With five Michelin stars, a James Beard Award, and two world-class restaurants under his belt, Chef Curtis Duffy's culinary genius is undeniable. I sit down with the acclaimed Chicago chef to talk about the heartbreaking, harrowing, and ultimately healing story behind the food. From surviving the murder-suicide of his parents at age 19 to building his dream restaurant Ever, Chef Duffy opens up about how grief, resilience, and relentless ambition shaped every dish—and every chapter of his life.

The conversation dives into his new memoir Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef, a brutally honest look at a childhood shaped by abuse, abandonment, and redemption. Curtis shares how he found his calling in the kitchen, the mentors who helped save him, and the lessons he’s still learning as a father, husband, and restaurateur. With deep emotion and surprising humor, this episode goes far beyond food—it’s about breaking cycles, finding purpose, and refusing to let your past define you.

• Writing His Way Through the Pain: Curtis shares how his memoir Fireproof helped him process decades of trauma—and why writing was the most powerful form of therapy he’s ever experienced. (2:31)
• Telling His Kids the Truth—Before the World Could: Curtis talks about sitting down with his children to share his story before they heard it from a stranger, and how his book became a legacy of honesty and healing. (6:04)
• The Complicated Love for the Parents Who Hurt Him: Despite a violent, abusive past, Curtis opens up about finding his way back to love and forgiveness for both his parents. (11:43)
• The Stepmom Who Became Everything: Curtis reflects on the strength of Jan, the 15-year-old girl who raised him as her own—and why he still calls her his real mother. (13:11)
• Why He’ll Never Reconnect With His Birth Mother: In an emotional moment, Curtis explains why he’s at peace with keeping distance from the woman who gave birth to him but never raised him. (25:56)
• Losing His Dream Restaurant—and Starting Over: Curtis recounts the heartbreak of losing Grace, the award-winning restaurant he helped build, and how that painful experience led to something even greater. (36:52)
• Designing a World-Class Dining Experience—Down to the Menu Paper: From velvet tables to “milk paper” menus, Curtis explains why every detail at Ever is part of the guest’s emotional journey. (44:37)
• Vegetables Over Meat—Every Time: A lifelong vegetable lover (with one major exception), Curtis shares why his dishes often revolve around produce, and how carrots beat steak any day. (41:28)
• How Dharma, Metal, and Milk Paper All Show Up in His Work: From Hindu philosophy to Black Sabbath concerts to textured menus, Curtis reveals the unexpected influences that keep him creatively grounded. (48:09)

Connect with Chef Curtis Duffy:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Bluesky
• X
• Chef Curtis Duffy- Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef
• Ever Restaurant

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 This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Sonita Alizadeh is an award-winning Afghan rapper, activist, and now published author who’s using her voice—through rap and writing—to fight one of the world’s most overlooked human rights issues: child marriage. In this unforgettable episode, Ami sits down with Sonita to talk about her extraordinary journey from nearly being sold into marriage twice to becoming a globally recognized artist and advocate whose music and message are transforming lives.

With humility and quiet intensity, Sonita opens up about what it was like growing up as an undocumented refugee in Iran, where she wasn’t allowed to attend school or even ask for basic rights. She shares how she discovered rap—thanks to Eminem—and how it gave her a way to tell the truth no one else was saying. Her breakout song, Daughters for Sale, was more than viral—it was revolutionary. It not only saved her from marriage but inspired other girls to fight for their freedom too.

From the pain of being separated from loved ones, to the slow transformation of her mother—from someone trying to arrange her marriage to someone who now supports her music—Sonita's story is both heartbreaking and full of hope. They also talk about Sonita’s new memoir Sonita, her Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, and her plans to work in immigration and refugee advocacy to create long-term change.

From half-bruised faces in music videos to dreams of one day performing in Afghanistan, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience it takes to rewrite your destiny—and how one voice can ignite a movement.

