Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

Iamspeakingpodcast

Shows

I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKaren, Our Resident Therapist, Is Speaking (Season 5)hrrThere is no question that there is a link between physical health and mental health. What do we do, or what can we do, when one informs or impacts the other? Karen Rothstein Pineda, founder of Multicultural Counseling Associates, and our Resident Therapist, leads this discussion on what to look for in therapy as a patient if we are having physical challenges, if we are a caretaker, what might feel like hopelessness, and finally where there is always hope. As always Karen does not disappoint with her charm, her understanding, and her insight. We are lucky to have her...2023-11-021h 15I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingPeter Vishneski Is Speaking -- Life From a WheelchairOctober 21, over a decade ago: Peter Vishneski was driving late at night with friends and became tired behind the wheel. He nodded off. He woke up in the ICU two days later unable to move his fingers properly.  You will fall in love with Peter, or Mr. Vishneski, as his students call him. The once-physical-therapy-student-turned-HS-Biology-teacher has lessons for his students beyond composition of starch in a potato or backing up essays in Google Drive. To listen to Peter is to learn the strength of resilience, the power of overcoming grief, and the truth that sometimes kids just g...2023-09-061h 45I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDana Blanchard Is Speaking - Becoming a Caretaker“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.” - Michael J. Fox Life, in all of its challenges, came at Dana Blanchard, hard and fast in 2020. Ready and packed for a big move to Australia with her husband and two kids 9 days before the world shut down, things started to go sideways. When those plans got put on indefinite hold due to the pandemic, her husband, Wells, started falling ill with unexplained sores, extreme pain, fatigue and full body aches for whic...2023-08-311h 42I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingTeresa Janik Is Speaking - Life Before, During & After an OstomyIn October 2019, Teresa Janik found herself in excruciating pain. She could barely focus, took her work home, and told her husband “take me to the ER right now.” What she didn’t know what that by entering the ER, she’d be entering a whole new part of her life. A severe bout of diverticulitis led to sepsis which led to a literal live-saving surgery. But that wasn’t the end   She came out of surgery with a stoma and ostomy bag, which was kept in place for more the seven months. She also left the ordeal with a rath...2023-07-171h 17I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingJennie Ebmeyer Is Speaking - Breast Cancer ThriverJennie has spent years as an Operating Room nurse, counseling her patients, holding their hands through the pain, hearing their fears and seeing the heartbreaks. Then, one fateful day in 2022, the tables were turned and Jennie became the patient who needed counseling, some hand-holding, whose fear and heartbreak became palpable.  Jennie Ebmeyer was diagnosed, at the age of 39, with Stage I breast cancer. Within days, after a PET Scan, the diagnosis was changed to Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Being told she had limited options, and “we’ve done all we can” after some harsh chemo, the medical...2023-07-101h 34I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingVickie Stolle Is Speaking - Building Resiliency after CleftVickie spent her life building armor that she believed would save her from emotional pain. After decades of surgeries, medical appointments, dental procedures, scarring, braces, and bone grafts, Vickie thought her emotional armor was pretty solid. Then, her daughter came home from school in 1st grade and told her about a bullying situation that happened. After seeing red and having a “disproportionate” reaction to the situation, Vickie came to realize her armor had some chinks in it. After working on herself, unpacking her trauma and focusing on healing and self-acceptance, she has found her purpose in life - he...2023-07-031h 28I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Dr. Matthew KircherHearing is different than listening.  Dr. Matthew Kircher is not only a talented surgeon, a brilliant doctor, and an all-around good person, but Shailushi and Kosha also are lucky enough to call him family. He is married to their cousin (and previous guest on IAS) Sheetal. He sits in the Speaker’s Chair this week to discuss his work as an ENT surgeon, how an ear functions, and why Q-tips should never go near your ears.   Matthew L Kircher, MD is currently an Associate Professor of Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery in the Department of O...2023-06-141h 21I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingMarijo Is Speaking - American Sign LanguageWhat a freaking fun and interesting conversation.  Marijo has been making the world more accessible, one conservation at a time. For over 30 years, she’s been signing her way, being of service to the deaf and hard of hearing community.  