In this episode of 'Unless the Podcast,' Dr. Hemma Lomax interviews the iconic John Graham, an adventurer turned global hero and leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project. Starting his journey at 16 with a trip to Asia on a freighter, Graham's life has been marked by outsized risks, bold actions, and daring adventure. Join John on this inspiring and nail-biting journey filled with bravado, humanity, and deep reflection.

Tune in to hear how John faced the first of several near-death experiences during the Algerian revolution, a treacherous climb on Mount Denali, encounters during the Vietnam War and the Foreign Service, and how he helped end apartheid at the United Nations. John shares his transformative journey from seeking adrenaline to finding profound meaning in service. He also discusses his latest venture as 'Badass Granddad' on TikTok, inspiring younger generations to take courageous actions. 

Highlights:

• Climbing Denali and the Path to the Foreign Service and the United Nations

• The Giraffe Heroes Project: A Legacy of Courage

• Finding Meaning Through Service

• The Importance of Risk-Taking

• Reflecting on Legacy and Impact

Biography

John Graham is an adventurer, diplomat, and changemaker. After early exploits that took him from climbing the South Wall of Denali to serving in war zones as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, John shifted his life’s mission after a near-death experience at sea. For the past 40 years, he has helped lead the Giraffe Heroes Project, honoring and supporting people who “stick their necks out” for the common good. Through Giraffe Heroes International, he has expanded this work globally, inspiring civic courage in countries from Nepal to Zimbabwe.

He is also the creator of the viral TikTok and YouTube series “Badass Granddad”, where he shares short adventure stories paired with practical life lessons for the next generation. John is the author of multiple books, including Quest for the Meaning of Life, Stick Your Neck Out, and On the Edge: Stories of Adventure and Leadership.

Learn more and connect with John:

• 🌍 Giraffe Heroes Project: giraffe.org

• 🎥 Badass Granddad series: John Graham – Badass Granddad

• 📚 Books, bio & blogs: johngraham.org

• 📺 Sample interview: John Graham on YouTube

In this week’s episode of 'Unless: The Podcast,' host Dr. Hemma Lomax welcomes award-winning author Nina Schuyler to consider the future of human potential through the fine art of fiction writing. Nina’s works explore themes of love, loss, language, and the complex relationship between humans and machines. The discussion opens with insights into Nina's early writing journey and her evolution from investment banking to fiction writing. The conversation then pivots to her critically acclaimed novel 'Afterword,' an exploration of AI and human feelings through the poignant story of Virginia Sampson and her AI companion, Haru. 

Nina shares her thought-provoking perspectives on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, collective storytelling, and the need for interconnectedness in addressing global issues, such as climate change. Additionally, the episode explores Nina’s latest work, 'In This Ravishing World,' highlighting themes of collectivity,  Ursula K. Le Guin’s ‘carrier bag theory of fiction’, and ecological mindfulness. Listeners are encouraged to think deeply about the potential and limitations of AI, the importance of human connection, and the power of collaborative storytelling in navigating complex contemporary issues.

The work of Rebecca Solnit inspired this week’s episode title.

Highlights include:

• The Creative Process and Writing Philosophy

• The Influence of Japanese Culture

• Ethical Questions and Future Implications of AI

• Exploring Human Exceptionalism and Blind Spots

• When Art Imitates Reality: The Role of Fiction in Activism

• Rethinking Storytelling: The Carrier Bag Theory

Biography

Nina Schuyler is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, and educator whose work explores the emotional and philosophical edges of language, consciousness, and connection.

Her latest novel, Afterword (Clash Books, 2023), was named a top book of the year by Alta Journal and Bay City News. A deeply imaginative exploration of love, grief, and artificial intelligence, Afterword tells the story of a woman who reconnects with her late sister through an AI replica—posing urgent questions about memory, intimacy, and what it means to be alive.

Her forthcoming short story collection, In This Ravishing World (Regal House Publishing, July 2024), has already won the W.S. Porter Prize for Short Story Collections and the Prism Prize for Climate Literature. These stories tackle ecological crisis, spiritual longing, and quiet human resilience in a rapidly shifting world.

Nina’s earlier novels include The Translator—a finalist for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing and winner of the Next Generation Indie Book Award—and The Painting, a finalist for the Northern California Book Award.

