The Shanda Podcast 🚀

Exploring the importance of storytelling in preserving culture and values, and the potential of technology in reviving traditional tales.

Exploring the importance of storytelling in culture and how technology can help us preserve and share these tales for future generations.

Mackenzie Loy shared her inspiring journey from corporate sales to launching Homemade in DC and The New Majority, two ventures aimed at closing the racial and gender wealth gap through local entrepreneurship and equity crowdfunding. Discover how her roots in entrepreneurial thinking, passion for storytelling, and commitment to impact are empowering diverse founders and investors. Tune in for valuable lessons on leveraging storytelling, embracing challenges, and creating businesses that drive meaningful change.

More Than a Runner: How Almi Uses Storytelling to Connect Cultures

🎙️ Hosted by Dumi Mabhena

Almi Nerurkar has spent her life moving—across countries, across finish lines, and across cultural boundaries. From growing up in Ethiopia surrounded by elite runners to competing as a student-athlete at Georgetown, Almi's journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of meaningful connections.

In this episode, we explore:

🏃 The Intersection of Sport & Storytelling – How running has shaped Almi’s worldview and fueled her passion for journalism.

🌍 Lessons from Injury & Growth – Overcoming setbacks and discovering identity beyond sport.

🎥 Finding a Voice in Storytelling – How Almi uses YouTube and digital media to share experiences and perspectives across cultures.

Almi’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about winning races—it’s about embracing the journey, sharing stories, and finding purpose beyond the finish line.

Join us at Shanda, where we empower storytellers to create, connect, and share their voices with the world. 🚀

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Aniaba Jean Baptiste Guessa, a self-described "nomadic griot" and the host of the Nomadic Tapes podcast. Aniaba shares his journey from Ivory Coast to becoming a global storyteller and bridge-builder at Morehouse College.

Key Highlights:

- Aniaba's background as the son of powerful storytellers from Ivory Coast

- The cultural significance of "griots" in West African traditions

- His journey from Ivory Coast to South Africa's African Leadership Academy and then to - Morehouse College

- The inception of the Nomadic Tapes podcast and its mission to share diverse, global stories

- Aniaba's approach to selecting guests and conducting interviews

- The balance between boldness and humility in storytelling and podcasting

- Challenges faced in podcasting, including time management and building a team

- Future plans for Nomadic Tapes, including moving to video and impromptu street interviews

Aniaba also discusses:

- The power of stories in shaping our lives and decisions

- How podcasting has helped him develop interpersonal skills and confidence

- The importance of connecting your story to your guest's story

- His vision for creating high-quality, adventurous content that takes storytelling to the streets

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring storytellers, podcast enthusiasts, and anyone interested in cross-cultural experiences and personal growth. Join us as we explore the power of storytelling, the challenges of content creation, and the exciting future of independent media with the inspiring Aniaba Jean Baptiste Guessa.

⁠https://blog.shanda.studio/

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Amber Key, the passionate host of "A Bright Idea" podcast. Amber shares her journey from childhood entrepreneurship to becoming a voice for underrepresented business owners.

Key Highlights:

- Amber's background in sales and how it shaped her entrepreneurial spirit

- The inception of "A Bright Idea" podcast and its mission to share diverse entrepreneurial stories

- Challenges faced in podcasting, including editing and monetization

- Amber's vision for creating a podcast network and expanding her platform

- The importance of storytelling in business and how it drives success

- Amber's personal growth through interviewing entrepreneurs and experts

- Future plans, including documentary-style interviews and potential product lines

- The balance between passion projects and sustainable business models in podcasting

Amber also discusses her recent foray into tennis, her competitive nature, and her dream of living abroad. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, podcast enthusiasts, and anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business.

Join us as we explore the power of storytelling, the challenges of content creation, and the bright future of independent media with the inspiring Amber Key.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jose Miguel Farias, a Venezuelan engineer turned finance expert and co-host of the popular podcast "Tertulias de Dinero" (Money Talks). Jose shares his remarkable journey from the oil fields of Venezuela to becoming a leading voice in financial education and economic analysis.

Key Highlights:

- Jose's background as a petroleum engineer and his transition to finance

- The genesis of "Tertulias de Dinero" and its mission to provide accessible financial information in Venezuela

- The podcast's growth and impact, reaching over 30,000 YouTube subscribers and 50,000 Instagram followers

- Challenges of creating content in Venezuela's rapidly changing economic environment

- The power of collaboration in podcasting and the unique perspectives each co-host brings

- Insights into Venezuela's economic situation and the importance of financial literacy

- The podcast's role in serving the Venezuelan diaspora across 50 countries

- Jose's experiences balancing podcast production with his MBA studies at Georgetown

- The motivation behind continuing the podcast and its impact on listeners

- Future aspirations for "Tertulias de Dinero" and the potential for growth

Jose also discusses:

- The similarities between Venezuela and Zimbabwe's economic challenges

- The importance of providing independent economic analysis in a politically charged environment

- How reading and sharing knowledge became a catalyst for his career change and podcast

- The challenges and rewards of maintaining consistency in podcast production

- The potential for monetization and sustainability in podcasting

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring content creators, finance enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the power of media to drive economic literacy and empowerment. Join us as we explore the intersection of finance, entrepreneurship, and podcasting with the inspiring Jose Miguel Farias.

