Side by Side

Today’s guest is Effie Cao, a life coach, entrepreneur, and community leader who brings experience and soul to her work and her personal journey. You can find her writing as well as her own deepdive conversations with thought leaders such as Michael Singer through her online community spaces.

In this conversation, we discuss the purpose of “being healthy,” Effie’s journey from northern China to working and living as a digital nom...

Today's guest is Meredith Heller, author of "Writing by Heart," "Write a Poem, Save Your Life," and several poetry collections. A poet, singer-songwriter, avid nature lover, and educator with degrees in writing and education, she leads writing workshops online and in-person at schools, juvenile detention centers, women’s prisons, and wellness retreats. 

In this conversation, we dive inside the origins and highlights of Meredith's...

Today’s guest is writer, performer, educational consultant Coda Wei (they/them), who is pursuing their Masters in Intercultural Communication Studies at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

In this conversation, we explore Coda’s early life traveling and living between America and China, and how their experience of the world has influenced their perspective around queer identity, creative expression, and education.

"Side by Side" Epi...

Today’s guest is coach and facilitator Austin Walker, who focuses on leadership and men’s personal development, inside and out. In addition to one-on-one partnerships, Austin leads several men’s groups, including the “Man Cave,” a space dedicated to BIPOC Men to connect and share their perspectives.

In this conversation, we explore Austin’s journey from boyhood to man, the connection between leadership and intimacy, and the essen...

In honor of Lunar New Year on February 10 this year, today's special guest paved the way for me, and my passion for language and communication: My mom, Gia Zhang.

Before immigrating to America, she was a language teacher and published author in China. She was around the age I am now when she made the decision to start a new life, learn a new language, and take a risk by doing something no one in our family had before.

In this ...

Today’s guest is Wendy Xu, a bestselling illustrator, comics artist, designer, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is the creator of graphic novels "Infinity Particle," "Tidesong," and co-creator of "Mooncakes." 

In this conversation, Wendy shares the origins of her passion for artmaking and storytelling, her way of balancing commercial success and artistic freedom, and she shares some handy advice for those looking to explore ...

Today’s guest is screenwriter and higher education professional Ashley Griggs. She earned her BA in Film Studies and French at the College of William & Mary, and later received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she was awarded a Future Screenwriters Fellowship. She has written for the narrative podcast "The Host," directed plays in New York City and Los Angeles, and is a...

Today’s guest is Varsha Mathur, J.D., PCC, a certified dating and relationship coach with over seven years of experience who guides clients worldwide to find and sustain lasting love with their ideal partners. A former practicing lawyer and mediator, Varsha draws on her personal journey, including divorce and remarriage, to help others make decisions untainted by negative influences, propelling them toward their dreams. 

In this ...

Today’s guest is Hanna Thomas Uose, a writer, activist, and co-founder and Principal Consultant at Align, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting organizations in the progressive movement. Her debut novel, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” will be published in early 2025.

In this conversation, we dive inside Hanna’s somewhat unexpected turn as a speculative fiction writer, her interdisciplinary work with organizations, and the conne...

Today’s guest is Scott Stabile, the author of “Enough as You Are” and “Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart.” He is a passionate love advocate who believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our world. Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment workshops internationally. His inspirational posts have attracted a huge and devoted soc...

Today’s guest is Anthime Miller, an internationally sought-after performer and composer who maintains a rigorous international creative presence. They began studying cello at the age of eight, and later focused on Early Music Performance, Musicology, as well as modern and Baroque cello at McGill University in Montreal.

In this conversation, we dive inside Anthime’s early discovery of classical music, their approach to composition...

Today’s guest is Michelle Madrid, the author of “Let Us Be Greater: A Gentle, Guided Path to Healing for Adoptees” and host of the “Electricity of You” Podcast.

Michelle is an international adoptee, former foster child in the U.K., and an adoptee empowerment life coach who has been recognized as an Angels in Adoption® Honoree by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) and inducted into the New Mexico Women’s Hal...

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Tara Edwards, a writer, editor, and Twitch streamer based in Ohio, known for her work in the digital media landscape. Today’s deepdive focuses on "The Matrix" franchise.

In this conversation, we unpack the creative ramifications of transforming a story into a franchise, our personal highlights and critiques of the films, and the timely nature of its central themes in the era of artif...

Today’s guest is Bethany Mabee, a visual artist and designer who has transformed her creative expression into a body of work seen on paper, canvas, textiles and wallpaper. From interior design to gallery commissions, she explores the parallels between art and everyday life while balancing the practical and creative needs of an artist and business owner.

In this conversation, we reminisce over Bethany’s transition from figurative ...

Today’s guest is Kristoffer “KC” Carter, the CEO and Founder of Epic Leadership, a coaching and training organization for conscious leadership, and the author of “Permission to Glow: A Spiritual Guide to Epic Leadership.” In addition to his coaching and leadership work, KC is also a professional songwriter, kirtan artist, TEDx speaker, and international retreat leader. He is currently working on his second book and preparing to lea...

Today’s guest is Hayden Humphrey, a digital creator and life coach who helps people break out of the scripts and stories that keep them stuck, so they can become the creators of their own lives. 

In this conversation, we commiserate over our work and training experience as coaches, the journey that comes with going back home again, and the value of empowering laughter alongside healing and understanding. 

"Side by Side" Episode...

Today’s guest is Sol Smith, a writer, professor, life coach and neurodivergent consultant specializing in mindset, happiness, and self-liberation courses. In sharing his journey with dyslexia, ADHD and autism, Sol highlights the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical society. 

In this conversation, we reflect on Sol’s journey being diagnosed in adulthood, finding neuro-affirming support, and different ways...

Today’s guest is Richard Dixey, the author of “Three Minutes a Day: A Fourteen Week Course to Learn Meditation and Transform Your Life,” and a senior faculty member at Dharma College in Berkeley, California. 

A research scientist and a lifelong student of Buddhism who holds advanced degrees in biophysics and the history and philosophy of science, Mr. Dixey directed a bioelectronic research unit at a London hospital before becomin...

Today’s guest is writer and producer Steve DiUbaldo. His work as a playwright has appeared across the country, often drawing on his experience as a Division-1 college basketball player. His play, "Exposure," was a selection for The Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference. 

In this conversation, we journey back to his theater roots, his time playing and coaching basketball, and changes that are needed to support the labor a...