The Ruby Hour

Andrea isn’t just making art—she’s cracking open the human experience. From live performance pieces that invite radical vulnerability to challenging the outdated norms of a male-dominated industry, Andrea’s work is an open invitation to rethink creativity, identity, and connection.

In this raw and thought-provoking conversation, she and Shelby Ring dive into the power of storytelling, the weight of ancestral wisdom in artistic expression, and the balancing act of motherhood and creative ambition. They explore how women in film are shifting the narrative, why humor is a tool for resilience, and what it really means to create without fear.

This episode is for the creatives, the visionaries, and the women rewriting the rules of self-expression. Get ready to challenge expectations and embrace the freedom to create on your own terms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

In this episode of The Ruby Hour Podcast, you’ll discover:

Creativity as Healing – Why self-expression is a powerful force for transformation.

This conversation isn’t just about art—it’s about living unapologetically. Tune in now and rediscover what it means to create, connect, and carve your own path.

Oleg Zhoglo’s journey is one of reinvention—shaped by his Soviet upbringing, global travels, and the bold decisions that have defined his path. In this compelling conversation, he and Shelby Ring dive into the power of personal growth, the necessity of risk-taking, and the social skills that turn strangers into lifelong connections. Oleg unpacks the fears that hold us back, the art of meaningful relationships, and why being interesting isn’t just a trait—it’s a strategy. This discussion is a call to action for anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and build a life rich in connection, opportunity, and adventure.

Chapters

00:00 Life's Journey: From Moldova to the World

In this episode of The Ruby Hour Podcast, you’ll discover:

The Power of Storytelling: Why sharing your journey isn’t just about reflection—it’s a tool for connection, growth, and opportunity.

Cultural Shaping: How experiences across different cultures influence our decisions, perspectives, and the way we navigate change.

Embracing the Unexpected: Life rarely follows a straight path—discover how major shifts can unlock new passions and unexpected career opportunities.

The Art of Social Mastery: Social skills aren’t innate—they’re built. Learn how to develop and refine the ability to connect, engage, and foster deeper relationships.

Fear as Fuel: Overcoming fear isn’t optional—it’s essential. Explore how pushing past hesitation leads to personal and professional breakthroughs.

The Value of Initiative: The strongest connections don’t happen by chance—discover how taking action in relationships can transform the depth and quality of your social circles.

Redefining ‘Interesting’: Being captivating isn’t about performance—it’s about meaningful engagement, curiosity, and adding value to every interaction.

Failing Forward: Why failure isn’t a setback, but a stepping stone to success, resilience, and stronger self-awareness.

The Cure for Loneliness: Combat isolation by embracing social momentum—learn how to actively seek, build, and sustain fulfilling connections.

Lisa Neigut isn’t just navigating the tech world—she’s flipping the script. From breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated space to redefining what it means to balance intellect and femininity, Lisa brings a bold perspective on success, growth, and connection.

In this thought-provoking conversation, she unpacks the unspoken challenges of dating in tech, the power of emotional intelligence in relationships, and the urgent need for men to find their place in a rapidly evolving society. Through personal reflection and candid insights, Lisa challenges the status quo—offering a fresh take on what it really means to thrive in both career and connection.

This episode is for the rule-breakers, the thinkers, and the ones who refuse to settle for surface-level conversations. Get ready to dive deep into the dynamics of tech, gender, and personal evolution.

In this episode of The Ruby Hour Podcast, you’ll discover:

The Duality of Femininity and Intellect – Why embracing both is key to success in tech and beyond.

Chapters:

00:00 The Balance of Femininity and Strength

06:16 Navigating the Tech Landscape as a Woman

11:34 The Gladiator Mentality in Relationships

17:00 Finding Security and Freedom in Partnerships

22:39 Understanding Personality Types in Relationships

29:14 Exploring Cultural Perspectives on Marriage

31:59 The Role of Matchmakers in Society

33:51 Defining Personal Criteria for Relationships

36:39 Childhood Social Dynamics and Negotiation

39:20 Reflecting on Early Friendships and Social Status

42:00 Nostalgia and Lessons from Elementary School Experiences

44:59 The Importance of Socialization for Nerds

46:59 Ethics in Technology Development

48:25 The Dark Side of Tech and Masculinity

50:13 Redefining Masculinity in Modern Society

52:02 The Role of Men and Women in Relationships

55:12 Navigating Gender Roles and Expectations

57:17 The Evolution of Gender Roles

01:00:08 Finding Balance in Modern Relationships

01:02:55 Creating Personal Agreements in Partnerships

01:06:59 Choosing Your Hard in Relationships

This is more than just a conversation—it’s a wake-up call. Tune in now and rethink what it means to lead, love, and live with intention.

