Shows
Moments That Define UsBlack Swan Event, featuring author Helen Hynson VettoriHow you ever heard of a black swan event? Do you know what a black swan event is? A black swan is a catastrophic incident or event that no one could have foreseen or imagined because of its unprecedented impact. On today episode we have an international author Helen Hynson Vettori. What a privilege it was to speak to this amazing author. She currently has 2 books out from her trilogy, "Black Sawn Impact" & "Black Swan Shock". This is how Helen describes her books, "Black Sawn Impact": "Black Swan Impact is a sci-fi political thriller that takes place...
2026-03-1041 min
Deal To Heal With E. JamesEP 228 The Immigrant Experience and the Power of Story | with guest Iryna BarnettImmigration reshapes identity in ways few people fully understand.You’re learning who you are while navigating a new culture, system, and reality.Resilience is not optional for immigrants—it’s a daily requirement.Survival often demands courage, adaptability, and perseverance.Your story is not something to minimize—it’s a source of strength.Lived experience carries wisdom that deserves to be honored.Sharing your story can be an act of healing and resistance.It pushes back again...
2026-03-0442 minMoments That Define Us"All About Love" , featuring China Borjas"Self-love is the foundation of our loving practice. Without it our other efforts to love fail. Giving ourselves love we provide our inner being with the opportunity to have the unconditional love we may have always longed to received from someone else" , this beautiful passage is from the book by bell hooks-"All About Love". Today's episode is all about love, self-love, love for our communities, childhood love lessons, honest love and so many other acts of love that bell hooks talked about in her amazing book. To help our host Iryna discuss this book, China Borjas , our guest...
2026-02-241h 13Moments That Define UsHow ayahuasca changed my life, featuring clinical hypnotherapist & author Lani GonzalesOur guest on the podcast today is Lani Gonzales. She is a clinical hypnotherapist, author, and keynote speaker . Lani shared many defining moments , some that include childhood trauma, rape, sexual abuse and story of family member who committed suicide. This episode is heavy and enlightened all at the same time. Lani spoke very openly and beautifully about her life story, being an immigrant , experiencing trauma, achieving more but feeling more empty and unfulfilled the higher she climbed and what led her to changing her life and creating from a space of love. She had a lifechanging experience with ayahuasca...
2026-02-1253 minMoments That Define Us"Empathy is my storytelling superpower", featuring novelist Leigh ShallowayWelcome to season 6!!! Our first guest is a novelist, Leigh Shalloway. She wrote an incredible book called "Journey back to you". In today's episode Leigh shared her experience with mental health, being diagnosed with clinical depression at 30 , and how that deepen he writing. She opened up about experiencing emotional extremes and how it allowed her to write characters who feel real and complex. Leigh took us into her writing process, research that went into this book, personal stories, past relationships that helped her built Kathleen, Jase and Richard. Journey back to you is the first novel in the Hilltown...
2026-01-271h 09Moments That Define UsThese Are The Lessons I've LearnedIn this final episode our host Iryna is doing a recap of season 5 (the season of women) and of 2025 all together. She is talking about lessons she's learned from her guests in season 5, lessons she learned so far by doing her podcast , why it is important to stay consistent and what is is proud of. This episode is short but its full of gratitude! #whatsyourdefiningmoment #sharingourstorieshasthepowertoheal #momentsthatdfineuspodcast #finalepisodeofseason5
2025-12-2412 minMoments That Define UsSharing Our Stories Has The Power To Heal, featuring Wafa SaeedToday's conversation is the one for the soul. It will feel your heart with so much hope & love. Iryna sat down with Wafa Saeed, a brilliant woman, an immigrant an avid reader, humanitarian and a proud member of the Sudanese community. Iryna & Wafa talked about their stories about coming to America, what it means to be an immigrant and where do we really belong as immigrants. Wafa shared so many defining moments that shaped her, how her life changed after 9/11, how going back to Sudan for 2 years helped her understand her identity and what wearing hijab means to her.
2025-12-031h 15Moments That Define Us"Giving Birth And Becoming A Mother Changed My Life", featuring the founder of She Birth Bravely, Suzzie VehrsIt was such an honor to have Suzzie Vehrs, the founder and owner of She Births Bravely on our podcast. She is a certified doula, based in Seattle Washington, who has been part of almost 300 births. Suzzie also provides childbirth education and and abundance of resources on pre and post birth. Check out her resources here: https://shebirthsbravely.myclickfunnels.com/sbbbcDuring our conversation with Suzzie we discussed her motherhood journey, the loss she experienced with her first pregnancy and dealing with grief. Suzzie opened up about struggles in her marriage, going though divorce and coparenting. There...
