Shows
Get Known. PR & Media PodcastGet Known. S6 E2 - Jill Martin WrennIn this episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Jill Martin Wrenn who’s 20+ years of experience ranges from CNN and the BBC to her own podcast, “How to Build a Village” where she interviews a wide range of people from authors and entrepreneurs to journalist and others who are building global communities. Jill is also a teacher and media coach. Jill actually started out as an actress. Her journalist experience began at CNN in New York and eventually took her to London as a producer. We talk about her years in business news, podcasting, and her free...2025-03-0746 min
How to Build a VillageHow to engage your digital audience with Karla GeciInternational marketer Karla Geci shares tips on how to engage with global audiences. From her front row seat watching social media evolve over the past decade, Karla shares her insights with Jill Martin Wrenn on the creator economy, and how to master the three second interview. You can find Karla on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlageci/2024-05-0930 min
How to Build a VillageHow Maeve Wang wants to transform the footwear industry with AIMaeve Wang, the Founder and CEO of footwear firm IAMBIC, joins Jill Martin Wrenn from New York to share how her company uses AI to create custom-fit shoes. Maeve also reveals the books that inspired her entrepreneurial journey. You can learn more about IAMBIC here.2023-11-3023 min
How to Build a VillageUkrainian fintech exec Hanna Khrystianovych on building community away from homeUkrainian fintech executive Hanna Khrystianovych tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she moved her family from Ukraine to Sweden at the start of the war.2023-10-1919 min
How to Build a VillageHow Alla Ouvarova inspires the next generation of entrepreneursEntrepreneur and mentor Alla Ouvarova shares how she inspires aspiring business founders through her Future Female Entrepreneur initiative. Founder and CEO of Two Chicks, a company that introduced the first liquid egg white into the UK retail market back in 2007, Alla tells Jill Martin Wrenn why helping other women succeed as entrepreneurs is so important. You can find out more here: https://twochicks.co.uk/2023-09-2215 min
How to Build a VillageEntrepreneur and football fan Kate Daly talks about changing the game for women in sport and techKate Daly, co-founder of the law tech scale-up amicable, joins Jill Martin Wrenn from London to talk about what's next for women's sports after the success of the Women's World Cup. Kate is also the host of the Divorce Podcast, which explores break-ups and co-parenting from different angles. You can find out more about amicable, Kate's legal service for divorcing and separating couples, here: https://amicable.io/2023-08-2424 min
How to Build a VillageHow to Build a Village Wimbledon Special 2023Tennis journalist and author Simon Cambers joins Jill Martin Wrenn to share the stories behind the book he co-authored, The Roger Federer Effect: Rivals, Friends, Fans and How the Maestro Changed Their Lives. Simon also reveals what he expects from Wimbledon 2023, as the Championships get underway.2023-07-0116 min
How to Build a VillageBoating enthusiast Stefanie Saleem shares how she inspires women to get behind the helmStefanie Saleem joins Jill Martin Wrenn from Tampa, Florida, where she is breaking down barriers on the water. The author of the book, Black Girls Boat, Stefanie shares what she loves about boating, and why more women should get behind the helm. You can find out more here: https://www.boatingbabes.org/2023-06-2221 min
How to Build a VillageLondon Tech Week Special: What inspires Headspace CEO Russell GlassJill Martin Wrenn speaks to Russell Glass, CEO of Headspace, a company that uses technology to offer widespread mental health support. Speaking amid the buzz of London Tech Week, Russ shares why he's passionate about bringing mental health support to more people, and inspiring young people to vote. You can find out more about Headspace here: https://www.headspace.com/2023-06-1410 min
How to Build a VillageBestselling 'Bridgerton' author Julia Quinn shares the British inspiration behind her booksAuthor Julia Quinn's talks about Queen Charlotte and her collaboration with television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes. Julia also discusses the inspiration behind her 'Bridgerton' books, her Regency romance books that inspired the Netflix series. You can read more here: https://juliaquinn.com/2023-05-0919 min