Ready to break free? Tune in to this powerful conversation and unlock the courage within you.

Lisa Neigut isn’t here to play by the rules—she’s here to break them. From navigating Japan’s cultural landscape to disrupting the tech world and challenging gender dynamics, Lisa is a true trailblazer. In this compelling conversation with Shelby Ring, Lisa dives deep into the art of relationships, the challenges of building meaningful communities in the digital age, and the broader implications of gender perspectives in today’s society.

Get ready for a dose of inspiration that will challenge everything you thought you knew about connection, identity, and carving your own path.

This episode is for those who aren’t afraid to disrupt the status quo and create something that truly matters. Tune in now and get ready to make your own mark.

In this episode of The Ruby Hour Podcast, you’ll discover:

The Power of Perspective: Hear how Lisa’s time in Japan shaped her worldview and provided fresh insights into culture, connection, and personal growth.

Gender in Focus: Lisa’s writing aspirations delve into the nuances of feminism, gender dynamics, and how these play out in both personal and professional settings.

Community in a Digital World: Building meaningful relationships in tech isn’t easy—Lisa shares how in-person experiences and intellectual engagement have helped her foster connection and community.

Choosing Your Hard: Explore the delicate dance of partnership dynamics, the tragedy of misunderstandings, and the opportunities for deeper connection when gender assumptions are addressed.

The Writer's Journey: From math to crypto to feminism, Lisa’s evolution as a writer proves that embracing varied passions leads to a more fulfilling life and career.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Studio Space

But this isn’t just a talk about personal stories—it's a blueprint for navigating connection, identity, and growth in an increasingly fragmented world. It’s a rallying cry for all the movers and shakers out there. Whether you’re challenging societal norms, building communities in a digital age, or navigating the complexities of relationships, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, push harder, and redefine what’s possible.

Ready to break free? Tune in to this powerful conversation and unlock the courage within you.

You're 35, living the dream. Scuba diving, love, adventure... Then the diagnosis hits: triple-negative breast cancer. Suddenly, the question looms: Are those carefree Saturdays and date nights your "best times ever?" A raw and powerful story for every person who's ever felt the shadow of "what if?" with actionable advice when you’re faced with a terrifying cancer diagnosis. Face your greatest fear with Melannie Bachman's story – and discover how you, too, can find freedom in the beautiful face of a cancer diagnosis.

Visit https://www.melanniebachman.com to order your copy of her book, "A Dive Through Cancer" (spoiler alert: it reads like the most terrifying, beautiful poetic thriller I have ever read. It cracked me wide open!!) 

To see the beautiful "Shedding Skin" short film we filmed of Melannie's hair shaving ceremony when she began chemo, watch here (makes me cry every freakin' time) : https://youtu.be/kynK7zeUEdc

Melannie holds experience as an author, dive instructor, published marine scientist, & yoga teacher. She is passionate about inspiring connections with each other, within ourselves, and with our planet. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age 35, she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation.  

Jump To A Section

03:06 Diving Deep: The Birth of a Book

06:09 Facing Cancer: A Personal Saga

09:01 Moments of Connection: Stories from the Oncology Room

12:01 The Weight of Words: A Profound Revelation

15:04 Advocating for Health: The Patient's Journey

18:14 Reconstructing Identity: The Choices We Make

21:08 Navigating Recovery: Life After Cancer

23:48 The Reality of Reintegration: Finding Oneself Again

27:10 Support Systems: How to Be There for Others

30:02 Death and Rebirth: A New Perspective

32:59 Finding Beauty in Life: The Gift of Awareness

38:41 Creating Sacred Spaces in Transition

50:46 Recognizing the Signs of Breast Cancer

01:01:48 Navigating the Healthcare System

01:02:17 “Don’t You Feel FIERCE, Bald?” The Journey of Losing Your Hair

01:09:58 Changing the Narrative of Cancer

Jason Sisneros’s life isn't your typical success story. It's a tale of clawing your way out of domestic violence and darkness, defying the odds, and building a life of purpose and impact. From knife fights to standing in front of his mother’s abuser at the ripe age of nine, Jason Sisneros shares his journey from a challenging past to becoming a thriving entrepreneur and mentor, and passionate advocate against human trafficking.