Marijo Fiacchino’s resume is lengthy and her credibility is solid - she has her Certification of Interpretation (CI) and Certification of Transliteration (CT), she is RID (Registry of Interpretation for th Deaf) Certified. She has a Masters Level license in Illinois, and is qualified as an Illinois Master Mentor. So, we know she’s capable...2023-06-071h 23I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingViolet Turner Is Speaking - Being a Trans TeenHoly Crap. There is a reason Kosha isn't the "main host". She lost words. But Shailushi found the words. And Kosha come around eventually. Violet Turner is the most self-possessed teenager you can meet. Violet has a significant stutter. It does take a few moments to get into her vocal cadence, but STAY WITH US because her words and her sentiments will change you. This young woman is on a trajectory to change the world. We cannot do that by ourselves. And to close out of this conversation would be to "other" Violet for her...2023-06-031h 24I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Paul Varghese - Being an (Indian) ComedianPaul Varghese did his first comedy set in June 2001. Four months later, the world got very scary and very dark for brown people. Twenty-two years later, he continues to take the stage, kill with eloquently crafted jokes, and use his Indian-ness as a source of pride and humor.  Several months ago, one of Paul’s jokes (the iPhone icon joke) went viral. Kosha saw it and showed it to everyone she knows. Paul’s YouTube special dropped and your cohosts decided that this guy has got to be in our Speaker’s Chair, he’d be an amazing g...2023-05-241h 45I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDavid Is Speaking - Living w/ Cerebral PalsyWhen David Figueroa was born, his mother was told he would never walk, talk or learn enough to go through school. Last week, David turned 32 years old (Happy Birthday David!). He’s a college graduate, he walked across the stage to get his diploma and now he’s a motivational speaker and youth advocate for underserved and underprivelaged youth. He’s also a cyclist and former 3 sport athlete. What’s his message? Only you know what you are capable of.  David talks at length about who spurred him on before he developed his own voice of self-a...2023-05-171h 19I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAnuja Is Speaking - Life After a Brain AneurysmThere are certain events that punctuate a person’s life, and one can’t help but think of life as “before” and “after”. We might think of life “before having kids” and “after having kids”. Or “before the pandemic” versus “after the world shut down”. Anuja Martinez (née Mehta) has her life “before brain aneurysm” and “after brain aneurysm”.  At the age of 29, Anuja finally had th answer to why she would get debilitating headaches, light flashes, and tunnel vision, but the answer was terrifying. Finally a doctor listened to her and ordered an MRI, which revealed a fusiform brain aneurysm. Sh...2023-05-101h 18I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Nikki - Treating Mental IllnessTo cap off Season 3: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, we have an amazing guest who is fighting the good fight. Nikki Naglich is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at a mental health hospital in the suburbs of Chicago. She talks about treating serious mental illness, the difference between inpatient & outpatient work, and her hopes for her patients’ futures.   We discuss why and when people are brought to an inpatient psych unit, which can involve police bringing a psychotic patient to the hospital instead of to jail (given someone’s psychosis may include agression/violence, destruction of property, a threat or harm...2023-05-031h 17I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking to Athi Toufexis, Architect“Athi is deeply committed to our clients, and takes a personal interest in the relationships that she builds through the practice of architecture.”  - Scott Delano, Architect Extraordinaire Athi Toufexis is an architect. She specializes in designing educational environments for learners of all abilities. She supports school districts and communities in transforming their visions into inspiring built realities. Athi strives to create future-ready solutions to better prepare students for the ever-evolving world of tomorrow. Athi is also a joy to speak with. She is clearly passionate about public service, amd creating spaces in which peopl...2023-04-261h 22I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingEvan & Tara Are Speaking - Being True to YourselfUnpacked is a podcast exploring life as messy people. It’s conversations with counsellors, industry leaders, all storytellers discussing their experiences of being human. They talk about the strength that comes from big messy failures and vulnerable moments so we can learn to live more authentically. And today we have the co-hosts of Unpacked as guests on I Am Speaking. Evan & Tara are co-workers, best friends and found family. They speak to Kosha and Shailushi about meeting when Evan was a pastor at a church, working together at the church and then leaving that church and finding the...2023-03-291h 35I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKosha Is Speaking - Severe AnxietyHello, Listeners! Shailushi here... introducing you to this week's guest, my beloved co-host Kosha Carstens.  Kosha has shared her diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) on our podcast.  