#17 Episode with Cathy Samaras – Mother of Six

APRIL 18, 2018

Cathy Samaras.

1987.

Annapolis.

I am energetic.

I am creative.

I connect the dots.

BE next, now.

Badass Quotes:

• “Why did I do it? Because no one else would.” (3:00)
• “I wanted that and I figured out how I was going to get that.” (21:38)
• “I was not the smartest kid in the class, but I could make things happen.” (23:19)
• “It was scary because we were giving up our independence, the right to decide the fate of our sport. (43:17)
• “If I let them see how upset I am, then it will all be over.” (52:48)
• “I love challenges. I like to rise to the challenge. I like to create and innovate a different way to reach that challenge.” (1:02:30)
• “You just don’t have what you had 5 years ago.” (1:12:10)

Podcast Intro:

There is no one like Cathy Samaras. She is a sassy, smart and driven woman who has broken so many molds in her lifetime so far. She is my mother and the bravest person I know. She was a physical education teacher after college, started businesses as an outlet for her passion after she had kids, and stumbled into being one of greatest change agents in the history of women’s lacrosse. Her tribe is the family she built with her high school sweetheart, George. She is in-your-face. She always says what’s on her mind. She is a matriarch, a feminist, a wife, a mother and has a dedicated group of self-proclaimed hens she hangs out with regularly. Cathy has an unrelenting spirit, my mother is a geyser of innovative ideas and this Head Honcho – as she likes to refer to herself - is an undeniable beacon for authenticity.

Official Bio:

Cathy has been recognized by Sports Business Journal as one of the top 10 US executives influencing the future of women’s sports. She serves on the National Advisory Board of Connect Sports, the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County  and Chairs the Annapolis High School Alumni Committee for the Capital Campaign for Maryland Hall [more ...] - https://www.chesapeakeclublacrosse.com/coaches

Biggest Takeaways:

• Where does her “spark” come from (10:45)
• Growing up with alcoholic parents (11:32)
• Why activities outside of school were critical in 1950s (17:20)
• When Cathy changed her name to Kitty (23:52)
• Getting engaged to her high school sweetheart (28:45)
• Why she got into lacrosse (35:22)
• Where does her drive come from (40:05)
• Why she got 2 facelifts (1:07:35)
• What it’s like being 74 years old (1:11:45)
• What would be on her tombstone (1:14:30)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Why she kept on having kids (4:15)
• City girl moves to the country (15:55)
• How 4H Club taught her organization (18:28)
• The Greatest Teacher & his mischievous class (24:52)
• Different times Cathy was resilient (31:31)
• Hardest professional experience (42:00)
• Walking out of the house you built (54:32)
• Who she considers brave (58:30)
• Cathy’s 7-Line Brave Pitch (1:04:15)
• Describing her tribe one by one (1:13:15)

Social Media

Instagram

http://instagram.com/cathysamaras

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cathy.samaras

Links

Thomas J Tereshinski – Cathy’s Favorite Teacher

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/thomas-tereshinski-obituary?pid=101946542&view=guestbook

Sue Chittim – Principal, Annapolis High School

http://www.capitalgazette.com/cg2-arc-097b1309-2016-5550-92bc-226bef530a76-20130906-story.html

Nancy Schrum – Not My Child Program

http://www.aacounty.org/departments/county-executive/county-initiatives/heroin/

Synapse Sports

http://www.synapsesports.com

CCLax Club Lacrosse

https://www.chesapeakeclublacrosse.com

Brave

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http://instagram.com/cristasamaras

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#17 Episode with Cathy Samaras – Mother of Six

APRIL 18, 2018

Cathy Samaras.

1987.

Annapolis.

I am energetic.

I am creative.

I connect the dots.

BE next, now.

