In this episode, Emily Witt interviews Felipe Lichand, a tour guide and historian, who shares his deep connection to São Paulo, particularly the multicultural neighborhood of Bom Retiro. Felipe discusses his journey of being a history teacher and tour guide, emphasizing the importance of community and cultural diversity in the city. The conversation explores São Paulo's rich history, the impact of immigration, and the vibrant culinary scene, highlighting the city's unique blend of cultures and its welcoming nature.

Takeaways

• São Paulo is a melting pot of cultures and communities.
• Felipe's connection to Bom Retiro reflects the city's immigrant essence.
• The history of São Paulo is deeply rooted in indigenous culture.
• Immigration has shaped São Paulo into a diverse metropolis.
• São Paulo's culinary scene is one of the best in the world.
• The city offers a unique blend of beauty and chaos.
• Community support is vital for immigrants in São Paulo.
• São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan.
• The warmth and hospitality of São Paulo make it a welcoming city.

Felipe's LinkedIn Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipe-martin-l-a32b96169/

In the bustling heart of São Paulo, finding moments of peace is essential. In this episode of Why São Paulo, Emily chats with Natalhia Cuturic, a yoga instructor at Vidya Yoga, about creating balance in a fast-paced city. They explore hidden sanctuaries like bookstores and parks, the kindness of Paulistanos, and the joy of slowing down. Whether you're a local or visiting, this episode is packed with insights on how to recharge and connect with the soul of São Paulo.

🌿 Highlights:

• Natalia’s favorite peaceful spot in the city: Martins Fontes Bookstore on Paulista Avenue 📚

• The warmth and kindness of Paulistanos—how they embrace newcomers

• The importance of slowing down in a city that never stops

• How yoga and meditation help balance urban chaos

• The power of human connection in friendships and family life

Tune in for a heartwarming conversation that captures the magic of São Paulo!

The bustling streets of São Paulo and New York City share a familiar energy, but their business cultures couldn't be more different. What drives professionals to thrive in both cities?

For professionals considering international career moves or doing business in Brazil, understanding the nuances between American directness and Brazilian relationship-building could make or break your success.

In this episode, you will gain authentic insights about work-life dynamics in São Paulo versus other global cities, learn practical tips for navigating cultural differences in business settings, and discover why São Paulo is considered the powerhouse of Latin America.

Join Emily Witt and Mônica Ramos Machado as they share their firsthand experiences navigating professional life between São Paulo and major global cities.

Topics Discussed:

• Cultural differences in business practices between Brazil, US, and Europe
• The importance of relationship-building in Brazilian business culture
• Work-life balance comparisons across different regions
• São Paulo's unique position as Latin America's business hub
• The challenges and rewards of international career moves
• The significance of proper business etiquette in Brazil
• Impact of time zones on global business operations
• Adaptation strategies for different business cultures
• The evolution of professional identity across cultures
• Tips for foreigners working with Brazilian companies

Have you ever wondered how to build authentic connections in a city of over 11 million people? In this heartwarming episode of Why São Paulo, host Emily Witt sits down with Eiki Sasaki, a lifelong Paulista who transformed from a self-described introvert into a community builder through his work with Talk Talk Speaking Club. Listeners will discover the magic of Parque da Aclimação, learn practical strategies for meeting new people in São Paulo, and gain insights into how diversity shapes Brazil's largest city. From finding hidden park gems to joining vibrant language exchange communities, this episode reveals how anyone can create meaningful connections in São Paulo. Press play to uncover how this dynamic city brings people together in unexpected ways.

Topics Discussed:

• Parque da Aclimação as a hidden gem in São Paulo
• The evolution of Talk Talk Speaking Club
• Making friends in a megacity
• Cross-cultural connections and language exchange
• Marathon training in urban parks
• What it means to be a Paulista
• Post-pandemic community building
• São Paulo's diverse population
• International relationships formed through meetups
• Building bridges across different cultures

Summary

In this debut episode of Why São Paulo, Marcela Levy shares her personal experiences and insights about living in São Paulo, Brazil. She discusses her favorite local spots, the cultural identity tied to different regions in Brazil, and the importance of family and community. Marcela also reflects on the vibrant literary scene in São Paulo, the arts and culture that thrive in the city and offers advice for newcomers. Additionally, she highlights her work as a children's book author, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in her life.