How to Build a VillageRoyal reporter Monique Jessen shares stories of crowds and crowns ahead of King Charles's coronationBritish royal reporter Monique Jessen tells Jill Martin Wrenn about the fashion and the history of King Charles's coronation. She reports on style, celebrity and the British royal family for People Magazine and People.com. She’s also written for The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily and Hello Magazine. 2023-04-2718 min
How to Build a VillageScottish entrepreneur Lesley Eccles shares her inspirationNew York based Scottish entrepreneur Lesley Eccles, Founder and CEO of HelloRelish, tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she starts companies in a range of industries. Lesley also shares her tips on how to get people to try and love her companies’ products.2023-03-3020 min
How to Build a VillageThe hosts of the hit podcast For the Love of Tinsel share their top romcomsPals and podcasters Angela Tucker and Isha Chari join Jill Martin Wrenn for the Valentine's Day episode of How to Build a Village. They're lifelong friends who host the podcast, For the Love of Tinsel, "your unapologetic virtual lounge for leaning into romantic Christmas movies." Angela and Isha talk about their top romcom picks, their personal and professional collaborations, and Angela's Lifetime hit holiday romance, A New Orleans Noel. You can find out more here: https://www.tuckergurl.com/2023-02-1430 min
How to Build a VillageWhat to read now, with London based writer and communications consultant Delia LloydIn the last episode of 2022, Delia Lloyd, author of the newsletter Good Reads for Grownups, shares reading recommendations, and explains why growing older is a process, not an outcome. You can find out more about Delia here: https://realdelia.com/2022-12-2214 min
How to Build a VillageAustralian presenter Lisa Millar shares stories behind her bestselling memoir 'Daring to Fly'Lisa Millar joins How to Build a Village from Melbourne, where she co-hosts ABC News Breakfast. She shares with Jill Martin Wrenn how she conquered her fear of flying and how she built communities around the world as an international correspondent. Lisa's bestselling memoir, 'Daring to Fly,' reveals how she started in journalism, and where her career has taken her.2022-11-2421 min
How to Build a VillageTatcha founder Vicky Tsai shares how her journeys to Japan inspire her global skincare brandVicky Tsai shares with Jill Martin Wrenn how her travels to Japan inspire and inform her skincare company, Tatcha. Vicky, a Taiwanese-American and Harvard Business School graduate based in California, talks about how skincare is an act of self-compassion. In this episode, find out which books have helped Vicky on her entrepreneurial journey. 2022-10-2716 min
How to Build a VillageClark's Botanicals CEO and Founder Francesco Clark shares his storyIn this candid and compelling conversation, Francesco Clark shares what inspired him to start his clean skincare brand, Clark's Botanicals. From his close-knit family to his life-changing injury, Francesco describes to Jill Martin Wrenn what makes him an eternal optimist. You can find out more here: https://clarksbotanicals.com/2022-09-2229 min
How to Build a VillageLos Angeles-based artist London Kaye shares how she got hooked on crochetLondon Kaye tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she tackles big topics in a lighthearted way through street art. She creates murals celebrating peace, gender equality and other issues through Love Across The USA (http://www.loveacrosstheusa.com/), a community of makers crocheting public murals. She also designed her own crochet hook, so she could streamline her art creation process. You can find her here: https://www.londonkaye.com/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebylondon/?hl=en2022-07-2113 min
How to Build a VillageEntrepreneur and journalist Bernadette Brown shares how a community of candlemakers inspired her company-creating journeyAtlanta-based entrepreneur and journalist Bernadette Brown explains how she juggles a full-time job in television alongside her beauty brand, Baubles & Beeswax. She also shares how she made Atlanta her home, after years of moving. You can find out more here: https://baublesandbeeswax.com/2022-07-0720 min
