Shows
BirdMathilde Marengo - Head of Studies and Director of the Urban Sciences Lab at IAACToday we talk to one of Magdalena’s oldest friends, Mathilde Marengo, Head of Studies and Director of the Urban Sciences Lab at the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). Mathilde shares her journey as a first generation Australian to French and Italian parents, growing up in a French school, studying Architecture in Italy, and finding her feet in Barcelona.2024-09-2351 minBirdGenevieve Kingston - Actor, Writer, and TeacherWe talk to Genevieve “Gwen” Kingston, author, actor, and teacher, about the essence of life; the role of community, understanding our personal history, and trusting our own wisdom, alongside discussing her new memoir “Did I ever tell you?”, the story of her mother’s love and death, and the foundation she laid before her.2024-06-2542 minBirdManal Abuzeid - Product Designer and FounderManal Abuzeid, product designer and founder of Abuzeid Design Studio, talks about starting a company while living a nomadic life, choosing clients that align with your purpose, and how burnout, resiliency, and self-reflection got her here.2024-06-0645 minBirdLeah Dove - Statistician and Second City alumniIn today’s episode we speak to Leah Dove, statistician and Second City alumni. We dive into the very personal story of Leah’s upbringing, the complexity of family dynamics as well as generational trauma, and its impact on her life’s decisions. It all culminates with one of the most difficult decisions anyone could face, cutting ties with their mother.2024-04-211h 05BirdRyann Bosetti - HairdresserRyann Bosetti, once hailed as "the best haircut in Marfa, Texas," by Vogue magazine, transitioned from business school in San Francisco to the bustling hair salons of NYC. Now, she's prioritizing moments of stillness to liberate herself from the grind. We delve into the essence of hairdressing, Ryann's early decision against motherhood at age 5, the challenges of finding jeans as a woman over 6 feet tall, and the power of knowing we all have agency.2024-04-0159 minBirdKristina Takeshita - Lab Director, LAPD Crime LabKristina Takeshita, LAPD's Forensics Unit Lab Director, boasts a distinguished 29-year career, beginning as a student worker. Her journey, marked by transformative cases, reflects unwavering commitment to justice. Notably, as leader of the DNA unit, she successfully cleared a 6,000-kit sexual assault backlog, some untouched for 15 years. Thanks to her team's dedication, processing time now stands at an impressive 90 days. Beyond professional achievements, Kristina advocates for mental well-being, recognizing therapy as integral to a fulfilling career.2023-12-1151 minBirdMagdalena Wosinska - PhotographerAt the age of 8 Magdalena Wosinska and her family left their homeland of Poland and headed for America. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of culture shock, which ultimately lead her to the world of skateboarding and photography. Through the lens, she discovered a powerful tool to bridge the gap between her inner world and the external one, creating a visual language that transcended borders and spoke to the universal human experience.2023-12-0337 minBirdLiz De La Torre - Creative Technologist, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)From post-it notes to rocket launches, Liz De La Torre is a Creative Technologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Liz's unique path began as an undergraduate student in illustration and entertainment art, a far cry from the traditional routes into the world of space exploration. However, her artistic talents have proven invaluable in a completely unexpected way.2023-11-0637 minBirdSarah Straton - Olympian and Life CoachAs a professional beach volleyball player, Sarah Straton represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, however, she played some of her best volleyball in the years that followed. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, Sarah transformed her fears into fuel transitioning from an elite athlete to a dedicated coach and educator. 2023-09-1853 minBirdEp 23 - Anika BasetHow does a society's infrastructure impact people's ability to reach their full potential? What impressions do we make by the way we look – and how does that change depending on the context we're in? What happens when you replace fear with love and compassion? Our final episode of season two kicks off the new year with some big questions. We discuss these and much more with London-based human rights lawyer, Anika Baset.2021-01-051h 03BirdAnika Baset - Human Rights LawyerHow does a society's infrastructure impact people's ability to reach their full potential? What impressions do we make by the way we look – and how does that change depending on the context we're in? What happens when you replace fear with love and compassion? Our final episode of season two kicks off the new year with some big questions. We discuss these and much more with London-based human rights