Episode 25: The Velvet Rope – with Shanette Vega

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with creative powerhouse and event producer Shanette Vega to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to create unforgettable experiences. With over a decade of producing high-impact events for brands like Google and Netflix, Shanette shares what it means to stay grounded while working in one of the most high-stress, high-glam industries.

They explore how intuition, listening, and presence are her greatest tools—and how managing chaos with grace is an art form. From navigating burnout with creativity to using events as a tool for emotional impact, Shanette gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a life built on intention, excellence, and storytelling through space.

This episode is a tribute to the artistry of production—and a reminder that events don’t just happen… they’re designed to be remembered.

About Shanette Vega:

Shanette Vega is a seasoned event producer with over 10 years of experience designing immersive, high-level experiences around the globe. From red carpets to destination retreats, she brings bold ideas to life with elegance and precision. Her events are known for their emotional resonance, innovation, and seamless execution—earning her a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the field.

Connect with Shanette Vega:

Instagram: @cpr.design

Website: shanettevega.com

Email:[email protected]

LinkedIn: Shanette Vega

Connect with Host Will Wright:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @selfish.will

Website: www.iamself-ish.com

Tune in and discover what’s behind The Velvet Rope—a space where creativity, presence, and legacy meet.

Episode 24: Off Script, On Brand – with Samantha Cooper

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Samantha Cooper, a powerhouse voiceover artist known for her work with major brands and her ability to bring authenticity and connection to every read. Together, they go beyond the mic to explore what it really takes to succeed in an industry that demands flexibility, presence, and soul.

Because voiceover isn’t just about sounding good—it’s about showing up with clarity, character, and connection… even when the script keeps changing.

Samantha opens up about her unconventional journey into voiceover, what it takes to prepare for a role, and how generational shifts are reshaping what clients want. From character development to brand storytelling, Samantha shares the mindset, creativity, and behind-the-scenes truths that keep her grounded and growing.

This episode is a must-listen for creatives, communicators, and anyone learning how to be heard without losing themselves.

🎧 Whether you’re behind the mic or just finding your voice, this episode reminds us that staying on brand starts with staying true to ourselves—even when we go off script.

Connect with Samantha Cooper:

🌐 Website: www.samanthafcooper.com

🎙️ Voiceover Work: samanthafcooper.com/voiceover

📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

🔗 LinkedIn: Samantha Cooper

Connect with Host Will Wright:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @selfish.will

🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com

Episode 23: The Hideout – with Will Wright

In this raw and reflective solo episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright shares his personal story of quarantine—a time that unexpectedly became his emotional hideout. What started as a global crisis became, for Will, a rare moment of calm. Free from external noise, comparison, and constant busyness, he found clarity, peace, and a deeper sense of self.

But when the world reopened, all that inner work got tested.

Will walks us through what it felt like to lose that safe space, how anxiety and insecurity came rushing back, and the tools he now uses to reclaim peace—even when life feels overwhelming. From body image struggles to mental health breakthroughs, this episode is a vulnerable invitation to rethink how we define progress, safety, and healing.

Because sometimes the greatest transformation happens when we’re forced to sit still.

• ​Quarantine created unexpected space for emotional clarity and healing.
• ​Peace isn’t something we “arrive at”—it’s something we actively choose.
• ​Re-entry into the world can trigger old insecurities, even after growth.
• ​Emotional safety often starts with boundaries, compassion, and presence.
• ​You can take your “hideout” with you—if you learn how to rebuild it from withinConnect with Host Will Wright:📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @selfish.will🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com

Episode 22: Break the Mold – with Chris Gautieri

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with mortgage expert Chris Gautieri to explore what it really takes to achieve homeownership when your financial life doesn’t fit the traditional mold. Whether you’re self-employed, an entrepreneur, or someone with a non-traditional income stream, this conversation is packed with clarity, compassion, and creative solutions.

With over 12 years of experience and nearly 1,000 families served, Chris shares the realities of the mortgage world—including the emotional stress behind homebuying and the limitations of one-size-fits-all lending. He breaks down why financial storytelling matters, the power of alternative financing, and how to avoid common mistakes that hold people back from owning a home.