• Reunited in Canada: Sonita shares what it’s like living in Toronto with her family, including reflections on Afghan birth records, her sister’s undocumented age, and how being together again brings healing. (2:09)
• Escaping the Taliban—And Losing Her Rights in Iran: Sonita recalls fleeing Afghanistan only to face discrimination and exclusion in Iran as an undocumented refugee, including being denied access to education. (5:17)
• Why Her Mother Tried to Sell Her: Sonita explains her mother’s heartbreaking reasoning for arranging her marriage—how generational trauma, poverty, and cultural norms shaped that decision. (8:14)
• How Her Family Learned to Love Her Music: From secret recordings to hearing her rap on Afghan national TV, Sonita shares how her family slowly began supporting her artistry—culminating in her mother asking her to write a song for a murdered woman named Farkhunda. (11:00)
• Discovering Rap in a Gym—and Why She Chose It Over Pop: Inspired by Eminem’s rage-filled lyrics, Sonita explains why rap gave her the emotional outlet she needed to tell stories of child labor, child marriage, and injustice. (15:29)
• Going Viral, Getting Out: Her song Daughters for Sale went viral—terrifying and liberating her. It caught the attention of a U.S. NGO, which helped her secure a scholarship to study in America. (18:31)
• Freedom, Isolation, and Cheeseburgers: Sonita recounts her first experiences in the U.S.—from language barriers and loneliness to bike rides, fast food, and studio time that finally gave her space to heal. (22:03)
• From Rap to Rhodes: Her Education Journey: Sonita talks about graduating from Bard College with a double major in music and human rights, and her next chapter: studying forced migration at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. (25:04)
• Why She Wrote Her Memoir—And What’s Inside: She shares how her memoir Sonita was born out of a classroom assignment, why she includes music and photos, and how it tells not just her story, but the story of millions of Afghan girls. (26:50)
• Q&A With Kids—and a Dream to Return Home: In a heartwarming moment, Ami’s daughters ask Sonita about her biggest inspiration, her future goals, and her biggest pet peeve (“Telling her story again and again—and seeing no change”). (32:21)

Connect with Sonita Alizadeh:

• Website
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• Facebook
• YouTube
• X

Let’s talk Connect:

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

William Dalrymple is a bestselling historian, award-winning broadcaster, and one of the world’s most dynamic voices on colonial history. In this episode, Ami chats with the legendary India-based Scottish writer about his latest book, The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, which argues that India’s intellectual and spiritual contributions have been foundational to the global world we live in today—and yet remain widely unacknowledged in the West.

With warmth, humor, and piercing insight, William shares what it was like growing up the youngest of four brothers in an eccentric aristocratic family, how his radical Scottish nanny shaped his worldview, and why he believes India’s greatest export isn’t Bollywood or curry—but the number zero. Ami and William discuss how Indian ideas influenced everything from mathematics to religion, why Western education omits these facts, and how colonization played a role in that erasure.

From buffets in Delhi to dancing in Goa, DJing at farmhouse parties to dinner with Aamir Khan, this episode blends deep history with cultural stories and unforgettable banter.

• From Shrubs to Shrines: William recounts a surreal night in Dallas giving a lecture at a house decorated with statues of Reagan, Thatcher, and Churchill. (2:52)
• Growing Up the Youngest: Why being the “love-bombed” youngest of four shaped William’s personality—and how he finally made peace with his brother who beat him up. (5:27)
• Nerd Forever: William describes his lifelong love of history, how he made a career from a teenage obsession, and the unusual accessories he wore to study ancient churches. (10:17)
• History Through Two Lenses: The surprising influence of William’s radical nanny and how it fueled his nuanced take on colonialism and the British Empire. (14:00)
• Why The Golden Road Matters: A crash course on how Indian mathematics, philosophy, and spirituality transformed Eurasia—and why Westerners still don’t know it. (18:15)
• India’s PR Problem: On WhatsApp uncles, Hindu helicopters, and why ancient India’s brilliance was downplayed for colonial reasons (and cringed at by younger generations). (24:34)
• Religion Without Conquest: William explains how Hinduism and Buddhism spread across Asia through persuasion, not power. (28:46)
• Tuckered Out and Booked Out: Why William is more exhausted than ever thanks to his podcast Empire, his book tour, and a lifelong habit of overworking in gardens. (37:42)

Connect with William Dalrymple:

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• X

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Bing Chen is the Executive Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of Gold House, a leading cultural ecosystem dedicated to empowering Asian Pacific creators and entrepreneurs to drive societal change. A visionary leader in media and diversity, Bing was formerly YouTube’s Global Head of Creator Development and Management, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the global creator economy. He has been recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and honored as a Hollywood Reporter Next Gen Leader and ABC News History Maker. Bing also serves on numerous boards, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers. He is a Harvard-educated strategist known for building community-driven initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices. Through Gold House and beyond, Bing continues to push boundaries in media, venture capital, and cross-cultural innovation.

