years, and her big decision to move back home—to Miami—earlier this year, that was before Covid arrived and changed...

VOTE! If there was one word to describe the importance of this episode, it would be to vote! In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down over FaceTime with one of my dear friends from across the pond, Leanne! Leanne is a performer, dancer, singer, actor, personal trainer and fitness professional and above all else - one of the hardest working and tenacious souls I have ever met! Originally from the Midlands in England and currently residing in London, we jumped right into ...

This is 47 minutes and 46 seconds you need to hear! In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Karen. The trials, trauma, hardship, loss and pain she has had to endure this year have been unfathomably devastating, however, as you will hear when you listen, Karen is a fighter. Karen is a warrior throughout a year where not only the world has been turned upside down -because of this worldwide pandemic we are in- but because after nearly approaching death in the hospital with Covid-19 herse...