As Chris says, “When the big banks miss—you better call Chris.”

About Chris Gautieri:

Chris is a mortgage professional with a heart for helping entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and unconventional earners navigate the homeownership process. Based in Westchester County, NY, Chris is also a family man who shares life with his wife Kara and their three sons—Cole, Hank, and Wes.

When he’s not working, you’ll find him soaking up time outdoors, at the beach, or enjoying music, food, wine, and sports.

Connect with Chris Gautieri:

📸 Instagram: @Chris_Gautieri📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: 914-384-1528

Connect with Host Will Wright:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com

If you’ve been told “no” by the banks, let this episode remind you: There’s always another way. It’s time to break the mold. 🎙🏡✨

Episode 21: The Emotional Hunger Games – with Virginia Mason Richardson

In this captivating episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright is joined by writer, illustrator, and creative storyteller Virginia Mason Richardson for a rich conversation about what it means to navigate the “emotional hunger games.”

Together, they unpack the metaphor of emotional hunger—the deep, often hidden cravings for love, validation, and connection that drive much of our behavior.

They explore how emotional suppression impacts our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and how choosing authenticity over approval can be a radical act of self-love.

Through honest reflection and personal stories, Will and Virginia highlight the power of self-validation, the freedom in choice, and how emotional clarity can begin when we stop waiting for permission to be ourselves.

• ​Emotional hunger is the silent craving behind many of our patterns and relationships.
• ​Validation from others can’t replace the power of self-acknowledgment.
• ​Suppressing emotion disconnects us from truth and health.
• ​Authenticity is a powerful form of emotional nourishment.
• ​Connection starts with being honest—with ourselves first.
• ​

Takeaways:

• ​Emotional hunger is the silent craving behind many of our patterns and relationships.
• ​Validation from others can’t replace the power of self-acknowledgment.
• ​Suppressing emotion disconnects us from truth and health.
• ​Authenticity is a powerful form of emotional nourishment.
• ​Connection starts with being honest—with ourselves first.
• ​
• ​About Virginia Mason Richardson:Virginia is a highly intuitive writer, illustrator, and designer. Crowned by her readers as the Queen of Synchronicity, she crafts stories that resonate on a soul level.
• ​
• ​In 2023, she launched her own creative studio, helping artists and entrepreneurs bring their stories to life through meaningful design and imaginative collaboration.
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• ​She is available for private sessions and creative collaborations, blending intuition, artistry, and storytelling to help others express their truest selves.
• ​
• ​Connect with Virginia Mason Richardson:
• ​📸 Instagram: @virginia.mason.richardson🌍 Websites:

◦www.virginiamasonrichardson.com

◦www.virginiamasondesign.com

Connect with Host Will Wright:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @selfish.will

🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.comI

f you’ve ever found yourself seeking validation in all the wrong places or feeling empty despite doing all the “right” things, this episode is your invitation to step out of survival mode and into self-connection. 🎙💔🔥

Episode 20: When to Tell Your Story – with Lori Wilson-Hudson

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Lori Wilson-Hudson, a leadership coach and certified story alchemist, for a powerful and heart-centered conversation about authenticity, storytelling, and the courage it takes to lead from within.

Lori shares how her journey from recovering people-pleaser and hyper-achiever to bold leadership coach shaped her mission to help women—especially in healthcare and mission-driven roles—embrace their truth and lead with clarity and confidence. They explore the power of storytelling as a leadership tool, when and how to share your story, and why vulnerability is often the gateway to trust and transformation.

This episode is a timely reminder that your story isn’t too much—it’s your magic. And knowing when to tell it can unlock connection, healing, and powerful leadership.

Takeaways:

• You don’t have to be “ready” to tell your story—you just have to be real.

• Storytelling isn’t self-indulgent—it’s how we lead, connect, and inspire.

• Authenticity in leadership starts with letting go of perfection.

