In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mischa Geracoulis, Senior-level media professional, human rights advocate, and Outreach & Engagement Officer at Project Censored, for a conversation about truth, press freedom, and the personal convictions that shape a life’s work.

Mischa shares how her career — which may have looked nonlinear from the outside — was deeply connected by a consistent thread: a commitment to justice, ethical journalism, and elevating underreported stories. From her early work in coalition building and policy to reporting on Capitol Hill and eventually teaching and pursuing graduate studies in media, each chapter built toward her current role at the intersection of education, academia, and watchdog journalism.

A defining influence in her life was her Armenian heritage and her grandfather’s lived experience of genocide — stories that shaped her understanding of truth, historical erasure, and the power of naming what has happened. She reflects on pivotal global moments, including 9/11, that solidified her commitment to becoming what she calls a “truthteller,” even when the landscape feels dark or overwhelming.

We also explore the current state of journalism: media monopolization, partisan divides, the growing influence of PR over investigative reporting, and the risks of journalism drifting toward influencer culture. Mischa offers thoughtful insight into the urgent need for historical context, ethical grounding, and collaborative efforts to rebuild public trust in the press.

Beyond the headlines, Mischa speaks candidly about what sustains her: a growth mindset, the joy of continual learning, meaningful collaboration, and staying grounded in difficult times. She shares the inspiration behind her book, Media Framing and the Destruction of Cultural Heritage, and leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: when facing uncertainty or disinformation, return to the basics, stay steady, and act from a place of clarity and stability.

This episode is a compelling reflection on courage, media literacy, and the enduring belief that truth, even when challenged, ultimately finds its way forward.

Project Censored: https://www.projectcensored.org/

Connect with Mischa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-geracoulis/

Season Four of the Better Understanding Podcast opens with a candid, grounding conversation between Sarah and Marcy—one that meets leaders exactly where many find themselves right now: coming out of the holidays, stepping into a new year, and feeling both anticipation and overwhelm.

Together, they explore the emotional complexity of transitions—why January can feel disorienting, how expectations (especially around the holidays) shape our energy, and what it really means to reset when life feels off-center. Through personal stories—from pauses forced by injury, to moments of stillness, to noticing what the body is asking for—they reflect on the power of small, daily resets and giving ourselves permission to manage differently.

The conversation also turns toward intention-setting for 2026, not through rigid goals, but through guiding words. Sarah shares her word Action—a commitment to move out of rumination and into lived experience. Marcy’s word, Explore, reflects a desire to follow curiosity, creativity, and the things that spark joy, even (and especially) after decades in familiar routines.

This episode is a reminder that leadership—and life—doesn’t require having everything mapped out. Sometimes growth comes from pausing, listening inward, and allowing space for what’s next to reveal itself.

Season Four kicks off with honesty, humanity, and an invitation: to reset, reimagine, and reconnect with what matters most.

In this special 2025 season closer, Sarah and Marcy take the mic—no guests, just reflection. Celebrating three years of podcasting, 36 episodes, and 25 years of friendship, they look back on the conversations, themes, and moments that shaped Happy Beyond 40 this year. From reinvention and the courage to pivot, to heart-centered leadership, service, voice, and vulnerability, they reflect on how guests’ stories (and their own) reinforced a powerful truth: life after 40 is not about having it all figured out—it’s about staying open, curious, and connected.

Sarah and Marcy also revisit their “words of the year”—joy and surrender—sharing honestly how those intentions challenged and stretched them in different ways. They talk about presence, gratitude, trusting the process, and learning to be comfortable with discomfort. As they look ahead to Season 4, they name an exciting intention to bring in more diverse perspectives, explore topics outside their comfort zones, and continue creating a space that fosters community, growth, and meaningful connection. Here’s to what’s next—and to continuing to follow what lights us up. 🎙️✨

In this episode, special guest Brandon Mastrangelo—business coach, facilitator, and in-house advisor at Inspyre, New York State’s largest business incubator. Brandon helps founders identify the behaviors and mindset shifts needed to move a business from survival to sustainable growth, with a deep commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

Brandon shares his unexpected and very human career path—from working in a Pennsylvania fiber mill and learning Spanish on the factory floor, to HR roles, economic development work in Boston, financial literacy education, refugee support, and ultimately business advising. His throughline? A belief that people deserve kindness, fairness, and access to the tools they need to succeed.

We explore:

• The behavior shifts entrepreneurs must make to scale (communication, strategic clarity, trust, delegation, and identity work).
• Why innovation matters for small businesses—and how Brandon’s team supports it through accelerators, intrapreneurship programs, and a new venture studio.
• The realities of serving minority-owned and underserved entrepreneurs, and the profound relationships built along the way.
• Brandon’s personal story of burnout, being laid off, launching his own coaching practice, landscaping to bridge income gaps, and finding meaning through resilience.
• The health and lifestyle changes that now anchor him.

