More In Common

To all the women out there, how hot are you feeling?

And we don’t mean looks; we’re talking menopause.

To all the men out there, take notes, this applies to you too.

The stigma surrounding menopause prevents many women from feeling comfortable discussing the natural aging processes of the female body. It's important to create an open dialogue for women to share their experiences and have a support system through this transition, so they are not alone.

Who better to discuss this with than the creators of “Getting Hotter”, Falguni and Kruti. They discuss their personal experiences with perimenopause, and the lack of dialogue they experienced even within their friendship. This lack of dialogue became the catalyst for creating “Getting Hotter”. The idea behind “Getting Hotter” was to create a space where women could gather and feel comfortable discussing this new transition in their life. Their arsenal of tools help women find support through a community undergoing these same changes. It also is a platform to create open dialogues with others in their life such as their partners. Creating a compassionate and supportive environment that empowers women to embrace the transition is only a part of the successes of “Getting Hotter”. Tune in for an important conversation meant for every gender so you can learn a few ways on how to support those important women in your life.

 Falguni is a writer, director & media executive for Vice TV. A certified mindfulness coach who is an enthusiastic albeit sometimes impatient mother of an eight-year-old girl and a ten-year-old boy.

Kruti is an architect, designer, filmmaker and an all-around entrepreneurial mother of seven-year-old twins and their nine year old sister.

Both went through perimenopause, and although they are best friends, they didn't talk about it even though they were on the journey at the same time.  Thus, they co-founded getting Hotter.

 Let's reinforce the message that women are only "Getting Hotter"!

Topics we discuss:

• Menopause journey

• You start to heat up and feel more irritable.

• Technically the sensation of menstruation, without the cycle.

• Some religions won’t let you go to the temple on your period, because your “unclean”.

• How to have the conversation with men in your life.

• Natural medicine.

References:

• Perimenopause

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

All music created by DJ Rufbeats

“That could never be me.”

Have you ever heard or thought about this phrase before? Maybe when you were passing a homeless person on the street or discussing someone who’s political views differ from yours.

The ability to provide compassion to those who you dissociate from or disagree with, is the philosophy behind genuine compassion. Providing compassion to those who are likeminded is easy and comfortable.

Our guest Dane Flanigan emphasizes the importance of being comfortable when uncomfortable. This mindset and the entrepreneurial spirit, that he says is part of his DNA, have allowed him to embrace the fear of the unknown and chase his passions. All of which led him to where he is today-a successful CEO.

His self-reflective and positive outlook on past and present experiences reflects his affinity to always approach and see people with understanding eyes. He ultimately helps us recognize the interconnectedness of humanity and how positive life can be. 

Dane Flanigan is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He attended school in Spain at the Spanish American Institute in Sevilla to study international business and the emergence of the European Union. He received his MBA in Los Angeles where he now lives.

Dane has an extensive experience in business management and team building. During his time as a consultant, he worked in corporate due diligence performing mergers and acquisitions.  His personal ventures include several real estate projects, starting Perfection Air Charter a private jet brokerage that was later sold to one of the large private jet operators in Texas and the DTLA speakeasy, Ebanos Crossing. He is now the CEO of ultraHealth Agency, a recruiting and staffing firm in Pasadena. 

Dane believes in learning from everyone around him and equates his highest strength in life in his ability to listen.

Topics we discuss:

• Starting Businesses

• You cannot do everything at an elevated level.

• Became a corporate person when he graduated for a while.

• Who health care really is, and the people behind it.

References:

• Balance

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

Guest theme: “Bad Soda” by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Inter-generational trauma is talked about a lot in the context of the oppressed.

Our guest, Dr. Donald Grant, has set out to discuss the full impacts of racism through the inter-generational trauma of the oppressor. Not as a matter of sympathy but a matter of completing the picture and truly breaking down the racist institutions and structures of this country.

We are all affected by the demons of our past, and Dr. Grant schools us with an in-depth conversation that is well worth the listen.

Dr. Donald E Grant Jr is an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Impact practitioner and mental health expert who currently serves in two Executive Director roles: one with his boutique training and consulting firm Mindful Training Solutions and the other at Pacific Oaks College’s Center for Community and Social Impact (CCSI).

Dr Grant has a long history of direct mental health service delivery and administrative oversight for foster care systems, education systems and homeless mental wellness services. He is an international speaker and workshop facilitator, film and TV consultant and published author. His two books " A Moon for Us All" and “Black Men, Intergenerational Colonialism and Behavioral Health: A Noose Across Nations” are available now. 