In this episode, Bing brings wit, vulnerability, and visionary insight to the conversation. He discusses his upbringing as a Taiwanese-American in the South, his early confidence, and how experiences in Shanghai helped shape his understanding of racism and privilege. He gives a masterclass in the creator economy, offering tips for monetization, longevity, and community building. He also dives into Gold House’s mission to make Asian-led creativity mainstream, explaining its work in film, venture, music, and health. Throughout, Bing emphasizes the importance of shared humanity over divisions and champions a collaborative, abundance-minded future. 

• Parents, Prom, and the Cabbage Patch: Childhood and Family Stories: Bing shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about his parents’ immigration, cultural quirks, and growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee. This includes some very memorable (and very real) parental sex talk. (2:25)
•  Magic Bikes and Southern Roots: Growing Up Asian in the South: Bing reflects on his unique childhood experience in a mostly white Southern town, noting how he didn’t face racism until moving to California. He discusses confidence, energy, and how being different can actually attract others. (5:45)
• Band Geeks and Prom Regrets: High School and Identity Formation: In this personal segment, Bing opens up about high school, popularity, belonging to many social circles, and his bittersweet prom story. He touches on early lessons in connection and rejection. (8:00)
• Buffets, Boys’ Clubs, and Chubby Cattle: Food as a Love Language: Ami and Bing bond over their love of buffets, with Bing recounting how he formed a boys’ club just to avoid eating alone at Hometown Buffet. He drops a hidden gem recommendation in NYC and name-drops Chubby Cattle Group. (12:45)
• Building YouTube and the Creator Economy From Scratch: Bing gets into the serious stuff: his pivotal role at YouTube, how he helped coin “creator,” and what current creators need to know about sustaining success. This is a goldmine for anyone working in media or content creation. (14:00)
• Gold House = The Asian Disney?: Changing Culture at Scale: Bing breaks down what Gold House actually does—from investing in ventures to pushing Asian narratives in film, music, and business. He compares it to the rise of hip-hop and explains the long-term cultural strategy. (20:30)
• We’re More Similar Than We Think”: Stereotypes and Species-Level Thinking: In a profound and slightly controversial segment, Bing argues that the most damaging stereotype isn’t about race—but about our belief that we’re all so different. He emphasizes unity over hyper-specificity. (30:00)
• Candy, Concerts, and Cracking From Burnout: Rapid Fire and Vulnerability: In a fun, fast-paced wrap-up, Bing talks about burnout, sour candy as therapy, why he doesn’t complain, and his love for Tupac and Hans Zimmer. He ends on a strong note about ethics, ambition, and resilience. (37:30)

Connect with Bing Chen:

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Dr. Sunita Sah is a leading expert on decision-making, compliance, and ethical influence. A tenured professor at Cornell University, she has spent decades researching why people struggle to say "no" and how they can reclaim their voice. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The LA Times, shedding light on the hidden costs of compliance and the power of strategic defiance. Before becoming an organizational psychologist, Sunita was a medical doctor, an experience that shaped her insights into authority, trust, and professional ethics. Her new book, Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes, offers a practical roadmap for standing up against social pressures while staying true to one's values. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Sunita is passionate about empowering individuals to make better decisions and challenge the status quo with confidence.