A passionate advocate for the craft of writing, she is also the author of the bestselling nonfiction book How to Write Stunning Sentences, and its companion, Stunning Sentences: Creative Writing Journal. Her short fiction has appeared in Zyzzyva, Fugue, Nashville Review, Santa Clara Review, Your Impossible Voice, and many other literary journals.

Nina teaches creative writing for Stanford Continuing Studies, The Writing Salon, and the University of San Francisco. She lives and writes in California, where she continues to challenge the boundaries of storytelling—inviting readers to enter new ways of seeing, feeling, and being in the world.

Resources

https://ninaschuyler.com/

Afterword: Available at your favorite local bookstore and where all books are sold.

Order from Bookshop | Book Passage | Copperfield’s | Powell’s | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In This Ravishing World: Available at your favorite local bookstore and where all books are sold.

Order from Bookshop | Book Passage | Regal House Publishing | Copperfield’s | Amazon

Ursula K. Le Guin’s Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction - https://stillmoving.org/resources/the-carrier-bag-theory-of-fiction

In this compelling episode, Hemma is joined by Sir James Gray Robinson—attorney-turned-healer, spiritual teacher, prolific author, film-maker, and founder of the Grayt® brand.  A high-powered litigator from a legacy legal family in North Carolina, James spent 27 years practicing law, earning national recognition for his trial work. But behind the scenes, the pressure, stress, and emotional toll of the legal system led him to a breaking point—and ultimately, a breakthrough.

What followed were five near-death experiences and over two decades of deep study into neuroscience, quantum physics, energy medicine, mindfulness, and transformational coaching. He has earned over 30 certifications in wellness disciplines and he has been honored with knighthood and a U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his global contributions.

The discussion delves into 

• Sir James’ journey from star litigator to master of mindfulness

• The concept of the 'warrior' and 'guru' brains

• The insights from neuroscience we aren’t taught in school

• Practical strategies to manage stress and enhance well-being

• Resources for lawyers and compliance professionals

 

 

Biography

Sir James Gray Robinson is a man who has lived many lives in one. Born into a prestigious family of attorneys, he became a third-generation trial lawyer, earning national recognition and professional success in civil litigation and family law. By all outward appearances, he had “made it.” But inside, he was unraveling.

After 27 years of high-stakes legal work and the emotional toll of relentlessly fighting battles for others, James hit a breaking point. In 2004, he walked away from the courtroom, experiencing what he now describes as a complete emotional and spiritual collapse. What followed was not a fall, but a beginning.

Over the next two decades, James embarked on a profound journey of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening—one that included five near-death experiences and a complete transformation of his life’s purpose. Through deep study in neuroscience, energy medicine, quantum physics, epigenetics, and mindfulness, he earned more than 30 certifications in wellness and transformation practices.

Today, Sir James is the founder of the Grayt® brand and Awakening Mastery, where he teaches others—especially professionals under pressure—how to transmute stress into spiritual growth. He is a certified master coach, global speaker, and author of more than a dozen books including Thriving in the Legal Arena, How Big Is Your But?, and Wellness in Law. He has been featured in the Amazon Prime documentary Beyond Physical Matter, and his work has earned him knighthood and a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biden administration.

Through coaching, storytelling, and spiritual guidance, Sir James helps others discover what he found in the silence that followed his success: that there is a life beyond performance, beyond breakdown—and that it can be beautiful.

 

Resources

Website: jamesgrayrobinson.com Books Available on Amazon:Thriving in the Legal Arena, Wellness in Law, How Big Is Your But?, What Is Love? Documentaries: Beyond Physical Matter on Amazon Prime

Email: [email protected]

Social Media, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/X

In this episode, Dr. Hemma R. Lomax interviews Nick Gallo, co-founder and Chief Servant Leader at Ethico, host of The Ethicsverse Webinar, and the Ethics Experts podcast. Nick is one of the most passionate voices in the world of ethics and culture. You’ve probably seen Nick on webinars or panels, elevating others, amplifying voices, and bringing his signature energy. But today, we’re turning the spotlight on his journey — the story behind the storyteller. 

 

Nick’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, redefining ethical leadership, and so much more. Tune in to hear Nick and Hemma discuss the value of maintaining a growth mindset, the importance of planting 'seeds' for future success, and how to adopt an anti-fragile mentality in both business and personal life.