How to Build a VillageProlific author Isabel Allende shares with Jill Martin Wrenn her new way of connecting with her global community of fansCelebrated Chilean-American author Isabel Allende has published more than 20 books over the past four decades, including such bestsellers as The House of the Spirits, Of Love and Shadows, and her newest novel, Violeta. She also founded The Isabel Allende Foundation to empower women and girls around the world. In this episode, she shares with Jill Martin Wrenn how she's changed the way she connects with her readers. You can read more here: http://isabelallende.com/en/home2022-06-2317 min
How to Build a VillageBBC journalist Egon Cossou shares how he’s creating a community of carers with Generation CareEgon Cossou, a long-time BBC producer and presenter based in London, joins Jill Martin Wrenn to share how he is creating a community of carers with the site, Generation Care. He’s highlighting the work of the millions balancing busy lives with the lives of ageing loved ones. You can find out more here: https://www.generationcare.co/2022-06-0918 min
How to Build a VillageBestselling author Helen Hoang tells Jill Martin Wrenn how her journey with Autism Spectrum Disorder helps inform her storytellingHelen Hoang, author of the romantic comedies, The Heart Principle, The Bride Test and The Kiss Quotient, joins Jill Martin Wrenn from San Diego. She describes how she creates characters from a range of backgrounds and communities, who grapple with romances steeped in realism. You can find out more here: https://www.helenhoang.com/2022-06-0225 min
How to Build a VillageHow to find a career path that fits with bestselling author and coach Marianne CantwellFind out how to create a career you want. Marianne Cantwell, author of the bestselling book, Be A Free Range Human: Escape the 9-5, Create a Life You love and Still Pay the Bills, shares tips on how to use your weaknesses as strengths, and create a career that works with your personality, and your schedule. Originally from Australia, Marianne joins How to Build a Village from Los Angeles. Find out more about Marianne here: https://free-range-humans.com/2022-05-1921 min
How to Build a VillageNHS nurse and midwife Anna Kent shares with Jill Martin Wrenn her journey as a Frontline MidwifeNHS nurse and midwife Anna Kent describes her role as an international humanitarian aid worker, and how writing her book, Frontline Midwife: My Story of Survival and Keeping Others Safe, has been cathartic.2022-05-0522 min
How to Build a VillageAuthor, producer, speaker and activist Angie Thomas shares with Jill Martin Wrenn how she builds a global communityBestselling author Angie Thomas shares with Jill Martin Wrenn how she cultivates a community of readers around the world through her virtual and in-person events. Angie’s young adult novels, The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose, are New York Times bestsellers. A former teen rapper, Angie was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, where she still lives. You can find more on Angie's website: https://angiethomas.com/2022-03-3114 min
How to Build a VillageCertified Nurse Midwife Betsy Freeman shares her journey to single parenthoodCertified Nurse Midwife Betsy Freeman tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she become a single mother by choice, and how she's helping others to become single parents. She also shares her journey as a midwife, from New York to Portland, Oregon, and her heroic work with Doctors Without Borders. You can find more on Betsy's website: https://www.betsyfreeman.co/2022-03-1723 min
How to Build a VillageTop tips for moving across the country from science journalist Liz LandauScience journalist and NASA communicator Liz Landau shares her journey from Atlanta to LA to Washington DC. Liz shares tips on how to meet people in new cities, how LA traffic can dictate your social life, and what's so special about Dragon Con in How to Build a Village's first episode of 2022. You can find out more about Liz's writing and music here: http://www.lizlandau.com/2022-02-1017 min
How to Build a VillageReading recommendations from 2021 with Jill Martin WrennIn the last episode of season 1, we share some books that made us smile in 2021. We would love to hear from you. Please reach out with your reading recommendations, feedback, guest ideas and other suggestions on info@jillwrenn.com. We look forward to more conversations about community building in season 2. Thanks for listening.2021-12-1603 min