In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah provides expert insight into the psychological and social dynamics of defiance and compliance. She explains that people often feel a deep internal tension when confronted with situations that contradict their values but struggle to act due to societal conditioning, fear of consequences, or reluctance to challenge authority. Sunita shares personal stories about growing up in a strict Indian household, her journey from medical doctor to organizational psychologist, and how her fascination with compliance and influence led her to research this topic. She introduces key concepts from her book, including the "Defiance Compass," a framework for determining when and how to defy, and emphasizes that defiance is a skill that can be learned and practiced over time. She also reassures Ami about her difficult parenting moment, highlighting the importance of assessing safety before acting. Sunita’s research underscores the hidden costs of compliance and how individuals can reclaim their agency by standing up for their values in meaningful ways.

• A South Asian Perspective: The Cultural Battle with Defiance: Ami and Sunita bond over their shared South Asian backgrounds, discussing how immigrant upbringings shaped their views on obedience, compliance, and the challenge of saying no. (03:31)
• The Power of a Name: Why Sunita Kept Hers: Sunita shares the story of why she didn’t change her last name after marriage, despite social pressure, and how this small act of defiance can have larger implications. (04:53)
• The Parenting Dilemma: When Should You Defy?: Ami recounts a powerful personal story about an aggressive stranger confronting her daughter at a movie theater. Sunita walks her through the "Defiance Compass" framework to evaluate whether speaking up would have been the right choice. (18:03)
• Why We Comply—Even When We Shouldn’t: Sunita breaks down the five psychological stages of defiance, explaining why we often freeze in the moment and default to compliance (28:02)
• The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes: Ami shares her struggle with ulcerative colitis and how years of suppressing her voice may have contributed to her chronic stress and health issues. Sunita discusses how unchecked compliance can take a physical toll. (34:42)
• Why Women (Especially) Struggle to Say No: Sunita introduces the concept of “insinuation anxiety”—the fear of making someone feel bad by rejecting their request—and why women often feel this pressure more acutely than men. (40:08)
• How to Build the Skill of Defiance: Sunita explains why defiance isn’t just a personality trait but a learned skill, offering actionable advice on how to practice saying no in small, everyday moments. (49:05)
• Success, Oprah, and The Cure: In a lighthearted closing, Sunita shares her definition of success, her dream collaboration (hint: Oprah!), and her love for The Cure—tying back to the importance of being true to oneself. (55:34)

Connect with Sunita Sah:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• X

Get Sunita’s book!

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This podcast is produced by

 Ginni Media

Hugh Forrest is the President and Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the world’s leading festivals celebrating music, film, technology, and innovation. A native of Austin, Texas, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s creative and entrepreneurial identity. Joining SXSW in its early days, he leveraged his background in publishing and technology to help grow the festival into an internationally recognized event. Under his leadership, SXSW has expanded beyond music to include industry verticals such as health tech, transportation, and artificial intelligence, all while staying true to its mission of fostering creativity and connection.

His contributions to Austin’s cultural and business landscape have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Austinite of the Year and receiving the Diversity Champion of the Year award. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, Hugh remains committed to the power of in-person interactions, emphasizing their importance in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes of SXSW’s evolution, recounting its early days in the 1980s when Austin’s club owners took a chance on a fledgling festival during spring break—a decision that would shape the city’s global reputation. He discusses SXSW’s transformation from a music-focused event into a multidisciplinary hub for film, interactive media, health tech, and transportation. Addressing concerns that the festival has become too corporate, he argues that while SXSW has grown, its core mission of celebrating creativity and community remains unchanged. Throughout the conversation, Hugh also shares his personal journey, reflecting on how his deep ties to Austin have influenced his leadership and vision for one of the world’s most influential cultural events.

• Ami’s life update and travel adventures: Ami shares her recent travels, including attending the Grammys and the Super Bowl, before introducing Hugh (0:30)
• How Hugh Forrest got involved with SXSW: Hugh recalls his early days in Austin, his background in publishing, and how he was hired for his desktop publishing skills (4:10)
• The birth of SXSW: A festival born from rejection: Hugh shares how SXSW came to be after a failed partnership with a New York music event, and how Austin club owners reluctantly gave them a chance (6:42)
• SXSW’s evolution: From music to tech, film & beyond: The festival’s expansion beyond music to include film, interactive media, health tech, and transportation—shaped by Austin’s growth (10:21)
• Balancing corporate growth and grassroots creativity: Hugh addresses criticisms that SXSW has become too corporate, explaining how they balance big brands with indie creatives (14:54)
• Navigating controversies: DEI, social issues and speaker curation: Discussion on how SXSW handles political and social challenges, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (1:13)
• Personal highlights: Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne and memorable moments: Hugh shares one of his biggest regrets—missing most of Bruce Springsteen’s keynote—and reflects on other standout festival moments (24:20)
• Austin’s transformation and SXSW’s role in the city’s growth: The impact of SXSW on Austin’s economy and identity, and Hugh’s thoughts on the city’s evolution (28:11)
• Hugh’s perspective: Success, creativity and the future of SXSW: Rapid-fire Q&A on success, creativity, and what excites him about the future of SXSW (35:26)