2025-11-181h 09Moments That Define Us"Redefining success after postpartum depression", featuring Eman Abdur-RahmanToday's episode is a special one. Iryna is talking to Eman Abdur-Rahman, who is a mom and entrepreneur. Eman had quite a journey when it comes to motherhood. With her first child she had a very difficult birth followed by severe postpartum depression and in the midst of going through postpartum depression, she started her business. Eman tells a story of how starting her business while battling postpartum depression saved her life. This is the most honest and open conversation about postpartum depression. In the second part of the episode Eman opened up about the pregnancy and...
2025-11-041h 12Moments That Define UsDefining moments of motherhoodToday's episode is all about motherhood. Iryna opened up about her journey, her pregnancies, breastfeeding and why being a working mom makes her a better mom, why showing her kids there are different options out there is very important for her.Do you want to be a stay-at-home mom or go back to work, should you breastfeed or give your baby formula? Why women still judge other women for choices they make as moms? Is it ok to touch a pregnant woman's belly? But why not? These and some many other questions were answered in this episode.
2025-10-2145 minMoments That Define Us"Gun control, gun prevention and what happens after thoughts and prayers" with Angel ShabazzToday's conversation is about a mom , who lost her son to a gun violence, and how through grief and with a help of a very strong community she created a foundation to keep her son legacy alive. Angel Shabazz is the founder of The DJ Armstrong Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is twofold: to empower young people and families through scholarships, mentorship, mental health support, and grief assistance, and to walk alongside grieving mothers through A Mother’s Love, a healing community rooted in faith, empathy, and shared understanding. Angel talked about her son Davarie and what an am...
2025-10-0749 minMoments That Define Us"Allied Education" with Rachel Schopp Today's episode is dedicated to all the teachers and educators everywhere. Teachers are there to help us raise our children and create defining moments that are fundamental in our children's lives. Our guest today is Rachel Schopp, former classroom teacher with over a decade of experience and founder of Allied Education. Allied Education is dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to families and students. Rachel understands the complexities of the education system and is committed to helping families make informed decisions for their child's academic journey.On this episode Rachel talked about growing up...
2025-09-231h 06Moments That Define UsTherapist's corner, featuring licensed therapist China BorjasOn today's episode we have a licensed therapist China Borjas, she is the Founder of Ubuntu Wellness LLC - https://www.ubuntuwellness.me/Therapist corner is a new segment on Moments That Define Us Podcast and you can write in your questions for our therapist to momentsthstdefineus@gmail.com. Today, we got to know China and her defining moments that led her to become a therapist, from her family business to her own journey with therapy. China talked about overcoming stigma around therapy and understanding the benefits of it, becoming a trauma therapist and how...
2025-09-0956 min
OffScriptDash Arts: A 20 Year SoundtrackFrom working with rappers in Beiruti basements to gathering musicians from all the conservatoires of ex-Soviet Republics in the mountains of Georgia and wild late nights in a tent with the Dash Arts Dacha, this episode celebrates the music and sounds woven through the last 20 years of Dash Arts.Josephine Burton acts as a guide across Dash Arts’ many musical projects, sharing stories and music from Dash’s multi-year seasons of artistic work. We hear about Dash’s journeys in the Arabic world, former Soviet States, Europe and its current season exploring Englishness, with Albion. This episod...
2025-09-0350 minMoments That Define UsBreaking barriers, featuring the CEO of Helios Worldwide, Yuki BiOn today's episode Iryna had a great conversation with the CEO of Helios Worldwide, Yuki Bi. They spoke about leadership , specifically women leaders and how even in 2025 , even in industries that are targeting women as their primary customers, there are not enough women in the decision making positions. AI has been a big topic , especially in the past year and Yuki gave her take on positive and negative effects AI has. Yuki is from China originally. She spoke about her upbring and navigating life as a immigrant in Canada as well as in US. To learn more about Yuki...
2025-08-2656 minMoments That Define Us"I've reinvented myself a few times", featuring Celeste Moore, a certified Image Consultant, celebrity stylist, and keynote speaker In today's episode Iryna had one of the most honest, open and vulnerable conversation with the a certified Image Consultant, celebrity stylist, and keynote speaker, Celeste Moore. Celeste shared some of the hardest moments that happened in her life to shape her to be the woman she is today. She shared the lessons she learned going through divorce at 22 and building her empire as a single mom. Celeste shared some of the defining moments that shaped her entrepreneurial journey and why its so important to stay true to who you are and not what everyone else wants you to...
2025-08-1245 minMoments That Define UsFinding your soul's calling with Ber-Henda WilliamsIn today's episode Iryna is in conversation with a Keynote Speaker and Feminine Leadership and Soul Coach , Ber-Henda Williams. She is a resident of Detroit and woman with many gifts and so much wisdom. Ber-Henda offered a very valuable lesson to our listens on how to find your your true calling in life or as she calls it "your soul's calling". She spoke about some of her defining moments that lead her to be the woman she is today and why its so important to be still and listen to what life is whispering to you. You can learn...