lawyer, Anika Baset.2021-01-051h 03BirdTanya Robinson OBE - Head of DEI and Her Majesty's Prison and Probation ServiceAt the time of recording Tanya Robinson OBE was the head of Diversity & Inclusion at Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. She shares with us insights around the growing non-white population in the UK prison system, her ongoing charity work with sex workers in east London, and how we are all links in a chain – creating opportunities for change.2020-12-0152 minBirdEp 22 - Tanya RobinsonAt the time of recording Tanya Robinson OBE was the head of Diversity & Inclusion at Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. She shares with us insights around the growing non-white population in the UK prison system, her ongoing charity work with sex workers in east London, and how we are all links in a chain – creating opportunities for change.2020-12-0152 minBirdEp 21 - Caroline WyattCaroline Wyatt’s job is to share other people’s stories but her own story is the one worth sharing. She was adopted by a British diplomat and spent much of her childhood traveling the world, a passion which lead her to journalism. Her 30+ years at the BBC have seen her in many roles including that of a war correspondent. She shares with us those experiences, the incredible people she met along the way, and how she reconnected with her biological parents who in turn reunited and married after several decades apart.2020-11-0342 minBirdCaroline Wyatt - BBC War CorrespondentCaroline Wyatt’s job is to share other people’s stories but her own story is the one worth sharing. She was adopted by a British diplomat and spent much of her childhood traveling the world, a passion which lead her to journalism. Her 30+ years at the BBC have seen her in many roles including that of a war correspondent. She shares with us those experiences, the incredible people she met along the way, and how she reconnected with her biological parents who in turn reunited and married after several decades apart.2020-11-0342 minBirdEp 20 - Anna BrozekThe most important role of a CEO is to empower those around them, according to Anna Brozek, CEO of Big Cartel. She put that belief to the test when her personal life took a turn — At the same time Big Cartel asked her to take a leadership role, she discovered she had developed Graves' disease. Realizing she needed to invest in her health and family, Anna has fostered a company culture that enables her employees to make better choices for their own lives, as well.2020-10-0646 minBirdAnna Brozek - CEO Big CartelThe most important role of a CEO is to empower those around them, according to Anna Brozek, CEO of Big Cartel. She put that belief to the test when her personal life took a turn — At the same time Big Cartel asked her to take a leadership role, she discovered she had developed Graves' disease. Realizing she needed to invest in her health and family, Anna has fostered a company culture that enables her employees to make better choices for their own lives, as well.2020-10-0646 minBirdMagda WalterGrowing up in Communist Poland, Magda Walter had an instilled desire to travel. Her fascination with the outside world led her down a path engrossed in world politics through the lens of a journalism career. Now semi-retired, she spends her time consulting, volunteering at a helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, and contemplating our path to extinction...2020-09-0646 minBirdMagda WalterGrowing up in Communist Poland, Magda Walter had an instilled desire to travel. Her fascination with the outside world led her down a path engrossed in world politics through the lens of a journalism career. Now semi-retired, she spends her time consulting, volunteering at a helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, and contemplating our path to extinction...2020-09-0646 minBirdEp 18 - Anna MeyWhen Anna Mey moved from communist Poland to Australia at the age of seven, she found a world of abundance and a new language — but she always held onto the promise that she’d one day return home. Years later, when it became clear her family was going to remain in Australia, she decided to return to Poland on her own. What follows is a story of strength, perseverance and independence, as we hear how Anna adapted to her new reality after years of expectations.2018-12-1000 minBirdAnna Mey - Language TranslatorWhen Anna Mey moved from communist Poland to Australia at the age of seven, she found a world of abundance and a new language — but she always held onto the promise that she’d one day return home. Years later, when it became clear her family was going to remain in Australia, she decided to return to Poland on her own. What follows is a story of strength, perseverance and independence, as we hear how Anna adapted to her new reality after years of expectations.2018-12-1000 minBirdEp 17 - Pat SamaddarWhen Pat Samaddar moved from India to Krakow 11 years ago, she experienced a one-woman cultural revolution—she’d left all