When it comes to business, Jason is as seasoned as they come; from bankruptcy in his first two businesses being $2,000,000 in the hole, to being mentored with business and self development legends Tony Robbins and several others. Building and selling 26 businesses later, I can’t think of a better person more strategically positioned to troubleshoot the breadth of challenges struggling small and mid-sized business owners face.

But this isn't just about business. It's about the fire that burns within each of us, the drive to rise above circumstances and create a life we truly deserve.

In this gripping interview with Jason Sisneros on The Ruby Hour Podcast, you'll discover:

• The Resilience Code: Uncover the secrets to bouncing back from adversity and using your challenges to fuel growth. Jason reveals how he transformed his struggles into a springboard for success.

This is more than just a podcast; it's a blueprint for escaping the shadows and forging your own path to freedom. It's a call to action for anyone who refuses to be defined by their past.

Ready to break free? Tune in to this powerful conversation and unlock the courage within you.

✨ Ever felt like you missed your chance? Like the window for a new adventure, a fresh start, or pursuing a long-held dream had slammed shut? ✨

Think again.

Meet Xochitl Cordova, a Nicaraguan-born beauty mogul who shattered those limitations and built a thriving wellness empire in the Latin community... in her fifties!

Xochitl is a Nicaraguan-born, Austin-based powerhouse. In just three years, she’s skyrocketed to over 250,000 followers on TikTok, where she’s become a go-to voice for holistic wellness for the Latin American audience. Her mission? To help people take charge of their health with informed, mindful choices. Now, she’s taken things a step further by launching her own line of holistic skin and hair care products, blending natural ingredients with deep cultural wisdom.

This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to embrace your passions and create a life you love, no matter your age or background.

Visit Xochitl’s TikTok to see her latest beauty tips and perspective on beauty from the inside out, daily on her channel.

04:24 Holistic Health and Beauty Products

07:35 Empowering the Latin Community

10:29 Resilience and Reinvention

13:45 The Role of Conventional Medicine

16:40 Trapped Emotions and Healing

19:28 Embodying Feminine Energy

22:21 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Action

25:38 Navigating Hardship and Perseverance

28:32 Beauty Standards and Self-Worth

31:38 Flirting with Confidence

34:47 Fashion and Personal Style

35:37 Embracing Individuality and Self-Expression

37:06 The Impact of Social Media on Youth

38:34 Navigating Criticism and Online Presence

40:28 Balancing Personal and Public Life

41:56 The Power of Saying No

43:21 Choosing Aligned Opportunities

45:18 Shifting from Desperation to Abundance

47:41 Advice for Young Women in a Busy World

50:10 Building Confidence on Camera

51:36 Authenticity in Content Creation

54:23 Handling Haters with Grace

57:42 Transforming Envy into Admiration

01:02:26 The Nature of Confidence and Power

01:05:15 Self-Care and Balancing Perceptions

01:07:39 The Healing Power of Nature

01:08:49 The Importance of Self-Care

Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic world of modern masculinity and the tangled mess of gender roles! Forget the polite conversations and sugar-coated truths – we're ripping off the bandaid and exposing the raw anxieties and challenges men face today.

The #MeToo movement shook the foundations, and we're not shying away from the tremors it left behind. We're talking about the minefield of dating and relationships, where fear and confusion reign supreme. We're calling out the outdated scripts that leave men feeling lost and unsure of their place in the world.

Men have lost the rites of passage – Mikaal introduces ways modern men are forging their own path and reclaiming true masculine energy. It's time to unleash the primal power within, not the toxic version society tries to shove down our throats. We're talking about the raw, untamed energy that drives us to create, to protect, to lead.