2025-07-2934 min
Outlier's Edge Podcast with Niiamah AshongMessy Action Rich Results | Celeste Moore, Iryna Barnett, Bella, Joseph Atta Gyamfi | Throwback | Ep 791"The moment that I really loved myself and said it's okay to love myself without ego attached to it, really embrace who I am and dial in with my passions. That's really when my career started to go in the direction it is now" - Celeste MooreJoin Niiamah (@niiamahashong) and guests Celeste Moore, Iryna Barnett, Bella, Joseph Atta Gyamfi in this throwback conversation as they reveal the limiting beliefs that once held them back from success. Discover how these four outliers transformed their biggest failures into stepping stones for extraordinary growth and impact.Welcome...
2025-07-1948 minMoments That Define UsGood Immigrant Welcome back to Moments That Define Us Podcast. This is the first episode of season 5. Our host Iryna is talking about what's happening in the county today when it comes to immigration, what it means to be an immigrant, and why its extremely important to treat everyone with kindness. She raised a question "What would you do if you had to flee your county and save your family, provide a better life for them?" Why its important to practice empathy and put yourself in somebody else's shoes and try to understand where people are coming from. #whatsyourdefiningmoment #sharingourstorieshasapowertoheal
2025-07-1513 minMoments That Define Us Heart-led human, featuring Lisa Conway In today episode Iryna is joined by Lisa Conway. She is a beautiful human, a heart-led human who opened up in such a vulnerable and authentic way. Today Lisa is a mom, wife, business owner of a hair salon called Vantage Salon in Arvada, CO, community member and so much more. Life hasn't always been easy for Lisa. She started living on her own at the age of 16 in NYC and had to grow up fast but there have been so many beautiful lessons in her journey. Lisa opened up about her experience being an entrepreneur and why she...
2025-06-101h 08Moments That Define Us"Second Chance" , featuring the CEO & co-founder of Rebel Nell, Amy Peterson A few weeks ago, Iryna had a chance to have a wonderful conversation with the CEO and co-founder of a Detroit based social enterprise Rebel Nell, Amy Paterson. Rebel Nell is a women owned and mission driven jewelry company. Not only each piece of their jewelry has a unique story but they use reproposed graffiti in their jewelries."Rebel Nell is a social enterprise that provides employment, equitable access, and holistic support to women navigating barriers to work—whether due to housing insecurity, incarceration, displacement, disability, or other systemic obstacles".Amy and Iryna spoke about ho...
2025-05-2733 minMoments That Define UsDigital tool or digital addiction? Today is another solo episode. In recent weeks Iryna finished reading The Anxious Generation book by Jonathan Haidt and watched 2020 documentary " The Social Dilemma", two amazing and very informative pieces of work. In this episode Iryna discusses her take on the documentary an the book, growing up without technology ,the effect social media has on her life ,and why it is important to pay attention between using technology as tools and when those tools become addiction. If you have stories about positive or negative effects of technology, social media or ChatGPT on your life, submit them to momentsthatdefineus@gmail...
2025-05-1433 minMoments That Define UsSolo Episode - Advice on relationships and marriage Today's episode was recorded on April 27, which is Iryna and her husband's 11th wedding anniversary. This is a short solo episode where Iryna talks about her life as a mom, wife, friend and gives unsolicited life advice to anyone out there who needs it on marriage and relationships. She tells the story of how her and her husband met, why its ok to not like your partner sometimes, and how important it is to marry someone who love and support you no matter what. This episode is light and funny so enjoy it. #whatsyourdefiningmoment #marriageadvice #relationships #sharingourstoriesishealing
2025-04-2921 minMoments That Define Us"You need to find calm in the noise", featuring author and culture critic Jo Davis In today's episode Iryna is joined by an amazing woman, author, film and culture critic Jonita Davis. In this episode we only scratched the surface of the amazing life this creative woman has lived. We talked about her writing process and should you stay in "one lane " as a creative, why it is important to speak up against injustice, especially in the state of world today. Jo was diagnosed with ADHD and she opened up about how getting diagnosed helped her navigate creativity, writing and her life better. Jo newest project is coloring books called Starseed Panic...
2025-04-151h 15Moments That Define Us"We All Deserve Better", featuring the founder of GraceFull Home, EmilyJane ZahreddineIn today episode Iryna is joined by the founder of GraceFull Home, a Denver based furniture bank, EmilyJane Zahreddine. EmilyJane is a powerhouse, who saw a problem in her community and decided to create a solution. She launched her non profit in 2024 and already helped over 200 people in Denver metro area who are exiting homeless and need help furnishing their new home. EmilyJane spoke about how the idea of creating GraceFull Home came to her and why helping our community members is so important. To learn more about GraceFull Home , go to https://gracefullhome.org/EmilyJane was...