This week, I spoke to her in detail about her experience-- when she realized something more than regular nerves was at play, how it led to her decades-long battle with disordered eating, and how she is learning to live with the "tiger in the room." Although we are sisters, you'll hear in this episode just how well people can hide their mental health struggles from so many people, ev...2023-03-221h 33I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingShailushi Is Speaking- Mental Wellbeing After CancerWhat happens when there is not a biochemical imbalance in our brains? No low dopamine or suboptimal serotonin to explain our mental health challenges? Yet, life keeps happening to us and the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” rain down upon us and we must march forward? What happens when those slings and arrows shake our world views and affect our mental well-being?  Today we have someone special in the Speaker’s Chair. You know her and love her…Shailushi Baxi Ritchie! Your beloved hosts realized that mental health & neurodiversity affects everyone, and wanted to make sure our liste...2023-03-151h 17I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Brittany Squillace About Grief”We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world--the company of those who have known suffering.” - Helen Keller  There are few things as isolating as grief, both in death and non-death loss. But at the same time, there is nothing so unifying, so completely shared and universal, as grief. Every person will experience grief from loss - a loved one in death, a job, a friendship, a marriage, an identity. Yet, grief and loss are concepts and experiences so seldom discussed and reckoned with.  Brittany Squillace is on a miss...2023-03-081h 40I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingCasey Is Speaking (More) - Part 2“I literally put everything out there… My hope is for those that listen may hear it and not just feel sadness for this kid…but maybe you might hear yourself at times in it and feel a bit more connected…a bit more seen. And be sure to check out part 2…not to give spoilers, but things get better! Thanks for listening…and if there’s anything you hear that you connect with and you feel any kind of way and need to talk about it. I’m here.” - Casey Gustafson That is Casey de...2023-03-011h 03I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingCasey Is Speaking - Part 1To meet Casey now, you’d think this man has got it made - a great job, recently finished his college degree, living in Chicago, engaged to be married, has an awesome dog. And you would be right - things look pretty good for Casey.  That assumption would do an injustice to Casey’s story. His life has been anything but ideal and picturesque, his struggles have been real, and he came very close to throwing it all away, several times. When you listen to Casey talk of how his life unfolded, and how he had to pick...2023-02-271h 10I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingEvander Beatty Is Speaking“I am just a little OCD…” ”Stop being so OCD about it!” “I know what you mean, I can’t stand dirty dishes!!” Sound familiar? If it does, it’s probably because you have either heard it said or said it yourself, about being particular, or wanting things clean, or needing to be organized. Unfortunately, the problem here is that phrases like those do not nearly capture what living with OCD is like.  Our guest today is so passionate about helping people understand his life with OCD, he wrote a book about it. Evander B...2023-02-141h 20I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingEric Herrera Is SpeakingEric Herrera was 19 years old when he entered the military. It was at the height of the war in Iraq, and Eric was deployed to Baghdad where he was a combat engineer trained to detect IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) on the streets among the trash. During his time in Iraq, Eric was faced with some harrowing experiences, some horrifying losses, and trauma that was often too painful to discuss. Until he found his own therapy - writing.  We hear about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in our service members often, but you don’t find many people who...2022-12-071h 31I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDawn Kezerle Is SpeakingThis episode is POWERFUL. There is so much to say, and hardly the words to describe what is contained in this episode with Dawn. Dawn is an old friend of Kosha. They had a falling out and a separation of ways about halfway through high school, and you hear both Dawn and Kosha talk about what actually happened almost 30 years ago for the first time (turns out, 16 year olds tend not to have the emotional maturity for hard conversations. But this episode is more than a stroll down memory lane. Dawn's experience with complex trauma...2022-10-191h 38I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingShane Thrapp Is SpeakingWe were blown away by this conversation with Shane Thrapp, our guest today in the Speaker’s Chair  Shane has Adult ADHD, ASD and Social Anxiety. He shares with us what he knows about ADHD, how he coped with the trauma associated with growing up with ADHD, and what he’s doing to stop the cycle of stigma and compounded trauma for people with ADHD now   We know you have not met anyone like Shane (unless you’ve actually met this guy). He is larger than life, he is kind, he is self—aware and he is committed...2022-10-051h 51I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Scott CollinsNot all superheroes wear capes. Some wear slacks and a collared shirt during the school year, and scuba gear in the summer. So is the case with our guest on today’s episode of I Am Speaking w/ Expert Voices. Scott Collins is a teacher of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) at a public high school in suburban Chicago. But to listen to Scott is to understand he is inspiring “Citizen Scientists”. He is thoughtful, deliberate and passionate about teaching kids who are thoughtful, deliberate and passionate. He cares about raising kids who are curious and soc...2022-09-281h 36I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAmanda Is SpeakingAccording to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW): “School social workers are often called on to help students, families, and teachers address problems such as truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness, and the effects of special physical, emotional, or economic problems.” Barker, 2003).  