 

Nick shares his journey from investment banking and private equity to running a company focused on ethics and compliance, and highlights the impact of a servant leadership model. Nick also opens up about his recovery journey from a severe car accident and the role that mindset and community support played in his resilience.

 

Highlights:

 

• Building a Culture of Service

• Leveraging Mindset and Agency to Overcome Challenges

• Lessons from a Life-Changing Accident

• The Role of Unbridled Perspective and Gratitude

• The Key Elements of Anti-Fragility

In this week’s episode, Hemma visits with Tom Fox, the “Voice of Compliance”, founder of the compliance podcast network, prolific author, and seasoned compliance professional. He has written numerous books, including The Compliance Handbook and Upping Your Game. Through his thought leadership and tireless advocacy, he is transforming how businesses view compliance — from checkbox to catalyst.

 

Join us as Tom shares his fascinating journey from a trial lawyer to becoming a beacon of ethical corporate practices. With a passion for anti-corruption, Tom delves into his transition to corporate compliance, the establishment of the Compliance Podcast Network, and his innovative use of AI to revolutionize the industry. He discusses the importance of mentoring, fostering a speak-up culture, and his visionary children's books on ethics. Tom's story illustrates the pivotal role compliance professionals play in shaping a better world for businesses and society.

 

Highlights include:

 

• Tom Fox's Journey: From Lawyer to Compliance Expert

• Finding purpose in the wake of a Life-Changing event

• The Rise of a Compliance Evangelist

• The Blogging Era: Becoming the 'Blogger Guy'

•  The Power of Storytelling in Compliance

• Leveraging AI in Compliance

 

Biography:

 

Thomas R. Fox is widely recognized as The Voice of Compliance and serves as the founder of the award-winning Compliance Podcast Network. With over three decades of legal experience, including roles as General Counsel at Drilling Controls, Inc. and Division Counsel at Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Tom has dedicated his career to advancing corporate compliance and ethics. 

As an independent consultant, Tom specializes in assisting companies with anti-corruption, anti-bribery compliance, and international transaction issues, focusing on delivering business solutions to compliance challenges.

Tom is a prolific author, having written over 25 books on compliance, leadership, and business ethics. His notable works include the international best-sellers The Compliance Handbook and Lessons Learned on Compliance and Ethics. He also contributes as a columnist for Corporate Compliance Insights and serves as a Contributing Editor to the FCPA Blog.

Through his Compliance Podcast Network, Tom produces a variety of podcasts that explore the evolving landscape of compliance, ethics, and corporate governance. His podcasts have received numerous accolades, including w3, Davey, Communicator, and Webby awards for podcasting excellence. Tom is a frequent speaker on compliance and ethics issues, social media use, and corporate leadership, sharing his insights at conferences and events worldwide.

He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan, a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas. Tom Fox's unwavering commitment to fostering ethical business practices and his innovative approach to compliance have solidified his status as a leading authority in the field.

In this special Mother's Day episode of 'Unless: The Podcast,' host Dr. Hemma Lomax honors mothers everywhere by featuring a heartfelt conversation with Laurie Chevalier Fritz, her host mother from a high school exchange program. Laurie shares her journey as a daughter, mother, grandmother, and host mom who has welcomed many into her home and heart. Together, they discuss the trials and triumphs of motherhood, the importance of resilience, kindness, and ongoing learning. The episode is a tribute to all kinds of mother figures and their indispensable roles in our lives.

 

Check out the special guest intros by two little aspiring podcasters.

 

Highlights:

 

• Laurie's Journey: From Host Mom to Family Matriarch

• The Challenges and Joys of Motherhood

• Coping with the Psychological Load and Self-Care

• Care Packages and Military Life

• Honoring Mothers Everywhere

 

Biography:

 

Laurie Chevalier Fritz is a biological mother of four, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a host mom to students from around the world, and a mother figure to so many more. 

 

A military wife who held the home front while her husband served long submarine deployments and served in many roles, including as a 911 Dispatcher, a tour carriage guide in downtown, Charleston, South Carolina, an active member of the local historical society, a Home Interiors representative, and head of the local PTA. She is the heart of her family and her community. Laurie was a young mom who grew into a wise and deeply rooted matriarch. A woman who has shown up in seasons of joy and in times of deep challenge, including recently, as she’s helped care for her father after a serious hospitalization, working alongside her two sisters to support both parents with love and devotion.

