Original Air Date: Jun 3, 2017

“Teaching the skills necessary to live in this world that doesn’t adapt to an autistic person, while also teaching them it’s ok to just be you.” - Heather Conroy Social Worker, Autism Specialist, Karaoke Enthusiast

In this episode, host Kahmeela welcomes autism specialist Heather Conroy for an enlightening discussion about her journey and work in the field of autism advocacy. Heather shares her experiences growing up in rural Pennsylvania and how her path led her to specialize in autism support. We delve into her role at Evolve Coaching, where she assists young adults in navigating college and life challenges, emphasizing self-advocacy and social skills.

"I want my daughter to know that she can also pursue herdreams." - Gabrielle Walsh (Actress, Mental Health Advocate, Authentic Spirit)

This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I am excited to welcome actress Gabrielle Walsh, known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, and NBC's drama series Found. Gabrielle opens up about hercharacter Lacey Quinn, a passionate advocate for those who have experienced trauma, and how her own journey mirrors Lacey’s resilience and determination.

Our conversation dives deep into the impact of Found and the complexities of portraying a character with such profound emotional depth.Gabrielle shares her path to acting, her commitment to mental health advocacy, and the vital importance of self-love and body positivity.

Join us for a heartfelt discussion that highlights Gabrielle'svibrant personality, her insights on the acting industry, and her dreams for the future.

Original Air Date: Aug 3, 2016

"I've always just been me." - Marta Mazzoni Podcast Queen, Theater Nerd, Michael McDonald Fan

This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I am thrilled to welcome Marta Mazzoni, the creative force behind the popular podcast, Marta on the Move. Marta shares her journey from her roots in Pittsburgh to becoming a podcast queen with a penchant for adventure and storytelling. We dive into her experiences with solo travel, including a transformative trip to Sicily that sparked her love for exploration and self-discovery.

Our conversation touches on Marta's passion for immersive theater, her family's food service business, and her love for music. We also discuss her unique self-care routine, which includes yoga and sensory deprivation floats, and her aspirations to learn sailing and work on a winery.Marta's vibrant personality and zest for life shine through as we chat about her eclectic tastes in music and her philosophy on living life to the fullest.

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Original Air Date: Aug 3, 2016

"I wanna feel extreme, in some way." - Kate Hansen (Machinima Artist, Consumer of Vaporwave, Snarky Country Gal)

This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I chat with the fascinating Kate Hansen, a multidisciplinary artist with a penchant for the eclectic and unusual. We dive into Kate's journey from a rural upbringing outside Pittsburgh to her vibrant life in the city, where she explores a unique artistic practice that defies easy categorization. Kate shares her experiences with the art collective Dad Pranks, where spontaneous collaboration and a playful approach to post-Internet aesthetics take center stage.

We touch on her love for malls as public spaces, her experimental use of video game engines for creative storytelling, and her passion for learning new artistic techniques. Kate also opens up about the challenges and joys of being an artist, the importance of feeling extreme emotions throughart, and her dreams of exploring new horizons in her personal practice.

Join us for an engaging conversation that covers everything from Kate's musical influences to her thoughts on the evolving art scene in Pittsburgh.

This week, I am thrilled to welcome

Our conversation uncovers Sara's early passion for storytelling, her love for role-playing games, and the significance of representation in literature, especially for Black women. We delve into the historical backdrop

"The Queen's Spade," set for release on January 14,

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I have the pleasure of

Our conversation explores Tetona's vibrant journey into the world of entertainment, her time as Princess Tiana on Disney on Ice, and how these experiences have shaped her career.

Join us as Tetona opens up about the significance of

Watch Poppa's House on CBS

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I reconnect with Maggie Lynn Negrete, a talented illustrator and member of the #notwhite Collective. We explore the profound impact of motherhood on her artistic journey and the

Our conversation delves into shared challenges in motherhood, such as the mental load's effect on creativity, and Maggie's transition from traditional illustration to digital art, which has revolutionized her process.

Join us for a candid discussion about the seasons of life, the significance of community, and the therapeutic power of art and music. Don't miss Maggie's previous appearance in episode 60, and enjoy her

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I sit down with

We discuss her experiences with the #notwhite collective, the impact of growing up in a mixed-race household, and her work with the Asian American collective, Jaded. Sara shares how art and cultural exchange can be powerful tools for social change and personal growth.

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I welcome back Dr. Amber Epps, a dynamic artist and member of the #notwhite Collective. Amber returns to discuss her latest projects, including her newly published book, "Mushroom

We explore the importance of validation and support

Amber shares insights into her unique creative process, the inception of her Gallery of Rejected Art, and the profound impact of the #notwhite collective on her journey as an artist.

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RuggedAngel Cast #71

This week on I welcome filmmaker Dr. Augusta Palmer, fresh off her film festival circuit with her new documentary, "The Blues Society." The film delves into the history of the Memphis Country Music Festival and the vibrant community that brought it to life. Dr. Palmer shares her journey in making the film, the importance of preserving blues music history, and the challenges faced by Black artists whose contributions have often been overlooked.

We also discuss the collaborative spirit behind "The Blues Society," the archival footage that brings the 1969 festival to life, and the personal connections that deepened her understanding of the era. Join us for an enlightening conversation about music, history, and the power of storytelling.

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