The Human Experience

Katherine Mitchell’s 84-year journey defies the limits of a single identity. Born during WWII in Hungary, she survived war, communism, and displacement before building a multifaceted life in the U.S. As a nationally ranked gymnast turned refugee, talent agent turned screenwriter, single mother turned novelist, Katherine’s story is a testament to grit, adaptability, and lifelong learning. In this heartfelt and often humorous conversation, she opens up about the moments that shaped her—from math lessons that sparked logical thinking to the heartbreaks and breakthroughs of a life spent chasing meaning, not just success.

📍 This episode was recorded in Orange City, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

• Katherine was born in wartime Hungary and raised by her grandmother while her mother survived a concentration camp.
• After escaping Hungary following the 1956 revolution, she began a new life in the U.S., learning English and working jobs from Woolworth’s to Wall Street.
• Her early love for math laid the groundwork for a structured, logical approach that served her across industries.
• She transitioned from being a gymnast to a playwright, then became a Hollywood agent and screenwriter—all while raising a child alone.
• After nearly 30 years in California, a major earthquake pushed her to reinvent herself once more—this time as a novelist in Florida.
• Katherine speaks candidly about dreams deferred, lessons in resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of inner peace and creative fulfillment.
• Her perspective on compassion and passion is both simple and profound: one is about giving; the other, about being moved to act.

Katherine’s Bio:

It is an arduous task to capsulize 84 years of life that started as a war baby in Europe. Years of being a nationally ranked gymnast ended in escaping from communist Hungary. The refugee saga went from dishwasher to retail jobs, to love, marriage to an actor and on to Hollywood; from talent agent to screenwriter; from broken marriage to single parenting; always taking college courses to better myself. A 6.9 (7.) earthquake triggered my exit from California; becoming a novelist in Florida continued to fulfill years of working for acceptance as an American writer.

Connect with Katherine:

www.katherinemitchellauthor.com

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Robert Kesten, Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, shares a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation that spans civil rights, global activism, the importance of preserving history, and his lifelong commitment to justice. From organizing a fundraising event as a child in response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination to producing a Holocaust documentary and leading initiatives in human rights education, Robert’s journey reflects the intersection of compassion, curiosity, and courageous leadership. His reflections on history, identity, and the enduring struggle for human dignity are as timely as ever.

📍 This episode was recorded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

• Robert Kesten is the Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, which preserves and shares LGBTQ history and culture.
• His activism began in childhood after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., when he organized a fundraiser to help send kids to camp.
• Robert emphasizes the importance of telling full, interconnected histories—likening it to a dense tapestry where every thread matters.
• He has worked across diverse causes: LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education.
• Kesten produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living, focusing on emotional impact over dialogue.
• His view of compassion is putting the greater good above oneself, and his guiding philosophy is to leave the world better than he found it.
• Despite decades of global work, he describes his life as "rewarding" rather than "successful"—a reflection on the value of impact over recognition.

Robert Kesten’s Bio:

Kesten is president and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The nonprofit organization is one of the largest of its kind in the LGBTQ+ world and one of the oldest, having been started in 1973.

Prior to joining Stonewall, Kesten traveled around the world promoting acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document in building a better and more stable world. Kesten conceptualized the United Nations Decade of Human Rights Education, which was approved by the General Assembly and ran from 1994-2004.

Connect with Robert:

stonewall-museum.org

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After surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina Rush chose healing—and then built a movement. In this powerful in-person conversation, recorded in Philadelphia after her nonprofit’s second annual housing fair, Shakina shares how her lived experiences shaped She Is U, an organization that supports individuals impacted by abuse through housing, mental health, scholarships, and more. Her story is one of radical forgiveness, unshakable faith, and personal responsibility—and her presence is as healing as her work.

📍 This episode was recorded in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

• She Is U is a nonprofit founded by Shakina Rush that offers resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assault
• Her own lived experiences—beginning with childhood trauma and continuing into young adulthood—fueled the mission behind the organization
• Shakina emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, including forgiving herself, as a turning point in her healing journey
• Her healing deepened after a spiritual awakening when she first heard God’s voice clearly in her early 20s
• The organization’s unique programs include family bonding weekends, a scholarship fund, bereavement support, and even donating vehicles to survivors
• Shakina believes that domestic violence is a symptom of deeper, often unaddressed trauma
• She is planning new initiatives like Walk in My Shoes, a Converse-sponsored empathy-building experience
• Compassion, to her, means offering grace and practical support—filling the gap without judgment

Shakina Rush’s Bio:

My name is Shakina Rush, and I am an Overcomer! I’ve overcome childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence that started when I was just a preteen and followed me into my young adult years, and sexual assault as a grown woman. Every time I open my mouth and tell my story, I feel another layer of freedom. I don’t get tired of sharing—it’s part of my healing. A part of me that was once trapped in guilt, fear, and shame gets released every single time.

We Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and through the Word of our Testimony. That’s not just a scripture to me, it’s my life. I’ve made the choice to forgive. I forgive myself. I forgive those who hurt me. I forgive the ones who let me down, who left me when I needed them most. I release it all, and I walk forward in truth, purpose, and peace.

Connect with Shakina:

www.sheisu.org

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When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path of honoring his mother’s extraordinary life as an adopted child of American missionaries in pre-Communist China, a refugee from revolution, and a resilient physician under Mao. Together, we explore identity, inheritance, immigration, and what it means to find yourself between cultures while keeping a promise that spans generations.

📍 This episode was recorded in Madison, Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways:

• Richard’s mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, was adopted by American missionaries after surviving the 1931 Yangtze River Flood
• Her extraordinary life took her across China, India, and the U.S. during wartime and political upheaval
• She was separated from her adoptive parents for decades after the Communist revolution
• Despite being trapped in China, she became a surgeon and survived persecution with the help of unlikely allies
• Richard immigrated to the U.S. at 14, leaving behind his father and sister and navigating identity loss and cultural dislocation
• He spent nearly 10 years completing his mother’s memoir as a redemptive act of healing and honoring her legacy
• Richard reflects on the “third culture” experience—belonging fully to neither country but shaped deeply by both
• Compassion, for Richard, starts with listening deeply and without judgment

Richard Hsung’s Bio:

Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://richardperkinshsung.com). Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay (https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html).

Connect with Richard:

https://richardperkinshsung.com/

https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html

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Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, bestselling author, and founder of the nonprofit Faithful-2-Fitness, she channels that legacy of resilience into helping families fight childhood obesity and build healthier futures. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Nguyen shares her refugee story, her path to medicine, and why compassion, gratitude, and generosity remain at the heart of everything she does.

📍 This episode was recorded in Loves Park, Illinois.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Nguyen’s family escaped Communist Vietnam by boat in 1975, surviving multiple near-death experiences
• Her upbringing as one of 10 children shaped her resilience and gratitude
• She founded Faithful-2-Fitness to provide free health education and lifestyle tools to underserved families
• Cultural context and compassion are essential in addressing childhood obesity
• Her Catholic faith deeply informs her work in medicine, service, and philanthropy
• Writing Live to Give and other books helped her process grief and inspire generosity
• Small acts of compassion can spark long-term transformation—personally and societally

Dr. Katrina Nguyen's Bio:

Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity.

She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream.

She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet.

Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.

Connect with Katrina:

https://www.instagram.com/mdkatrina/#

https://www.tiktok.com/@mdkatrina

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In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and on the road. We explore how travel can be a powerful vehicle for connection and self-discovery, and how storytelling brings those experiences to life. Whether you're a budding traveler or someone navigating life's turning points, this conversation offers a compelling look at resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of the journey.

📍 This episode was recorded in Rockford, Illinois.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal experiences with domestic violence and the power of storytelling
• The significance of listening with intention
• Ralph Velasco's journey from suburban Chicago to travel photography
• Early influences and formative travel experiences
• Career transitions from restaurant ownership to real estate and photography
• The impact of the financial crisis on career decisions
• The benefits of small group travel experiences
• The appeal of travel for single women seeking community and security
• The evolving nature of career paths and personal growth
• Favorite travel destinations and considerations for group travel logistics

Ralph Velasco’s Bio:

Since 2008 (16+ years) Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents (plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S.)

When not traveling, Ralph is based in Chicago. However, he's been location-independent for 11+ years and traditionally spends anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours.

Ralph has authored several books on travel photography, and he just combined his most recent books into a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DKTL61PL).

These books include:

1. How to Be a Mindful Traveler Using Your 5+ Senses

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DFM2P87D)

2. Travel Activity Book for Adults: GRATITUDES Edition

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D3MKB1TP)

3. 60 AFFIRMATIONS for Travel (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQPLBM6T)

He has a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER® (https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter) and a related website (https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co) where everything about his business can be found, including tours, blog posts, his YouTube channel, podcasts, merchandise and more.