How to Build a VillageHow to make yourself 'a little bit famous' with British author and coach Penny HaslamBritish visibility coach and author Penny Haslam shares with Jill Martin Wrenn how she helps business leaders become 'a little bit famous'.2021-12-0226 min
How to Build a VillageJournalist Ginanne Brownell shares her journey through surrogacy to motherhood with Jill Martin WrennLondon-based American journalist Ginanne Brownell describes her path to motherhood, through IVF and surrogacy. Her writing has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Financial Times, CNN, Conde Nast Traveller, Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, Scientific American, Salon, Foreign Policy and the Washington Post. You can find out more on https://ginannebrownell.com/.2021-11-1621 min
How to Build a VillageHow Helen and Shaninga Marasha started BIGKID Foundation to help at-risk young people achieve their full potentialHelen and Shaninga Marasha, the Development Director and the Founder/CEO of BIGKID Foundation, share with Jill Martin Wrenn how their London charity offers young people opportunities to develop leadership skills and a sense of belonging through sports, media, the arts and much more.2021-11-0425 min
How to Build a VillageMaster trainer Saidah Jones CSCS tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she creates healthy communitiesAtlanta-based fitness expert Saidah Jones CSCS shares how she creates healthy communities by developing health education and physical activity regimens. A track and field All-American, this University of Tennessee alum has worked as a fitness professional for more than 15 years. Saidah also reveals how she reinvented herself after an Achilles injury, creating a sustainable coaching career.2021-10-2122 min
How to Build a VillageAlison Baum OBE tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she founded the charity Best BeginningsAlison Baum describes her inspiring journey from science filmmaker to charity CEO. Following her own challenges as a new mother, she founded the charity Best Beginnings in 2006 to support parents of all backgrounds to give their babies the best start in life. She spent almost 10 years as a Producer/Director in the Science Department at the BBC, then chose to use her skills and experience as a teacher, scientist and filmmaker to help drive positive social change in the UK. She was awarded an OBE in 2017 for her services to tackling child health inequalities in the New Year honours...2021-10-0734 min
How to Build a VillageJournalist Hazel Sheffield tells Jill Martin Wrenn what's behind her award-winning reportingBritish journalist Hazel Sheffield travels the UK, finding and investigating stories of resilience and entrepreneurialism. She tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she launched and funded Farnearer.org, which documents local projects and people building alternative economic systems in the UK, and what inspires her.2021-09-3016 min
How to Build a VillageTravel writer Michelle Jana Chan tells Jill Martin Wrenn what inspires her debut novel, SongMichelle Jana Chan, award-winning journalist and Travel Editor of Vanity Fair, shares how her global travels helped to inspire her debut novel, Song. Bernardine Evaristo calls Song, "A wonderfully lush and atmospheric odyssey of survival against all odds."2021-09-1625 min
How to Build a VillageIrish broadcaster Joe Lynam shares how he built a global media community in LondonJoe Lynam, presenter and moderator who was the BBC’s Business Correspondent for a decade, tells Jill Martin Wrenn about his adventures in broadcasting, from Dublin to London, and how his son surprised him and his wife with an early arrival outside a London hospital.2021-09-0235 min
How to Build a VillageHow Californian Katie Hellwig took a leap of faith and moved to ItalyKatie Hellwig, a Californian living in Italy, shares stories, book recommendations, travel tips and what she’s learned about cooking from the lake region of Northern Italy with Jill Martin Wrenn.2021-08-1931 min
How to Build a VillageAmerican executive Allyson Zimmermann joins Jill Martin Wrenn from Zurich, Switzerland to share visions and tips on meditationFrom meditation to mindfulness, how to feel present wherever you are with Allyson Zimmermann. The diversity and inclusion executive has lived abroad for more than half of her life, and calls Zurich, Switzerland her home.2021-08-0543 min
