I AM SELF-ISH

Episode 29: Leadership in Wonderland – with Susan Goldberg

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright steps into the curious and transformative world of leadership with consultant and author Susan Goldberg, co-creator of Leadership in Wonderland. Using Lewis Carroll’s classic tale as a creative framework, they explore how characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts mirror real leadership dynamics—confusion, growth, confidence, and clarity.

Together, they unpack what it means to lead with purpose in a constantly shifting world, why traditional leadership models often fall short, and how storytelling, curiosity, and reflection can guide leaders back to themselves. If leadership has ever felt like falling down a rabbit hole—you’re not alone.

Takeaways:

• ​Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal, emotional, and evolving.
• ​Recognition, reflection, and self-awareness are essential to authentic leadership.
• ​Anyone with a voice, a vision, and a willingness to grow can lead.
• ​Storytelling is more than narrative—it’s a leadership tool for clarity and connection.
• ​Leadership development should feel human, not like a grind.
• ​“Collaboration Beyond Words®” helps teams work smarter, not harder.🎁 Bonus Opportunity:Susan is offering a free beta test of her “Leadership Insight” session—the first step in her Collaboration Beyond Words® process—for team leaders looking to grow.
• 👉 Email [email protected] or reach out to Will for an introduction.Company Page
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• More About Susan Goldberg: Website:www.susangoldbergleadership.com
• ​LinkedIn: Susan Goldberg | Email: [email protected]
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• ​Book: Leadership in WonderlandFavorite Quotes:“Leadership can feel like you’re falling down a rabbit hole.”“You don’t have to be loud to be a leader—just clear.”“Real leadership begins when you know your story and let others see it too.”
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• ​Connect with Host Will Wright:Instagram: @selfish.willEmail: [email protected]: www.iamself-ish.comWelcome to Wonderland. 🐇🪞

Episode 28: Brooklyn’s Finest – with Roger Dunkelbarger

In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright speaks with real estate agent and creative soul Roger Dunkelbarger about the uniquely personal—and often emotional—journey of buying and selling homes in New York City.

With over a decade of experience and a background in theater, Roger shares how storytelling, connection, and a love for community shape his approach to helping clients find the right home.

Originally from Southern Indiana, Roger has called New York City home for over 15 years. His career spans new development sales, resales, co-ops, condos, and townhouses, making him a trusted guide for everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors.

He currently serves clients in both Manhattan and Brooklyn as part of the prestigious Eklund | Gomes team at Douglas Elliman.

Together, Will and Roger explore:

• ​How creativity and real estate intersect
• ​What makes Brooklyn buyers unique
• ​The hidden gems of the borough
• ​The challenges of NYC real estate—from analysis to emotion
• ​How storytelling and authenticity build stronger client relationships
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The episode wraps up with a playful segment where the two dream up marketing strategies for fictional properties—yes, Hogwarts and Stark Tower included.

Takeaways:

• ​Real estate is more than numbers—it’s about identity, dreams, and belonging.
• ​Storytelling helps buyers imagine life in a new space.
• ​Every client brings a different energy—and needs a different kind of support.
• ​Being a successful agent means blending strategy, empathy, and creativity.
• ​Brooklyn and Manhattan each offer their own rhythm, challenges, and charm.
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About Roger Dunkelbarger

Roger is a real estate professional with the Eklund | Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman, specializing in the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets.

Known for his analytical mind and high-energy, heart-forward approach, he supports both buyers and sellers through every step of the real estate journey. Before real estate, Roger built a career as an actor and singer, developing a global perspective that now informs his appreciation for architecture, design, and human connection.

🎭 Ithaca College alum

🏠 NYC real estate expert

🌍 World traveler & arts enthusiast

🎂 Aspiring baker & hiking lover

🔗 Elliman Profile📸

Instagram: @rogerofnyc

📧 Email: [email protected]

Connect with Host Will Wright

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @selfish.will

🌐 Website: www.iamself-ish.com

Episode 27: Dance Dreams, Dirty Truths – with Megan Morgan

In this episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright sits down with professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher Megan Morgan for a raw, reflective conversation about the beauty, sacrifice, and truth behind a life in dance.

Megan opens up about her early passion for movement, the long hours, and the personal costs that often stay hidden behind the curtain. Together, they dive deep into the emotional toll of the industry, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for clear contracts to honor one's value as an artist.

With honesty and heart, Megan explores the roles that community, trust, and self-worth play in building a creative life that’s not just sustainable—but healing. This episode pulls back the curtain on dance to reveal both the magic and the mess—the joy, the doubt, the grind, and the dream.

🎧 Takeaways:

• Dance is more than performance—it's storytelling, discipline, and identity.

• Boundaries and contracts are essential forms of self-respect in creative work.

• The dance industry can be isolating without the right support systems.

• The best dancers aren’t just technically strong—they’re emotionally aware and self-advocating.

• Safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces are key to the future of dance.

  
  

📩 Connect with Megan Morgan:
Email: [email protected]

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

🎭 Tune in to “Dance Dreams, Dirty Truths” and hear what it really takes to keep showing up for your art—and for yourself.

Let me know if you’d like a version with links formatted for podcast platforms or show notes!

Episode 26: Fear of Rejection

In this vulnerable solo episode of the I AM Self-ish podcast, host Will Wright explores the quiet, heavy weight of rejection—especially when it comes from the people closest to us.

What happens when your dreams are met with silence? When support is absent, and self-doubt creeps in? Will gets honest about the emotional toll of feeling unsupported and the courage it takes to keep showing up anyway.

This episode is a reflection on why rejection stings, how fear tries to keep us small, and what it really means to choose yourself even when others don’t. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by a lack of recognition, this one’s for you.

Connect with Host Will Wright:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @selfish.will

🌍 Website: www.iamself-ish.com

🎧 Fear of Rejection is a love letter to the ones still building—even without the applause.

Listen now, and let it remind you: your belief in yourself is louder than any silence.

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.
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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.
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• ​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.
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• ​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.
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• ​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. 🎙💬✨