Badass Quotes:

• “Why did I do it? Because no one else would.” (3:00)
• “I wanted that and I figured out how I was going to get that.” (21:38)
• “I was not the smartest kid in the class, but I could make things happen.” (23:19)
• “It was scary because we were giving up our independence, the right to decide the fate of our sport. (43:17)
• “If I let them see how upset I am, then it will all be over.” (52:48)
• “I love challenges. I like to rise to the challenge. I like to create and innovate a different way to reach that challenge.” (1:02:30)
• “You just don’t have what you had 5 years ago.” (1:12:10)

Podcast Intro:

There is no one like Cathy Samaras. She is a sassy, smart and driven woman who has broken so many molds in her lifetime so far. She is my mother and the bravest person I know. She was a physical education teacher after college, started businesses as an outlet for her passion after she had kids, and stumbled into being one of greatest change agents in the history of women’s lacrosse. Her tribe is the family she built with her high school sweetheart, George. She is in-your-face. She always says what’s on her mind. She is a matriarch, a feminist, a wife, a mother and has a dedicated group of self-proclaimed hens she hangs out with regularly. Cathy has an unrelenting spirit, my mother is a geyser of innovative ideas and this Head Honcho – as she likes to refer to herself - is an undeniable beacon for authenticity.

Official Bio:

Cathy has been recognized by Sports Business Journal as one of the top 10 US executives influencing the future of women’s sports. She serves on the National Advisory Board of Connect Sports, the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County  and Chairs the Annapolis High School Alumni Committee for the Capital Campaign for Maryland Hall [more ...] - https://www.chesapeakeclublacrosse.com/coaches

Biggest Takeaways:

• Where does her “spark” come from (10:45)
• Growing up with alcoholic parents (11:32)
• Why activities outside of school were critical in 1950s (17:20)
• When Cathy changed her name to Kitty (23:52)
• Getting engaged to her high school sweetheart (28:45)
• Why she got into lacrosse (35:22)
• Where does her drive come from (40:05)
• Why she got 2 facelifts (1:07:35)
• What it’s like being 74 years old (1:11:45)
• What would be on her tombstone (1:14:30)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Why she kept on having kids (4:15)
• City girl moves to the country (15:55)
• How 4H Club taught her organization (18:28)
• The Greatest Teacher & his mischievous class (24:52)
• Different times Cathy was resilient (31:31)
• Hardest professional experience (42:00)
• Walking out of the house you built (54:32)
• Who she considers brave (58:30)
• Cathy’s 7-Line Brave Pitch (1:04:15)
• Describing her tribe one by one (1:13:15)

Social Media

Instagram

http://instagram.com/cathysamaras

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/cathy.samaras

Links

Thomas J Tereshinski – Cathy’s Favorite Teacher

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/thomas-tereshinski-obituary?pid=101946542&view=guestbook

Sue Chittim – Principal, Annapolis High School

http://www.capitalgazette.com/cg2-arc-097b1309-2016-5550-92bc-226bef530a76-20130906-story.html

Nancy Schrum – Not My Child Program

http://www.aacounty.org/departments/county-executive/county-initiatives/heroin/

Synapse Sports

http://www.synapsesports.com

CCLax Club Lacrosse

https://www.chesapeakeclublacrosse.com

Brave

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TAKE online classes

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http://twitter.com/cristasamaras

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http://instagram.com/cristasamaras

Facebook:

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#16 Episode with LaKisha Adams – Brooklyn Born

APRIL 11, 2018

LaKisha Adams.

2003.

Venice, Italy.

I am a servant.

I am love.

I am light.

BE a blessing.

Badass Quotes:

• “I gotta figure out a plan to make this work. (11:32)
• “Kids feel good when their mom is hanging around.” (19:00)
• “If ACS needs anybody, they need somebody like me.” (25:06)
• “Family is being surrounded by people who love and support you and who you love and support and it doesn’t necessarily have to be by blood.” (34:29)
• “You may think I take ‘no’ but you believe I’m working on a plan.” (41:38)
• “My friends call me Siri.” (43:06)
• “I’m going to give up my comfort zone.” (47:00)
• “It’s not your mama’s Criminal Justice class.” (46:50)
• “Our history started pretty good before we were enslaved.” (48:29)
• “I’ve allowed myself to become an innovator.” (51:28)

Podcast Intro:

LaKisha Adams is a tried-and-true badass. She gave up her comfort zone for lent, that’s how badass she is. Kisha is the adoptive mother to three great kids who she fought hard and long to keep together – and she was only 26 when she did it! Born and raised in Brooklyn, she is the neighborhood kid who became a community leader. She is bold with her words, passionate about her relationships, ready for the rigor of tough conversations and loaded with the expertise one gets only from living it.