Connect with Hugh Forrest:

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Dr. Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist and pioneer in neurotheology, exploring the relationship between brain function and spiritual experiences. As Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital, he has conducted extensive brain imaging studies on practices like prayer, meditation, and rituals. Board-certified in internal and nuclear medicine, Dr. Newberg has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles and 14 books, with his work featured in major media outlets and programs like "Dr. Oz" and "Good Morning America." Renowned globally, he was named among the "30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive Today."

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Newberg provides an in-depth overview of neurotheology, explaining how it bridges science and spirituality to address critical questions about consciousness and the human experience. He discusses the biological underpinnings of religious and mystical experiences, the interplay between rituals and mating behaviors, and the neurological parallels between spiritual ecstasy and sexual bliss. His research on integrative medicine underscores the value of combining traditional medical practices with lifestyle changes and alternative therapies. Andrew also addresses the societal divisions arising from differing belief systems and proposes that understanding the neurological basis of our connections and differences can foster greater unity. His insights draw from decades of research, personal curiosity, and a desire to help people navigate the complexities of spirituality and health.
 

• Defining Neurotheology and Integrative Medicine: neurotheology is the study of the relationship between the brain and spirituality, it’s a two-way approach + integrative medicine is a holistic approach combining traditional medicine with alternative practices (3:54)
• The Role of Stress and Lifestyle in Health: how stress impacts health + the connection between mental and physical well-being + the importance of personalized, integrative healthcare (9:15)
• Andrew's Early Curiosity About Reality: Andrew reflects on his childhood questions about religion, reality, and consciousness, which led to his interest in neuroscience and philosophy (13:58)
• Sex, God, and the Brain: Exploring Connections: the biological and neurological overlap between religious, spiritual, and sexual experiences, including findings from orgasmic meditation studies. (24:47)
• The Interplay of Rituals, Spirituality, and Biology: the evolution of rituals, their grounding effects + their connections to both human and animal mating behaviors + their role in spirituality (31:21)
• Patriarchy, Religion, and the Separation of Sex and Spirituality: how patriarchal structures have historically separated sexuality from spirituality + the potential for reconnecting these elements (41:38)
• Rituals as Neutral Technologies: Dr. Newberg describes rituals as tools that can be used for both positive and negative purposes, illustrating their power to shape beliefs and behaviors (47:44)
• The Challenges of Evolving Beliefs and Societal Divisions: how ancient brain processes struggle with modern complexities + the importance of openness to alternative perspectives to bridge societal divides (49:06) 
• Rapid Fast Round (53:44)
   

Connect with Andrew Newberg:

• Website
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• Get Andrew’s books!

Let’s talk Connect:

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media

Dan Slepian is an Emmy-winning journalist, producer, and storyteller with nearly 30 years at NBC News. Known for his investigative work on Dateline, Dan has exposed injustices, solved cold cases, and helped exonerate the wrongfully convicted. His acclaimed podcast, Letters from Sing Sing, chronicles his 20-year fight to prove the innocence of John Adrian “JJ” Velazquez. A 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Dan recently published The Sing Sing Files: One Journalist, Six Innocent Men, and a 20-Year Fight for Justice. Beyond journalism, he is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on the human cost of mass incarceration.

Dan discusses the systemic flaws in the justice system, including racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and the lack of accountability for wrongful convictions. He brings a deeply personal and professional lens to the conversation, emphasizing his commitment to truth over personal recognition. He shares insights into the realities of mass incarceration, describing how systemic failures—from flawed eyewitness procedures to prosecutorial pressure—lead to wrongful convictions.