2025-04-0157 minMoments That Define UsBeautiful Story Of An Empowered Woman, featuring Emily MaraIn today's episode Iryna is joined by Emily Mara, who is a personal trainer, accountability coach and the founder and owner of EMpower by Emily Mara https://www.empowerbyem.com/. This conversation is extra special for many reasons. One of the reasons is in this episode Emily and Iryna talked about the beauty and challenges of motherhood. Emily lost her mom over 10 years and she spoke about lessons she learned from her mom, her grieving process and her approach to her journey as a mother of two girls. Emily started dancing at a very young age and...
2025-03-181h 15Moments That Define UsEasy Equity, featuring Michael Sykes Michael Sykes is the founder of the organization called Equitable Solutions and the director of culture, equity and leadership for Denver Public Schools. This conversation was deep, meaningful, vulnerable and we talked about variety of topics. Michael was open enough to talk about his life in a very profound way, things he had to learn and overcome to become a person he is today. Michael wrote a book "Easy Equity" and he dedicated this book to some of the strong , powerful and important women in his life and he talked about them with such love, gratitude and respect and...
2025-03-041h 10Moments That Define UsSmall Acts of Kindness with Karen Olson I had a pleasure of having a wonderful conversation with Karen Olson, the founder of national non profit organization call Family Promise. Karen joined me on the podcast to talk about her book "Mean For More" . In her book Karen captured her incredible journey from a single act of kindness to a lifetime of service. Karen wrote a beautiful story about her childhood and tragedy she experienced at a young age and how helping others helped her heal herself alone the way. To learn more about Family Promise, go to https://familypromise.org/ . You can find local affiliate in...
2025-02-181h 22Moments That Define Us"Sometimes you have to shatter in order to rebuild yourself" featuring fashion designer Michael SullivanIn today's episode Iryna is joined by an incredible fashion designer Michael Sullivan. Michael went all the way back to his childhood and talked about little Michael, his hopes and dreams for the future and how he is living that dream right now. Michael's grandfather was a big inspiration for him because of his impeccable style and his wisdom. Michael has been honoring his grandfather in his recent clothing collection. Not only Michael is a great fashion designer, he is builds his community for people to feel seen and loved and most importantly be themselves. Michael is a founder...
2025-02-041h 08Outlier's Edge Podcast with Niiamah AshongBreak Free from Perfectionism and See Your Business Grow | Celeste Moore, Iryna Barnett, Bella, Joseph Atta Gyamfi | Ep 625"When one door closes, another door opens. But sometimes we waste so much time looking at the closed door, we forget the door that has been open." - Joseph Atta GyamfiJoin Niiamah (@niiamahashong), Celeste Moore @celestemooreimage, Irina Barnett @momentsthatdefineus, Isabella, and Joseph Atta Gyamfi @gyamfi_j for an intimate conversation about transforming limiting beliefs into stepping stones for success. These remarkable entrepreneurs share their journeys of overcoming perfectionism and embracing failure as a pathway to growth.Welcome to the Outlier's Edge Podcast, hosted by Niiamah Ashong, Founder of Outlier's Edge and Sherpa of the...
2025-01-2448 min
Moments That Define UsBreak Free from Perfectionism and See Your Business Grow- discussion panel on the Outlier's Edge Podcast Bella and Iryna were invited to be part of the discussion panel on the Outlier's Edge Podcast. We discussed what it means to be an entrepreneur, obstacles we had to overcome to get to the place we are today and why failure is necessary and perfection is the killer of all joy. Visit https://niiamahashong.com/oepodcast/ to learn more about the ultimate Outlier behind the podcast and the outliers community Niiamah Ashong.#whatsyourdefiningmoment #outlierscommunity #entrepreneur #lifelessons
2025-01-2148 minMoments That Define UsNew Year, New Exciting Opportunities Welcome to Season #4!!!!!! In the first episode of season 4, Iryna and Bella sat down for a beautiful conversation. They talked about why Bella has been MIA from the podcast, the loss she experienced last year that give her clarity on how to move forward and what's in store for the podcast this year. You don't want to miss this episode because there is big announcement on expansion within the podcast!!!!! #momentsthatdefineuspodcast #whatsyourdefiningmoment #bigannouncement #newyearnewopportunities
2025-01-0751 minMoments That Define Us"I was aways proud of who I am", featuring the founder and host of Blacadian Podcast Denise IzsoIn today's episode Iryna is joined by Denise Izso, the founder and host of Blacadian podcast. Through social media , Iryna and Denise became listeners of each other's podcast and finally decided to sit down for a conversation on Moments That Define Us Podcast. Denise was born and raised in Canada but both of her parents are from Barbados. She spoke about growing up in Canada , in a predominantly white neighborhood and how she navigated her childhood, friendships and the world around her mixing her two cultures. Denise talked about Canada and answered the question we all want...