Official Bio:

Lakisha was born and raised in Brooklyn and is a mom of three, raising her children in Brooklyn. Lakisha was educated by the NYC public school system and went on to earn her Masters Degree in Public Administration from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice [more ...] - https://www.morebrave.com/16lakisha

Biggest Takeaways:

• Battling the foster care system (9:45)
• When your job serves your purpose AND your family (17:45)
• Why it was important to go to church (22:30)
• What is a vision board (33:50)
• How you overcome self-doubt (37:00)
• Transferable skills (38:45)
• Why she gave up her comfort zone for lent (43:55)
• Her favorite part of teaching (46:25)
• Importance of relationships and connecting with people (53:45)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Why it’s important to keep family together (13:40)
• Hardest part of Mom-ing (21:20)
• When God told her to change her attitude (26:50)
• ACS Fatherhood Program (28:07)
• 3 Best Parts of Kisha’s job (32:50)
• When Kisha was brave (39:30)
• Her Dream Team (40:30)
• Her cross-country train trip (44:30)
• How do we tackle racism? (47:30)
• Why people think Kisha is so brave (52:50)

Social Media

Facebook - @bkkisha1

https://www.facebook.com/bkkisha1/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakisha-adams-72761285/

Twitter - @bkkisha

https://twitter.com/bkkisha

Instagram - @bkkisha

https://www.instagram.com/bkkisha/

Links

Brooklyn Born Kisha

http://www.brooklynbornkisha.com

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#15 Episode with Theresa Sherry – She Plays to Win

MARCH 21, 2018

Theresa Sherry.

2000.

Truckee, California.

I am driven.

I am thoughtful.

I am learning.

BE ready.

Badass Quotes:

• “My teams were my families.” (5:15)
• “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.” (15:30)
• “I think striving for excellence rather than perfection is the way to go.” (19:45)
• “I’m overscheduled.” (22:00)
• “If I see something that can be done, I want to do it the best.” (23:00)
• “I really hate losing.” (28:45)
• “I don’t play not to lose (34:15)
• “People are my home.” (36:30)
• “I’m a champion because of the little moments that I overcome the hard stuff.” (38:40)

Podcast Intro

Theresa Sherry is a champion. She won a World Championship for the United States on the U19 team in 1999. She won 2 National Champions for the lacrosse team at Princeton, where she also played soccer for all four years. She started a business to grow the sport she loves along with the confidence of thousands of girls who play or have played in her programs. This is a woman who has BEEN through stuff, which she would say is what makes her the most ready for whatever is to come.

Official Bio:

Theresa Sherry was born in Truckee, California and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland as the oldest of Paul and Jan Sherry's 4 children. She was a 3x All-American at Princeton University where she won 2 NCAA Championships, 4 Ivy League Championships in lacrosse, and 3 Ivy League Championships in soccer. [more ...] - https://tenacityproject.org/staff/

Biggest Takeaways:

• Christian Science as helpful to mental toughness (9:40)
• Why she has the best job in the world (14:30)
• What intimidates Theresa (17:30)
• What kind of coach is Theresa (20:45)
• Hardest thing she’s ever done (26:00)
• How Theresa gets “ready” (33:15)
• What TENACITY is (38:00)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Theresa singing national anthem (2:30)
• Tools for grieving (11:25)
• Why she changed Tenacity from for-profit to non-profit (18:45)
• What keeps her going (22:45)
• How sports saved her life (23:45)
• Favorite failure (29:00)
• Theresa’s 7-line pitch (31:45)
• How Theresa defies labels (37:00)

Social Media

Instagram

@tenacityproject

http://instagram.com/tenacityproject

Twitter

@10acityProject

http://twitter.com/10acityProject

Links

The Tenacity Project

https://tenacityproject.org

Brave

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#14 Episode with Murray Hill – Showbiz!

MARCH 14, 2018

Murray Hill.

