In My Shell

Faith is often presented as certainty—but for many people raised in it, the lived experience is far more nuanced. David Mawson, co-host of Pursuit of Truth and raised around ministry through Victory Baptist Church, reflects on what it’s like to grow up in belief while navigating the natural questions that come with it over time. We discuss:


◼️Why faith can feel different in lived experience than in structured religious settings


◼️How emotional experience and spiritual teaching can shape understanding in different ways


◼️Why mental health and spirituality sometimes overlap in ways people don’t often discuss

◼️What younger people are actually searching for beneath “faith”


◼️How questions about belief can develop gradually over time


◼️What it looks like to form a personal understanding of truth over time

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Nicholas Sciambra, owner of Nicky's Nice Plants joins In My Shell to talk growth in every sense- building a landscaping business in New Orleans, finding purpose through plants, and rebuilding life through sobriety, running, and community. This episode explores how tending to something living can become a form of healing, discipline, and self-trust. A conversation about patience, resilience, and creating a future from the ground up.

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This episode is really about what it means to see—and what it means to be seen. We talk about how photography starts, how it evolves, and how you eventually find your own voice through it. From creating in New Orleans to the influence of culture and identity—shaped in part by his early move from Cuba—this conversation moves between instinct and intention, between technical skill and just feeling something in the moment. It’s about what happens before the photo is even taken—and what stays with you after. At the center of it all is this idea of what an image actually carries: memory, risk, and pieces of a life over time.

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Mikey Ricks is a filmmaker and creative director at Koda Collective, and the founder of Boring Run Club. His work spans visual storytelling and endurance, shaped by discipline, repetition, and a commitment to process over time.

This conversation explores the realities of building a creative career developing a voice, sustaining momentum, and producing work that resonates beyond the surface. Mikey reflects on losing years of creative output and the challenge of starting again without losing direction. We also look at how running and community reflect the same principles required in his work — structure, accountability, and consistency. A discussion on identity, creative pressure, and the demands of staying committed over time.

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In this episode, Jerry Parker shares a deeply personal look at her journey through endometriosis and cancer, and how those experiences have shaped her life and creative work.

We discuss the realities of diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of strong support systems throughout that process. Jerry also reflects on navigating her own experience and what is often misunderstood about living through it.

We talk about the purpose behind her initiative, Socks That Rock, and how she’s channeling her experience into meaningful impact.

We also explore her roots in the New Orleans fashion community, and the role creativity and music have played in her healing.

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In 2019 Ludovica listened to her first podcast which transformed how she viewed entertainment and the art of interviewing.

It's a monumental moment when your passion becomes a career. The transition of replacing a previous passion with a new hobby can be difficult. Ludovica shares her insight on this topic.

In this episode you’ll learn more about Ludovica and the inspiration behind why she started In My Shell.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with artist Paul Schexnayder as we explore his journey through illustration, storytelling, and children’s literature. He shares how his unique perspective has shaped both his creative voice and his work.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What led him to pursue a career in art
• The inspiration behind his children’s books
• How his creative process blends words and visuals
• Memorable moments from teaching and exhibiting
• His thoughts on storytelling, emotional intelligence, and creative expression
• His expansion into galleries and film, including festival features

This episode is a must-listen for artists, educators, and anyone curious about the power of storytelling and visual art.

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In 2019 Ludovica listened to her first podcast which transformed how she viewed entertainment and the art of interviewing.

She shares how it’s fulfilling to turn your passion into a career. However something in your life shifts when this happen. She gives advice on what you should you do if you experience this. In this episode you’ll learn more about Ludovica and the inspiration behind why she started In My Shell. 

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Mauricio Pedroza, Mexican sports commentator for ESPN, as we explore his journey from winning ESPN Deportes’ Dream Job: El Reportero in 2006 to covering major global sporting events today. Mauricio shares his insights on sports journalism and the ways sports bring people together across cultures.We dive into:His early steps and preparation as a sports journalistHow he informs fans Memorable moments from his career covering events worldwideThoughts on the evolving landscape of sports mediaHis anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and what excites him mostThis episode is a must-listen for sports fans, aspiring journalists, and anyone curious about the impact of commentary on players, teams, and the culture of sports worldwide.Follow Mauricio Pedroza:Instagram: @mauricio_espnX: @mauriciopedrozaTikTok: Mauricio.pedroza

In this episode, I sit down with designer DeAndre Beverly to explore the power of fashion as cultural storytelling in New Orleans. We discuss leadership within the New Orleans Fashion Council, the meaning behind personal style, sustainability in modern design, and what it takes to build both confidence and community through clothing. From mentoring the next generation to redefining staple pieces and shaping the future of the city’s fashion scene, this conversation is about style, responsibility, and lasting impact.

Instagram: @deandre_beverly

@fcneworleans