"You never stop growing up." Irene welcomes podcast producer + host Molly Bloom! Molly Bloom is the host of the American Public Media show Brains On! & the spin-off show, Smash Boom Best.  Here is part one of the Brains On! series on emotions: Happy: All about feelings, pt. 1

Irene welcomes Susan Shehata! They talk about discovering a love of theater and the path that can open up. Susan also shares how she works on being present an dhow that brings her joy. Plus, she shares ways she works with clients to help them get unstuck. Susan Shehata, also known as The Space Guru™, is a nationally known Wellness Educator and Creative and Social Entrepreneur, who specializes in helping people Unstick their Story by releasing the limiting beliefs that keep them stuck.

Irene welcomes Megan Dowd. Megan shares her early ambition to be a child actor on the television show 'Wishbone' and how that may have led to pursuing classical acting school. They also talk about mental illness, owning a business, and the kinds of boxes artists get stuck in. Megan Dowd helps people tell better stories & build sustainable, engaged online community.

“If not me making decisions for myself then who?” Irene welcomes the brilliant Twila Dang. They talk about the power of podcasting, the beauty of expressing emotions, and why it is silly to feel bad about what brings you joy.  Twila Dang is the Founder and CEO of Matriarch Digital Media. 

Irene welcomes the delightful Anahita Champion to the show. They talk about getting into the career you thought you wanted and realizing it didn't fit. They also talk about finding joy and remembering that you are enough just as you are. Anahita Champion is an On-Air Host, Event Correspondent & Brand Strategist.

Irene welcomes improvisor & podcaster Maria Bartholdi! They talk about wanting to make things that cause an emotional response, the power of shifter from fear to what's possible, and Maria talks about becoming who she wants to be in the world. Maria Bartholdi is a freelance editor, videographer, producer, host, esports announcer, podcaster, improviser, musical book writer, watercolor painter and all-around renaissance woman.

Irene welcomes the multi-faceted Courtney McClean to the podcast. They talk about making music, listening to your own body, feeling all of your feelings, and making cool stuff. Courtney McClean is a comedic performer/writer, musician, storyteller, actress, and soothing podcast voice. 

“It can’t just be money. It can’t just be work. It can’t just be hustle. Because that is exhausting.” Irene welcomes Hannah Wydeven. Together, Irene & Hannah talk about wanting to be viewed as competent, the expectations people do and don't have for women, and what it takes to be your own boss. Hannah Wydeven is an educator and owner of Solcana Fitness in Minneapolis. She's also an improvisor and part of the Shrieking Harpies, and she hosts the Bachelor + Bachelorette podcast 'You Get A...

Irene welcomes Andrea Pérez-Maikkula! They talk about being from Puerto Rico, doing health relief work in Haiti, and why names matter.  (pronunciation tip: Ahn – DRE – uh / flip or roll the r if you can)

Irene welcomes Shanan Custer!  Irene + Shanan talk about the power of slowing down and really thinking about what does or does not bring joy. Shanan talks about finding her voice, hearing her writing performed on stage, and the joy of Harry Styles and Rosemary Clooney.

Irene welcomes Nausheena to talk about growing up without seeing Muslim women in media or leadership roles. Nausheena talks about having immigrant parents, teaching Muslim women to organize and engage politically, they both talk about reacting to what other people think.

Irene welcomes Sam Baker Harris! Sam talks about finding her people in college and wanting to build a life that always has art at the center. They also talk about the joy of making people laugh, the importance of processing emotions through a hot bath, and what it takes to really find yourself. Sam Baker Harris an actor, director, improviser, coach, musician, leader, and mother. Check out music from Sam and her husband Zacc here: Zacc Harris Music!

Irene welcomes printmaker and graphic designer Elana Schwartzman. Elana talks about being drawn to letterpress printmaking & how she's embraced the ability to organize & work for social justice through her letterpress. They also talk about Lois Lane, making big decisions, & how to keep becoming yourself. Elana is the designer and owner of Fontlove Studio in Minneapolis. 

“I used to take a lot of joy in being rootless and I’m all about the roots now.” Irene welcomes Isabel Nelson. They talk about the journey Isabel is on as an artist, student, mother, administrator, community member, and white person. Isabel talks about big and small decisions that have impacted her life and they both talk about being emotionally expressive.

Irene welcome singer, songwriter, musician, and actor Leslie Vincent. They talk about living dreams, finding joy in day jobs, and the surprising ways new doors can open when you make new decisions.  Leslie Vincent is an actor, singer, and musician who grew up across the East Coast and the UK, thanks to the US military. After seeing her first musical in the West End, she fell in love with it all, and begged her parents to put her in any voice, dance, and acting class she could find. 

Irene welcome Tyrai to chat about going from being a classroom teacher to lead adults in learning about racism and sexism. Tyrai talks about the importance of the WNBA when she was a young basketball player, coming out to herself and her mother, and the joy she gets from being a parent.

Irene closes out 2020 by chatting with her mom, Laura Zabel. Laura Zabel is the Executive Director of Springboard for the Arts. She is also a frequent speaker on arts and community development at convenings such as the Aspen Ideas Festival, Urban Land Institute and Americans for the Arts. She was a 2014 Bush Foundation Fellow, was named one of the 50 most influential people in the U.S. Nonprofit Arts, and received the 2012 Visionary Leader award from the MN Council of Nonprofits....

Irene welcomes Dana Nelson to talk all about having big feelings, building family, and the importance of laughter. 

“The question behind every question we ask is, “am I normal, am I okay.” Irene welcomes author, podcaster, & Still Kickin' founder Nora McInerny onto the show. They talk about Nora's dreams of becoming Katie Couric or F. Scott Fitzgerald, the weirdness or careers, handling emotions, and how to not restrict your own access to joy. 

“Being an artist helps you get free and free other people.” Irene welcomes Docta E aka Dr. Elaine Richardson to talk about finding joy in singing, the endless journey towards self-love, and what it means to be a black woman in America. 

“If I want to be a middle-aged woman dressed as a unicorn, I can just do that!” Irene talks with Allison about making decisions, finding joy, and being vulnerable. Allison talks about traveling, creating spaces for art, and why it is so important to be yourself.

“Times when I feel most accomplished are when I see former students accomplishing their goals.” Irene talks with Tish Jones about making decisions, getting inspired, standing inside integrity, and finding joy.

Laura is a writer, a storyteller, & a maker of cheesecakes. She is a multi-time winner of Moth & WordSprout story slams. Her YA novel My Eyes Are Up Here is available in 5 languages, even though she can only read one of them. She lives in Minneapolis with her three favorite people, who show up in her stories whether they like it or not.

"Make your own way to make your dreams happen." Irene talks with Colleen Somerville about pursing her dreams in musical theater, moving from rural Ohio to Minneapolis, becoming a mother, making her own work, and finding a passion for direct services and social justice work.