1996.

New York City.

I am chubby.

I am nice.

I am here to make a difference.

BE funny.

Badass Quotes:

• “I’m a little different than the other guys.” (3:09)
• “That’s for the memoir.” (8:15)
• “I’ve had a lot of great teachers along the way.” (9:20)
• “I’m not like the other girls.” (11:49)
• “I love camp. I love humor. I love getting to the political stuff without - through disarming and laughter at assimilation – rather than scaring the shit out of people. (14:03)
• “I became the subject matter.” (16:23)
• “I’m post-gender. I’m like D. All of the above.” (22:30)
• “I will put myself in a crazy vulnerable situation and I’ll just do it.” (25:08)
• “That’s my job. That’s what I set out to do. Raise the visibility.” (27:27)
• “I’m presenting as this very confusing thing - it’s all over the place. They come out laughing rather than scared and wanting to discriminate.” (27:32)
• “I’ve been resilient my whole life. I’m half Irish-half Italian.” (30:20)
• “Sometimes, I have found over the years, that when you’re in between something, that’s like a fear spot. I think the comedy kind of came out of making that nice, for myself and for them, for people.” (31:50)
• “I don’t just fit one thing, so I don’t put any labels or words before Murray.” (41:45)
• “The women call me daddy. The kids call me Papi.” (44:38)
• “If you don’t see yourself represented, go out and represent yourself.” (57:11)

Podcast Intro:

Murray Hill is an icon, with a career that pays homage to the culture of clubs and comedy of the 1960s, packed with the camp and charisma of the 1990s NYC drag scene. Murray’s show is performance art turned lifestyle, pure entertainment turned queer visibility. Murray Hill is a comedian. Murray Hill is an activist. Murray Hill is showbiz.

Official Bio:

MURRAY HILL is a NYC legend, comedian, host, and international entertainer. Mr. Showbiz is

renowned for his improv, quick wit, and sparkly (but too tight) tuxedos. He’s been flexing his comedy chops touring with comedian/singer BRIDGET EVERETT and was just awarded The New York Voices commission from Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. [more ...] - http://www.mistershowbiz.com/about/

Biggest Takeaways:

• Showbiz as a coping mechanism (2:10)
• When Murray knew he was gay (11:08)
• An obsession with performance art (15:45)
• “Pinch me” moments for Murray (18:30)
• How Murray identifies (22:48)
• How to do the act regardless of audience reaction (26:30)
• Where Murray’s act came from (28:34)
• Harassment on the street is real (31:03)
• Murray’s first kiss (35:23)
• Hardest / Best thing for Murry in the last year (45:00)
• What makes a good fan (54:23)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Coming up with the name Murray Hill (4:45)
• Why Murray cried after moving to NYC (7:17)
• Two Big Epiphanies for Young Murray (10:52)
• Drag King Pageants (12:58)
• How are kids different today than in 90s (20:15)
• Bravest thing Murray has ever done (24:00)
• Murray’s type of woman (28:15)
• Gay-bashing then vs. now (33:03)
• Murray’s 3-strike rule (38:54)
• Queer community infighting (42:00)
• How do kids have it tough today (43:04)
• Murray’s 7-Line Pitch (49:30)

Social Media

Instagram - @murray_hill

http://instagram.com/murray_hill

Links

Murray Hill Website

http://www.mistershowbiz.com

Brave

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#13 Episode with Ann Rodriguez – Pro Sports’ Creative Catalyst

MARCH 7, 2018

Ann Rodriguez.

2003.

California.

I am relentless.

I am rock solid.

I am wild at heart.

Be real.