2024-12-101h 21Moments That Define Us"We All Can Make a Change", featuring Sara FinesilverWe all spend money on a daily basis but do we really know what the organizations we support stand for? Who make those critical decisions for the company? Do they really represent community they serve and who they have on their board of directors and why that is so important to know for us as consumers ? In today's episode we sat down with Sara Finesilver , who is on of the founding partners of Board First Consulting, LLC , a women-owned board effectiveness consulting firm. We often think boards of directors as bunch of middle-aged white men, which can...
2024-11-261h 25Moments That Define UsIryna's BIG 40Todays episode is a special one! Bella sat down with Iryna to talk to her about turning 40. They covered topics from aging and beauty to becoming more mature and caring less about what other people think of you. Bella took Iryna on a journey though her life, from looking back to her 20 and 30 to what lies ahead for the next decade. Iryna gave some very good advice to young people and shared some of the defining moments that makes a person she is today! If you need wisdom and inspiration in your life, this episode is for you!
2024-11-1258 minMoments That Define Us The Dark Goddess- featuring Assetou XangoIn today episode we are joined by an incredible human Assetou Xango. They are a poet, an author , a coach and so much more.. In this conversation we discussed variety of topics from election and the state of our country today to creativity , writing and how being creative can be beautiful but also make us face everything in ourself we are scared to face. When it comes to creativity Assetou said, "You have to listen when spirit is talking to you" This conversation was was real, authentic and vulnerable and it will make you think about the world, your...
2024-10-291h 41Moments That Define Us"My addiction was love"- featuring Tennisia Littleton-Broberg.Our guest today is Tennisia Littleton-Broberg. Tennisia is a survivor of many things but she is warrior. She love unconditionally and her family is everything to her. She opened her heart and soul on this episode and shared some of her defining moments. Tennisia has been surrounded by very powerful women in her family which is why she is a POWERHOUSE herself. Tennisia grew up with parents who were addicts and she talked in great details how that effected her growing up. She opened up about her own addictions and explained that addiction is not always drugs...
2024-10-1556 minMoments That Define UsWhere Do I Belong Do you ever feel like you don't belong? Are you trying to find your place in the world? The topic of today's episode is belonging. Its a sole episode without guests and without Bella, where Iryna is opening up about belonging as an immigrant living in the US. She tells a lot of stories from her life, living in US, being Ukrainian and how she found herself in the world. Today she is a confident and independent woman but it took her almost 20 years to find a place where she belong, where she can be her authentic self!
2024-10-0118 minMoments That Define UsTHE DEBATE This week's episode is all about THE DEBATE! Bella & Iryna sprinkled this conversation with humor and laughter . They talked about a few quotes that resonated with them the most and what they agreed and disagreed with both candidates (oh should I say one candidate.......????). The conversation turned serious when they spoke about gun control, immigration and climate change. Let's all remember , we don't have to agree on everything but hopefully, as a country we can all agree that we all want to live and enjoy life, have roof over our heads, have food in our fridge and see our...
2024-09-1745 minMoments That Define UsBehind the mic with Bella and Iryna: Perfection, its not that greatWELCOME TO SEASON 3!!!!!! We are starting season 3 with our Behind the Mic series. Today Iryna and Bella opening up about pressures we have in our society to be perfect in everything we do. To have kids or not to have kids, to get married or not get married? Am I a good mother? Do I have enough date nights with my spouse? Why is my body not perfect? What IS perfect body? Do you ever ask yourself any of these questions? If so, this episode is for you. Join Gen Z (Bella) and Millennium (Iryna) to hear their take...
2024-09-041h 01Moments That Define UsTakeover of "Moments That Define Us Podcast" by Two Sexiest Men Alive This is the last episode of season 2. Its called takeover of moments that define us podcast. Takeover happened when Roy (Iryna's husband) and Spencer (Bella's boyfriend) decided to be hosts for one episode and ask us, very deep and meaningful questions about the "why" behind the podcast and our vision for the future. We think you will learn different side of Bella and Iryna , why we stand what we stand for and why its important for us to be true to who we are. This episode is full of wisdom, laughter and deep philosophical thoughts. Bella, Roy and Spencer...
2024-07-231h 11Moments That Define UsI AM A SURVIVOR, Kiah Peterson story, part 2In today's episode we continue the conversation with the survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse, Kiah Peterson. This is part two. If you want to understand the whole story, listen to part one that was released last week. Kiah shared with us what happened to her after police showed up and arrested her. She spoke about just how awful our justice system is and how at one point a mental health professional told her that she was too far gone and they cant help her. But today, Kiah Peterson is a survivor. Despite everything she went though and...