Dan also explores his relationship with JJ, which has evolved into a profound bond that underscores the human toll of these injustices. He speaks candidly about his investigative process, the importance of humanity and empathy, and his enduring advocacy for those wrongly imprisoned. His accounts of JJ’s case and his Voices from Within program highlight the potential for transformation and healing within and beyond prison walls. Dan dives into his recent book, The Sing Sing Files, and the forthcoming documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles, which humanizes those affected by the system.

• Dan’s Reluctance Toward Self-Promotion: Dan discusses his discomfort with being in the spotlight + he reflects on the challenges of public advocacy while maintaining journalistic objectivity (3:26)
• Upbringing and Family Influence: Dan shares his childhood experiences + He credits his mother for instilling grit and resilience and his father for teaching empathy and the value of fighting for others (6:37)
• Navigating Advocacy and Family Dynamics: Dan recounts the depth of his 20-year connection with JJ + how Dan’s work evolved from investigative reporting into a deeply personal mission for truth + how Dan’s family became an integral supporter of JJ (9:52)
• Journey into Journalism: Dan recounts the early days of his career + He shares formative moments, like witnessing Michael Jordan before a game and the lessons they imparted about professionalism. (19:11)
• The Case of Robert Roberson: Robert Roberson’s case, a man on death row convicted of killing his daughter + science have debunked much of the evidence used against Roberson + Dan emphasizes the racial and procedural inequities in death penalty cases and critiques the system’s inefficiencies, high costs, and lack of deterrence (22:20)
• The Roots of Wrongful Convictions: Systemic issues leading to wrongful convictions + eyewitness misidentification, coerced confessions, and improper courtroom dynamics + JJ Velazquez’s case exemplifies these failures + the need to humanize those impacted by wrongful convictions (34:53)
• Voices from Within and JJ Velazquez’s Journey: Systemic bias in the justice system, , pointing out how former prosecutors often become judges in the same jurisdictions, fostering a “club-like” atmosphere + Dan’s and JJ’s collaboration on Voices from Within + challenging myths like “everyone in prison claims innocence + the long-lasting trauma caused by wrongful incarceration (45:00)
• The Emotional Catalyst for Justice: the emotional impact of his first encounter with JJ’s children + Dan developed a familial bond with JJ’s children + the lifelong impact of losing a parent to incarceration (51:56)
• The Pathology of Mass Incarceration: The Sing Sing Files, and the emotional impact of the documentary series The Sing Sing Chronicles + education and vocational training in prisons + need to treat prisoners with dignity and reintegrate them into society + mass incarceration as a moral failing of society (55:02)
• The Innocence Project and Personal Reflections: Dan credits the Innocence Project + Dan maintains his discomfort with being labeled as a trailblazer (1:111:07)
• Rapid Fast Round (1:12:46)

Connect with Dan Slepian:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Get Dan’s book - The Sing Sing Files!
• Listen to Dan’s podcast - Letters from Sing Sing!

Let’s talk Connect:

• Instagram

This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Debbie Millman is a writer, designer, educator, artist, brand consultant and host of the podcast Design Matters.Design Matters is one of the world’s very first podcasts. Broadcasting independently for 19 years, the show is about how the world’s most creative people design the arc of their lives. On top of it all, she has authored 6 books, her latest one called Love Letter To a Garden comes out in April and is a definite shift from her previous works.  Which is no surprise to me because Debbie is the very definition of evolution, constantly learning, changing, growing and all the while, having a blast.

Debbie recounts her journey as a OG podcaster and explains her process of preparing deeply researched interviews that uncover her guests' stories with authenticity and depth, emphasizing the importance of respect and engagement in meaningful conversations. Debbie also opens up about her latest book, Love Letter to a Garden, a visual and personal exploration of her quest to cultivate greenery in her life. She discusses how gardening became a source of connection and creativity during the pandemic and how this new venture has inspired her future projects. 