Badass Quotes:

• “I was always good at selling things.” (5:20)
• “I just appreciated that she was very busy.” (8:47)
• “Sometimes, the switch just goes off.” (21:19)
• “I wanted to leave. I wanted to take some time off. And I was scared to do it.” (22:38)
• “I’m the friendly type. I’ve got that face. People come up and talk to me.” (27:21)
• “I didn’t need the external validation of an award because I knew how it felt in the office every day and I knew how it felt in the stands.” (39:48)
• “I seek those high-growth opportunities.” (41:26)
• “I’m kinda good in that ‘go’ mode.” (41:48)
• “I had that hunger to create.” (46:56)
• “It is a brave thing to be real, to be honest about what works and what doesn’t.” (55:38)
• “I just love ridiculousness.” (1:04:30)

Podcast Intro:

Ann Rodriguez is a force in sports. In 2017, she was named to the “40 under 40” list by Sports Business Journal for masterminding the success of a major league soccer expansion team. In only its first year, Atlanta United, became the leader of the entire league for season ticket sales and attendance. Currently she is the Senior Vice President in charge of WBNA league operations. She is a public school girl from my hometown. She is my former college teammate and the nicest – really, the nicest, goodest, kindest soul – you could ever meet. She is also a boss. A lady. A collaborator. A listener. And the best kind of friend – the kind who shows up to cheer you on when it means the most.

Official Bio:

As Senior Vice President, League Operations for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Ann Rodriguez oversees all on-court basketball operations, including playing rules, scouting, scheduling and venue compliance.  She also oversees the management of referee operations and the administration of player-related policies and programs. [more ...] - http://www.wnba.com/news/ann-rodriguez-named-senior-vice-president-wnba-league-operations/

Biggest Takeaways:

• How persistence got her the first gig (7:00)
• The important of Ann’s “Math Camp” experience before business school (17:10)
• How leaving Under Armour was a hard – and brave – thing to do (20:39)
• Value of traveling alone internationally (26:27)
• Ann’s take on mentoring / role modeling (42:20)
• Role model is an opportunity, not a responsibility (50:58)
• Why accepting reality quickly is critical to success (56:20)
• Value of horses in Ann’s life (58:26)
• What moving 48,000 people in and out of a stadium is like (1:03:00)

Major Conversation Highlights

• When/why she decided to work in sports (5:13)
• When the picture of a future in sports business emerged (9:42)
• The fear and the advantages of leaving your job without having another one (23:16)
• How she feels about being named to the “40 Under 40” list by Sports Business Journal (30:50)
• How she helped to create a vibrant and supportive community in Atlanta from scratch (33:13)
• Ann’s advice to college graduates (45:50)
• Why starting your career with cold calls is useful (47:03)
• Ann’s 7-line Brave Pitch (53:00)
• Ann’s favorite failure (1:02:25)

Links

Stanford Business School

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba

Atlanta United FC

https://www.atlutd.com

WNBA

http://www.wnba.com

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#12 Episode with Damian Pitts – Ball Player, Math Teacher, Community Change Agent

FEBRURY 28, 2018

Damian Pitts

2002.

East New York, Brooklyn.

I am relentless.

I am reflective.

I am passionate.

BE influential.

Badass Quotes:

• “I played the best player 1 on 1 and that was that.” (6:55)
• “Anything I start I want to finish.” (8:56)
• “That was a time, I was starting to rebel and be bad, and the school let me.” (16:26)
• “Blatant disrespect. I just can’t get with it.” (19:00)
•  “Workers are people that just come. Working are the ones that are already there setting up because they know what’s going on.” (25:24)
• “Going away to campuses changed my life.” (26:15)
• “It started with neighborhood teams. So whatever neighborhood you lived in, get a team together and come play.” (29:00)
• “You know [the kids] are there when the games are at 5 and they’re there at 3 something.” (31:50)
• “I was bad, but I was smart, too.” (35:54)
• “You’re not gonna to go back to something, or you need to get through this. You only could be brave. You need to get through it.” (38:12)
• “I love math.” (42:50)

Podcast Intro:

Damian Pitts calls himself a regular guy. He says he’s grateful for regular stuff like good friends, laughing and helping people, that happiness is everything. Coming from a man from East New York who is now a math teacher in Brooklyn who used to be a kid who did some really bad things, it’s a particularly potent message. He is deliberate. He doesn’t rush things. And his magic / his gift is that people listen to him when he talks and organize under his leadership. A regular guy? Maybe. An extraordinary man? Definitely.