Topics we discuss:

• Overview of his research

• Research on children from family members in the Holocaust.

• Oppressor's role is traumatic.

• Looking at how this world is moving forward; we are constantly divided.

• Be honest how you experience “otherness”.

• “A Moon for Us All”

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

Guest theme:  “Grey to Color” by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

The experiences that come with aging are some of life's greatest lessons. 

As we go about life creating new experiences, we are constantly guided by the past, influencing current decision making, perspective, and how we view ourselves.

Our guest Simone Knego, discusses how her age and experiences have taught her important lessons which have changed her perspective of the world.

Her experience of adopting three multicultural children has helped her acknowledge the importance of recognizing “we see color”.  This acknowledgment has taught her to honor diversity within her home, as not a means of disadvantage, but what makes us who we are.  

Not only has she learned the power of acknowledging diversity, but the power of self-confidence. Looking back on her personal life experiences with self-confidence, she comments a noteworthy perspective, “Comparisons rob the joy out of life”.  Her past struggle with self-confidence encourages us to end comparisons and start embracing the person you are.

Simone Knego is a wife, a mother of 6 children and 3 dogs, a serial entrepreneur, a keynote speaker, and an author who is making major strides in the world.

She began her professional life as a Certified Public Accountant in 1995 and in 2000, after settling in Sarasota, Florida, she went back to school to become a teacher, medical device sales, climbed Kilimanjaro.

Being a teacher opened her eyes even further to the role schools can play in providing children with stability, especially those who may not experience the comfort of constancy at home. 

She started getting involved with the Jewish Federation and after witnessing the difference that Jewish Federations can make locally across the globe, she was inspired to play a greater role and became a board member in 2016 of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation. 

This journey helped her realize that she had the ability to inspire others to dedicate time and resources to projects, both personal and charitable, that can make a difference in people's lives.  Finding a love for public speaking, and having written the book, "The Extraordinary, unordinary, You…She motivates others to see themselves differently so they can impact the world the way they were created to.

Topics we discuss:

o   Embracing Diversity

·         Diversity within her family by adopting children; creating a multi-cultural family.

·         Embracing that “we see color.”

·         We’re all different in so many ways, and we need to embrace that.

·         It’s okay to ask questions and make mistakes, if your heart is true.

o   Her family & Raising children. 

·         Six children, three adopted; one child from South Korea and two from Ethiopia

·         Raising her children to be good people

·         The importance of children knowing their loved.

o   Not being hard on yourself

·         We look at life like what's the finish line not the journey.

·         We are our worst critic.

·         Alot of self-projections of what others would want.

·         Choose what you love and don't look back, these things change.

o   Her experience with teaching

·         Valuable experiences

·         Ended up with a foster child for nine months.

o   Self-confidence

·         You're not meant to be another person, therefore there should be no comparison.

·         Changing the way, you see yourself, not who you are.

·         Don't use the word “can’t” means you won't try.

·         Choosing to not put yourself down, for something that even isn't in the realm of your desire.

·         Don’t put limits on yourself; know your capable of all things.

References:

·   Simone Knego  

·   Her Book

·   James Baldwin Conversation Scooter Sent us

·   Adoption

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

Guest theme:  “Lunch Notes and O’s” by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Division is all around us. Division as we experience it today comes in the form of political affiliation, race and even religion. Conversations within these divided topics tend to become hostile and rarely conclude with understanding or peace; let alone a consensus.

Our guest Melissa Weintraub has dedicated her life to the facilitation of these conversations and deliberation amongst strong religious and political divides; specifically, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These conflicts reflect the complicated creation of division that stems from our psychological perceptions and projections. Her commitment and dedication to peace gives hope for the prospect of peace throughout the world.

“These storylines, are what drives divide and societal chaos” - Melissa Weintraub

Melissa is the co-founding Executive Director of Resetting the Table, an organization dedicated to building dialogue and deliberation across political divides. Melissa was also the founding director of Encounter, an organization dedicated to strengthening the capacity of the Jewish people to be agents of change in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Melissa was awarded the Grinnell Young Innovator for Social Justice Prize, which honors demonstrated leadership and extraordinary accomplishment in effecting positive social change. A noted speaker and educator, Melissa has lectured and taught in hundreds of public forums on four continents. She was ordained as a Conservative Rabbi at the Jewish Theological Seminary and graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude.

