Now, Near & the Future

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🎙️ NOW, NEAR & THE FUTURE - Season 2, Episode 3

Finding Hope in Terminal Illness: Jill Thompson's Mission to Serve 7 Million Families

Every single day, 562 children in the United States lose a parent to terminal illness. Yet this crisis remains largely invisible—until it touches your own life.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Jill Thompson, Public Relations Director at Inheritance of Hope, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that's transforming how young families navigate one of life's most devastating journeys.

🔑 KEY TOPICS:

• The invisible crisis: 7 million people in young families facing terminal illness
• Four lifesaving programs: Legacy Retreats, Hope Hub, Hope@Home Groups, Legacy Videos
• The "7 Million Favorites" vision
• How to find hope without denying reality
• Jill's bone marrow donor story and how it came full circle
• Scaling compassion while maintaining personal touch
• Why legacy matters when tomorrow isn't guaranteed

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:30 - NOW: The Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight 15:00 - Around the Room 18:00 - Jill Thompson Introduction 20:00 - NEAR: Growing Hope & Scaling Impact 32:00 - Across the Pond 37:00 - FUTURE: 7 Million Favorites Vision 44:00 - How to Get Involved

💡 ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jill Thompson is the Public Relations Director at Inheritance of Hope, where she's served for over 15 years in roles including Brand Director and Family Legacy Director. She's been instrumental in growing the organization from serving their 100th family in 2011 to reaching families in all 50 states. Jill is also a bone marrow donor whose recipient's widow now supports Inheritance of Hope—a beautiful story of hope coming full circle.

🔗 INHERITANCE OF HOPE: Website: InheritanceOfHope.org Instagram: @InheritanceOfHope Facebook: facebook.com/InheritanceOfHope Phone: 914.213.8435 Email: [email protected]

Ways to Help:

• Volunteer (online or in-person)
• Make a Legacy Video
• Refer a family
• Become a monthly donor
• Apply for programs if you're facing terminal illness

📍 Hope Hub Locations: Washington DC, Jacksonville FL, Twin Cities MN, Tampa FL

🎧 ABOUT NOW, NEAR & THE FUTURE: Hosted by Quinn Harrington (Jacksonville, FL) and Naila Mir (London, UK), we explore business, culture, and innovation through three temporal lenses: what's happening NOW, what's coming NEAR (3-5 years), and what the FUTURE holds (15-20 years out).

FOLLOW US: 🌐 Website: NowNearFuture.com 📸 Instagram: @NowNearFuture 💼 LinkedIn: @NowNearFuture 

LISTEN: 🎵 Spotify: [Link] 🍎 Apple Podcasts: [Link] 📦 Amazon Music: [Link]

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

• Quinn Harrington - Founder of HDco, Jacksonville-based branding agency. Creates keynote videos and brand experiences. @hdco
• Naila Mir - Founder of P3 Connect (People with Purpose), London-based consultant specializing in employee engagement and purpose-driven organizations. @p3connectuk

📩 CONTACT US: General: [email protected] Guest Inquiries: p[email protected]

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses terminal illness, grief, and loss. Please take care while listening.

#InheritanceOfHope #TerminalIllness #LegacyVideos #FamilySupport #GriefSupport #Nonprofit #Jacksonville #HopeHub #NowNearFuture #Podcast #JillThompson #ParentalLoss #FindingHope

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When 400 parents showed up to her first class, Kim Muench knew immediately: "It's a pain point."

In this deeply personal episode, certified parent coach Kim Muench opens up about the crisis unfolding in homes across America: adult children stuck at home, consumed by screens, unable to launch into independent life. Screen addiction is the one common denominator across ALL of Kim's clients—young men (primarily) and women ages 19-29 who are directionless, glued to gaming or social media, living at home with no clear path forward.

But here's what makes this conversation different—this isn't just professional observation. Quinn reveals her own struggle with her 23-year-old daughter Avery, who lives at home, works and pays rent, but is battling depression and screen addiction. Six months ago, they created a contract together: responsibilities, goals, rent that increases $100 every three months. It's a process.

This is the episode where professional boundaries dissolve and we're all just parents trying to figure out how to help the young adults we love. Naila contemplates screen time choices for her 18-month-old daughter ("she gets irritated if she doesn't get to watch as much as she wants"). And Kim shares the hard truth: sometimes parents have to start with the basics—getting a young person to simply bring their dishes out of their room.

