Let’s get our butterflies into formation and make the next right move. On this episode of Formative, former U.S. Ambassador, and aspiring aerospace engineer, Suzan LeVine deep dives with 8th grader, Allyson. They mull over the power of the listening ear and how, as women leaders, it’s sometimes hard to be heard.

How does Overwatch teach valuable life lessons? Should I be a chef…or psychotherapist? And how can chocolate make a difference in a borough…and the world? That’s just some of the things we learn on this episode of Formative as D’Angelo from 362K interviews Carlos Cortes of Chocobar Cortés.

What’s the difference between and E and E10+ rating? It’s just one of the things we learn on this episode of Formative where 13-year-old Sandesh interviews Pat Vance — president of Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her role, Pat oversees and directs momentum of the organization that helps us know which video games are the right ones for us. 

Amaurys Grullon kicks off the Season 3 premiere of Formative. He’s a self-described “multipotentialite” who has his feet in creative worlds from illustration, to fashion, to music. We caught up with him in The Bronx — where he’s in love with his community and finding the most creative ways to give back. In this episode, co-host Allyson shares some Dominican pride and learns a little about the grind it takes to be an entrepreneur as we get a peek at those keys to success.

Jameel McClain played in the NFL for the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens. In retirement, he’s only picking up the pace. He’s currently Director of Player Engagement for the Baltimore Ravens as well as a multi-faceted entrepreneur and philanthropist. On this season two finale of Formative, he tells co-host Jonathan how he ended up in football, how his education is still serving him, and how he recovers after some of the toughest passes life can throw.

Takaira from MS 375X brings her natural interviewing chops to this episode of Formative as guest Debra OConnell lets us in on her incredible career trajectory. Now, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, she has her fingers in a little bit of everything that we see and love from their studios. From Marvel, to impressive scripted shows on FX, Debra and her team are behind the scenes helping bring our favorite entertainment to our screens.

Rico Joseph Brogna almost had a professional career in football, but ended up as a pro baseball player, coach and scout instead. His love for sports is infectious in this episode of Formative. Rico walks us through his career path, and talks with 8th grade athlete and episode co-host Kaadel about managing a body and mind that sometimes want to quit. Sleep on it. Then take the next step.

Chef Nini Nguyen got so much hands-on experience working in restaurants, she left culinary school after only one semester. In this episode of Formative, 13-year-old Dalani asks this Top Chef contestant if being a woman in a male-dominant career is tough, learns if banh bao is a dumpling — or not — and hears how tomatoes are a key ingredient differentiating cajun and creole cuisine.

14-year-old Ronesha from MS356Q asks, “How would you like to make an impact in the world?” Some of us know right away what we want to be when we grow up. And, this was the case for Dr. Lisa Moreno! In this episode, we learn one path to becoming a doctor with multiple specialties — and how to find balance with an important career, close-knit-family, and two dogs to top it all off.

3rd-generation Girl Scout Meridith Maskara came from a career in merchandising and promotion for Broadway theaters to become the CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York. In this episode, 11-year-old Tabitha connects with Meredith on the best parts of the scout experience — and being a chicken nuggets girl. We also hear why self-care is important when you have a crazy busy job and a troupe of your own at home.