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Irini Fournier Vardinoyannis, the dynamic founder of the Vertigo podcast and a rising star in the world of venture capital and founder psychology. Irini shares her journey from a curious Georgetown student to an innovative podcast creator and startup connector.

Key Highlights:

- The origin story of Vertigo and the meaning behind its name

- How library conversations at Georgetown sparked a global podcast

- Irini's unique approach to founder psychology and its importance in startup success

- The evolution of Vertigo from a passion project to a potential VC platform

- Insights on the intersection of creativity, discipline, and entrepreneurship

- Irini's experiences interviewing founders across the globe, from Kenya to Spain

- The challenges of monetizing a podcast and maintaining authenticity

- Balancing multiple talents: from opera singing to startup investing

Irini takes us through her fascinating journey, explaining how she turned casual library conversations into a platform that now connects founders with investors. She discusses her investment thesis centered on founder psychology and how it has shaped her approach to interviewing and evaluating startups.

We delve into Irini's observations on successful founder traits, including the importance of detailed scheduling and passion for broader missions rather than specific industries. She also shares her thoughts on the creative process, the challenges of monetization in the podcast world, and her vision for bringing "soul to finance" through Vertigo.

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, podcast creators, and anyone interested in the psychology behind successful startups. Irini's multifaceted background – from her artistic pursuits to her keen business acumen – provides a unique perspective on the startup ecosystem and the power of storytelling in the business world.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about conquering fears, embracing creativity, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and venture capital.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Alpha Barry, the dynamic host of The Alpha Hour podcast and a student-athlete at Georgetown University. Alpha shares his journey from growing up in a lively, debate-filled household to becoming a curious storyteller and podcast creator on campus.

Key Highlights:

- Alpha's background as the oldest of four in a West African immigrant family

- The influence of family discussions and CNN on developing his interest in diverse perspectives

- Balancing life as a student-athlete at Georgetown while pursuing extracurricular passions

- The inception of The Alpha Hour podcast and collaboration with co-host Laura

- Challenges faced in podcast creation, including time management and finding a niche

- Alpha's approach to interviewing diverse guests, from college coaches to student entrepreneurs

- Insights on personal growth, risk-taking, and the power of "just pressing send"

- The impact of supportive friends and unexpected listeners on podcast motivation

- Alpha's future vision for The Alpha Hour and building a network in the healthcare field

Alpha also discusses:

- His internship experience in New York and observations on the finance industry

- The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in personal development

- Balancing multiple interests including government, sports, and business

- The value of diverse friendships and perspectives in college life

- Lessons learned from other podcasters like Lex Friedman and Joe Rogan

- The emotional and practical challenges of content creation

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring content creators, student entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in personal growth through storytelling. Alpha's journey showcases the power of curiosity, the importance of taking risks, and the unexpected benefits of sharing your voice with the world.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your passion, embracing diverse perspectives, and the evolving landscape of student-led media and entrepreneurship.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Emily Allen, co-founder of Kitchen Twins and a junior at Georgetown University. Emily shares her journey from childhood culinary experiments to becoming a young entrepreneur and content creator in the food space.

Key Highlights:

- Emily's background growing up in an entrepreneurial family with parents in the natural food industry

- The inception of Kitchen Twins, a blog-turned-business started with her twin sister at age 9

- Balancing life as a student-athlete at Georgetown while pursuing her passion for food and content creation

- Insights on creating and maintaining a food-focused Instagram account and podcast

- The challenges and rewards of working with a twin sister as a business partner

- Emily's experiences on cooking shows and her perspective on putting herself in the public eye

- The impact of family support and entrepreneurial role models on her journey

- Lessons learned from interviewing successful entrepreneurs and business leaders

- Emily's thoughts on creativity, personal growth, and staying inspired

Emily also discusses:

- The evolution of Kitchen Twins from a blog to a multi-platform brand

- Her experiences pitching products to Whole Foods as a young entrepreneur

- The balance between academic pursuits and maintaining a creative outlet

- Insights on podcast creation and the skills developed through interviewing others

- Her favorite aspects of building a brand and creating content

- The importance of self-inspiration and continuous personal development

This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring young entrepreneurs, content creators, and anyone interested in the intersection of food, business, and personal growth. Emily's journey showcases the power of following your passions from a young age and the importance of family support in entrepreneurial ventures.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your creative voice, embracing opportunities, and the evolving landscape of food entrepreneurship and content creation.