her friends and a high-powered career in software, and didn’t speak a word of Polish to boot. But living outside her comfort zone proved to be a personal awakening. Now, she’s the president of the International Women’s Association Krakow, works only on her own terms, and has raised kids who love pierogis as much as her dal. For Pat, culture is a tool, not a rule.2018-09-0500 minBirdPat Samaddar - President International Women's Association KrakowWhen Pat Samaddar moved from India to Krakow 11 years ago, she experienced a one-woman cultural revolution—she’d left all her friends and a high-powered career in software, and didn’t speak a word of Polish to boot. But living outside her comfort zone proved to be a personal awakening. Now, she’s the president of the International Women’s Association Krakow, works only on her own terms, and has raised kids who love pierogis as much as her dal. For Pat, culture is a tool, not a rule.2018-09-0500 minBirdEp 16 - Nicole Campoy JacksonWriter Nicole Campoy Jackson loves home cooking so much, she can’t resist putting her own spin on her dishes. She figured others were doing the same—so she decided to launch a site, To Taste, where enthusiastic cooks can tweak recipes and share them with others. Nicole tells us about how having a baby gave her the courage to branch out on her own. (Oh yeah, and about the role OJ Simpson has played in her life.)2018-07-1800 minBirdNicole Campoy Jackson - Writer and Founder of To TasteWriter Nicole Campoy Jackson loves home cooking so much, she can’t resist putting her own spin on her dishes. She figured others were doing the same—so she decided to launch a site, To Taste, where enthusiastic cooks can tweak recipes and share them with others. Nicole tells us about how having a baby gave her the courage to branch out on her own. (Oh yeah, and about the role OJ Simpson has played in her life.)2018-07-1800 minBirdEp 15 - Jolly NguyenJolly Nguyen’s incredible joy and energy is captured by her name. In Vietnam, few people travel beyond their hometown, but Jolly knew there is a world waiting for her to see. After an impromptu solo trip to the north of Vietnam, she embarked on a journey of travel, volunteering, and giving back to the community. She's now completing her master’s degree while running an NGO that brings together local communities with organic farms.2018-07-0400 minBirdJolly Nguyen - Running NGO for Organic Farming in VietnamJolly Nguyen’s incredible joy and energy is captured by her name. In Vietnam, few people travel beyond their hometown, but Jolly knew there is a world waiting for her to see. After an impromptu solo trip to the north of Vietnam, she embarked on a journey of travel, volunteering, and giving back to the community. She's now completing her master’s degree while running an NGO that brings together local communities with organic farms.2018-07-0400 minBirdEp 14 - Mira StanislawskaAs a migrant who moved from Poland to Australia in the ‘60s, Mira Stanisławska treats the whole earth as her home. She doesn’t see borders or barriers — which may explain her insanely eclectic career. Besides raising a family in Melbourne, she has worked as a publicist, bought and sold a restaurant, became an art consultant, opened an Aboriginal gallery, designed gardens, and finally launched an environmental cleanup foundation back in Poland. Her fearless outlook starts with a simple premise: “I’m nobody, but I have a terrific idea!” 2018-04-2500 minBirdMira Stanislawska - Founder of Our Earth Foundation, PolandAs a migrant who moved from Poland to Australia in the ‘60s, Mira Stanisławska treats the whole earth as her home. She doesn’t see borders or barriers — which may explain her insanely eclectic career. Besides raising a family in Melbourne, she has worked as a publicist, bought and sold a restaurant, became an art consultant, opened an Aboriginal gallery, designed gardens, and finally launched an environmental cleanup foundation back in Poland. Her fearless outlook starts with a simple premise: “I’m nobody, but I have a terrific idea!” 2018-04-2500 minBirdEp 13 - Thea PaoliThe realest talk comes from those who’ve lived the most. That’s why we loved our editor Magda’s candid phone call with her grand aunt, Thea Paoli. Thea has lived all over the world, speaks several languages, and never married—though she’s unexpectedly fallen in love at age 80. What would she tell her 30-year-old self? “Get your act together and make your own decisions!”2018-03-2800 minBirdThea Paoli - Thea has lived all over the world, speaks several languages, and never married—though she’s unexpectedly fallen in love at age 80.The realest talk comes from those who’ve lived the most. That’s why we loved our editor Magda’s candid phone call with her grand aunt, Thea Paoli. Thea has lived all over the world, speaks several languages, and never married—though she’s unexpectedly fallen in love at age 80. What would she tell her 30-year-old self? “Get your act together and make your own decisions!”2018-03-2800 