Official Bio:

Damian “DP” Pitts was born and raised in the East New York section of Brooklyn. He grew up in Linden Houses with his parents Raymond Thomas and Joycelyn Pitts, and his two older siblings, Raymond and Eddie. His earlier years in East New York consisted of playing manhunt in the buildings, graffitiing every chance he got, and just doing whatever he felt was fun. As he got older, Damian found a love for basketball and played it day in and day out. In 1997, after 4 years of high school ball, he landed a scholarship to play in college. Returning back to NYC in 2002 with 2 college degrees and close ties to his friends that never left the block, Damian slowly started forming what is now one of the biggest things to happen to the East New York community - The East New York Memorial Classic aka Gersh Park Basketball Tournament. After 13 years running, Gersh is classified as the best streetball tournament in NYC and is the only tournament on the East Coast with a duel sponsorship from Brand Jordan and Nike. He is most grateful for having the opportunity to help provide jobs for people in the community that build professional work skills, and to be able to bring famous stars and entertainers into his beloved community.

Biggest Takeaways:

• How he got recruited to play in college (5:45)
• What is it like to go home after college (10:15)
• Being brave after his father died (15:30)
• A teacher’s perspective (17:00)
• What the kids today are most afraid of (19:29)
• What PNW means (22:26)
• What a job can do to help lower community crime (23:20
• Why it’s important for kids to go to school (25:30)
• East New York now (27:45)
• What childhood experience helps him lead the company now (32:40)
• How to dig in when things get hard (39:00)
• Where does East New York go from here (43:15)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Damien’s college experience (7:30)
• What gang life was like in early 2000s (10:45)
• Post-collegiate basketball opportunities (13:05)
• Damian’s warm-demanding teacher (17:40)
• How he started basketball in East New York (20:50)
• How Damien knew he was a leader (24:25)
• Why basketball saved his life (26:44)
• Why Nike is the best brand sponsor (30:30)
• His most emotionally scary moment (34:43)
• Damian’s 7-line Pitch (44:01)
• What he wants to see change in the world (47:08)
• Damien’s life team (47:55)
• What three words he uses to describe his mother (53:02)

Social Media

Twitter

@DP_GershPark

http://twitter.com/DP_GershPark

@GershPark

http://twitter.com/GershPark

Instagram

@gershpark

http://instagram.com/gershpark

@ingershwetrust_DP

http://instagram.com/ingershwetrust_DP

Facebook

@enygersh

https://www.facebook.com/enygersh

Snapchat

@DP_gershpark

www.snapchat.com/add/gershpark

Links

A Conversation: Damian “DP” Pitts and Fly Ty

https://soundcloud.com/streetsfirstpodcast/damian-pitts-and-fly-ty-on-streets-first

Gersh Park

http://gershpark.com

Angel Figueroa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ángel_Figueroa

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#11 Episode with Amelia Christensen – Butch of Center

FEB 21, 2018

Amelia Christensen.

2010.

Brooklyn, New York.

I am sensitive.

I am intense.

I am in flux.

BE enough.

Badass Quotes:

• “We have a particular way of communicating with one another and usually feelings are left out of that.” (5:35)
• “We were so close growing up, it’s kind of like when you plant trees too close together and they grow around each other. (6:47)
• “I’m moved by teamwork.” (8:53)
• “I have scars in a lot of places.” (11:32)
• “I was the butchest child.” (14:17)
• “I was looking for ways to explain what I was feeling.” (18:38)
• “Allowing myself to be seen by the people in my life fully has made it a lot easier to feel comfortable.”(21:22)
• “I got drunk and played on some dude’s piano in the subway like 6 months month ago.” (22:02)
• “Being able to tell somebody that you’re hurting and that it’s hard right now is sometimes all it takes to feel just a tiny bit lighter.” (33:25)

Podcast Intro:

As a person who struggles with depression and anxiety, Amelia Christensen’s life has been a rollercoaster of figuring things out inside her brain and her soul. She is tough. She is sensitive. She is a carpenter. She is a millennial. And, she sees numbers as colors.