And let's not forget the pressure cooker that women are facing today. They're expected to be the boss babe, the nurturing partner, and everything in between. It's a recipe for disaster, and we're calling out the double standards that fuel the flames.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We're also dishing out some real-world advice on how to build genuine connections, even in this crazy world. We're talking about how women can empower their partners to step up and lead, if that's what they crave.

So, if you're ready to ditch the safe space and embrace the brave chaos, grab a martini, crank up the music, and let's get this revolution started!

Visit https://www.mikaalbates.com to see Mikaal's next workshop and event itinerary.

This show is produced by 🎥 Ruby Riot Creatives | Austin, Texas + Charleston SC Based Production Studio specializing in B2B + B2C Visual content marketing campaigns. If you need a fractional creative director to bring your brand narrative to life, need to get on camera but don't know where to start, or your tired of "winging it" with your marketing campaigns; email [email protected] or visit  https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com to level up your brand positioning. Live a story worth telling today. 

#MasculinityRedefined #FeminismForAll #ModernRelationships #GenderDynamics #RitesOfPassage #TheModernMan #SocietalShift #EmotionalIntelligence #BeyondGenderRoles #PersonalGrowthJourney #MenAndFeminism #EvolvingMasculinity

Exactly how you pick yourself up, after your heart has been brutally ripped out of your chest?

I had my dear friend, mentor, and colleague Jessica Rueger on the show a few months back to discuss exactly this.

• How do we move through grief?

Is there a part of you that feels like you're playing it "small," settling for "good enough" in your creative field or business? Do you ever have that tinge of "you're made for SO MUCH MORE!" in your soul? That's because you ARE. In this inspiring video, music composer Sebastian Zuleta shares his story of refusing to back down and pursuing his art even when it's difficult.

Sebastian Zuleta's journey is an incredible example of how to never stop pursuing your dreams no matter what challenges come your way.

Through his music, he's meshed his love for music with his passion for entrepreneurship, and he's inspiring others to do the same. Watch this video to learn more about his story and the lessons he's learned!

This episode will encourage and challenge you to think BIG and go after what you REALLY want in your art.

Today's guest, Sebastian Zuleta, is an award-winning composer, and an Emmy-nominated and MPSE Golden Reel award-winning music editor -- our paths crossed last month in L.A. at a Film Premiere Q&A for his latest music composing work in the full-length feature Sci-Fi drama, "Unidentified Objects" - his soundscapes in this film BLEW. MY. MIND. Ten out of ten, y'all! Watch it on Amazon + be sure to LEAVE A REVIEW here, it helps this film immensely! : https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0B8TZSZ3R/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r !!

Sebastian has over 15 years of experience scoring and music editing for a variety of films and television series, and has even collaborated with award-winning composers like Hans Zimmer, Gustavo Santaolalla, Germaine Franco and Terence Blanchard.

Most recently, Sebastian composed the music for the upcoming feature film Unidentified Objects, which has won several Best Feature awards at film festivals throughout the world. Sebastian also created the music for the animated short, Dreamsheep for which he won Best Original Score at the San Diego International Kids Film Festival and Cora, which was nominated for Best Music at the Santa Monica Film Festival.

He also produced the song Colombia, Mi Encanto composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Carlos Vives for the international trailer of the Academy Award winning animated film Encanto. In addition to his distinguished work as a composer, Sebastian has had a fruitful career as music editor. Most recently editing the music for season 3 of Hulu’s hit series Wu Tang: An American Saga, HBO’s Father of the Bride featuring Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan; and was part of the music team for Disney’s Strange World.

Sebastian’s diverse portfolio further includes editing the music for Netflix’s animated film Next Gen starring John Krasinski for which he earned the MPSE Golden Reel Award. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his work on HBO’s documentary Cries from Syria. Sebastian is also co-founder of Blue Rabbit Films, a production company based in Los Angeles.

Follow along with his latest work here: https://sebastianzuleta.com/  If you love this episode, let us know what stories or message stood out to you, and be sure to share with a fellow creative who could use a little boost in their trajectory. 

This episode is recorded, produced, and edited by our company, Ruby Riot Creatives. Visit https://www.rubyriotcreatives.com to see our latest projects and hear more episodes in The Ruby Hour Podcast and visit our previous season episode archives.