Podcetera

Podcetera

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Podcetera episodes

  • Through the Deep Blue Lens | Paul Cater Deaton

    Embark on an extraordinary journey into the life of the award-winning writer, producer, director, and cinematographer, Paul Cater Deaton. From the rugged beauty of a Texas ranch to the remote corners of the world, Paul's journey unfolds as a captivating tale of exploration and adventure. We dive into his passion and impactful work, shedding light on ocean conservation, tackling issues from shark fin harvesting to broader advocacy initiatives. Discover how Paul uses his films as a powerful medium to raise awareness, inspire action, and contribute to the preservation and restoration of our oceans.

    Guest Links:

    • https://paulcaterdeaton.com/
    • 52 min
    • Empowering Change: A Conversation on DEI and Fundraising | Michelle Gollapalli

      Join us for an insightful conversation with fundraising executive and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist Michelle Gollapalli, as we delve into the significance of fostering diverse perspectives, ensuring equitable opportunities, and cultivating inclusivity. Michelle discusses the impact of integrating DEI principles into the fabric of fundraising strategies.


      Drawing from her rich experience as an internationally-accredited fundraising professional with over 25 years in diverse fields such as public broadcasting, healthcare, youth services, disabilities, and education, she now serves as the EVP & Chief Development Officer at Food for the Poor.

      Guest Links:

      • Michelle Gollapalli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgollapalli
      • Food for the Poor: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-for-the-poor/
      • 54 min
      • Real Estate’s Ever-Changing Landscape | Maria Quattrone & Dara Ellis

        Step with us into the dynamic realm of real estate with two distinguished experts, Maria Quattrone of RE/MAX AT HOME and Maria Quattrone and Associates, and Dara Ellis of RE/MAX AT HOME, both realtors in the bustling Philadelphia market. In this candid discussion, we explore the experiences and challenges faced by women in an industry traditionally dominated by male executives and deal-makers. Delving into the shifting landscape of real estate, our guests offer invaluable insights into current trends, and we delve into the changes shaping the role of the realtor.

        Guest Links:

        • Maria Quattrone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaquattrone/
        • Dara Ellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darakennedyellisrealestate/
        • Maria Quattrone and Associates: https://mqrealestate.com/
        • 46 min
        • Invisible Realities: Life Beyond Chronic Pain, Illness, and Disability | Janet Jay

          Janet Jay holds extensive knowledge in an area that we all try to avoid—chronic pain. Despite enduring relentless pain resulting from a back injury compounded by fibromyalgia throughout her life, she's carved a successful career path. Janet is an internationally published freelance journalist, writer, editor and communications specialist with the US Pain Foundation, which includes writing and editing the the INvisible Project magazine. Her unwavering dedication to shedding light on the intricacies of disability, chronic pain, mental health, and invisible illnesses is evident through her work and advocacy.

          In this episode, we explore the following topics and more:

          • Janet's personal journey with pain and illness and her spinal cord stimulator implant.
          • Navigating relationships while experiencing disability and grappling with the loneliness and isolation linked to chronic illness and pain.
          • The impact of long COVID on a new wave of individuals with disabilities.
          • Evolving perceptions of invisible illnesses and the common misconception of "But you don't look sick."
          • The unique grief associated with lifelong diagnoses or conditions.
          • The ramifications of the war on drugs on those coping with chronic pain.
          • The correlation between trauma and illness.
          • Guest Links:

            • Janet's Website: https://www.janetjay.com/
            • Janet Jay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetjay/
            • Janet Jay YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanetJay
            • Spoon Theory: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/ (Christine Miserandino)
            • 50 min
            • Pouring Perseverance: The Path to Wines of Illyria | Indira Bayer

              Pour yourself a glass of wine and partake in our captivating conversation highlighting the unstoppable spirit of Indira Bayer. Serving as the Founder, Executive Director, and Brand Ambassador of Wines of Illyria, Indira's story unfolds from her immigration journey in 1996, arriving in a new land from Bosnia and Herzegovina without a grasp of the English language. Her path weaves through the banking industry, various roles within the U.S. Department of State across Europe, culminating in her remarkable venture—establishing a wine label that features and celebrates Balkan wines in the United States.


              The mission of Wines of Illyria is to source exceptional wines that capture the unique character of the ancient Illyrian countryside, what is now known as Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro, while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Indira is inspired by the rich wine-making traditions of the Balkan region, and is are committed to honoring that heritage by offering wines that are authentic, honest, and reflective of the land.

              Guest Links:

              • Wines of Illyria: https://winesofillyria.com/
              • Indira Bayer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indira-bayer-5776a557/
              • 51 min
              • Architecting Empathy, Breaking Barriers, and Building Connections | Lance Simon

                Lance Simon is a force in motion, always seeking to make a positive impact through his diverse skill set and passion for creating positive change. He is an architect, filmmaker, photographer, and advocate for both homelessness and mental health awareness. Lance shares his experiences growing up biracial in America and sheds light on the importance of combating homelessness while dispelling common misconceptions about the homeless. His insights emphasize the need for understanding, empathy, and fostering inclusivity in architecture and beyond.