Official Bio:

Amelia Miyuki Christensen is a Brooklyn based, process oriented designer and fabricator. Her passion lies in creating forms from wood. [more ...] - https://amelia-christensen-wlfi.squarespace.com/about/ 

Biggest Takeaways:

• What is a fabricator? How did her passion for wood begin? (2:08)
• How she found out she had depression (4:45)
• Self-harm as a coping mechanism (9:55)
• How imagining the future was a turning point (13:40)
• What “gender non-conforming” means (16:55)
• When she knew she was cool (20:08)
• Advice for people in the thick of depression (32:45)
• Anxiety as evidence of wanting to live (35:13)
• Living with Synesthesia – colors as numbers (38:43)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Why 13-22years old was hard time for Amelia (3:20)
• When she lost her sh#t (7:20)
• What makes her cry (8:34)
• What “emotional overwhelm” is (12:15)
• Amelia’s coming out story (15:05)
• What Crista was like as a coach (22:45)
• How does someone with depression keep going? (31:30)
• Why she is open about menstruation (37:53)
• Amelia’s 7 line Brave Pitch (40:35)

Science & More Info

Well-Being

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well-being

Brene Brown

https://brenebrown.com

Social Media

Instagram - @amiyukic

https://www.instagram.com/amiyukic/

Links

Amelia Christensen

https://amelia-christensen-wlfi.squarespace.com

Kesha

https://www.grammy.com/grammys/videos/kesha-praying-2018-grammys-performance

Rhea Butcher

http://www.rheabutcher.com

Cameron Esposito

https://www.cameronesposito.com

Japanese Unlucky #4

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_superstitions

Brave

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#10 Episode with Chaquetta Grace – Alpha Woman Scientist Bride

FEB 14, 2018

Chaquetta Grace

2004

Atlanta, GA

I am a servant.

I am a scientist.

I am a sister.

BE better.

Badass Quotes:

• “I knew that I was pretty good, but I wasn’t phenomenal.” (3:15)
• “I knew what my potential was.” (10:43)
• “I had no hesitation. I had no hesitation.” (18:59)
• “It was stepping out of that comfort zone because I knew I was destined for more.” (39:25)
• “It becomes this fire within your gut, and a need.” (40:14)
• “I feel like I’m such an Alpha woman.” (46:50)
• “Because of that confidence, because of that self-assurance – [she] gets things done.” (51:10)

Podcast Intro:

Chaquetta Grace is a God-fearing Alpha Woman. Born and raised in GA, she left the nest – the first person in her family to do so – to make it in New York City.  What is making it? She is an African American woman in upper level leadership as a flow cytometry laboratory supervisor. There were big setbacks, huge changes, friendships that needed to go and through it all, she braved with persistence, belief, hard work and grace.

Official Bio:

Chaquetta Grace is a Flow Cytometry Laboratory Supervisor with the Mount Sinai Health System where she works in the Clinical Immunology division of Pathology. When not working to help patients, Chaquetta loves helping and serving others in her immediate community.  She has always understood the value of volunteering, serving, and giving back, in part because of her experience with her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Chaquetta is also a member of the Hospitality Ministry as a Greeter with Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York.  Additionally, she is a veteran mentor with Catholic Big Sisters Big Brothers and was selected as Meritorious Volunteer of the Year for CBSBB and presented with an award from Pope Francis via Cardinal Timothy Dolan in 2015.

Biggest Takeaways:

• How Chaquetta messed up in college (5:20)
• What it’s like to know you are on the right path (10:45)
• Her “Proving Point” (20:00)
• How an only child appreciates loneliness (23:14)
• What it means to be a God person (26:09)
• Why questioning your faith is good (27:57)
• How leaving a friendship invoked fear (30:00)
• How she is helping someone else make it (33:22)
• Hardest part of her job as a black woman in upper level management (36:45)
• The big meaning behind the wedding (45:42)
• Characteristics of her bravery role model (50:19)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• What passion for science looks like (4:24)
• How the universe helped lead her to New York (13:20)
• Getting mystified by a creature from New York City (14:08)
• How she knew her mom was proud of her (21:18)
• How Atlanta raised her, but New York made her. (23:45)
• What does God-fearing mean (26:53)
• How God speaks back to us (28:37)
• What young girls are most sacred of these days (34:45)
• Chaquetta’s 7 Line Brave Pitch (42:23)
• What “being better” means for her (44:49)
• How she is a typical Southern Belle (48:17)
• What is an Alpha woman (50:45)