Meet Amanda Collins, who is going on her 16th year in the field of school social work. Now on top of the basic trials and tribulations of “being a middle school-aged person” (and there are many), add violence in the home, unstable family living situation, poverty, perhaps having to parent siblings, going without meals, covert an...2022-09-211h 16I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingJana Is SpeakingMost of us have seen a show meant for entertainment with a hypnotist. He hyponostizes someone from the audience, brings them up on stage and has then cluck like a chicken or bark like a dog. It’s entertaining to some, it’s embarrassing to others, but is it all real? What is actual hyponosis, and how is it used in a therapeutic, purposeful setting? For that we turned to Certified Hyponotherapist Jana Osta. Her story leading up to how and why she changed careers to becoming a hypnotherapist is as fascinating as the field itself.  Aft...2022-09-141h 22I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingLouisa Is SpeakingGoing to therapy can be difficult, scary and sometimes feel like one is opening Pandora’s Box. But it can also be liberating, healing and feel like someone is giving you the tools to live your best life  After years of complex trauma, abuse, anxiety and depression, Louisa discovered that therapy is all of those things and more   Living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) Louisa has had to learn how to prioritize her mental health, advocate for herself and her family, recognize triggers. and establish boundaries. Her story is inspiring.  DISCLAIMER: I Am Speaking is fo...2022-08-311h 16I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingJen Taylor Is SpeakingEvery episode of I Am Speaking w/ Shailushi and Kosha is special. We love all of our guests. Without their openness and honesty and willingness to be vulnerable, our show would be two sisters just razzing each other and talking about growing up in the middle of corn fields (that might be an awesome show but it is not *this* show.) Every so often we get a guest on the show that is amazing for a somewhat different reason. Today is one of those episodes: Jen Taylor is Kosha’s best friend.  Jen’s daughter Ava l...2022-08-101h 38I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Dr. Tara C. SmithDr. Tara C. Smith is a gem. It’s that simple. She’s a gem.  Her CV is not so simple. It’s stacked. Tara has a Bachelors in Biology from Yale, a PhD in Microbiology from University of Toledo, post-doc training in molecular epidemiology at University of Michigan. She was an Associate Professor at University of Iowa and the director of its College of Public Health’s Center for Emerging Infectious Disease. For the past 9 years she’s been a Professor in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. With all of the pedigre...2022-08-041h 39I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingTatiana Rohner del Sordo Is SpeakingWhat does it take to effect change in our communities? It takes money, for sure. It takes resources, of course. And it takes people like Tatiana Rohner del Sordo.  Tatiana is an immigrant from Colombia (she’s our third person of Colombian heritage on our podcast. We love Colombia!) When she moved to the US with her husband, her anxiety began to flare and she didn’t have her family and friends around to lean on, so she went to therapy. And then she realized how vital and how needed culture-affirming and trauma-informed therapy is. So, she becam...2022-07-201h 35I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKate Frese Phillips Is SpeakingTo hear Kate Frese Phillips talk about her life, and everything she’s been through, you might understand if she has resentment or anger or distrust. But to actually listen to her, you realize that she’s actually filled with resilience and curiosity and strength.  Kate was subject to religious indoctrination at a young age. She quietly suffered from anxiety and depression for years, only to be told to “just pray” if she spoke at all about her struggles, or hinted at questioning of faith. She tried everything (or damn near everything) to quiet the noise in her head...2022-07-131h 48I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSally Alter Is SpeakingWhat does it meant have Bipolar Disorder? Did you know there is more than one type? Did you know that you don't realize you are in a manic episode when you are in it? Did you know there was such a thing as "rapid cycling" when it comes to the manic or depressive episodes? Sally Alter is here to answer some of these questions. Sally experienced her first manic episode at the age of 15, right when her mother passed away. Her actual diagnosis came ten years later at the age of 25. This incredible, powerful and resilient woman...2022-06-291h 12I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKaren Rothstein Pineda Is Speaking (About Therapy)She is back for Season 4! I Am Speaking's Resident Therapist, Karen Rothstein Pineda, is here to talk some Therapy Basics. We talk about therapist credentialing, some important questions to ask yourself and your therapist, what might be going through a therapist's mind during your first few sessions, and why your therapist might not acknowledge you if you see them at the grocery store. Also, we discuss what NOT to yell at Karen if you see her at the pool this summer.  