2024-07-091h 07Moments That Define Us"We dated for a year and never had a fight"- Kiah Peterson story, part 1This is a part one of two parts story of an incredible woman name Kiah Peterson , who survived domestic violence, sexual abuse , racial discrimination in the justice system , homeless and so much more. She shared her story in greater details in hopes to help other survivors. The name of the abuser and a couple of other peoples were not real. Unfortunately Kiah's story is one of many. If any of our listeners are going through something similar, we hope this story will help you not only know you are not along but there is a way out. Tune in...
2024-07-021h 08Moments That Define UsBehind the Mic with Bella & Iryna: Self-Care This is a new edition of Behind the Mic with Bella & Iryna, where our fabulous hosts talked about self care. In this lighthearted episode Iryna and Bella give unprofessional advice to the listeners on how to take care of yourself on a very little budget or completely free. They talk about things that has worked for them and things that didn't (Iryna doesn't like taking a bath.....what? is she crazy?). They talk about their love for books and how reading helps them relax, journaling and talking to yourself through writing (Bella shared her journal entry and it was...
2024-06-181h 10Moments That Define UsMaking home buying possible , featuring real estate agent Jessica Argo In today's episode we are talking about real estate and the process of buying a home but doing it in the right way We sat down with the amazing real estate agent Jessica Argo who spoke about her passion for real estate, especially helping first time home buyers and women own their first home. She shared with us how having teaching background helped her become a better real estate agent. Jessica has been in real estate for almost 9 years and she has so many stories, some good and heartwarming and some crazy ones. Jessica also talked about the time...
2024-06-041h 22Moments That Define UsWe Are All Connected, featuring the CEO of Judi's House Micki Burns, part 2This is part two of two part episode with the CEO of Judi's House Micki Burns. We continued talking about grief and bereavement. Micki talked about recourses Judi's House provides to families when explaining death to children. She emphasized how important it is to use correct language so kids can understand death. We also spoke about death by suicide and again using the correct language so kids can understand why someone made that choice and how to support families who experienced this kind of loss. Again , the education piece of different types of losses that Micki provided was so...
2024-05-141h 00Moments That Define UsWe Are All Connected, featuring the CEO of Judi's House Micki Burns part 1Another incredible human that we had a chance to sit down for a deep and meaningful conversation. On today's episode we have Micki Burns, the CEO of Judi's House. "Judi’s House is a community-based nonprofit bereavement center for children and families with the vision that no child should be alone in grief."Micki has such a beautiful presence about her and having her on our podcast was an honor. This is part 1 of two parts episode. In part one Micki dives into her story, losses she experienced early in life and some of her defining moments an...
2024-05-071h 05Moments That Define UsGrief & Loss, featuring Stephanie Tatum part 2This is part 2 with Stephanie Tatum from Still I Rise Counseling Services. In this episode Stephanie dive into grief and loss, what is acceptable and unacceptable in our society when it comes to grief. She talks about education around grief and loss, how to be there for people that are grieving and what happens when we have unresolved grief. Stephanie also provides different resources for people that are going through grief. This episode a little heavy but needed for all of us. Check out Stephanie's website to learn more about her and services she provides https://stillirise-counseling...
2024-04-231h 05Moments That Define UsMental Health & the Benefits of Therapy, featuring Stephanie Tatum part 1Today's episode is all about mental health and how to take care of it. We had an incredible conversation with the licensed therapist and founder of Still I Rise Counseling Services Stephanie Tatum. Stephanie shared with us her her story and some of her defining moment. We dive deep into why therapy is important and necessary for one's mental well being. Stephanie's also gave advice on how to pick the right therapist. We also spoke about cultural differences when it comer to therapy, especially in black and brown communities and stigma around therapy. This episode is very educational.
2024-04-171h 16Moments That Define Us "Real Stories From Ukraine" -look back at the very beginningThis week we are taking a look back at our very first episode "Real Stories From Ukraine" We launched Moments That Define Us podcast in March of last year and will be rereleasing some of our favorite episodes this month. Enjoy our very first episode!!!Welcome to our very first episode. Today, our cohost Iryna tell us about growing up in Ukraine. She shares stories from her childhood and her perspective on the war in Ukraine.
2024-03-1245 minMoments That Define UsBehind the mic with Bella & Iryna-deep questions from ChatGPT AKA Gloria We are launching "Behind the mic with Bella and Iryna." In these types of episodes , we wont have guests, just our hosts discussing hot topics, things that are going on in their lives and around the world. Our mission is to build community around Moments That Define Us Podcast for people to have a safe space to be vulnerable and to share their stories. Today's episode is a fun one. Our hosts Iryna and Bella answered very serious questions from ChatGPT. Get to know our hosts on a deeper level and find out who is Gloria.....Get ready to...