• Self-care, boundaries, and emotional clarity are leadership essentials, not extras.

• Your quirks, contradictions, and “Did I just say that?” moments are your gold.

  
  

  About Lori Wilson-Hudson:

  Lori Wilson-Hudson is a leadership coach, truth-teller, and certified story alchemist helping women leaders gain the clarity and confidence to lead boldly and live joyfully. With over 2,000 coaching sessions globally, she blends Positive Intelligence, Energy Leadership, and radical compassion to help her clients stop shrinking and start showing up—fully and unapologetically.

  
  

  When she’s not coaching or creating her next workshop, you’ll find her walking barefoot in the grass, reflecting at her lake cabin, or laughing at something she probably shouldn’t have said out loud.

  Connect with Lori Wilson-Hudson:

  🌐 Website: EnergyExecutiveCoaching.com📘 LinkedIn: Lori Wilson-Hudson📸 Instagram: @EnergyExecutiveCoaching

  
  

  Connect with Host Will Wright:

  📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @selfish.will🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com

  
  

  If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is now the right time to tell my story?”—this episode will remind you that the world needs your voice, your truth, and your leadership. 🎙💬✨

Episode 19: Own Your Future – with Marc Blair

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Marc Blair, real estate broker, entrepreneur, and wealth creation coach, for an honest and empowering conversation about ownership, mindset, and financial freedom.

Marc shares how shifting your mindset can transform your financial life and why real estate is more than a transaction—it’s a path to empowerment. Together, they break down the realities of building wealth, including the difference between good and bad debt, the risks of becoming house poor, and why financial transparency matters more than ever.

Whether you're thinking about buying your first property or looking to reshape your relationship with money, this episode is about owning your choices, your finances, and ultimately—your future.

Takeaways:

• ​Mindset is the foundation of financial success.
• ​Ownership is about freedom, not just assets.
• ​Don’t fall into the trap of being house poor—plan wisely.
• ​Good debt can work for you, but bad debt will work against you.
• ​Financial freedom begins with education, intention, and honesty.
• ​
• ​About Marc Blair:Marc Blair is a licensed real estate broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, known as “The Wealth Creation Coach.”
• ​
• He helps clients eliminate debt, grow their assets, and build lasting wealth through real estate and financial literacy. With a passion for education and empowerment, Marc travels the country teaching people how to take control of their money and their future
• ​
• ​.Connect with Marc Blair:
• ​📸 Instagram: @marcblair_realtor
• ​🌍 Website: (Link optional if applicable)
• ​
• ​Connect with Host Will Wright:
• ​📧 Email: [email protected]
• ​📸 Instagram: @selfish.will
• ​🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com
• ​
• If you’re ready to stop surviving and start building, this episode will inspire you to make moves—on purpose, with purpose. 🎙🏠💰

Episode 18: The Ugly Duckling – with Will Wright

In this deeply personal solo episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright opens up about his lifelong struggle with body image, shame, and self-worth in a vulnerable reflection titled The Ugly Duckling.

Will shares the internal battles he’s faced—the harsh inner voice that convinced him he wasn’t enough, the false identity he clung to just to survive, and the painful relationship he had with the mirror. With raw honesty, he talks about what it meant to feel small in the world and within himself, and how shame kept him hidden for far too long.

But this episode isn’t just about the struggle—it’s about the slow, courageous return to self. Through compassion, vulnerability, and the willingness to face the pain, Will shares what it looks like to begin healing and embracing the person he’s always been beneath the layers of self-doubt.

This isn’t a story of “fixed.” It’s a story of seen, felt, and finally believed.

Takeaways:

• ​The stories we tell ourselves in silence can be the loudest lies we live by.
• ​Shame grows in the dark—healing starts with honesty.
• ​Self-compassion isn’t weakness—it’s the beginning of strength.
• ​You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.
• ​The journey from “ugly duckling” to self-acceptance is not about becoming someone new—it’s about remembering who you’ve always been.Connect with Host Will Wright:📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @coreremastered🌍 Website: www.coreremastered.comIf you’ve ever felt unseen, unworthy, or unsure of where you belong, this episode is your reminder: you’re not alone—and your story isn’t over. 🎙🦢💔✨

Episode 17: When the Body Speaks – with Serena Venditto

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Serena Venditto, a certified Alexander Technique teacher, for a deep and insightful conversation about the mind-body connection, stress management, and personal growth.