We also talk about what makes New York City kids so unique, why we’re both glad we didn’t peak in high school, how she designed her high school prom, and why she is still keen to keep walking up the mountain.

• A Love Letter to Gardening: Debbie introduces her latest book + She shares how the project began during the pandemic and how it combines illustrations, photographs, and stories (2:53)
• The Mental Health Benefits of Nature: The therapeutic value of gardening + practical advice for beginners + how gardening has enriched Debbie’s creative process and daily routine (5:56)
• The Origins and Evolution of Design Matters: Debbie recounts the early days of Design Matters and describes its growth over 20 years + chapters of the podcast’s evolution (9:29)
• The Art of Interview: Debbie shares her approach to conducting meaningful interviews + She reveals the challenges of navigating interviews with unengaged guests and maintaining authenticity (12:27)
• Advice for Aspiring Podcasters: Debbie offers candid advice for podcasters, emphasizing the importance of passion, preparation, and perseverance + she advises maintaining a day job to sustain creative freedom and avoiding the pressure of chasing trends or chart (20:45)
• Debbie’s Creative Roots and New York City Upbringing: Reflecting on her childhood in New York City + how her high school and college experiences shaped her career path (24:39)
• Living a Creative Life Without Peaking: Debbie’s reflections on her ever-evolving career and her aspiration to continue climbing her creative "mountain." (38:36)
• Rapid Fast Round: (39:13)

Connect with Debbie Millman:

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• LinkedIn
• X
• The Design Matters Podcast!
• Get Debbie’s books!

Let’s talk Connect:

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 This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.

Nasreen Shahi is a well-known fashion and lifestyle influencer, celebrated for her vibrant online presence and a community of over half a million followers on social media. Through her platform, Hey Nasreen, she shares style inspiration, wellness tips, and personal insights, offering her audience an authentic look into her life.

Beyond her role as an influencer, Nasreen is a resilient advocate for breast cancer awareness. Diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer at 40, she has courageously shared her journey, empowering women by speaking openly about her health battles and challenging the cultural stigmas that often surround such diagnoses in South Asian communities.

In this episode, Nasreen speaks candidly about the emotional and physical toll her diagnosis has taken and describes her initial shock, especially given her healthy lifestyle before the diagnosis. She talks about her ongoing treatments, the challenges of choosing between different therapies, and the side effects she endures. Nasreen shares her perspective on the need for a more proactive approach to women’s health and highlights the lack of open discussion about breast cancer. She recounts stories of South Asian women who keep their diagnoses private due to cultural stigma, hoping to inspire others to speak openly and seek support. Nasreen also touches on the joys of motherhood and how her journey has led her to a more present and intentional life. Despite the challenges, she has continued her work as an influencer, driven by her desire to help others through her openness and authenticity.

• Living with a Metastatic Diagnosis:  Nasreen describes the unexpectedness of her diagnosis + the early stages of treatment + living with metastatic breast cancer means being on indefinite therapy + importance of early detection + Nasreen opens up about the difficult side effects + the difficult choices patients face between various treatment options and the unpredictable effects of each therapy (2:56)
• A Proactive vs. Reactive Healthcare Approach: Contrasting the two approaches + how societal expectations often cause women to self-blame after a health diagnosis (8:00)
• Cultural Stigma in the South Asian Community: The cultural stigma surrounding breast cancer in the South Asian community + anecdotes of women who keep their diagnoses private out of fear + Nasreen urges more open conversations to break these stigmas + setting an example for the younger generation (10:52)
• The Things Cancer Can Teach: Nasreen reflects on how her experience has changed her perspective on life and motherhood (15:28)
• Navigating Work as an Influencer with Cancer: Explaining the flexibility needed to accommodate treatments + the support Nasreen receives from her audience and brands + emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her journey + Nasreen discusses moments of joy she has experienced + gratitude for the support network she has gained through sharing her journey (20:32)
• Rapid Fast Round (24:25)
• Final Reflections and Advice: Nasreen offers advice to listeners, encouraging them to let go of others’ judgments + the importance of breaking free from cultural shame (26:00)

Connect with Nasreen Shahi:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok

Let’s talk Connect:

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This podcast is produced by Ginni Media.