In this episode:

• Why screen addiction affects young men differently than young women (gaming vs. social media)
• The difference between economic barriers and being "lost in place"
• Kim's Four C's for parents: Calm, Confident, Clear, Consistent
• What parents actually control (and what they don't)
• Family living agreements: how to create them WITH your young adult, not FOR them
• The three things parents control: how you show up, what you provide, how you respond
• Why some parents are working with 45-year-olds still at home—and how to avoid that
• The parenting paradigm shift happening right now
• What happens to this generation by 2040?

Powerful quotes:

• "Our children come through us, not for us, except for the lessons they reflect to us during their journey in an effort to grow us up along the way."
• "I did not sign up for this—if you decided not to go to college and you're not working full time and I'm still paying for everything in your life."
• "Parents think they're past the work and that's not the case."

Kim's upcoming book, Lost in Place (November 2026), will be the comprehensive guide for parents who feel alone in this struggle. This conversation is a preview of that hope—and a reminder that you're not the only one facing this.

Guest: Kim Muench, Certified Parent Coach, Dallas, Texas
Website: reallifeparentguide.com
Social: @kimmunchparentcoach (Instagram & TikTok)

Topics: Failure to launch, lost in place, screen addiction, emerging adults, parenting challenges, mental health, gaming addiction, Gen Z struggles, family living agreements

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In this episode, Quinn Harrington and Naila Mir discuss the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics with Leo Bottary, founder of Peer Novation. They explore the shift from traditional top-down leadership to a model that emphasizes peer power, accountability, and collaboration. 

The conversation delves into the importance of psychological safety, the impact of millennials and Gen Z on organizational culture, and the integration of AI in the workplace. Bottary highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion in peer learning and shares insights on how cultural differences affect peer interactions. The episode concludes with a look at the future of management and the need for clarity in leadership roles.

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After months of getting to know fascinating guests, it's time you got to know us! In this special episode, Quinn and Naila flip the script and interview each other about everything they've never shared on air.

What You'll Discover:

• How Naila's 24 years in Pakistan shaped her sustainability mission (spoiler: it started at age 10)
• Quinn's most ridiculous client story involving techno music and a major bank
• The real story behind Naila's decade-long "I'm going to learn guitar" promise
• Why Quinn has been strategically purchasing fleece-lined tights for months
• Naila's secret children's book project and app idea that could change how we connect for good
• The most embarrassing moments from 14 years at Unilever vs. 20+ years in advertising

Plus: A game of Two Truths and a Lie that reveals which host once [spoiler alert - you'll have to listen], rapid-fire favorites that span continents and decades, and the surprisingly emotional story of how a corporate sustainability expert and a brand strategist from different sides of the Atlantic became creative partners.

Whether you're here for the business insights, cultural perspectives, or just want to hear two friends figure out they both have way too many unfinished creative projects, this episode proves that sometimes the best conversations happen when you stop trying to be professional.

Connect with Quinn: @hdco on Instagram, LinkedIn Connect with Naila: @p3connect.uk on Instagram, LinkedIn

Where to Listen & Watch

Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Follow Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram: @nownearfuture
• LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Facebook: Now, Near, and the Future

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What if fashion wasn't about expressing who you are, but about letting your actions speak louder than your wardrobe? This week, we sit down with Naz Pauperio, co-founder of FIFI, a Portugal-based sustainable clothing company that's flipping the fashion industry on its head.

The Revolutionary Approach: While fast fashion churns out 50-60 new collections daily, FIFI offers just six black items designed to last years, not seasons. Their radical philosophy? "You are unique. You are not your clothes. Your clothes don't define you."

What You'll Discover:

• Why FIFI's founders would be happy to never see you again (seriously!)
• The digital passport revolution coming to track every garment's journey
• How Portugal's rich textile heritage is fueling sustainable innovation
• Why younger generations are choosing charity shops over shopping malls
• The shocking CEO-to-worker pay gaps driving fashion's sustainability crisis

Standout Quote: "We'd be happy if we don't see you again. That sounds kind of crazy, but that's what we believe. We'd rather have lots of customers that come to us, but really they're buying one piece and they don't need to come to us very often."

Whether you're a conscious consumer or curious about sustainable business models, Naz's mission to "close the loop and open minds" offers a refreshing take on fashion that prioritizes planet over profit.

Connect with Naz & FIFI:

• Website: fifi-wear.com
• Instagram: @fifiwear

Where to Listen & Watch

Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Follow Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram: @nownearfuture
• LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Facebook: Now, Near, and the Future

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Ever wondered what happens when AI meets authentic human creativity? This week, we sit down with professional voice actor Alaina Wis, who's brought characters to life in major video games like Starfield and Skyrim, and voiced commercials for brands like Google, Amazon, and Toyota.

