In this thought-provoking episode, Ally delves into the life of a mortician with her father from South Carolina, exploring the unique path that led him to this often-misunderstood profession.

Alvin shares his experiences growing up in the American South, during a time of segregation. He reflects on the challenges and realities of life in a divided community, recalling, "They still had segregated high schools." This insight sheds light on the backdrop of his formative years and the societal dynamics that shaped him.

Interestingly, Alvin did not initially aspire to become a mortician. His journey began in the Air Force and took a turn when he started working at a local funeral home to earn extra money. Deciding to pursue mortuary science after university was not a common choice, but with the support of his experiences and the GI Bill, he enrolled in mortuary school.

Alvin explains the science behind embalming, likening the human body to a machine: "The body is a chemical laboratory from head to toe," he explains. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the body’s systems and how they relate to the preservation process, which has roots in ancient practices.

Alvin also touches on his decision to run for public office in South Carolina and why each state needs a proper medical examiner’s office.

#mortuaryscience #morticianstories #coroner #mortician #politics

Sonu’s professional journey began in the Maldives, a destination he fell in love with while vacationing with his wife, Eva Malstrom. Their experiences led them to realize the hospitality industry was missing a certain touch of luxury and sustainability. The pristine beauty of the islands captured their hearts, but the hospitality left much to be desired.

Determined to raise the bar, they set out to create a luxury resort that would respect and enhance the natural beauty of the Maldives. In the late 80s, after failed bids for an island, their persistence paid off when they found a remote island available for lease. This was the beginning of Soneva Fushi, which opened in 1995, and Soneva Jani, which opened in 2016. Sonu envisioned a resort that provided a barefoot luxury experience, focusing on ecological sensitivity and conservation.

Sonu and Ally talk about how magical service in hospitality can't be taught entirely through strategy; it has to come from an intrinsic understanding and connection to the environment and the guests. We talk about what and who inspires him. Books like Matthew Walker’s "Why We Sleep" and Daniel Pink’s "Drive" have influenced his understanding of wellness and motivation in a hospitality context.

Through Soneva and his upcoming projects, like Sosei, Sonu continues to redefine luxury hospitality, proving that a deep connection to the environment and a commitment to sustainability can create unforgettable experiences.

Find Sonu on Instagram @sonushivdasani

#luxuryhotels #Maldives #SonuShivdasani#sustainability #intuition #hotelbranding #wellness #leadership #purpose #innovation #hospitality

Tess’s fascination with fashion began in her childhood, where she and her mother transformed hand-me-downs into unique creations. This early experience laid the foundation for her lifelong love of design, which she pursued alongside her career in law enforcement. "I continued to sew and sketch and create my clothing," Tess reflects, illustrating how fashion was always her creative outlet amid the serious nature of her FBI duties.

Tracy's journey into politics was not premeditated but rather a response to her desire for meaningful change. She shares her frustration with the political landscape, feeling compelled to inspire voters rather than settle for the "lesser of two evils."

To date she has knocked on 17,000+ doors asking people to vote for her, and as she campaigns, she aims to create excitement around her candidacy, fostering a sense of hope and connection in her community. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and service, and is a reminder that genuine connections and a commitment to community can inspire change. For more on Tracy's insights and her vision for the future, tune into the full episode.

Connect with Tracy on Facebook: @robinsforschouse75

In a world where the fashion industry is notoriously competitive, Sade’s journey is a testament to resilience and self-determination. After facing a layoff that could have derailed her dreams, Sade chose to take charge of her narrative instead of waiting for opportunities to find her. Instead of waiting for someone to give her a job, she put herself on billboards in Soho. "Why am I still saying I want to and why am I not just doing it?" she asked herself. Her posters featured her name and a QR code linking to her portfolio, turning a dream into a tangible reality that got her discovered by Vogue.

Find Sade on Instagram: @sadeisonline

The Marine Biology major, turned musician, turned marketing executive shares his unconventional journey, emphasizing authenticity, curiosity, and human connection in branding and leadership. This conversation with Kiran Jay Haslam is like a masterclass, rather than a chronological biography, where Kiran talks about his journey in the luxury automotive sector for Bentley in China and the UK, in the superyachts industry for Princess Yachts as CMO, and most recently he was leading one of the world's largest place-branding projects Diriyah, a $63B giga project just outside of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Kiran understands how world-class brands are built so it was a no brainer to chat with him.

You can find Kiran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiran-jay-haslam/

Nelson Schumann's work centers on healing, identity, and healthy relationships, so conversation on the essential questions for couples considering marriage goes much deeper than a typical "Christian dating advice" conversation. Rather than focusing on chemistry or compatibility alone, the conversation can help listeners understand discernment, character, emotional health, and spiritual maturity before marriage.

In this episode, Ally Portee and Nelson Schuman delve into the crucial questions that couples should ask themselves and each other before tying the knot.

Nelson Website- https://www.restoredtofreedom.com/

Nelson’s Instagram- @nelson_schuman

Mehera Blum is more than just an entrepreneur; she identifies as an artist and creator. Her journey began in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she grew up in a unique and spiritual environment. Surrounded by creativity, with an artist mother and a background rooted in Indian spirituality, Mehera developed a deep appreciation for beauty and self-expression from a young age. Her brand, Blumera, is a tribute to her artistic roots and the influence of her mother, who played a significant role in her life.

-Discover Blumera on Instagram @blumera_official

-Website https://blumera.com/

#meherablum #artist #India #Bali #SouthCarolina #Craftsmanship #Entrepreneurship

Sharee Graham works for the National Football League (NFL), doing compliance and football strategy in football operations. She describes her role as a blessing, emphasizing the excitement of working in an environment where no two days are the same.

Football is not just an American pastime; it’s rapidly becoming a global entity. Sharee shares her excitement about the NFL's expansion into nine international markets, from Germany, to Brazil, and Australia. She notes, "It’s fascinating to see how many American football fans there are overseas, and they’re eager to learn more about our game."

In this episode we discuss how:

- The NFL is more than just a sport; it’s a global community that brings people together.

- Safety and mental well-being are paramount in sports, especially for young athletes.

- The league's international expansion is opening new doors for engagement with fans around the world.

- A successful career in sports requires a blend of education, experience, and interpersonal skills.

A multi Emmy-nominated and award-winning TV producer for The View, Barbara Walters Specials, and Good Morning America, turned PR expert opens up about her journey and what makes a good pitch.

In a world where self-promotion often feels uncomfortable, Erin Saxton stands out as a beacon of authenticity and expertise. With a rich career that spans across television production and public relations, Erin has transformed her passion into a multi-faceted career. In this blog post, we'll explore her journey, the lessons learned, and the insights she has to offer anyone looking to carve their own path in the competitive landscapes of media and PR.