minBirdEp 12 - Dina SamsonDina Samson calls herself “The Accidental Everything.” Over the years, she’s done stints in investment banking, entertainment (working for Sean “Puffy” Combs!), and videogame production. Now, she owns two restaurants with her husband, Sotto and Rossoblu—but she’s not done trying out careers yet. Her recipe for figuring out what’s next: Do stop thinking about money, and never stop learning more.2018-03-1400 minBirdDina Samson - Restaurateur, Los AngelesDina Samson calls herself “The Accidental Everything.” Over the years, she’s done stints in investment banking, entertainment (working for Sean “Puffy” Combs!), and videogame production. Now, she owns two restaurants with her husband, Sotto and Rossoblu—but she’s not done trying out careers yet. Her recipe for figuring out what’s next: Do stop thinking about money, and never stop learning more.2018-03-1400 minBirdEp 11 - Janet ZuccariniIt’s hard to tire Janet Zuccarini in conversation. The one-woman powerhouse behind Gusto 54 restaurant group has an appetite for all sorts of topics: food, family legacies, real estate, neighborhood revitalization, taking advice, and the perils of partnership. As she oversees Venice’s hottest restaurant, Felix, she explains why it can be helpful to be underestimated in a male-dominated industry. And no, she won’t hook you up with a table.2018-02-2800 minBirdJanet Zuccarini - Restaurateur, Los AngelesIt’s hard to tire Janet Zuccarini in conversation. The one-woman powerhouse behind Gusto 54 restaurant group has an appetite for all sorts of topics: food, family legacies, real estate, neighborhood revitalization, taking advice, and the perils of partnership. As she oversees Venice’s hottest restaurant, Felix, she explains why it can be helpful to be underestimated in a male-dominated industry. And no, she won’t hook you up with a table.2018-02-2800 minBirdChelsea Naftelberg - Social Media ExpertChelsea Naftelberg oversees influencer programs at the social media agency ATTENTION in Santa Monica. But what’s an influencer, really? According to Chelsea, we’re all influencers in our ways—if people value your opinion, then chances are you’ll influence theirs. It’s that attention to subtle influences that has guided Chelsea’s approach to her professional and personal growth, helping her know the difference between anxiety and gut instinct. 2018-02-1400 minBirdEp 10 - Chelsea NaftelbergChelsea Naftelberg oversees influencer programs at the social media agency ATTENTION in Santa Monica. But what’s an influencer, really? According to Chelsea, we’re all influencers in our ways—if people value your opinion, then chances are you’ll influence theirs. It’s that attention to subtle influences that has guided Chelsea’s approach to her professional and personal growth, helping her know the difference between anxiety and gut instinct. 2018-02-1400 minBirdAnn Shoket - Editor-in-Chief Seventeen MagazineAnn Shoket has always connected in a very real way to a generation of young women, from helping to launch CosmoGirl to becoming the youngest editor-in-chief of Seventeen. Now, she’s published a book for women growing into adulthood and searching for “The Big Life.”2018-01-3100 minBirdEp 9 - Ann ShoketAnn Shoket has always connected in a very real way to a generation of young women, from helping to launch CosmoGirl to becoming the youngest editor-in-chief of Seventeen. Now, she’s published a book for women growing into adulthood and searching for “The Big Life.”2018-01-3100 minBirdBecki Chernoff - Ceramicist and car-hunterTwo decades ago, Becki Chernoff was living the so-called American Dream. She bought her own home at age 23, held a lucrative software job at Ford for 10 years… and was bored to death. So she packed up and moved to LA to work doing the two things she really loved: ceramics and “car hunting” (a profession we admittedly didn’t realize existed until now). She’s given up on the idea of having life figured out, and she couldn’t be happier.2018-01-1700 minBirdEp 8 - Becki ChernoffTwo decades ago, Becki Chernoff was living the so-called American Dream. She bought her own home at age 23, held a lucrative software job at Ford for 10 years… and was bored to death. So she packed up and moved to LA to work doing the two things she really loved: ceramics and “car hunting” (a profession we admittedly didn’t realize existed until now). She’s given up on the idea of having life figured out, and she couldn’t be happier.2018-01-1700 minBirdShira Lenchewski - Clinical NutritionistShira Lenchewski loves food so much, she never wants to make a choice between looking good and feeling good. That’s been her motivation to help others as a clinical nutritionist, whose practice has reached cult status in Los Angeles. (Yes, she writes for Goop.) Her goal: Teach people to enjoy the shit out of their food—and maybe watch their blood sugar along the way.2017-12-1900 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 7 - Shira LenchewskiShira Lenchewski loves food so much, she