How to Build a VillageFormer Olympics volunteer Misha Santa Barbara joins Jill Martin Wrenn for our Olympics SpecialHow tens of thousands of volunteers from around the world formed a global community at the Olympics. Rio 2016 volunteer Misha Santa Barbara shares her Olympics volunteering experience with Jill Martin Wrenn.2021-07-2223 min
How to Build a VillageBrazilian broadcaster Evelini Quarrell shares what inspires her Foreign Mum podcastHear how love and loss helped to inspire Evelini Quarrell to launch The Foreign Mum Podcast. She also shares her journey from Fortaleza, Brazil, to London, and how she made a new city her home.2021-07-1533 min
How to Build a VillageHow to launch a hit podcast with LA host Kris KosachFrom MTV to Text, Prose & RocknRoll, Kris Kosach shares her journey from TV through radio and podcasts. Join us on this trip to Los Angeles for tips on how to start your own hit podcast, and how to interview like a pro.2021-07-0835 min
How to Build a VillageThe Wimbledon special with tennis journalist Simon CambersAs the Wimbledon Championships start, tennis journalist Simon Cambers shares an off-the-court look at the global community of tennis reporters, which he has cultivated for more than 20 years. We'll hear about resilience, anxiety, and how Wimbledon will look different in 2021.2021-06-2824 min
How to Build a VillageFrom Lagos to London, how technology investor June Angelides MBE breaks boundaries for women in technologyJune Angelides tells How to Build a Village host Jill Martin Wrenn how the coding school she launched, Mums in Tech, taught more than 250 women how to code, and helped to earn her an MBE for her services to women in technology. June also shares why she calls London her home, while her heart is still in Lagos.2021-06-2427 min
How to Build a VillageFrom Ireland to Taiwan, how yoga helped Tara Duffy build a village around the worldJournalist and storyteller Tara Duffy tells Jill Martin Wrenn what it's like to live in Taipei, Taiwan, during the pandemic, and how teaching Iyengar Yoga has helped her to build a community around the world. She also shares which part of Taiwan reminds her of her adopted home of the west coast of Ireland.2021-06-1024 min
How to Build a VillageFilmmaker Angela Tucker shares how she covers serious topics with a bit of levity, and how her adopted city of New Orleans inspires her workAngela Tucker is a prolific filmmaker. She is a writer, director, and Emmy-nominated producer. Her most recent project is "The Trees Remember", a fiction series in collaboration with REI Co-op Studios: https://www.rei.com/blog/the-trees-remember-film-series. Other recent work includes “All Styles,” starring Du-Shaunt "Fik-shun" Stegall, about a talented hip-hop dancer from Las Vegas. In the film, he puts together a group of dancers who excel at all styles of dance. Angela's work also includes “All Skinfolk Ain't Kinfolk,” about the runoff race for mayor of New Orleans between two very different black women; “Black Folk Don't,” a documentary...2021-05-2736 min
How to Build a VillageJournalist Katie Pisa shares her tips on how to make new cities feel like homeLondon-based journalist Katie Pisa has moved more than 20 times, including diplomatic postings to Athens and Kuala Lumpur. She tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she manages to make each new city feel like home; how she answers the question, "Where are you from?"; and how to make goodbyes easier.2021-05-1318 min
How to Build a VillageHow citizens grapple with their countries’ World War II legacies, with Dr. Jelena SubotićGeorgia State University Professor Dr. Jelena Subotić shares the surprises she uncovered when researching her book Yellow Star, Red Star: Holocaust Remembrance After Communism, with podcast host Jill Martin Wrenn. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Subotić studies international relations theory, human rights, international ethics, state identity and the politics of the Western Balkans.2021-04-2921 min
How to Build a VillageBroadway events producer Suzanne Tobak shares her mother's extraordinary escape from the HolocaustNew York-based special events producer Suzanne Tobak tells How to Build a Village about her mother, Erika (Schirok) Tobak, who escaped from the Holocaust as a child on the Kindertransport in World War II.2021-04-1534 min