2024-02-2738 minMoments That Define UsRest Is Resistance, featuring Lisa Sullivan In today episode we sat down with Lisa Sullivan, who is an incredible human, business owner, a mother , a daughter , a sister and so much more. Lisa spoke to us about being raised in a household with an immigrant father and an American mother and how that environment shaped her who she is today! Lisa has a lot of experience in the non profit world and she opened up to us about racial inequality and burnout she experienced that led her to leave her last job and started her own business LS Ventures. Lisa talked about white saviorism in...
2024-02-131h 56Moments That Define UsConsumerism culture and the effects on our financesIn today's episode we sit down with Katye Edwards, the founder and owner of Guided Revision, LLC to talk about consumerism and the effects on our finances. Katye has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry and her wealth of knowledge is incredible. Today's episode will make you think not only how you spend your money, but what you spend it on. We dive deep in the culture of spending and unchecked consumerism. Katye also talked to us about being laid off , knowing in her heart that she wont go back to the corporate America again, and taking...
2024-01-301h 02Moments That Define UsEmails Can Wait, You Cant-how to manage corporate burnout, featuring Jamie McColloughIn today's episode we sat down with founder and owner of Kiwi Collective Jamie McCollough to discuss corporate burnout and how to manage it. Jamie shared with us quite an inspiring story of how you can love your job and work you do but still burnout. Answering emails after hours, not eating lunch, not even drinking water because you know you don't have time to go to the bathroom, trying your absolute best but still not being recognized, these are just a few things Jamie shares in this episode. She also shared with us a defining moment, a decision...
2024-01-161h 42Moments That Define UsGaza, love beyond conflictIn today's episodes we sit down with Ariel Magidson, the owner of Ariel Arts and her husband Hammam Elkhoudary. Ariel is an American Jewish woman and Hamamam is from Palestine. They talked to us about their story of how they met and fell in love. Hammam spoke about growing up in Palestine, history of his country and what's happening in Palestine today. Ariel talked to us about growing up Jewish in US and her trip to Israel and how it challenged everything she learned and knew about Judaism. Both Ariel and Hammam discussed their views on current situation in...
2024-01-022h 02Moments That Define Us"Just Go After It"- life of an artist, featuring Ingrid Dee Magidson and Sybil Carter HillIn today's episode we sit down with brilliant artists Ingrid Dee Magidson and Sybil Carter Hill to talk about their defining moments of becoming an artist. Ingrid and Sybil also happen to be twins so there are a lot of funny "twin" stories. They take us down memory lane and talk about what it was like growing up with very artistic parent , honoring their late father and the impact he had on their lives. This episode is definitely a feel good one that will make you cry and laugh all at the same time.To check out...
2023-12-1257 minMoments That Define Us"It's bigger than just us"In this episode, Iryna and Bella take a look back at season's one defining moments, while taking a look ahead at season 2. There is so much in store for season 2. Amazing men and women will share their stories and defining moments. There is nothing better than a good , meaningful conversation with people who are changing our world to be a better place. So buckle up, this is going to be an amazing season!#whatsyourdefiningmoment #seasontwo #momentsthatdefineus #amazingstories
2023-11-2813 minMoments That Define Us"The gym was perfect for the situation I was in", featuring Matthew Von SpreckenIn today's episode we sit down with an online fitness coach and owner of MATTVSTRAINING, LLC Matthew Von Sprecken. He talked to us about about growing up and his complicated relationship with his mother and how being raised by a single dad shaped him into who he is today. Matt opened up about losing his brother and how gym, fitness and working out helps him deal with the grief and get mentally better every day. Matt talked about why it is important to be consistent to see results not only in the gym but anywhere in life. This episode...
2023-11-141h 34Moments That Define UsLove and Art, featuring Ingrid Dee Magidson and Jay MagidsonToday's episode is a feel good one! We had a privilege to sit down with a world famous artist Ingrid Dee Magidson and her husband, writer Jay Magidson. They told us how they met and fall in love, what influence art has had in their lives, their struggles and successes being artists and so much more. Jay and Ingrid compliment each other in the best way possible, not only as a couple but the way they create art. Both of them have a very good sense of humor so there was a lot of laughter as well and as...
2023-10-311h 02Moments That Define Us"Are You OK", featuring crisis specialist Erik JacobsenToday's episode is a powerful one! We sat down with Erik Jacobsen, who is a crisis specialist at Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners https://rmcrisispartners.org/. Erik spoke to us about suicide prevention and how to help someone who comes to you and letting you know they are not doing well. He also shared his experience answering crisis line during COVID and how the conversation about mental health has changed post pandemic. Erik has an abundance of knowledge about mental health and we are so grateful he shared some of it with us and our listeners. #momentsthatdefineus #whatsyourdefiningmoment #mentalhealth #suicidepreventation...