                Lance is the Principal and Director of Design at Egan|Simon Architecture, where he leads the transformation of communities through award-winning housing design. With a deep-rooted passion for revitalizing neighborhoods, Lance uses his architectural expertise to create spaces that promote stability, health, and well-being for vulnerable populations. His career has spanned both rural and urban landscapes, from improving housing in Kentucky to working with renowned firms like Arquitectonica in Miami.

                As a champion of sustainable design and social impact, Lance's projects have helped more than 5,000 individuals, including military veterans and those struggling with homelessness and mental illness. His work has earned recognition from the Clinton Global Initiative and multiple industry awards. Lance is dedicated to using design to address inequities and improve communities, serving on various boards and advising government organizations to ensure lasting, positive change.

                Guest Links:

                • Lance Simon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancesimon/
                • Egan|Simon Architecture: https://egansimon.com/
                • Code of the Heart Film: https://codeoftheheartfilm.com/
                • Out of the Ashes Images: https://www.outoftheashesimages.com/
                •  

                  55 min
                • Medieval Verses to Modern Insights: Toxic Academia and Why Humanities Matter | Irina Dumitrescu

                  Renowned and versatile academician, Irina Dumitrescu, Ph.D., leads the Department of English, American, and Celtic Studies at The University of Bonn. As an accomplished author, podcast host, and expert in medieval literature, she joins us to delve into a diverse range of topics. Our conversation spans from the intricacies of toxic academia to the integration of AI in classrooms, emphasizing the significance of humanities in our contemporary world and beyond.


                  Irina contributes essays and a column to the Times Literary Supplement and is working on a book exploring how medieval literature helps her overcome perfectionism. She co-hosts several podcasts for the London Review of Books, including Medieval LOLs, and has written on topics like distraction, education, celebrity, and migration. Her first book, on teacher-student relationships in early medieval literature, was published by Cambridge, and her second project examines the medieval roots of celebrity.

                  Guest Links:

                  • Irina's Website: https://irinadumitrescu.com/
                  • Irina's Substack: https://substack.com/@irinibus
                  • 54 min
                  • Creative Kaleidoscope: Crafting Characters, Melodies, and Moments | Heath Allyn

                    Heath Allyn is the embodiment of versatility. Not only is he a character actor, he is also a voice actor, writer, director, musician, vocalist, and composer based in Austin, Texas. We sit down with Heath to unravel his insights into the world of social media stardom and we discover the driving forces behind his creative spirit and what it means to be your true self online.


                    When Heath isn't acting or performing music, he writes, directs, edits, and produces across various projects. Known for his paradoxical personality, he’s got a knack for humor and adventure. He once ate 42 Marshmallow Peeps on a dare from Gary Busey and embraces his role as a "renaissance man" with a love for both creativity and technology.

                    Guest Links:

                    • Website: https://heathallyn.com/
                    • LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/heathallyn
                    • Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/heathallyn/
                    • IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0021675/
                    • TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@heathallyn
                    • 46 min
                    • Proud Outsider: SHOWGALS and the Reality of Reality TV | Jeff Nucera

                      Producer and documentary filmmaker Jeff Nucera joins us to discuss his latest project SHOWGALS, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of Tight & Nerdy, the world’s first burlesque troupe devoted to “Weird Al” Yankovic. Jeff also delves into the reality of producing reality television and what it is like to open Weird Al's fan mail.

                      Jeff has been working in unscripted storytelling for more than two decades starting with two of the genre’s most groundbreaking series: MTV’s The Osborne’s and Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica. More recently, he has been a Co-Executive Producer for shows you may or may not have heard of, including the MGM+ docu-series Blumhouse’s Compendium of Horror. 

                      When he is not producing television shows or directing documentaries, he stays busy doing odd jobs for “Weird Al” Yankovic, like writing thousands of trivia questions (and answers!) for Al’s Self-Indulgent, Ill advised Vanity Tour, or sorting Al’s fan mail - a job he has proudly held since 2001.

                      Guest Links:

                      • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnucera/
                      • IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1222480/bio/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
                      • Tight and Nerdy (Formerly Showgals The Movie): https://showgalsthemovie.com/
                      • 50 min
                      • Beyond the Screen: Film Producing in the Stream Era | Mike Blizzard

                        From political consultant to film producer and director, Mike Blizzard has turned his talents for grassroots campaigning into a vibrant film career in Austin, Texas. His latest project is Richard Linklater’s HIT MAN, about a gun for hire who just happens to be working for the cops.

                        Mike was a producer on APOLLO 10 1 ⁄ 2: A SPACE AGE CHILDHOOD, and NO NO: A DOKUMENTARY about the life and times of major league baseball pitcher Dock Ellis. In 2018, he produced and directed the documentary ALSO STARRING AUSTIN which features scenes from locally shot films as a lens to explore the city, its evolving environment, enduring culture and its importance in American film history.

                        Austin film producer and director Mike Blizzard talks about his past, current, and future films and what it’s like to produce in the streaming era.


                        Guest Links:

                        • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-blizzard-a7990a1
                        • IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3943530/
                        • 47 min

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