JP Abercrumbie serves as the Associate Athletic Director at Rice University and the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. She is a former student-athlete, a fellow Women Leaders Institute for Administrative Advancement graduate, and a lover of positive vibes. She shared with the Bloom Pod how her background and experiences - across all the time zones - propelled her to the position she’s in today. Tayler and JP give a shout out to their IAA West 2019 sisterhood. JP explains how you can learn something from anyone if you’re just willing to learn. In the recap, Melissa wonders whether celebrities fly on commercial airlines and Tayler provides an answer. The two revel in all the gems JP dropped during her interview.

Social Media: @Just_JP_

Jonathan Jones is a former student-athlete turned professional turned speaker. A TEDx Alum, he uses his life experiences to help develop current student-athletes through engaging and interactive sessions. Jonathan shares how he moved from an elementary after school to retail to speaking engagements. The two discuss his brief stint in phonebook sales in the Texas heat, as well as how his experiences at various jobs shaped the message for his book, Process. Jonathan speaks about how he was “vetted” prior to his TEDxKids experience and shares some advice on tangible strategies for success.

More on Jonathan: https://jonathanjonesspeaks.com/

Dr. Jeff O’Brien is the Vice President for the Institute of Sport and Social Justice (ISSJ), and serves as a facilitator and leader in a variety of other capacities, including NCAA Leadership Development, Huddle Up, and more. Jeff shared how his background and experiences led him to the work he does today. The two discuss the importance of active learning, particularly in spaces of social justice and gender equity. Jeff talks about how he became a Subject Matter Expert on bystander intervention and violence against women for all branches of the US military and Australian Army. He also shares a neat story about his experience facilitating a session for the NBA’s Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs.

Social Media: @JeffOB_Ldrshp

More on the ISSJ: https://sportandsocialjustice.org/

More on Huddle Up: https://powerofthehuddle.com/

Lauren Partch is an actor, producer, writer, singer, and she is the cousin of our trusty sidekick - Melissa! Lauren shared with us her experiences in the arts and how COVID-19 has impacted the “normal” practices of the industry. Tayler shares a story about accidentally scaring Melissa when they lived together, and Lauren agrees that having Melissa as a roommate leads to many shenanigans. The two discuss Lauren’s favorite projects so far, as well as her latest endeavor with My Little Renaissance Girl. In the recap, Melissa and Tayler debate over the definitions of “feature film” and “short film.”

Social Media: @lauren_rosemary_

More on My Little Renaissance Girl: https://www.mylittlerenaissancegirl.com/

Harvie Herrington is a Youth Motivational and Leadership speaker. A former professional football player, Harvie has also worked as a coach, a fitness instructor, and a teacher. He shared with us some of his life experiences, including his recent bout with kidney cancer. The two discuss how his coaching career led him to his current endeavors in motivational speaking. Harvie shares his insights on the power of mindset and goal setting.

Harvie's Website: https://www.harvieherrington.com/

Tim Sinclair is the public address announcer for the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Fire, and the Fighting Illini. Tim has also served as the voice of the 2020 NBA All-Star game and the 2020 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. Tim shares his experiences being in the NBA Bubble in Orlando during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tayler asks whether he ever sleeps with all that he is involved with. The two discuss Tim’s YouTube channel and the song parodies he’s been producing during quarantine. Tim shares his experience as an author and how his tech startup, RINGR, came to be.

Social Media: @timjsinclair

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9hZ78q-a6xtuhnQxlUzvg

More about Tim: https://www.timjsinclair.com/

Dr. Susie Koch is in her residency at Washington University in St. Louis. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois, a former barista, and just a really swell lady. Tayler shares the Susie-based jingle that was stuck in her head prior to the interview. Susie discusses how her background and upbringing led her to pursue a career in medicine. The two talk about the ridiculous expenses associated with the application processes in higher education. Susie shares some of her insights about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mark Trumbo is a student-athlete development professional and the mastermind behind Purpose Design. He’s also recently been rocking the alter ego of DJ TRUMBEATZ while facilitating some leadership development programming, which he and Tayler discuss. The two talk organizational involvement and the power of a great network. Mark gets into the “how” and “why” of his Purpose Design and how it came to be.

In the recap, Tayler shares her experience of what it was like going through Mark’s Purpose Design, and Melissa shares more on her interest in attending a grocery store conference, as well as her love of pranks.

Purpose Design: https://yourpurposedesign.com/

Social Media: @MarkHTrumbo

Cathy Onion (Tayler’s mom) is a lifelong learner, former college professor, farm kid, and all-around great lady. Tayler jokes that she wanted to interview Cathy to find out what it was like to have the perfect daughter. Cathy shares with Tayler some of her life story, including several stories Tayler didn’t know prior to the interview. The two talk about Cathy’s love of organizational involvement, which started at a very young age.

In the recap, Tayler shares the Generous Coffee jingles she promised Melissa in a recent episode. Melissa brainstorms a potential comeback Tweet, after taking a nearly two-year hiatus.