In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Ifeoma Aduba, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Funders Network, shares what it was like to be a biracial child in a predominantly white community. In addition to growing up in Central Bucks County, Ify spent a portion of her childhood in her father's homeland of Nigeria. Education, service, and family were just a few of the pillars inscribed upon her life by her parents. Today, Ify continues and elevates that legacy, having served as a leader in the non-profit world. Today, she has landed as the Executive Director of an organization dedicated to galvanizing philanthropic funders to inspire entrepreneurship, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ify has navigated the terrain of feeling both like an outsider at times and deeply connected to her community. She lives life with confidence, grace, intelligence and humor. We talk all things community, making a difference, and what it would be like if we could all simply jump on top of a cafeteria table and sing and dance whenever we wished.

In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Tabitha Dell'Angelo, Dean of the School of Education at the College of New Jersey talks about the road she traveled to become an educator and community leader. Tabitha serves on the Central Bucks School District School Board, a board that has become known for a high degree of contention. Tabitha shares how she manages to deal with the personal attacks that come with her service on the board, her job as a leader in the field of education, and the impossible challenge of balancing career, personal life and self care.

In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, artist, creator, innovator and entrepreneur Michael J. Stumpf talks about his journey from banking to running a successful marketing firm. He also shares how he is leveling up his artistic endeavors and community impact through his business Navidad, producing gorgeous nativities, learning and creating paintings and involving himself in the beautification of the region. When is retirement not retirement? Michael is living proof that some of us will never retire, we'll just evolve.

In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Barbara Simmons, former Executive Director of the Bucks County Peace Center, shares her perspective on social justice, peace, and what it takes to have a more equitable and kind society. She talks about her work in the community to effect change and help those who are disenfranchised to be heard, seen and understood. Barbara also shares a bit about her own journey to become a leader in the fight for equal rights for all.

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In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Vicky and Bobby Waite, of Bucks County Magazine and Doylestown Town & Country Magazine, discuss the incredible story of love, dedication, perseverance, courage and resilience of Bobby's adoption story. The duo display an incredible amount of fortitude and honesty as Vicky shares the story of how Bobby, born in Bulgaria, ended up as her hard-working and caring son. Bobby shares his gratitude toward a host of connections, who from a young age have joined his parents in helping to shape his life and direct him to a positive and, using Bobby's favorite word, "AMAZING" future. Despite obstacles, Bobby maintains a positive approach with the people he meets and in his life in general.

This is a powerful story of parenting, survival and the power of love and purpose that can be found within our lives and each other.

In this episode of the SolFul Connections podcast, Amanda connects with James Herr, Director of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy for the Japanese American National Museum, who shares how making a difference in the world has served as a running thread in his life. Jim shares his perspective on faith, democracy and the role his own blended heritage plays in his world view. Jim talks about growing up Catholic and multi-cultural. And, he discusses the twists and turns he made on his journey and how one seemingly simple conversation made him adjust his dreams for his future.

In this episode of SolFul Connections, Amanda connects with Kristen Donnelly, Ph.D., a public speaker, writer, educator and co-founder of Abbey Research. In this episode, Kristen shares the impact of faith in her business dealings, relationships, leadership and upon her life in general. We talk about purpose, self-awareness, bias, and cultural differences. Kristen brings a generous dose of intellect, humor and compassion to the conversation. You are guaranteed to leave the podcast with food for thought to ponder for a long time after listening.

Check out The Good Doctors' Colonizer's World Tour on YouTube featuring the "Good Doctors of Abbey Research." The duo are social scientists with Ph.D's who encourage inclusivity through heightened awareness and, somehow, they work a heaping dollop of fun pop culture into their educational discussions.

In the meantime, check out this episode and let me know your thoughts!

In this episode of SolFul Connections, Laura Waits and Per Hagen, of Synchronicity Recovery Foundation, share their personal journeys of healing, recovery and discovering a renewed sense of fun and joy in the natural world. The two share how they are helping others on their own journeys to wellness and recovery. Sync Recovery provides people affected by substance use disorder with a platform to build healthy relationships and discover a fulfilling lifestyle. During the podcast, we discuss issues around shame and guilt and joy and, yes, fun!

and understanding life’s largest mysteries. He talks about the role of meditation in his journey and how meditation can transform our lives, and the lives of our loved ones, in powerful ways.