 

Laurie is also an avid historian, a passionate community activist, and someone who never stops learning—or caring. She has a lifelong dream of competing on Jeopardy!

In this episode of 'Unless the Podcast,' Dr. Hemma Lomax interviews Gwen Lee Hassan, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Unisys, and host of the Hidden Traffic Podcast. Gwen shares her personal journey into the field of compliance, driven by a traumatic family experience, and her commitment to combat human trafficking in corporate supply chains. The discussion covers the importance of aligning corporate values with ethical practices, leveraging technology to identify and prevent human trafficking, and practical advice for fostering a culture of ethical awareness and responsibility. Gwen provides actionable insights on how companies can better trace their supply chains and adopt risk-based approaches to compliance, emphasizing the vital role of education and strategic advocacy.

 

Key Highlights include: 

 

• Gwen's Origin Story: From PR to Compliance

• The Role of a Chief Compliance Officer

• Stories from the Hidden Traffic Podcast

• Challenges in Addressing Human Trafficking

• The Importance of Technology in Combating Trafficking

 

Biography:

 

Gwen Lee Hassan serves as the Deputy Chief Compliance Officer leading the compliance program globally for Unisys Corporation, a leading digital workplace, cloud, enterprise computing and business process solution company. She previously served as Global Director of Compliance for CNH Industrial, the world’s third largest capital goods maker and second largest manufacturer of farming equipment where she also led the compliance program globally. Prior to CNH, she held legal and compliance roles of increasing responsibility with Navistar and Federal Signal Corporation among other manufacturing and logistics companies. Areas of specific experience include compliance program design, structure and operation; corruption and bribery prevention; trade compliance; supply chain integrity; global compliance investigations; enterprise risk assessment and management; third party due diligence; cross border merger and acquisition transactions; human trafficking prevention; ESG program design and operation; policy development and compliance education and communication.

 

She is the founder and host of the “Hidden Traffic” podcast designed to keep corporate compliance professionals updated about new developments in human trafficking and forced labor prevention and regulation. Gwen serves as an adjunct professor for the Loyola University School of Law where she has taught courses on ESG and corporate compliance law. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Heartland Alliance, an international non-profit, human rights, social, economic and racial justice organization. She is a graduate of DePaul University School of Law and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She and her two children live in Oak Park, IL just outside of Chicago.

 

Resources: 

Hidden Traffic Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welcome-to-hidden-traffic-with-gwen-hassan/id1594891992?i=1000541512840

What if technology could unlock access to legal services for millions who can’t afford it?

In this episode of Unless, Hemma sits down with Zach Posner, co-founder of The LegalTech Fund, who’s on a mission to transform access to legal services —one beautifully designed, engagement-driven tech solution at a time. Zach shares how he went from entrepreneur to impact investor, the spark that led him to focus on legal innovation, and why user experience is the non-negotiable heart of every company he backs.

In this conversation, Zach talks about what drew him to this mission, how he funds and mentors entrepreneurs who are building tech to “do good and do well,” and why he believes the future of legal services lies in a “spectacular user experience.” He explores the opportunities for impact, the power of betting on bold founders moved to build a better world, and the real stories of people getting help they never thought they could afford—all because someone dared to care “a whole awful lot.”

This is an episode about access, innovation, and legacy—and how we can invest in a better world. 

 

Highlights: 

 

• The founding story of The LegalTech Fund

• Why beautiful design and user experience matter in legal tech

• The qualities Zach looks for in founders and companies

• Real-world impact stories from the startups he’s backed

• How to play a part in unlocking the potential of many for impact at scale

 

Timestamps:

 

1:09 - Introducing Zach Posner

3:23- Access to justice shouldn't be a luxury

14:28 - The challenges Zach faced along the way

18:08 - Prioritizing the user experience

27:15 - When Zach realized the impact he's had

41:15 - What's next for Zach

 

Resources: 

 

The LegalTech Fund

 

TLTF Summit 

 

Biography:

 

Zach Posner is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of The LegalTech Fund (TLTF), an early-stage investment fund focused on technology companies transforming the world of law. He also co-founded the annual TLTF Summit, which brings together a curated group of influential and innovative leaders across the legal industry, and has been called “the legal tech world's answer to Davos" and the “best legal tech conference ever”. At TLTF, he oversees the organization’s team, investments, operational activities, and support for its growing list of portfolio of companies. Before founding TLTF, he founded an EdTech company (sold to McGraw-Hill) and has been an active angel investor. He started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Insight Partners, and served in several other roles including as an adjunct lecturer in a master’s program at the University of Southern California. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Finance from Indiana University and is a proud Hoosier.