Topics we discuss:

• Her upbringing influencing her career path.

• Gave her an ability to look for people who are excluded by circumstances.

• Bridge building work in Israel and Palestine conflict

• Lack of mutual recognition is the heart of the conflict.

• Getting them to the table is the most difficult part.

• Anti-normalization

• So much complexity and nuance to who I am, so don't put me in a box.

• Robust humanization

References:

• Gift Pod

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

Guest theme:  "Even Tables" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Women throughout history have demonstrated the power and strength to change the world, regardless of their circumstances.

Today those inspiring and empowering woman movements continue. Although these movements are positive, toxicity can still exist within.

As self-starter, entrepreneur, and a girl boss herself, Michelle Wintersteen offers a conversation that is motivating and honest. She comments on the power of these movements specifically, the toxic side of the Girl Boss culture. While sharing the notion that participating in a movement such as “Girl Boss” does not mean you can’t be critical of aspects within the movement.

There is no better way to celebrate Women in History month, then having a conversation full of positive success stories, honest conversation, and girl bosses.

“We can still be participants of a culture and be critical of them” - Michelle Wintersteen

Michelle aka MKW, is the Brand Designer and Creative Director behind MKW Creative Co. a freelance brand design firm helping to define, design, build and grow vibrant brands for social-media-minded entrepreneurs. The MKWCC brand is dedicated to designing original, unique & bold brands for today’s entrepreneurs and first-time business owners. Her style is bright, casual, honest, but also a little sassy, which reminds her to be thankful she has a job that aligns passion, purpose and personality every damn day.

She is passionate about creating communities around the themes of Branding, Marketing & Entrepreneurship. Whether it’s recording episodes for the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast, interviewing fellow entrepreneurs through desIGn Live, or co-hosting networking events with Level Community, she truly believes everyone benefits when businesses in our communities thrive.

Topics we discuss:

• Her upbringing and how it has impacted her entrepreneurship.

• Dad worked for a software company.

• The tendency for movements to be toxic.

• You sign terms and conditions; A platform gets to decide regulation etc.

• Color theory

References:

• MKW Creative Brand Company

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

Guest theme:  "Graphic Noted Dipped" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

It’s only human to question our purpose.   

So often it seems impossible to pursue a life of purpose while we have bills piled up and food to eat. When we do pursue our purpose that choice doesn't always reflect our parent’s desire for our lives or societies life mold.  

Isabelle Stillman represents a balance between having jobs she's passionate about while contributing to society in a way that gives back more than she could ever receive in return. And she still lives life with passion and joy.  

Her pioneering mindset inspires us to do the same by redefining and challenging society's conceptual definition of success. Successively breaking the mold created for what life “should” be and instead being bold with our careers we feel passion toward.   

" Artists perceive reality differently" - Isabelle Stillman 

Isabelle Stillman, raised in Missouri, now living in L.A. as a guitarist, songwriter and singer began creating her album while working as a high school English teacher in Denver. Through a journey of self-realization, she would uproot herself to spend a year traveling on her first national tour, a momentum abruptly ended by the outbreak of the coronavirus. This massive change and the dismantling of her life as she knew it led Stillman to discover the beauty that comes from opening up, leading with heart, leaning into pain and confusion, and ultimately, letting go.  

Stillman  often attributes her groundedness to her strong family life. She craved music from an early age, always singing and growing up with her parents’ music as the soundtrack. Stillman was a teenager when she first picked up guitar; but, school remained her primary focus. Systematic learning satiated her — the definition of “success” so clearly defined. Raised in a community that valued structure, Stillman embraced it. And yet her creativity continued to flow. 

Her Latest album, Heartrender, speaks to the universal struggle of opening oneself to new possibilities and relationships — opening your heart to the full spectrum of life. It acknowledges the human condition as one of growth from tragedy, reinvention from discovery, and resilience from pain.  

Abandoning the path of traditional genre and ignoring any guidelines, Heartrender is a celebration of self-awareness and the strength in surrendering control to the unexpected turns of a life less planned, cracked open, and more beautiful for it. 

Topics we discuss: 

•  Art and boundary's  

•  talking to family 

References: 

• Isabelle's website  

Credits:  

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

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

Guest theme:  "Party Dress" by Isabelle Stillman 

Imagine checking a box asking you to define your ethnicity and yet there is no box that accurately represents you.