Takeaways

• Marcela shares her favorite local spot, Praça de Milão, which holds special memories with her family.
• Cultural identity in Brazil is deeply tied to regional differences, with unique accents and lifestyles.
• Family proximity is a significant factor in choosing to live in São Paulo. he strong support system for parents in Brazil, from family involvement to accessible childcare, is a major advantage.
• São Paulo has a lively literary scene with numerous bookstores and cultural events.
• The city offers a rich array of artistic experiences, from museums to street art.
• Newcomers to São Paulo should take their time to adjust to the city's vastness and complexity.
• The welcoming nature of São Paulo contrasts with other cities, making it easier for foreigners to integrate.
• Marcela's children's books address themes of family and modern parenting.
• The importance of community and shared experiences is a recurring theme in Marcela's life.

Ever wondered what makes São Paulo, Brazil, a magnetic force for creatives and innovators worldwide? Host Emily Witt takes a bold step away from her successful legal podcast to immerse herself in the pulsating heart of South America's dynamic metropolis. Widely regarded as a cultural hub, São Paulo is home to world-class art galleries, a thriving music and nightlife scene, and a culinary landscape that reflects the city's incredible diversity. In this special announcement episode, Emily shares her vision for 'Why São Paulo?' - a new podcast that promises to uncover the soul of this incredible city through intimate conversations with its people and exploration of its unique spaces. Listeners will gain authentic insights into Brazilian culture, discover hidden gems of São Paulo's urban landscape, and understand what makes this city a global hub of creativity and innovation.

Ever wonder how a big law career can align with your passion for making a difference? This episode's guest is Jamie Schafer who explains her path to fulfillment and the advice she has learned along the way.  Jamie is a Partner in Perkins Coie’s White Collar & Investigations practice as well as the International Transactions & Trade practice. She is also a co-chair of the firm’s Sports industry group. Jamie represents entities and individuals in complex U.S. domestic and cross-border criminal and regulatory matters. 

In this episode, learn how to: 

Leverage big law resources for social impact  Build niche expertise in areas you're passionate about  Use pro bono work to develop skills and drive change 

Tune in now to discover how Jamie Schaffer found purpose and made a meaningful impact while thriving in Big Law.  

Topics discussed: 

Jamie's journey to becoming a lawyer  Developing expertise in white collar and international law  Leveraging pro bono work for skill development  Balancing big law demands with personal interests  Using law firm resources for social impact  Importance of mentorship and networking  Adapting to changing work environments  Strategies for career intentionality  Involvement in Scouts and driving organizational change 

Ever wonder how to find true fulfillment in your legal career?

Many lawyers struggle to align their work with their values and desire for a balanced lifestyle.

In this episode, we're joined by Chris Jones, a startup attorney who found his path to freedom and meaning through law. You'll learn how to:

1. Connect your spirituality to your legal practice
2. Find innovative law firms that support work-life balance
3. Use career breaks to gain perspective and new skills

Listen now to discover how you can transform your legal career into a path of freedom, meaning, and personal growth. Chris shares his journey from big law to entrepreneurship and back to a fulfilling legal practice, offering valuable insights for lawyers at any stage of their career.

Topics discussed:

• Meditation and spirituality in legal practice
• Transitioning from traditional law to startup and tech law
• The benefits of taking career breaks
• Finding alignment between personal values and legal work
• Building meaningful relationships with clients
• Innovative law firm models
• Overcoming fear to make career changes
• Blending entrepreneurship and legal practice
• Learning from experienced founders and deal-makers
• The importance of trust and creativity in client relationships

Have you ever felt a strong sense of purpose but struggled to find a career that aligns with your values?

Many professionals seek fulfilling work that allows them to make a meaningful impact, but it can be challenging to navigate the transition into a different field, especially one as demanding as public interest law.

In this episode you will:

• Gain insights into the rewarding journey of a public interest attorney dedicated to serving immigrant communities.
• Discover practical strategies for exploring new career paths while maintaining work-life balance.
• Learn how to leverage networking and mentorship opportunities to pursue your passion.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation with Ernie Collette, a dedicated public interest attorney, as he shares his transformative journey and offers invaluable advice for those seeking purposeful work.

Topics Discussed

• Ernie's personal journey and what led him to public interest law
• Balancing passion and preventing burnout in demanding legal work
• The importance of mentorship and representation in the legal profession
• Practical advice for exploring new career paths through networking
• The emotional fulfillment of helping clients in immigration law
• Navigating the transition into public interest work
• Strategies for maintaining work-life balance
• The role of curiosity and continuous learning in career growth
• Overcoming the fear of saying "no" and setting boundaries
• Building a supportive community for underrepresented groups in law

Natalie R. Birnbaum, Esq. is a healthcare regulatory attorney and a state policy consultant serving at the intersection of sex equity,  healthcare technology & innovation, and reproductive, health, rights, and justice.  She is the owner of the legal & policy consulting company, Repro Solutions, P.C., Of Counsel at Nelson Hardiman, LLP, and co-chair of the New York City Bar Association's Sex & Law Committee.