Ralph is often asked how people can learn to do what he does and so he created a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. In this course made up of 7 Modules and 26 Lessons, he goes step-by-step through what’s involved in creating a tour business.

Ralph has spoken all over the world and in the U.S. at the Travel & Adventure Shows and the New York Times Travel Show, as well as at travel blogger conferences (in Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Ireland) and the IOETI digital marketing conference in Cairo, Egypt (see more at https://continentaldrifter.co/speaking/)

Finally, he created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel more than 14 years ago, but it's no longer on the app store and instead he turned the information into a book called 52 Categories of a Shot List: Create Images that Tell a Story, also available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/52categories).

Connect with Ralph:

https://continentaldrifter.co

https://fb.com/thecontinentaldrifter

https://instagram.com/ralphvelasco

https://www.linkedin.com/company/continental-drifter

https://x.com/ralphvelasco

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In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discuss the power of local government, how to engage with your city, and why compassion still matters in civic life. Whether you're a Philly native or just want to better understand how your community works, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired.

📍 This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

• Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
• A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.
• He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.
• Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.
• He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.
• He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.
• Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.
• A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he’s not picking favorites).

Vincent Thompson’s Bio:

Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.

In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention.

Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest press club in daily operation.

He has been named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association’s Excellence in Broadcasting Award.

Connect with Vincent:

Twitter @Mediamancomm

Instagram: @phillymediamancomm

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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and Holocaust survivor, this conversation uncovers a century’s worth of history, resilience, and love. These are the kinds of stories that often go untold—but deserve to be remembered.

📍 This episode was recorded in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

Her father was one of 10 children in a coal-mining family in Pittston, PA, and the only one to attend seminary.

Despite growing up in humble beginnings, many of her uncles went on to college and professional careers, breaking generational cycles.

Her mother’s family hailed from Naples, Italy, and she grew up immersed in Italian traditions and strong family ties.

Music played a huge role in her youth—she became the pianist for her school assemblies and eventually played in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia.

She lived through World War II and vividly recalls the day Pearl Harbor was bombed—her younger brother’s birthday.

She later married Opa (Laszlo), a Hungarian immigrant, physicist, and survivor of religious persecution, whose brilliance and humility left a lasting mark on the family.

Personal memories, from roller-skating mishaps to Epcot visits and feeding the dogs behind Grandma’s back, make this story uniquely intimate.

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After years of identifying solely as a teacher, Kim faced an identity crisis when burnout forced her to leave the profession. What followed was a deeply personal journey through therapy, self-discovery, and alternative healing modalities. In this episode, she shares the emotional rollercoaster of redefining herself, uncovering childhood trauma, and eventually finding relief through holistic practices like Reiki, yoga, meditation, and energy healing.

Now a certified holistic practitioner, Kim helps others navigate their own healing journeys. She joins host Jennifer Peterkin to discuss the reality of burnout, the limitations of traditional therapy, and the power of exploring alternative healing methods.

📍 This episode was recorded in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

Kim’s journey from teacher burnout to holistic healing

The emotional toll of losing an identity tied to career success

How traditional therapy helped—but also left gaps in her healing

The role of yoga, meditation, Reiki, and energy work in her transformation

The importance of trusting your intuition when seeking help

How Kim now helps others on their own healing and self-discovery journeys

#TheHumanExperiencePodcast #HealingJourney #EnergyHealing #MindBodyWellness #OvercomingBurnout #HolisticHealing

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Website - https://www.kimkeane.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimvkeane/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kimvkeane

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kimvkeane

Email - [email protected]

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Two years ago, The Human Experience went live—a deeply personal and transformative journey of storytelling, connection, and vulnerability. Host Jennifer Peterkin reflects on what she has learned, the intentionality behind in-person interviews, and why proximity and presence matter in capturing human stories.

She also shares an important update about the future of the podcast and what it means to "hold things loosely" when life demands change. Finally, an important announcement: for the foreseeable future, new guest interviews will now be released every other week instead of weekly. This shift allows Jennifer to continue creating meaningful conversations while ensuring the podcast remains a labor of love rather than obligation.

Tune in to hear the full story behind this decision and what’s next for The Human Experience.

🎧 Listen now

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