In this episode of 'Unless the Podcast,' Dr. Hemma Lomax interviews Cliona O'Hara, CEO of the Napoleon Hill Institute and inspirational thought leader on personal growth. Cliona shares her inspiring journey from growing up in poverty in Northern Ireland to becoming a leading figure in personal development and coaching. 

 

Tune in to hear Cliona and Hemma discuss the transformative power of thought, the principles of Napoleon Hill's philosophy, and Cliona’s global vision for the institute, including her plans for helping women and single mothers. Cliona also offers practical advice on finding purpose, overcoming fear, and maintaining a positive mindset through personal anecdotes and teachings from Bob Proctor.

 

Highlights: 

 

• From Cliona's Early Life and Inspirations

• Embracing Purpose and Philanthropy 

• How to Overcome a Scarcity Mindset

• Practical Steps to Manifesting Wealth from Napoleon Hill

• The Role of Leadership and Living a Meaningful Legacy

 

Timestamps:

 

1:34 - Introducing Cliona

11:34 - Why taking action is so critical

17:01 - Cliona's passion for philanthropy

29:09 - Cliona's advice for those scared for their future

38:48 - The difference between achievement and fulfillment

47:15 - Napoleon Hill's legacy

 

Resources: 

 

Courses, Events, and Coaching: https://www.napoleonhillinstitute.com/

 

Free E-Book: https://www.napoleonhillinstitute.com/think-and-grow-rich-book

 

Biography:

 

Cliona was born and raised in Derry, Northern Ireland. When she was 18, Cliona took a huge leap of faith and moved to New York to chase the American Dream.

At the age of 27, Cliona stumbled upon the movie “The Secret,” which would eventually transform her life from poverty and despair to a life of abundance and success. This movie was the beginning of an “awakening” for her as she started studying daily all things “personal development and human potential,” and immediately, her life began to transform.

 

In 2014, Cliona became dissatisfied with the corporate world and decided to sell her companies in healthcare.  One she had started when she was 29 the other was a family business she had shares in was valued at approximately $100million in 2016. She decided to leave the Healthcare Industry behind and pursue her true passion, Personal Development and Coaching.

 

Cliona has studied  personal growth for over 17 years and has worked with some of the masters in personal development. She became a coach with Bob Proctor and soon moved up the ranks to become an Inner Circle Coach and VP of Sales, now she is working with Dr. Joe Vitale and being mentored by Matt Higgins from Shark Tank.  

 

Today, Cliona is living her purpose as she coaches clients all over the world, helping them achieve their goals, know their worth, and create a life of financial freedom, joy, abundance, and health.

In this episode of 'Unless the Podcast,' Dr. Hemma Lomax engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Christian Hunt, CEO of Human Risk and author of 'Humanizing Rules.' Christian discusses his extensive background in financial services and regulation and his unique approach to compliance through the lens of behavioral science. Hemma and Christian delve into the concept of 'human risk,' the inevitable fallibilities of human decision-making, and the need to balance strict protocols with creating environments where employees can thrive and contribute authentically.   Tune in to hear real-world applications such as the airline industry's safety measures and the missteps in financial compliance, and the importance of understanding the human element in corporate compliance and risk management. The discussion aims to shift the current mindset from command and control to trust and inspire, making a compelling case for more empathetic and effective management strategies.     Timestamps   1:28 - Introducing Christian 2:38 - What is human risk? 13:51 - What Christian's learned through studying human behavior 30:13 - Why employers should care about what their employees feel 46:30 - Operationalizing risk 56:47 - Christian's advice to businesses   Biography  

Christian Hunt has over 27 years of experience in Financial Services, working in Investment Banking, Asset Management, and a Family Office. He is the founder of Human Risk, a consultancy where he helps organizations improve their ethics and compliance programmes to achieve business outcomes. His work benefits from the unique perspective of having held senior roles as a Regulator and Risk & Compliance Officer.

 

Resources

You can find more information about Christian and his services and his book, Humanizing Rules at www.human-risk.com 

You can peruse his collection of amusing "Compliance in the Wild" spotting on LinkedIn.

You can also listen to the Human Risk Podcast.