Serena shares how the Alexander Technique helps people tune into the signals their bodies are sending, recognize patterns of habitual tension and overthinking, and reconnect with themselves in a more grounded, authentic way. Together, they explore how presence, self-awareness, and body-based practices can transform the way we handle stress and challenges—especially for high-achievers who often live in cycles of overwhelm.

The discussion also highlights how the body holds onto old patterns, how self-care supports service to others, and why you can't change what you don't know. Serena’s approach empowers individuals to move beyond autopilot living and step into a life rooted in clarity, resilience, and self-trust.

About Serena Venditto:

Serena Venditto, AmSAT, is a certified Alexander Technique teacher who specializes in helping high-achievers move from stuck and overwhelmed to grounded and clear. Through practical, body-based tools, she empowers clients to reconnect with themselves, ease tension, and show up with more authenticity and freedom.

Serena is a member of the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) and offers group workshops, weekly classes, and 1:1 coaching both online and in Queens, New York.

Work with Serena or Meet Her In-Person:

🧘‍♀️ Workshop: Experience Serena’s Alexander Technique Workshop at Yoga Agora – April 26th, 2025!🧘‍♀️ Weekly Class: Join her Restorative Alexander Technique class Fridays at 8:45 PM at Yoga Agora.📅 Private Coaching: Book a consultation at bravelyunbound.com.

Connect with Serena Venditto:

🌐 Website: bravelyunbound.com📸 Instagram: @bravelyunbound📺 YouTube: @bravelyunbound🎵 TikTok: @bravely.unbound🔗 Professional Association: American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT)

Connect with Host Will Wright:

📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @coreremastered🌍 Website: www.coreremastered.com

When the body speaks, are you listening? Tune in and discover how presence, awareness, and mindful connection can reshape your entire way of being. 🎙✨

Episode 16: Redefining Adversity – with Raye Mutcherson

In this powerful episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with Raye Mutcherson for an inspiring and unfiltered conversation about overcoming adversity, building character, and owning your journey.

Raye shares his path through the medical field, from earning a PhD in Genetics and Developmental Biology to pursuing his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. With a passion for pediatric oncology and critical care cardiovascular medicine, Raye opens up about the personal and professional challenges he’s faced—and how adversity has shaped not just his career, but his character.

Together, they explore the true meaning of adversity, the importance of accountability and ownership, and the courage it takes to confront your own story. Raye also reflects on the impact of patient connection, the role of self-reflection in growth, and how to develop emotional resilience in high-pressure environments.

The episode concludes with a fun and revealing hypothetical segment, showcasing Raye’s heart, humor, and humanity.

Adversity is a mirror, reflecting our values, resilience, and capacity for growth.

Accountability and ownership are powerful tools for transformation.

Self-reflection builds clarity, emotional strength, and direction.

Embracing your story—flaws and all—leads to empowerment.

Connection is key, whether in medicine, mentorship, or personal healing.

About Raye Mutcherson:

Raye Mutcherson is a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate with a PhD in Genetics and Developmental Biology.

His professional interests include Pediatric Oncology and Critical Care Cardiovascular Medicine. Raye is also deeply involved in student leadership and professional organizations, serving as:

NOCDA Student Chapter President

Member of the American Pharmacist Association (APhA)

Member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

Member of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP)

🔗 Connect with Raye J. Mutcherson:📘 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rmutch24📧 Email: [email protected]

Connect with Host Will Wright:

📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @coreremastered🌍 Website: www.coreremastered.com

Whether you’re facing challenges in life, leadership, or identity, this episode reminds us that adversity is not the end of the story—it’s often where the most meaningful chapters begin. 🎙💥