Brandon’s journey is a powerful reminder that careers aren’t always linear, leadership requires identity shifts, and communities thrive when entrepreneurs are supported with dignity and care.

Connect with Brandon:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonmastrangelo
Website: bmastrangelo.com

In this inspiring episode, Marcy and Sarah sit down with Teresa Dillon, who made a bold leap from a 20-year corporate career in sales and business development to pursue her lifelong passion for style and empowerment.

Teresa shares the story behind Reluctantly Styled, her mission to help everyday people feel confident through color analysis, personal styling, and creative expression. She reflects on the challenges of leaving a stable paycheck, trusting herself, and redefining success while stepping fully into her authentic self.

This episode is for anyone ready to take a courageous leap, embrace creativity, and live a purpose-driven life—proof that it’s never too late to pivot and follow your passion.

More about Teresa:

• Connect: LinkedIn 
• Instagram: @thereluctant_influencer
• The Color Edit Co: thecoloreditco.com

What does it really take for leaders to create change that sticks? In this inspiring conversation, Laura Stone—leadership strategist, executive coach, and purpose pioneer—shares how she helps “wicked smaaat leaders lead smarter.” 

With a career spanning work with 10,000+ leaders, Laura dives into why purpose is the cornerstone of leadership, how emerging leaders can build their blueprint for impact, and what it means to align clarity, connection, and strategy in today’s fast-moving world.

From tackling burnout and micromanagement to redefining success and self-worth, Laura brings practical insights, personal stories, and energizing wisdom that will leave you thinking differently about what’s possible for your leadership.

More about Laura: www.laurastone.com | TikTok: @laurastoneleadership

After almost 2 decades in the classroom, Allison Nitsch left teaching behind to help women share their voices through podcasting. In this episode, Allison shares her journey from burnout to purpose, the courage it took to pivot, and how she now empowers others to launch podcasts with clarity, confidence, and impact. 

Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to hit “record,” Allison offers inspiration, practical guidance, and the reminder that your story matters—and your voice deserves to be heard. 

Listen to Podcast First Marketing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-first-marketing-build-trust-and-attract/id1826568255 

Learn more about Allison: https://allisonnitsch.com/

We welcome Angie Callen, career coach and entrepreneur (and “recovering engineer who loves people”), to share her journey of reinvention. After relocating from the East Coast to Colorado in pursuit of a lifestyle rooted in adventure and alignment, Angie founded Career Benders. Now, she helps mid‑career professionals create work lives that reflect their personal values and priorities.

Angie discusses:

• How mindset often matters more than skill-set when shifting careers
• Taking small, intentional steps to spark transformation
• Building an authentic personal brand by sharing real stories and values
• Preventing burnout by recognizing your energy limits
• Navigating today’s career landscape, including the rise of side hustles and the impact of AI

This episode offers practical insights for anyone ready to take control of their path and build a career—and life—they genuinely want.

Connect with Angie:
careerbenders.com | moderncoach.com

In this conversation, Marcy Sutherland and I are joined by the extraordinary Anita Sanchez, Ph.D. Belonging-Inclusion-Culture—author, consultant, and global leadership expert—who brings forward the wisdom of Indigenous teachings, the power of belonging, and the essence of heart-centered leadership.

Dr. Sanchez reminds us that true leadership begins within. From daily rituals to creating space for dreaming, her insights are a timely call to reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

If you’re a purpose-driven leader navigating complexity and craving more authenticity, presence, and connection in your life and leadership, this episode is for you.

Listen in and walk away with renewed clarity on how to show up as “good medicine” in your community and beyond.

In this inspiring conversation, cartoonist, educator, and creative entrepreneur Steph Halligan shares how she has continuously reinvented herself through bold career pivots — from policy analyst to financial blogger to full-time artist and educator. 

With humor, heart, and hard-earned insight, Steph reveals how embracing creativity helped her build confidence, reconnect with her authentic voice, and create a business and life aligned with her values.

Through personal stories and practical strategies, Steph explores:

• The power of starting before you feel “ready”
• How curiosity can be your compass through transitions
• Why failure and risk are essential ingredients in a fulfilling creative life
• The connection between creativity and self-trust
• Ways to quiet your inner critic and amplify your unique voice

Whether you’re navigating a new chapter, longing for more creative expression, or simply seeking the courage to own your path, Steph’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin — you just need the courage to start.

More from Steph:

• Swim University on YouTube

Books by Steph: 

• Happy to Be Me, A Tree: A tall tale of growth and self-love
• Art to Self: Cartoon notes to remind you of your awesomeness 

Recommendations: 

Podcast: How to Survive the End of the World: https://endoftheworldshow.org/ 

Book: The Dispossessed by Ursula Kaliguan