never wants to make a choice between looking good and feeling good. That’s been her motivation to help others as a clinical nutritionist, whose practice has reached cult status in Los Angeles. (Yes, she writes for Goop.) Her goal: Teach people to enjoy the shit out of their food—and maybe watch their blood sugar along the way.2017-12-1900 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 6 - Aja GabelAja Gabel has never loved anything as purely as she loves writing. When we sit down to discuss her debut novel, The Ensemble, our conversation quickly veers to the existential. Aja explains how she found her voice by learning to be comfortable alone—and that it’s ok to not live life according to a grand narrative.2017-12-0500 minBirdAja Gabel - AuthorAja Gabel has never loved anything as purely as she loves writing. When we sit down to discuss her debut novel, The Ensemble, our conversation quickly veers to the existential. Aja explains how she found her voice by learning to be comfortable alone—and that it’s ok to not live life according to a grand narrative.2017-12-0500 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 5 - Sister Mary HodgesSister Mary Sean Hodges chose a lifetime of serving others when she was 17 years old. At the age of 60, she charted a new path of service, working with prison inmates to help them integrate back into society. She shares with us the things she’s learned along the way, including the universal need for balance and forgiveness.2017-11-2100 minBirdSister Mary Hodges - Nun and Founder of the Partnership for Re-Entry ProgramSister Mary Sean Hodges chose a lifetime of serving others when she was 17 years old. At the age of 60, she charted a new path of service, working with prison inmates to help them integrate back into society. She shares with us the things she’s learned along the way, including the universal need for balance and forgiveness.2017-11-2100 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 4 - Wendy Egyoku NakaoAccording to Zen Buddhist Wendy Egyoku Nakao, life is not a straight line, or even a circle—it’s a spiral. In this fascinating conversation, we go deep about living in the present while recognizing past experiences, developing “spiritual muscles,” and the importance of choice.2017-11-0700 minBirdWendy Egyoku Nakao - Abbot and Head Teacher of the Zen Center of Los AngelesAccording to Zen Buddhist Wendy Egyoku Nakao, life is not a straight line, or even a circle—it’s a spiral. In this fascinating conversation, we go deep about living in the present while recognizing past experiences, developing “spiritual muscles,” and the importance of choice.2017-11-0700 minBirdSoraya La Pread - DJ and Music ProducerHer dad is the bassist of The Commodores. Her mom is a Harvard-educated lawyer from Iran. And Michael Jackson was a family acquaintance. Soraya La Pread is an LA resident who’s truly had a unique upbringing—and not just because she was born and raised in New Zealand. We talk to this up-and-coming producer and DJ about music, racial identity, and speaking up.2017-10-2300 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 3 - Soraya La PreadHer dad is the bassist of The Commodores. Her mom is a Harvard-educated lawyer from Iran. And Michael Jackson was a family acquaintance. Soraya La Pread is an LA resident who’s truly had a unique upbringing—and not just because she was born and raised in New Zealand. We talk to this up-and-coming producer and DJ about music, racial identity, and speaking up.2017-10-2300 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 1 - Natalie JohnsNatalie Johns is an Emmy-nominated director who has devoted her life to sharing the stories of those without a voice. Her highly personal work has brought her profound understanding of the human experience—plus some compassion for herself along the way.2017-10-1031 minBirdNatalie Johns - Documentary FilmmakerNatalie Johns is an Emmy-nominated director who has devoted her life to sharing the stories of those without a voice. Her highly personal work has brought her profound understanding of the human experience—plus some compassion for herself along the way.2017-10-1031 minBirdBird Talks / Ep 2 - Reshma GajjarSometimes the world just isn’t ready for you. Dancer and actress Reshma Gajjar learned that early on, when she struggled to book gigs because of her ethnicity. But eventually the universe caught up—after a transformative experience working with children in India, Reshma returned stronger than ever to forge a career that has included film, television and touring with Madonna.2017-10-0630 minBirdReshma Gajjar - Dancer and ActressSometimes the world just isn’t ready for you. Dancer and actress Reshma Gajjar learned that early on, when she struggled to book gigs because of her ethnicity. But eventually the universe caught up—after a transformative experience working with children in India, Reshma returned stronger than ever to forge a career that has included film, television and touring with Madonna.2017-10-0630 min