After almost 3 years, More In Common is excited to be bringing back episodes in a new format and a new host!!

In this episode of the More In Common podcast, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson explore the importance of setting boundaries in interpersonal relationships and workplace dynamics. They discuss the challenges of navigating sensitive topics, especially during the holiday season, and provide practical strategies for establishing guardrails in conversations. The hosts emphasize the need for intentionality and emotional intelligence in communication, encouraging listeners to practice these skills in both personal and professional settings. The episode concludes with key takeaways and a call to action for listeners to engage in meaningful conversations.

What does 'being connected with self' actually look like…feel like?  It’s impossible to describe, as we explore with Sydney in part 2 of this conversation. 

Whether or not we can describe it, what is true from this conversation is that vulnerability and the willingness to express it with yourself and others is a big step in finding that connection.

Once she was willing to be vulnerable with her music it all changed, and her music went to a new level.

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Today, we are with singer/songwriter Sydney Lauren.  SYDNEY TELLS STORIES THROUGH HER SONGS. SHE GREW UP SINGING AND WRITING MUSIC JUST OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY, THE PLACE SHE NOW CALLS HOME. THE CITY SERVES AS HER INSPIRATION AS WELL AS HER STOMPING GROUNDS, AND SHE HAS PERFORMED IN NYC VENUES LIKE THE DELANCEY & THE BITTER END.

SYDNEY’S TRAINING IN PIANO, GUITAR AND SONGWRITING ARE CLEARLY REFLECTED IN HER SONGS, WHICH TAKE INSPIRATION FROM SOME OF HER FAVORITE ARTISTS INCLUDING JP SAXE, SARAH BAREILLES, INGRID ANDRESS, AND MORE. HER MUSIC HAS BEEN FEATURED ON “TEMPTATION ISLAND” AND "THE BIGGEST LOSER" ON USA NETWORK.

SYDNEY’S NEW ERA OF MUSIC REPRESENTS A CHAPTER IN HER LIFE LYRICALLY, AND HER AUTHENTIC VISION SONICALLY. SHE DIVES INTO THE EMOTIONS THAT OCCUR DURING HEARTBREAK AND THE SIMPLISTIC HAPPINESS THAT CAN COME WITH LOVE. NEW YORK CITY WILL ALWAYS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HER MUSIC, WHETHER IT’S A STREET SHE REFERENCES OR THE SUBWAY HOME. SHE’S A STORYTELLER AT HEART AND HOPES TO SING WORDS YOU WERE THINKING BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO SAY.

Topics we discuss:

• How she got good at her Music
  • Accepting that she is good at it

References:

• Harkness Method

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

What is a fact?  A fact is something that is true.  Yet, today we are so conflicted about our facts because we have decided to conflate them with truth.

Truth is subjective.  What is true to you may not be true to me.  You may think The Matrix is the greatest cinematic accomplishment of the 20th century.  I may think that award belongs to Schindler’s List. 

What isn’t true is that either sentiment is a fact.  This is merely an opinion one holds.  However, we have the tendency to think of our truths as facts and it can create serious issues connecting with others and navigating conversation.

We explore this reality with Sydney in part 1 of our awesome conversation with her.

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Today, we are with singer/songwriter Sydney Lauren.  SYDNEY TELLS STORIES THROUGH HER SONGS. SHE GREW UP SINGING AND WRITING MUSIC JUST OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK CITY, THE PLACE SHE NOW CALLS HOME. THE CITY SERVES AS HER INSPIRATION AS WELL AS HER STOMPING GROUNDS, AND SHE HAS PERFORMED IN NYC VENUES LIKE THE DELANCEY & THE BITTER END.

SYDNEY’S TRAINING IN PIANO, GUITAR AND SONGWRITING ARE CLEARLY REFLECTED IN HER SONGS, WHICH TAKE INSPIRATION FROM SOME OF HER FAVORITE ARTISTS INCLUDING JP SAXE, SARAH BAREILLES, INGRID ANDRESS, AND MORE. HER MUSIC HAS BEEN FEATURED ON “TEMPTATION ISLAND” AND "THE BIGGEST LOSER" ON USA NETWORK.

SYDNEY’S NEW ERA OF MUSIC REPRESENTS A CHAPTER IN HER LIFE LYRICALLY, AND HER AUTHENTIC VISION SONICALLY. SHE DIVES INTO THE EMOTIONS THAT OCCUR DURING HEARTBREAK AND THE SIMPLISTIC HAPPINESS THAT CAN COME WITH LOVE. NEW YORK CITY WILL ALWAYS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HER MUSIC, WHETHER IT’S A STREET SHE REFERENCES OR THE SUBWAY HOME. SHE’S A STORYTELLER AT HEART AND HOPES TO SING WORDS YOU WERE THINKING BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO SAY.

Topics we discuss:

• Knowing when to walk away from conflict
  • Harkness Method

References:

• Harkness Method

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

In a postindustrial, technology centric, world we are taught to be productive, get a job, work, work, work…

We reserve play for short periods of time and for our childhood.  Yet, we are increasingly demanding more productivity of our children to get ahead. 