2023-10-181h 17Moments That Define UsBeing Open-Minded in Today's Society, featuring Andrew ScottIn today's episode we have Andrew Scott who is the founder of The Open Mind Project, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that was founded on the principle that science and spirituality can be complementary. We talk about everything from religion , politics , science and everything in between. Andrew is a fascinating person who has travelled the world with his non profit. He tell us about growing up in a family where he saw divide, what led him to start his non profit and his defining moments that shape who he is today! If you want to learn more about his non profit...
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Moments That Define UsBeing Open-Minded in Today's Society , featuring Andrew ScottIn today's episode we have Andrew Scott who is the founder of The Open Mind Project, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that was founded on the principle that science and spirituality can be complementary. We talk about everything from religion , politics , science and everything in between. Andrew is a fascinating person who has travelled the world with his non profit. He tell us about growing up in a family where he saw divide, what led him to start his non profit and his defining moments that shape who he is today! If you want to learn more about his non...
2023-10-0349 minMoments That Define UsThere is such power in being vulnerable-Sara's journey as an EMT part 2This is the second part of 2 parts episode with the amazing Sara. In today's episode Sara talks about her journey as an EMT , why it is important to have trained mental health professionals on an ambulance, her dream job and so much more. Enjoy more defining moments from this beautiful human! #whatsyourdefiningmoment #EMT #mentalhealth #mentalhealthprofessional #sharingstorieswillhelpusheal
2023-09-1945 minMoments That Define Us"There is such power in being vulnerable"- Sara's defining moments and her road to sobriety, part1 In today episode we are talking to a brilliant human being Sara . She is opening up to us about her childhood, what moving 19 times does to a kid and the advice her grandpa gave she still uses till this day. Big part of our conversation is her road to sobriety and what does being sober means to her. This is part 1 of Sara's story and her defining moments. Part 2 is coming next week! #whatsyourdefiningmoment #beingvulnerable #sobriety #sharingstorieswillhelpusheal
2023-09-1240 minMoments That Define UsBella's Defining MomentsIn today's episode our co host Isabella is sitting in the interviewee chair. We are diving deep into her story and exploring some of her defining moments in life. She tells us what it was like to grow next to one of the richest ski resorts in America and why moving away was the right choice. Isabella talks about her travelling experiences and what she learned by going to Africa (a couple of times) about herself and the world. Isabella speaks so highly of her parents who are both artists and how they influenced her and helped her shape who...
2023-08-291h 06Moments That Define UsI am KenoughIn todays episode we are diving in the world of Barbie and Ken and discussing topics the movies brought up. Our guests today are two hunky men, Spencer and Alek who gave us a very interesting perspective on what feminist means to them, what it means to be a real man in today's society and issues this movies showed them that they didn't see before. We also feature reviews from two very talented artists, Cristina Del Hoyo and Ingrid Dee Magidson. You can check out Cristina art on her website cristinadelhoyo.com and Ingrid's website is ingridmagidson...
2023-08-1558 minMoments That Define UsNavigating the World, featuring Roy Lee Barnett Jr.In today episode we are talking to an amazing human, creator, educator, father and husband Roy Lee Barnett Jr. He talks to us about his experiences traveling the world, the state of education today and what it means for him to be creative. Roy also talks about the difference between north of the US and the south when it comes to racism and and some of his experiences with the police. There is also a love story of how he met his Ukrainian wife and what he experienced when he went to visit Ukraine. Roy is an amazing artist, he...
2023-08-0255 minMoments That Define UsBreaking the Stigma: Embracing the Menstrual JourneyIn this episode we talk about embracing our menstrual journey. We share stories on birth control, lack of education on period and birth control we got at school and share some important research. We referenced the following books in our episode: Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods by Lara Briden Nd ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/Period-Repair-Manual-Second-Treatment-ebook/dp/B075NDJC2JHormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being by Aviva Romm M.D. ⬇️https://www.amazon.com/Hormone-Intelligence-Complete-Balanced-Hormones/dp/0062796216/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580626691617&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9028789&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e...
2023-07-2749 minMoments That Define UsBreaking the Stigma: Embracing the Menstrual JourneyIn this episode we talk about embracing our menstrual journey. We share stories on birth control, lack of education on period and birth control we got at school and share some important research. We referenced the following books in our episode: Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods by Lara Briden Nd and Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being by Aviva Romm M.D.
2023-07-2551 minMoments That Define UsThe Reality of Social Media FiltersIn today's episode we discuss our differences on social media filters use, astonishing research and how filters can impact our everyday life We leave our listeners with some advice that help us navigate the world of social media filters.
2023-07-1843 minMoments That Define UsReal Stories from Ukraine Welcome to our very first episode. Today, our cohost Iryna tell us about growing up in Ukraine. She shares stories from her childhood and her perspective on the war in Ukraine.
2023-07-1145 min