Science & More Info

Working Through Fear

https://tinybuddha.com/blog/getting-unstuck-work-through-fear-and-change-your-life/

Social Media

Instagram

http://instagram.com/ms_grace_1908

Links

Flow Cytometry

https://www.roswellpark.org/cancertalk/201202/role-flow-cytometry-your-cancer-care

Rap History

https://southernspaces.org/2008/dirty-decade-rap-music-and-us-south-1997–2007

Catholic Big Sisters & Big Brothers

https://cbsbb.publishpath.com

Brave

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#09 Episode with Nadia Lopez – The Great Disruptor

JAN 31, 2018

Badass Quotes:

• “I’m brown girl, brilliance, born and raised in Brooklyn.” (1:19)
• “Great teachers just know when something’s wrong.” (4:17)
• “I just need a minute to breathe and figure me out.” (16:59)
• “Our experience always drives our ability to connect.” (25:12)
• “I wouldn’t let my mind be idle.” (29:20)
• “I don’t feel like fighting. Not today.” (40:37)
• “I create an experience within the school that makes them feel honored and worthy.” (50:34)
• “It takes a lot for these kids to win.” (53:10)
• “Bravery can look like silence.” (54:04)

Podcast Intro:

Right now, Nadia Lopez is a middle school principal at a school she founded. She was on track to become a nurse through college and worked in customer service for Verizon before she even knew she wanted to be a teacher. Nearly 15 years later, at the very lowest point in her career as an educator, a time when she thought she might not be able to handle one more tough day, a post from a student quoting her as his inspiration went viral on Humans of NY and Nadia began to see the proof that her love, that her time, that her persistence, resilience and fortitude were finding a way through the system, into the community and in the hearts of the very people she set out to impact. The kids. She is funny and blunt and so viciously and gracefully stands in her full truth. Nadia Lopez.

Official Bio:

As an educator, Dr. Nadia Lopez is pioneering a path of inspired leadership to show the world how under-privileged communities can beat the odds and create positive institutions that have a global impact. As the founding Principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a New York City Public School, [more ...] - http://www.thelopezeffect.com/founder/

Biggest Takeaways:

• How the hardest time became the most pivotal time (4:05)
• When people can no longer come into your house (8:46)
• Fear vs. Culture (12:30)
• The importance of asking a kid: “What’s going on, what’s wrong?” (17:14)
• Best reasons for becoming an educator (21:58)
• Your job as a teacher (23:21)
• How she started planning a new life (29:04)
• Her reason for becoming a teacher (30:00)
• Who’s to blame? (31:29)
• Obstacles to her school’s community (33:42)
• How it got worse before it got better (40:57)

Major Conversation Highlights 

• Daddy’s Little Girl (2:05)
• Why what happens at home, stays at home (7:02)
• Nadia’s Rebellion (15:10)
• Making good decisions (20:46)
• How Nadia became a teacher (25:20)
• How verbal abuse in customer service equipped her to deal with school parents (26:50)
• What does bravery look like for Nadia (31:00)
• The key to Nadia’s success (35:50)
• What does broken look like (37:03)
• Humans of NY helps with the “weight of the work” (47:30)
• Fidal in the Oval Office (51:30)
• What does bravery look like in her daughter / a teacher / herself (53:25)
• Nadia’s 7-line pitch (54:50)
• What is Nadia’s purpose (57:52)

Social Media

Twitter

http://twitter.com/thelopezeffect

Instagram

http://instagram.com/thelopezeffect

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TheLopezEffect/

Links

The Lopez Effect

http://www.thelopezeffect.com

TED Talk

https://www.ted.com/talks/nadia_lopez_why_open_a_school_to_close_a_prison

Humans of New York

http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/108621363306/whos-influenced-you-the-most-in-your-life-my

The Bridge to Brilliance by Nadia Lopez

http://amzn.to/2BFYIRH

Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Standing at the Precipice

http://amzn.to/2EtxbWo

Brave

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