The thing about play, is that it is a necessity of life.  We need it.  We especially need it to improve learning and how we absorb information.  Games are a great way to help kids learn and also enjoy life.

Mastermind Adventures is helping kids who have a hard time learning social and emotional skills.  They are doing it by challenging kids through games so they also have fun with their life. 

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Today we are with Krysten Callina.  She is the Founder of Mastermind Adventures LLC, a talent management agency for professional game masters of tabletop role playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons).  Krysten helps people find connection and community through games so they can embrace their creativity and individuality and have more fun. Her goal is to create the industry standard for professional game masters and to establish a vibrant, safe community of fans of role playing games.

Examples of non-traditional game applications developed by Mastermind Adventures are Quest! Adventure Game for Social Skills Mastery to help kids improve their social emotional skills, and The Game of Influencers, a unique training program for businesses to learn about how to use influencers as part of a marketing strategy.

Mastermind Adventures is currently developing programs that will serve as inroads for young people into the gaming industry - especially for kids in marginalized communities. Krysten is a serial entrepreneur, loves cooking, gardening, photography, interior decorating, nerd topics and whiskey. 

Topics we discuss:

• Income correlation to effectiveness of Homeschooling

References:

• Home schooling resources

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

What do you think of when you think someone is homeschooled?  What do you think when someone homeschools their kids?

Homeschooling is a great example of the subtle biases we all project onto other because of our cultural influences. 

There are many reasons for homeschooling and it’s important to understand when it makes sense for your kids.  In this conversation with Krysten, we get into some of those reasons and why she made that very decision.

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Today we are with Krysten Callina.  She is the Founder of Mastermind Adventures LLC, a talent management agency for professional game masters of tabletop role playing games (like Dungeons & Dragons).  Krysten helps people find connection and community through games so they can embrace their creativity and individuality and have more fun. Her goal is to create the industry standard for professional game masters and to establish a vibrant, safe community of fans of role playing games.

Examples of non-traditional game applications developed by Mastermind Adventures are Quest! Adventure Game for Social Skills Mastery to help kids improve their social emotional skills, and The Game of Influencers, a unique training program for businesses to learn about how to use influencers as part of a marketing strategy.

Mastermind Adventures is currently developing programs that will serve as inroads for young people into the gaming industry - especially for kids in marginalized communities. Krysten is a serial entrepreneur, loves cooking, gardening, photography, interior decorating, nerd topics and whiskey. 

Topics we discuss:

• Home schooling resources

References:

• Home schooling resources

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

Developing a child is one of the most challenging responsibilities any parent will have in a lifetime. One of the biggest challenges is removing your ego to focus on what the child needs, not what you would need if you were the child.

We all struggle to separate these two realities. However, when we can, we will deliver the promise to our children that set them up to live the life they want to live.

We talk a lot in this part 2 with Lisa Davis, MPH, about instilling values in children through the perspective of their personalities and giving them space to be who they need to be.

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Today we are with Lisa Davis, MPH. Lisa has two decades of experience as a health educator and a broadcaster. She has a Master's Degree in Public Health, is creator, host, and producer of the syndicated "It's Your Health" radio heard on regional NPR as well as host/producer of "Talk Healthy Today" brought to you by Pocket Media (of Clean Eating, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition. Muscle & Performance, Yoga Journal magazines).

She is host/producer of Naturally Savvy Radio heard online on RadioMD, iHeart Radio Talk, TuneIn, Stitcher, iTunes, UberRadio, and TalkStreamLive. Lisa is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast "Active Allyship...it's more than a #hashtag!"

In addition to developing radio shows, if it doesn't seem like enough, Lisa has created, produced, and hosted health television shows. Her first show, Health Power, was seen on KRUZ-TV in California. She was also a regular contributor to Carol Alt's national health TV show on FOX News Channel, A Healthy You.

She also authored her books, Clean Eating, Dirty Sex: Sensual Superfoods and Aphrodisiac Practices for Ultimate Sexual Health and Easy to Love but Hard to Live with: Real People, Invisible Disabilities, True Stories.  

Her core passion is helping people find they're why to enable them to live their healthiest life.

Topics we discuss:

• Daughter with NVLD
  • Helping kids through their challenges

References:

• Lisadavismph.com
  • Active Allyship is more than just a Hashtag

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

Everyone goes through a journey from the beginning to the end. It's easy to look at our stories and think about our limitations and how they will prevent us from doing more.

That voice inside tells you one thing that reality doesn't seem to support. Then we focus so much on "what is" because we can't see "what could be."

Lisa is an excellent example of looking at life through the lens of what is possible while working through all the early challenges to living a life that feels like she is the best version of herself and still getting better. 

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Today we are with Lisa Davis, MPH. Lisa has two decades of experience as a health educator and a broadcaster. She has a Master's Degree in Public Health, is creator, host, and producer of the syndicated "It's Your Health" radio heard on regional NPR as well as host/producer of "Talk Healthy Today" brought to you by Pocket Media (of Clean Eating, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition. Muscle & Performance, Yoga Journal magazines).