Many people have experienced this issue when filling out forms of all kinds. It's the lack of versatility and accurate descriptions in those boxes that fail diverse individuals. Our guest Leona Maple discusses her personal life and the struggle of juggling all of her cultures and religions when moving to a place where it wasn't normal; like living a double life. She addresses the pressure to conform and mold into those around her.  She stands today embracing her diverse background. Her conversation of safe spaces, career, and explanations on intersectionality make for a conversation filled with passion and knowledge. Her ability to relate and articulate hard topics of conversation reflect her natural ability as a writer and embodies the mindset we all strive for.

“We can only do so much, so do what you can.” -  Leona Maple

Leona Maple (she/her) is a South Asian queer intersectional feminist and diversity consultant. She is all about making space for her fellow BIMPOC (Black, Indigenous, Mixed, and People of Color) folx and queer folx, through building communities and streamed shows aimed at growth in these marginalized communities, as well as through consulting work.

Leona’s first brush with intersectional feminism was in a Facebook group, where other women of color educated each other on important concepts to reduce each other’s emotional labour. Since then, she has eagerly researched and read countless articles on intersectionality, including works by bell hooks, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and WEB DuBois.

Leona’s passion for building safe spaces for BIMPOC and similarly marginalized communities stems from experiencing the healing effects of these spaces herself, in a BIMPOC only group that would meet in person in a private room. Having an opportunity to let your guard down as a woman of color is incredibly rare. Now, Leona actively seeks out people of color – and questions when this community is missing from a space. She is most proud of building a thriving BIMPOC community with Welcome To The Party, where Leona was a community discord moderator. She now runs Vibrant Legends with the Dicey Amazons.

In addition to her experience in inclusion and diversity, Leona also has a communications background. She graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BA in Communications in 2019. Her degree gave her opportunities to examine the crossroads of intersectionality, feminism, and communications. She has worked with magazines, marketing teams, nonprofits, and small businesses on a wide array of things – press releases, marketing, event management, social media marketing, consulting, writing, and publishing.

As a member of her local South Asian community, Leona is intimately familiar with South Asian diaspora’s cultural behaviors, Hinduism, Indian history and culture, and much more.

Topics we discuss:

• Emotional Labor
  • Constantly explaining to others

• Resistance to the idea

References:

• W.E.B Dubois

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

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

Cheering crowds, blinding lights, and electric energies that run through arenas create an insatiable love for the game amongst all sports fans. This type of love is what our guest, Kwame Mason, holds for the game of Hockey. Kwame found this love, not only through playing the sport, but in researching the unfamiliar history of talented black athletes in the game of hockey. 

His curious nature to learn more inspired the creation of his own documentary film, Soul On Ice: Past, Present & Future. He reveals the unfair past and lack of diversity in the hockey community regarding black athletes. This documentary creates a hope that one-day hockey can become a sport popularized among minorities just as basketball, football and baseball have been. His goal in spreading this insatiable love for hockey, and paying homage to those black hockey players, generate an episode full of engaging and passionate conversations 

"It’s a movement not a moment" -  Kwame Mason 

Kwame Damon Mason has been working in the Canadian entertainment industry since 1996. Kwame got his name out there thanks to popular radio stations like KISS 92.5 in Toronto where he hosted a 2 hour hip hop and R&B mix show Da Vibe and in 2001 Kwame became the weekend announcer on Toronto’s first urban radio station FLOW 93.5. He has used his experience and expertise to help launch countless radio stations across Canada. 

Kwame recently completed his first feature documentary film Soul On Ice: Past, Present & Future, a documentary about the history and contribution of black athletes in hockey. The film won best picture at the 2015 Edmonton International Film Festival and recently had its American television debut on the NHL Network.  

No stranger to hard work and perseverance, Kwame sacrificed everything he had to make his debut film, including selling his home and moving back from Alberta to Ontario. The time had come to invest in himself and pursue one of his biggest dreams.  

Kwame hopes to continue to create culturally vital documentary projects, showcasing diversity, history and the untold stories of those who need to be heard. 

Topics we discuss: 

• How he got into hockey 

• Introducing His Son to Hockey 

• Lack of diversity amongst hockey players  

• The Negro Hockey League in the 1800s 

• aside from still promoting the hockey film he's shooting content for the NHL  

References: 

• Soul on Ice  

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

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

Guest theme:  "Black Skates" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.