What You'll Discover:

• How AI is actually HELPING voice actors find better creative partnerships (spoiler: it's not what you think!)
• Why brands are choosing human voices over AI - even when the AI sounds "good enough"
• The wild world of video game voice acting (including Alaina's hilarious zombie moaning session)
• What a typical day looks like for a working voice actor (hint: 20-25 auditions daily!)

Laugh-Out-Loud Moments:

• Naila attempts her "professional podcast voice" and immediately gets roasted
• Disney princess rankings get serious (Team Rapunzel vs Team Ariel!)
• Accent showdown: Mid-Atlantic madness with questionable attempts
• Quinn's surprisingly solid Bill Clinton impression emerges

Industry Insights:

• The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike affecting major gaming companies
• How remote recording opened global opportunities for voice talent
• Why acting training is non-negotiable for gaming voice work
• The future of interactive entertainment and narrative-driven games

Alaina shares her journey from traditional studio sessions to building a thriving remote business, proving that creativity and authenticity will always have a place in our increasingly digital world. Plus, you've actually heard her voice before - she's the talent behind our podcast intro!

Whether you're a creative professional navigating industry changes, curious about voice acting, or just love hearing authentic stories about building a sustainable creative career, this episode delivers both insights and entertainment.

Connect with Alaina:

• Website: alainawis.com
• Instagram: @alainawis or @belleieve
• LinkedIn: Alaina Wis

Find Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram/LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Available on all major podcast platforms

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"When you say something as an introvert, it has weight. It changes the energy of the room."

If you've ever felt like the corporate world wasn't built for quiet leaders, this episode will change your perspective entirely. Many introverted professionals struggle with visibility and authenticity in leadership roles, but what if your natural tendencies are actually your greatest strengths?

In this episode of "Now, Near, and the Future," hosts Quinn Harrington and Naila Mir sit down with Sadaf Javed, Executive Leadership Coach and founder of Quiet Thrivers, to explore why introverted leadership might be exactly what today's chaotic business world needs most.

Sadaf, drawing from her decades of corporate experience at companies like Unilever, reveals the hidden advantages quiet leaders possess and shares practical strategies for thriving without changing who you are. She unpacks why "getting clearer" matters infinitely more than "getting louder."

In this episode, we explore:

• Why introverted leaders often outperform with self-motivated teams
• The visibility trap and how to reframe it as "speaking up in moments that matter"
• How hybrid work environments actually favor introverted leadership styles
• The physical workspace challenges that hinder quiet leaders
• Why organizations need to expand their diversity and inclusion efforts beyond demographics

Key takeaway: "You suffer more in imagination than in reality" - a Stoic philosophy that perfectly captures the internal struggles many introverted leaders face.

Whether you're an introverted leader seeking authenticity or an organization wanting to unlock the potential of all personality types, this conversation offers practical insights for thriving in corporate environments without compromising who you are.

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Meet the inventor who's making plastic vanish! Bob Hawkinson joins Quinn & Naila to reveal his revolutionary soil & marine biodegradable plastics that could transform agriculture & landscaping. From mulch bags that become weed barriers to trimmer line that doesn't pollute, Bob's innovations tackle the billions of pounds of plastic waste threatening our planet. Plus, don't Bob's amazing service dog Dixie, who detects blood sugar changes faster than medical devices! 🌱 #SustainablePlastics #BiodegradableSolutions

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What happens when a digital community drops "Digital" from its name? Bureau founder Carl Smith joins us to share why his thriving agency leadership community is embracing a future where digital is as ubiquitous as electricity. With his trademark humor and frankness, Carl reveals the state of digital services in 2025, why smaller shops are thriving, and how community-building transcends industry jargon.

From agency leaders mistaking cultural differences for personal slights to the surprising cost of running a Slack community ($75K a year!), Carl offers insights that are equal parts strategic and heartfelt. As he puts it, "We have to work together... when one person's in trouble with too little and another's in trouble with too much, we have to find a way." His parting wisdom? "Slow down. You're gonna be okay."

Whether you're running an agency, building a community, or simply navigating the evolving digital landscape, Carl reminds us that behind every rebrand and business model, human connection remains the essential ingredient.

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In this eye-opening episode of "Now, Near, and the Future," we explore the evolving role of AI in filmmaking with award-winning cinematographer Britt McTammany. From using Midjourney to visualize futuristic worlds for multi-million dollar film pitches to his experiences shooting the critically acclaimed "The Artifice Girl," Britt shares fascinating insights about how AI is transforming the creative process. We discuss the balance between technological advancement and preserving the human element in storytelling, the ethical considerations when using AI for concept development, and the future of production in an increasingly automated industry. Whether you're a filmmaker, creative professional, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping visual storytelling, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and thoughtful perspective on navigating this technological revolution.