How to Build a VillageComedy in the time of Covid with New York-based entrepreneur and culture changer Lynn HarrisLynn Harris, founder of GOLD Comedy, shares with podcast host Jill Martin Wrenn how her startup creates a community where young women and non-binary folks get to be their funniest selves. 2021-04-0139 min
How to Build a VillageAuthor Sara Hammel unveils her new book about women in the US militaryAward-winning writer Sara Hammel tells How to Build a Village host Jill Martin Wrenn about her role in a groundbreaking US Army study that helped to change the role of women in the military. She formed close friendships with her fellow pioneers and found the inspiration for her new book, The Strong Ones: How a Band of Civilian Women Made Their Mark on the Army.2021-03-1821 min
How to Build a VillageFrom Singapore to Seattle, author Ruchika Tulshyan shares her recipe for successRuchika Tulshyan is an author, activist, educator and foodie. She tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she finds the flavour of cities where she's lived, including Singapore, Seattle, London, New York and Atlanta. The author of The Diversity Advantage: Fixing Gender Inequality in the Workplace and founder of Candour, an inclusion strategy firm with global clients, Ruchika is a regular contributor on creating inclusive workplaces to Harvard Business Review.2021-03-0433 min
How to Build a VillageHow to make a financial hub feel like home with Alessia GiustinianoMedia specialist Alessia Giustiniano shares how she made global cities from Hong Kong to New York to London feel like home, and why Amsterdam feels like such a magical place. 2021-02-2522 min
How to Build a VillageFrom the newsroom to the novel with Sarah SultoonLondon-based novelist Sarah Sultoon describes how her years as a media executive in the CNN International newsroom inspired her new thriller, The Source, in this episode of How to Build a Village with Jill Martin Wrenn.2021-02-1118 min
How to Build a VillageHow lockdown led Irish journalist Fionnuala Sweeney back to IrelandFrom Eurovision host to CNN presenter to Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Fionnuala Sweeney tells Jill Martin Wrenn how she juggles changing work demands while she creates equity-focused global communities in this episode of How to Build a Village.2021-01-2822 min
How to Build a VillageHow an Australian novelist fell in love with London, with help from Wimbledon and the West EndAustralian novelist Leisel McKenzie showed How to Build a Village host Jill Martin Wrenn how to score Wimbledon tickets, find the best West End shows and most importantly, make London feel like home when they met nearly twenty years ago. Now, while London grapples with lockdown, Leisel and Jill look back at what the city has to offer - and what to hope for in the coming months.2021-01-1422 min
How to Build a VillageHow Leone Lakhani launched her international broadcast careerLeone Lakhani's career has taken her around the world, from the Arctic to South Africa, Shanghai to LA. She has two decades of international experience at the CNN and BBC. In the last episode of How to Build a Village in 2020, Leone shares with host Jill Martin Wrenn how she got started in the competitive career of broadcast journalism in London - and how she found a family of friends in the newsroom. 2020-12-3122 min
How to Build a VillageLonging for London while you're living in lockdown, with Isabelle RougholIn the debut episode of How to Build a Village, Jill Martin Wrenn talks to Isabelle Roughol, host of the Boderline podcast and community for defiant global citizens, about living in lockdown London as Brexit looms. How to Build a Village is a new podcast about creating communities when you move to a new place, hosted by journalist Jill Martin Wrenn. 2020-12-1732 minHow to Build a VillageIntroducing: How to Build a Village - the trailerWelcome to How to Build a Village, a podcast that will take you around the world to hear stories from people who have made new places feel like home. 2020-12-0901 min
Ascend SessionsCommunication SuperpowersIn this episode, we are joined by Jill Martin Wrenn, who shares her expertise on elevating your communication to enable it to become a superpower for yourself. With two decades of broadcast journalism, learn from first-hand experiences and best practice on the different types of communication, tips to strengthen your personal approach while understanding some of the biggest faux pas while communicating. 2020-06-1132 min