She is host/producer of Naturally Savvy Radio heard online on RadioMD, iHeart Radio Talk, TuneIn, Stitcher, iTunes, UberRadio, and TalkStreamLive. Lisa is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast "Active Allyship...it's more than a #hashtag!"

In addition to developing radio shows, Lisa has created, produced, and hosted health television shows if it doesn't seem like enough. Her first show, Health Power, was seen on KRUZ-TV in California. She was also a regular contributor to Carol Alt's national health TV show on FOX News Channel, A Healthy You.

She also authored her books, Clean Eating, Dirty Sex: Sensual Superfoods and Aphrodisiac Practices for Ultimate Sexual Health and Easy to Love but Hard to Live with: Real People, Invisible Disabilities, True Stories.  

Her core passion is helping people find they're why to enable them to live their healthiest life.

Topics we discuss:

• Active Listening
  • How she employs it with her daughter

References:

• Lisadavismph.com
  • Active Allyship is more than just a Hashtag

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

No matter how much effort you put into something, it's never done alone. This applies to everyone, including the smartest or most athletic.

A genius doesn't create without supplies, funding, or assistance to contribute to their field of study. Like an athlete doesn't get to show their skills if the structure of sport doesn't exist. 

This is highlighted by Ben and Fitz in this Part 2 episode of their conversation. They talk about the Genius Myth and the importance of recognizing it when building highly collaborative and effective teams.

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Brian (Fitz) is the Founder and CTO of Tock, and he started Google's Chicago engineering office in 2005. An open-source contributor for over 13 years, Brian was the engineering manager for several Google products, and is a member of the Apache Software Foundation, a former engineer at Apple and CollabNet, and a Subversion developer,

Ben is a co-founder & author of Subversion, a popular version-control tool to help programmers collaborate. He also co-authored the main O'Reilly manual for the software. He is currently the engineering Site Lead for Google's Chicago office, having joined Google in 2005 as one of the first two engineers in Chicago. He manages multiple teams working on Google's Search-serving infrastructure.

Together they have collaborated on multiple talks and books regarding the social challenges of software development. They have given dozens of talks at conferences (many viewable on youtube), and authored a popular O'Reilly book on the subject: Debugging Teams: Better Productivity through Collaboration.

Topics we discuss:

• Privilege
  • The relative nature of privilege

References:

• ORD Camp

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

Culture is an agreed-upon set of values and norms that we accept and embrace. In organizations, if these aren't intentional and established, the company is not likely to operate at its best.

Ben and Fitz came to some remarkable conclusions about Culture in the collective time at Google causing them to write their book, Debugging Teams.

Their goal is to ensure teams operate at their best by being intentional about how they work together and for each other. 

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Brian (Fitz) is the Founder and CTO of Tock, and he started Google's Chicago engineering office in 2005. An open-source contributor for over 13 years, Brian was the engineering manager for several Google products, and is a member of the Apache Software Foundation, a former engineer at Apple and CollabNet, and a Subversion developer,

Ben is a co-founder & author of Subversion, a popular version-control tool to help programmers collaborate. He also co-authored the central O'Reilly manual for the software. He is currently the engineering Site Lead for Google's Chicago office, having joined Google in 2005 as one of the first two engineers in Chicago. He manages multiple teams working on Google's Search-serving infrastructure.

Together they have collaborated on multiple talks and books regarding the social challenges of software development. They have given dozens of talks at conferences (many viewable on youtube), and authored a popular O'Reilly book on the subject: Debugging Teams: Better Productivity through Collaboration.

Topics we discuss:

• Learning when to speak
  • Using a 20 sided die as a tool

References:

• ORD Camp

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

History is always 20/20 if we decide to look.  Looking at history from the present perspective is a flawed exercise loaded with past judgment.

Too often, we don't look at history from the present it once represented.  As a result, we don't see the perspectives of those that came before us and what they did to give us what we have today.

Paula beautifully discusses this phenomenon relative to those who had to stay silent for us to be able to speak today. 

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We are with award-winning book author, TV writer/producer, and feature screenwriter Paula Yoo.  Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, she loves to spend time hanging with her family and cats. 

Her latest Young Adult narrative non-fiction book, FROM A WHISPER TO A RALLYING CRY: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement, is from Norton Young Readers (W.W. Norton & Company). Her books have won many awards, including IRA Notables, Junior Guild Library Selections, and starred reviews from Kirkus.

Paula's TV credits include Freeform's Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, The CW's Supergirl, SyFy's Defiance, Eureka, Amazon's Mozart in the Jungle, and NBC's The West Wing. She has also sold TV pilots and feature scripts.

Paula is also a professional violinist, but not just as a hobby…she has played with the Southeast Symphony, Vicente Chamber Orchestra, Torrance Symphony, Glendale Philharmonic and Detroit Civic Symphony Orchestra, toured and recorded with bands including Il Divo, No Doubt, Fun, Arthur Lee, Love Revisited and Spiritualized, and appeared on national TV shows and commercial spots, including A&E's The Two Coreys reality show and a United Airlines commercial.

Topics we discuss:

• AAPI experience
  • Coverage variability

References:

• Paulayoo.com

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats