Shows
Actual PeopleS3E4 - No Glitter in the Sh**t: A story of rewiring your life and finding redemptionAnd we're back with an episode about redemption, a first hand account of a Wall Street insider's journey through prison and reinvention with reflection on the times we are living in.In this first episode of 2026, we dive deep into the life of Richard Bronson, a former Wall Street player who worked at Stratton Oakmont—made famous by the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. Richard's journey is one of redemption, resilience, and facing your mistakes head on with wisdom and empathy.We discuss everything from the culture of greed in the '80s and '9...
2026-01-1337 min
Actual PeopleS3E3 - How to Trust Your GutIn light of the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, host Chauncey Zalkin explores trusting your gut when it comes to mental health, safety, and faith in your faculties. Also examined is the impact of toxic narratives on the construction of identity and perception.Addressesmindfulnessconsciousnessmental illnessinteralized narratives Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;W...
2025-12-1711 min
Actual PeopleS3E2 - Optimization Fatigue and the Search for What’s RealWe’re burnt out on bettering ourselves and each other. From sleep scores to productivity hacks to scolding people, the pursuit of improvement has reached a breaking point. Host Chauncey Zalkin is joined by futurist and cultural cartographer Lynn Casey, who explains how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining “better" through spiritual practice, tangible connection, do-it--with-me vs. DIY and more.Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and d...
2025-10-0846 min
Actual PeopleS3E1 - The Mother’s NameSeason 3 opens with host Chauncey Zalkin talking burnout, perfectionism in grad school, and finally giving her kids her last name. She then sits down with publishing veteran and writer Cindy DiTiberio (The Mother Lode) who talks reclaiming competence after divorce, the “math of motherhood,” the portal of 40, and what it's like to undergo MDMA therapy.Highlights:The cost of motherhood—money, labor, identityRenaissance after divorceFlipping the playbook on patriarchal milestonesCindy’s journey from ghostwriting to her own voiceGuest:Cindy DiTiberio — writer, former HarperCollins editor, pens the popular newsletter The Mother...
2025-09-1251 min
Actual PeopleS2E19 - An End to Stupid WorkAre we really getting work done, or just pretending en masse? We're working ourselves to death & getting little done. How do we fix it? Interview with former Washington Post reporter and director of Better Life Labs, Brigid Schulte.This episode dives into:Overwork CultureThe Behavioral Psychology of WorkThe Importance of "Real Work" vs. "Stupid Work"Systemic ChallengesWorkplace InequalityCultural Shifts and Public PolicyA Vision for the FutureGrab Brigid Schulte's Books here:Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better LifeOverwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No...
2025-07-0225 min
Actual PeopleS2E18 - Running VFX at a Major Studio and the Future of Visual StorytellingFrom developing custom tools to create over 200 VFX shots on his own award-winning indie to supervising globally at major studios like DreamWorks and Sony Animation where he is now, hear Chris Browne's story and spot on advice for creativity that won't quit.Learn more about Chris here: http://www.chrisbrownedigital.com/projects.htmlWritten, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;...
2025-05-2944 min
Actual PeopleS2E17 - Elite Women’s Networks: Do They Work?Are women’s networks working? What’s right about them and what can be improved? And why can't we always connect the way we intend to? Host Chauncey Zalkin reflects on these questions before diving into a conversation with Lindsay Kaplan, co-founder of the best-in-class professional women’s network, Chief, who stepped down this year. Together, they explore identity, creativity, burnout, and our role in building community.Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper...
2025-05-1638 min
Actual PeopleS2E16- The Origins of Brit Cool and The Creative Community We Need NowWelcome to a conversation with a true pioneer in elevating the best design in the world. Piers Roberts offers profound reflections on the distance we've fallen from conscious consumerism and where to go from here with a strong emphasis on uplifting neurodivergent ways of thinking.For over 20 years, Piers has played a significant role in contributing to East London’s success as an inspirational beacon of creativity and innovation. He launched Designersblock in September 1998 at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, 5 years ahead of the London Design Festival. He went on to develop and produce major Cr...
2025-04-231h 18
Actual PeopleS2E15 - Bro Show: The Question of MenWelcome to an imperfect episode about imperfect times. You can call it the 'Boys to Men Episode', 'The Man Show', 'How The Boys Will Thrive 2025', or 'The Bro Show'. It's a musing on boys and men from the perspective of a GenX woman raised in an all female household now raising only daughters herself. In this monologue episode, among the bombardment of terror from the White House and in the wake of Andrew Tate's release and the release of Adolescence on Netflix, host Chauncey Zalkin explores her own arc in experiences of boys and men through h...
2025-04-0322 min
Actual PeopleS2E14 - Moral Injury in Healthcare and the Entire NationChauncey Zalkin sits down with Dr. Jennie Byrne, a psychiatrist working with clinicians who sees a painful trend in healthcare but first Chauncey explores why she thinks the wound has spread to the entire nation and why it's time to exile virtue signaling and embrace anger signaling. Like immediately. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;Want to see the episode? Subscribe t...
2025-03-0658 min
Actual PeopleS2E13 - Creative Agency and the Youth FallacyAn ad agency called Geezer is flipping the 50 plus narrative on its head to something more accurate. It's about time. Join us for a conversation with Founder, Karen McKinley, CEO, Brent Rivard, and CCO, John Kieselhorst.More on Geezer can be found on their website.The report on 50+ population referenced in the episode can be found here: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go de...
2025-02-1950 min
Actual PeopleS2E12 - A Vision for The Next-Gen Economy through the lens of Essentialist DesignEach creative discipline offers a piece of the puzzle of human creativity. In this episode, host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with three time "International Designer of the Year" award winner and Fast Company board member Todd Bracher to talk about how we can shift the emphasis from needless crap to creating a better future for everyone from an essentialist design perspective.Inside the episode:The value of crossing disciplines to bring more power to great ideas — and your career. Why ditching outside experts is a big mistake companies increasingly make at their own peril.How A.I...
2025-02-1144 min
Actual PeopleS2E11 - Blue Bracelets, Pussyhats, and Other Good Intentions: Where We Go from HereIn this episode Chauncey Zalkin sits down with guest and advocate for Black women in the workplace, Jessica Pharm, to take an unflinching look at the complexities of race, gender, and trust for liberal America as we face Trump's second term.Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the...
2025-01-2952 min
Actual PeopleS2E10 - Female Leaders in Advertising: Taking Control in an Uneven Playing FieldLife isn't fair. So what are you going to do about it?In this episode, Jill Brinsdon shares her journey as a creative director and prominent leader in New Zealand's advertising industry. She talks when to play the game and when to jump ship and the importance of personal agency in shaping your career and driving change. She also talks about the important role men have in shaping the future of advertising. Warning: A couple of F Bombs.Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. P...
2025-01-1037 min
Actual PeopleS2E9 - Moving Beyond Polarization + Feel Good Viewing & ListeningHost Chauncey Zalkin defines Actual People for its second year but not before diving into the movies, tv, and music that held the keys to change in 2025. Despite a backdrop of sadness and uncertainty, we will start anew like we always do.Actual People is about TRANSITIONS, EVOLUTIONS, NEW CHAPTERS, from the personal to the global.Topics Include:Lingering Post-Election Sadness and a Newfound Optimism 👁️Beyond Polarization to a 'Middle Way' 🙏🏼Impact of Short-Form Content 😶🌫️Welcome Generation Beta ! 🐣Significance of Wicked, Emelia Perez, Blink Twice, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Foxx, Ellen DeGeneres, Lola Young, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan...
2025-01-0324 min
Actual PeopleS2E8 - Neurodiversity and IndividualityThis episode, Host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with friend and British Futurist Melissa Sterry who combines a passion for fashion and art with multiple degrees in sustainability, architecture and science.The two met through the A Small World network in the mid 00s while Chauncey lived in Paris and Melissa in the UK. A lot has changed since then. They discuss the modern paradox of homogeneity in a diverse world. Melissa explains how hope is around the corner in our quest to champion human creativity and individuality.Take a listen.Mentioned in this...
2024-12-1948 min
Actual PeopleS02E7 - Multigenerational Women Facing Our Current Climate TogetherFrom divergent thoughts, convergent thoughts, indecision loops, and 'a ha moments' to touring middle schools, this discussion starts off with soul searching and moves on to the soul freeing way a woman named Amy Reinert is able to embrace all phases of her life and connect with other women through pure honesty.Topics Discussed:Postpartum DepressionMisogynistic Corporate Policies for MothersHormone TherapyFemale networksGen Z and Gen Alpha daughters reaction to the electionWomen's RightsFemale FriendshipMoreWritten, directed...
2024-12-0642 min
Actual PeopleS2E6 - Non-Linear Career Paths: Smashing the Ageism HurdlePsychoanalyst. Mother. Clogger. Playwright.. Meet my mom's college friend who never stops learning and growing: an interview with Tarpley Long and a road map for Gen X women who never cared much for the linear path.Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.Follow us...
2024-11-1556 min
Actual PeopleS2E5 - The Toll of Election Anxiety and How To Engage MeaningfullyReese's Peanut Butter Cups, Fears of Totalitarianism, and Finding ParadiseSpooky season is still not over: In this episode host Chauncey Zalkin covers Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Gorging on Political Wonkery, and Where Beauty and Meaning Really Come From.Topics Covered:Election Anxiety: Chauncey opens up about her deep concern over political divides and the potential fallout of the election outcome, capturing her personal struggles with the 24/7 news cycle and the toll it takes.Dopamine vs. Serotonin: She discusses what is known and unknown about the brain’s dopamine-reward system. No...
2024-11-0215 min
AND/BOTH Podcast - Real Conversations, Shared Experiences, and the Community You've Been Missing44. Embracing Change and Creative Pursuits With Chauncey ZalkinIn today's episode, I explore the multifaceted dynamics of balancing a creative career, parenting, and personal identity. Our guest, Chauncey Zalkin, shares her journey from being a senior VP in marketing to a creative entrepreneur focusing on writing and fiction projects, with aspirations to become a therapist. We discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity, the influence of her entrepreneurial father and artistically inclined mother on her pursuits, and the importance of creative legacy. She also talks about her experience with school performance, balancing twin birthdays, and the need for intentional growth in entrepreneurship. We also hone in on empathetic...
2024-10-181h 05AND/BOTH Podcast - Real Conversations, Shared Experiences, and the Community You've Been Missing44. Embracing Change and Creative Pursuits With Chauncey ZalkinIn today's episode, I explore the multifaceted dynamics of balancing a creative career, parenting, and personal identity. Our guest, Chauncey Zalkin, shares her journey from being a senior VP in marketing to a creative entrepreneur focusing on writing and fiction projects, with aspirations to become a therapist. We discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity, the influence of her entrepreneurial father and artistically inclined mother on her pursuits, and the importance of creative legacy. She also talks about her experience with school performance, balancing twin birthdays, and the need for intentional growth in entrepreneurship. We also hone in on empathetic...
2024-10-181h 05
Actual PeopleS2E4 - The New Networking: How to Promote Yourself as a Creative Now (hint: it's not just social media)A New Vibration - The Optimism and Renewed Passion of Creative Boom Founder Katy CowanThis is a special one. Katy was Chauncey's first pick for a guest episode when launching her podcast almost a year ago and finally it's here. In this episode of Actual People, host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with the ever-so-charming Katy Cowan, founder of UK-based Creative Boom, a global platform supporting creatives across industries for the past 15 years. The episode is packed with practical advice for creatives navigating the rapidly changing landscape of self promotion - including a k...
2024-10-1850 min
Actual PeopleS2E3 - Our National Compromise - From Hope to Hanging On (And How to Get Back on Path)Host Chauncey Zalkin recounts a trip to the grocery store with her daughter reminiscing on Obama era ideals realizing, we've largely abandoned them. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.We want to hear f...
2024-10-1029 min
Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter076: Chauncey Zalkin On Culture, Creativity, and Being a Gen X Woman in Today's WorldOn this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin. As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today's world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career.
2024-10-0959 min
Actual PeopleS2E2 - Gen Z, AI, and a Permanently Shifting Workplace DynamicA conversation with Harris Poll Chief Strategy Officer, Libby Rodney.Could the future of AI monetize creativity rather than exploit it? Is there a future version of capitalism where we ditch artificial scarcity and all get a piece of the pie? Did Gen Z change the workplace dynamic forever? And can businesses finally end their love affair with the short termism they've had since 2022?In episode 2, host Chauncey Zalkin chats with Harris Poll Chief Strategy Officer, Libby Rodney, to talk about the data, possible scenarios for AI to benefit us all, and why adding sixth g...
2024-09-1940 min
Actual PeopleS2E1 - Divorce and Motherhood: Reacquainting Yourself with YouOn A Desire For More: The Summertime Sadness of the Single Mom + The Fire in the Pants That is Kamala's Art of War.In the season premiere, Chauncey Zalkin reflects on her solo summer trip to New Zealand while her kids were with their father. Navigating the emotions of sudden solitude, she finds herself reacquainting with her pre-motherhood identity amid stunning landscapes and cultural explorations—from the geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and fjords of Milford Sound to a quiet week of self-discovery in Auckland. Chauncey discusses the unexpected mix of grief, longing, and desire for mo...
2024-09-1119 min
Actual People017 - Hot Menopause Summer!! - Three Women, Three Stories (one is an aging expert!)💃🏻 Welcome to the mega 'season finale' episode featuring three personal and honest conversations about what menopause, aging, strength, and vitality mean to women facing this new era. Join us as we dive into discussions of the changing mindset and deeper understanding and acceptance of menopause, aging, beauty, and mortality. We also got jokes.This hour long episode features the optimism and energy of fashion-exec-turned-writer Christine Morrison, the wisdom and deep knowledge of aging planner, Allison O'Shea, and the wit and honesty of long time close friend and creative powerhouse, Lydia Langford who pulls no punc...
2024-07-241h 04
Actual People016 - Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, and Our Macro and Micro FuturesWelcome to Episode 16! We are nearing the end of Season 1 of Actual People. In this episode, host Chauncey Zalkin muses on conflict resolution from a cul-de-sac baseball game between 5-10 year olds to two daft elderly men squabbling on national TV about their golf game when we're worried about the future of our country and who will run it. (hint: it will most likely be one of these two...😖) to creative collaboration and its pitfalls.We get into the micro and macro of the human experience and culture and conclude with the four major stories Chaun...
2024-07-1025 min
Actual People015 - A Career in Storytelling from Kate Tellers of The MothMusing on Loss of Organic Culture & Interview with Kate Tellers of The Storytelling Platform the MothSense making. It's one of the deepest human drives. We desperately want to make sense of our world and our role in it. Host Chauncey Zalkin delves into this topic in the episode before this (Ep 14) and reads her own story as a writer using allegory to see truth and heal. We are all makers and consumer of stories of characters we invest deeply in. Now, in episode 15, she sits down a long time executive of the fascinating storytelling pl...
2024-06-2129 min
Actual People014 - How Constant Self Help Can Harm CreativitySelf-Helping Yourself with Allegory 🐾 With excerpt of novel in progress, Claw 🐾We're pushing lots of buttons. We're clicking and liking and commenting. We're beeping and booping, scrolling and scheduling. We're drinking from a fire hose of advice, opinions and external standards for how we should live our lives. Where's it all getting us?Welcome to episode 14. This might be the most vulnerable episode yet of Actual People. Today's episode is a monologue that discusses an over reliance on self help patter for facing our personal challenges and considers the value of rich metaphor and letting things...
2024-06-1348 min
Actual People013 - An Ad Agency Executive With A Strategic Plan for LivingGet Curious, Get Clear - Writing a Life Brief with Bonnie Wan. Today host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with the author of "The Life Brief ".Her guest, Bonnie Wan, has been the head of brand strategy at famed agency Goodby, Silverstein and Partners for over 13 years - and she took that talent for zeroing in on making meaning for major brands and parlayed it into writing briefs for people's lives starting with her own. Take a listen.Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by E...
2024-05-2245 min
Actual People012 - Actual People - Finding Elijah - Mother's Day EditionIn this special Mother's Day edition of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin shares a real-life story of serendipity and chance encounters in the mom era of her life. Three weeks ago, a Saturday morning bagel run turns into an unforeseen adventure when our host and her daughter Sky discover Elijah, a scarred, malnourished, and beautiful older pit bull, wandering the streets in the rain. This episode delves into how they react to Elijah, reflecting on the broader themes of care, compassion, and the complexities of motherhood.This episode contemplates intuition, personal ethics, and decision trees a...
2024-05-1216 min
Actual People011 - How to Collaborate Like a TV WriterThe Anatomy of Collaboration: Insights from a Writer's Room Veteran. Meet Oscar-nominated writer and director, Rob Pearlstein, known for his work in both advertising and television, MacGyver, Scorpion, Someone Marry Barry, and more. Join Rob and Chauncey as they delve into the dynamics of collaboration exploring the intense, intricate world of writers' rooms and creative agencies.The episode offers a deep dive into how creative professionals navigate the pressures and politics of collaborative environments to produce magic. Whether you're an artist, a corporate executive, a CIA operative, or a junk bond salesman (okay maybe not that), this epis...
2024-05-0849 min
Actual People010 - An Influencer Marketing Expert Quits Tech & Finds PeaceTech Free in NYC? How One Super Successful Digital Marketer and City Mom Gave it All Up And Went For Broke . In the latest episode of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin talks to the author of "Raising Hell and Living Well: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something From You, Including Me." Their discussion explores the pervasive impact of digital influence, the very real physical and mental toll of digital dementia, and how the next 18 months will play a pivotal role on how we will all move forward as a society. She also adds s...
2024-04-2445 minActual People009 - Breaking Up With Bad Love for GoodWelcome to this week's episode of Actual People, hosted by Chauncey Zalkin. Today, we delve into the intricate world of relationships, trauma, and the journey towards healing and self-love with relationship and trauma therapist Jasmonae Joyriel PsyD LP, brings her expertise in navigating the aftermath of toxic relationships and sheds light on the path to healthier connections.In This Episode:Introduction to Healing: Chauncey opens up about personal experiences and choices in love.Expert Insights: Jasmonae Joyriel, a therapist specializing in relationship trauma, joins us to explore the...
2024-04-1030 minActual People008 - Being BRCA+ with Reflections on Grieving My FatherBlue Ridge Mountain Edition - On Perfection, Grief and Hindsight Being 20/20 - An Essay That Looks Back on My Father.Today's episode started out as a reading of an essay I wrote about my father's death of Prostate Cancer in 2019 with a title inspired by the Tame Impala song, "Let It Happen" which I heard performed live in Atlanta two days before he died knowing his death was about to happen after a lifetime of fearing it. Never has a song or a moment had more significance. I was taking it easy with this episode b...
2024-03-2723 minActual People007 - Beauty Culture and The Tech Gaze with Elise HuFuture Features: A Deep Dive into K Beauty and Beyond - Interview with Flawless Author Elise Hu Join us on our voyage to the uncanny valley and back as we discuss the trajectory of beauty’s “cyborgian” future with TED Talks host and author of “Flawless, Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” Elise Hu.In this captivating episode of Actual People, Chauncey sits down with Elise to explore the intricate world of beauty standards, technological influences, and the search for authenticity in our increasingly digital age while still having fun with beauty. T...
2024-03-1340 minActual People006 - Exploring Beauty Standards from a Gen X Miami + New York Coming of AgeBeauty is a short lived tyranny. - Socrates"I put the silver stiletto in the trash. The blade started to churn and I heard the snap of wood and strain of leather rending within its metal jaws..." Beauty is sublime, rejuvenating, restorative! but impossible beauty standards can have quite an opposite and deleterious impact. How do we foster self love and create the kind of beauty we can enjoy throughout our entire lives? Episode 6 of Actual People invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships with beauty including shifting and contradictory societ...
2024-02-2819 minActual People005 - Fearless Creativity in the Age of A.I.In this enlightening episode of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with former architect and designer turned generative AI educator, Lori Mazor. As of the date of this episode, Lori has guided over 3000 business leaders through the maze of generative AI. With a newsletter called "Humans of AI" and an upcoming book called "Temperature: Creativity in the age of A.I.," Lori is at the forefront of integrating AI into creative and operational processes and she does so with wonder, wit, and intellect. Listen as she shows us in tangible terms how AI can be...
2024-02-2140 minActual People004 - Cultural Examination of Song Lyrics and LoveFrom Lost In Love to Boy Bye - How Changing Lyrics Reflect Our Changing Attitudes Toward Love. We used to have ballads. Epic sweeping syrupy sweet songs of undying devotion. Then love grew up - or grew jaded, depending on how you look at it. One thing's for certain, the love song as we knew it is long dead and not coming back.In this episode, I take it back to the wind machine fueled hair bands and their power ballads, the gushing 90s R&B boys on bended knee, and the comeuppance from women get...
2024-02-1416 minActual People003 - What's Next for Media and Publishing Careers?What's Next for Us?- Media and Publishing - The Anna Holmes InterviewFrom Jezebel shuttering and resurrecting last year to the 20,000+ layoffs in media, 2023 was a scary year for people working in creative fields, and then 2024 came along... In this 3rd episode of Actual People, we bring you our first interview which is with Anna Holmes, the creator of online feminist publication Jezebel. I approached Anna with the desire to explore the question of ‘what’s next’ for creatives in turbulent times from her purview as a writer and editor and yes, we did get to i...
2024-02-0729 minActual People002 - Fear is a Tool. Despair is What's Scary.In the second episode of "Actual People," I dive into how fear and darkness are useful tools for conjuring the spirits of hope and creativity and how despair is the real monster under the bed.I touch upon the occult, post industrial Manchester, true crime, my 80s Miami childhood (again) and how the artist Jelly Roll, who just gave a rousing speech to Congress, might just might be the the most relevant messenger for our time.Warning: Midway through the episode, I address some heavy stuff about drug addiction that may not be appropriate for a...
2024-01-2526 minActual People001 - Suddenly 50: Where We Are & What's Next As Gen XIn this first episode, I reflect on the shock and freedom of turning 50 at a time in history where nothing is what it was. Gen X is the unsung renegade generation reinventing once again. What will we do next?Welcome to the very first episode of "Actual People" where I take you on a journey of discovery, reflection, and understanding of the unique path of our generation. As I reflect on my own experience of turning 50, I realize there's a profound peace that comes with this milestone. It's not just about getting older; it's about the unexpected w...
2024-01-1023 min
Actual PeopleWelcome to Actual People! ...The TrailerWelcome to Actual People, an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.In this podcast, I’ll open up about my own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain.We’ll look at survival, endurance, strength, triumph and despair while imagining a future with creative joy and hope.Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic. Written, direc...
2024-01-0502 min
Why Raleigh?Getting Creative with Jessie Williams of Edge of UrgeFor 21 years, Jessie Williams has run her independent and very stylish shop Edge of Urge in the Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh, more recently adding the menswear store and bar, Unlikely Professionals across the street. She is also part owner of Root & Branch at the Raleigh-Durham airport. This creative entrepreneur extraordinaire has raised considerable funds for reproductive and lgbtq rights as well as efforts to get healthy foods to kids. When I ask about her aesthetic, she mentions giving as a big part of her whole vibe.In this interview you'll learn about what I...
2023-12-221h 08Why Raleigh?The Optimist Behind Optimist CoffeeSince the beginning of the Pandemic, Flo has been frequenting The Optimist Coffee to keep her spirits up. Adjacent to the historic Oakwood Cemetery, The Optimist Coffee embodies a cheerful, ironic aesthetic featuring skeletons, deep green velvet cushions and elegant floral illustrations on the windows. Its cozy and light hearted vibe welcomes you in, to spend time and relax. So how did this fabulous coffee shop come to be? In this conversation Flo sits down with owners Andrew and Robyn Ward to find out. The origin story knocked Flo's socks off and revealed... The Optimist! We discuss what attracted...
2023-12-0536 minWhy Raleigh?Crafting more than Beer, David Meeker and the Future of RaleighToday, we are talking to David Meeker. Axios calls David one of Raleigh's most influential real estate developers and for good reason. In his work as a commercial developer, investor, and builder, he keeps Raleigh charm and history intact while fostering creative entrepreneurship and a healthy community today. David's specialty has been adaptive reuse - repurposing historic buildings with a nod to their former life. We discuss the importance of independent, locally run food and retail in or near downtown, which is the lifeblood of a successful, engaging city. Take a listen.
2023-11-2544 minWhy Raleigh?Crafting more than Beer, David Meeker and the Future of RaleighToday, we are talking to David Meeker. Axios calls David one of Raleigh's most influential real estate developers and for good reason. In his work as a commercial developer, investor, and builder, he keeps Raleigh charm and history intact while fostering creative entrepreneurship and a healthy community today. David's specialty has been adaptive reuse - repurposing historic buildings with a nod to their former life. We discuss the importance of independent, locally run food and retail in or near downtown, which is the lifeblood of a successful, engaging city. Take a listen.
2023-11-2144 minWhy Raleigh?Meet Chauncey Zalkin! Writer, Brand Strategist and MomWelcome to our 4th episode of Why Raleigh? where I, Raleigh native Flo Lumsden, sit down with this season's co-host Chauncey Zalkin, a NYC transplant who’s lived in mostly big international cities working in fashion, magazines, and advertising until now (stay tuned to find out where).Chauncey chose Raleigh because she thought it was “an incredible place to raise children and find community.” While I don't have kids yet, I couldn’t agree more! We discuss dinner parties, the intricacies of navigating I-40, creative entrepreneurship, forging non-linear career paths, and owning your expertise. Chauncey Zalkin is not only...
2023-11-0746 minWhy Raleigh?Spyglass Talent and Betting on RaleighFlo had the pleasure of sitting down and going deep with John Reid Sidebotham. Originally from NYC, John has a unique perspective on what makes raleigh special. What's that? The community. People care about each other. Even as Raleigh grows, John claims that people care a lot about the future growth and direction of Raleigh. And John knows people - he’s the founder and president of the talent solutions firm SpyGlass Talent.We talk public transportation, density, and urban design - all hot topics in Raleigh today. Why did this manhattanite decide to bu...
2023-10-2440 minWhy Raleigh?Glow Fitness! From NY to Raleigh to Start a Fitness BrandRis (short for Marisa) moved from Buffalo, NY with some other fitness entrepreneurs to start the fitness studio of their dreams, Glow Fitness. The only problem? They had planned to open right when the pandemic struck in February 2020. They stuck to their vision and were able to open their in-person studio near Five Points in November 2022. Offering adult dance-fitness classes, Flo was thrilled when they opened and couldn't wait to find out more about these badass women running their own super fun, neon fitness studio in Raleigh. How did they survive the pandemic? How do they manage the business...
2023-10-1346 minWhy Raleigh?Introducing Why Raleigh?Welcome to Why Raleigh? A podcast about Raleigh, North Carolina — exploring what this city is and what it will become.A Millennial and a Gen Xer, a local and a New York City transplant, a girl about town and a busy mom of school age twins, a producer and a marketing executive and writer - come together to flex our curiosity and commitment to the future of this fast growing city. In this brief episode, Chauncey and Flo introduce each other, tell the story of how they met and talk a bit more about Why Raleigh?...
2023-10-0313 minWhy Raleigh?Trailer. Why Raleigh?A Millennial and a Gen Xer, a local and a New York City transplant, a girl about town and a busy mom of school age twins, a producer and a marketing executive and writer - come together to flex our curiosity and commitment to the future of this fast growing city. Welcome to Why Raleigh, launching September 2023. Produced by Chorus Studios LLC. This season is sponsored in part by Common Desk.
2023-09-1401 min
BragTalksEpisode 6: How to be a Brand Storyteller: Chauncey ZalkinIn this episode of BragTalks, Chauncey Zalkin shares how she became a brand storyteller. As a narrative brand storyteller, Chauncey takes you through her greatest hits and also how she overcame obstacles along the way. She shares her passion for storytelling, creating narratives and strong thought leadership. She also gives us some insights into her secret fiction writing life. Learn how you can become a brand storyteller to successfully share your stories with the world. For more about Chauncey, check out her website and portfolio.
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2022-04-1327 min
Girls Who Do StuffRapid Fire with Chauncey ZalkinAfter every interview on the Girls Who Do Stuff, we do Rapid Fire with our guests. We ask them a bunch of questions and they respond with the first thing that pops into their head.
2022-03-0407 minGirls Who Do StuffVulnerability, Authenticity, and Creativity with Chauncey ZalkinIn This Episode: Chauncey’s been a published writer, serial creative entrepreneur, and ad agency brand strategist for 18 years. She’s lived in New York, Paris, Biarritz, Barcelona, Miami, and South Carolina. She co-founded and was the Creative Director of a documentary storytelling company called Show Love with clients that include Comcast, Timex, Beyond Meat, Babyganics, Cotton Inc. Edible Schoolyard, and a slew of designers, makers, dancers, brewers. Chauncey focuses on writing magical realism and she shares some of the plots of her books. In today's episode, we cover a large range of topics from the difference between being fa...
2022-03-0136 min