As always, she is filled with knowledge and illuminating insight. We love all our conversations with K...2022-06-221h 13I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Anu ChouhanRepresentation matters. Just ask Kosha’s daughter, when she discovered that a talented artist has *her name*.  Our guest today on I Am Speaking with Expert Voices is the amazing Anu Chouhan. She’s an animator, illustrator and soon-to-be published author. She also is passionate about showing strong brown girls with swords, as well as brown kids just having fun.  Her story is filled with heart and preservance as she gained confidence (and Instagram followers). You’ll want to follow her too, after you hear this interview. She is a joy and we cannot wait to see w...2022-06-201h 28I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingShailushi and Kosha Start Speaking (about Season 4)Season 4 is upon us. We cannot believe it. Everyone at I Am Speaking w/ Shailushi and Kosha (and I Am Speaking w/ Expert Voices) is thrilled to embark on our second year of this podcast. Mental Health & Neurodiversity.  We cannot predict exactly what will ensue, but we know it’ll be a rich, nuanced and important set of conversations.  We encourage our listeners to add comments to episodes or the podcast if the mood strikes you. Also, send us feedback and or guest inquiries via email (iamspeakingpodcast@gmail.com), DM via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or t...2022-06-151h 01I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAmina Ahmed -Series of Birthday SurprisesKosha here: Shailushi is my older sister and my best friend. She’s my mentor and my confidante. And a few years ago, we were told that she had cancer. And it was everywhere. And suddenly, my life imploded a little bit. Then a badass oncologist came on the scene. Dr Amina Ahmed was kind, she was smart, she was hopeful…and she saved my sister’s life. And in doing so, she kept my family whole.  Today on the last of the birthday surprises, on Shailushi’s actual birthday, we talk to Dr Amina Ahmed. We...2022-04-301h 30I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSeries of Birthday Surprises - Dr. Smriti MehtaVery few people actually have to pause for a moment to remember how many patents they have for their life’s work. Our guest today not only wasn’t sure (“five or six” was her answer) but also tried to downplay just what an accomplishment it is to have a patent to their name.  Dr Smriti Mehta, Phd, Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, and Woman Extraordinaire, joins us in the Speaker’s Chair today. And she is so much more than any of those words can do her justice. Smriti, or Smriti Mami, as we call her, has been a huge infl...2022-04-281h 36I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSeries of Birthday Surprises (#4) - Isha RitchieKosha outdid herself for this birthday surprise. Conspiring with someone right under Shailushi’s nose to surprise her on the podcast…Shailushi’s own child!! That’s right, Isha Ritchie joins us in the Speaker’s Chair today. They are hilarious, talented, and bright (Kosha hopes to be like them when she grows up!) Our listeners have heard a lot about Isha over the last year. Now you get to hear straight from the source themselves. We discuss Isha’s coming out as non-binary, why they choose to attend a class they hate every week, and what it’...2022-04-261h 22I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSeries of Birthday Surprises (#3) - Mrs. Bunny CaveAcademic Bowl. Math Team. Paper punch art projects. Paper link competitions. Fish Fry. The memories and nostalgia go on and on.  Mrs. Joanna Cave was a huge influence in Shailushi and Kosha’s lives (and those of the entire Baxi Family). Mrs Cave, who has gone by Bunny for her entire life because she was born on Easter, was the 8th grade teacher at St. Stephen’s School in Streator, IL. She only taught Shailushi in class, but the rest of the Baxi Family was lucky to know her and be embraced by the entire Cave family (inclu...2022-04-201h 18I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSeries of Birthday Surprises w/ Ms. Emily BleekerEmily Bleeker is the best-selling author of six novels. Combined, her books have reached over 1.5 million readers. She is a two-time Whitney Award finalist, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, Amazon charts bestseller and was recently listed as one of the top 100 Kindle authors “of all time.” That is about what she’s accomplished, but she’s so much more than her resume. She and Kosha are best friends from esrly high school. She’s a dedicated mother of 4, a cancer survivor, an educator. She’s hilarious, brilliant and talented. And we got to talk to her about all of those...2022-04-131h 34I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSeries of Birthday Surprises w/ Dr. Beth GuerraWhat does over 30 years of friendship sound like? Get ready to find out.  In our first installment of Shailushi’s Birthday Surprise Series, we welcome Beth Guerra to the Speaker’s Chair. Shailushi and Beth met when they were 15. They have been through high highs and low lows in their lives - graduate schools, cross country moves, marriage, kids, sickness, death, and rebirth - always knowing they are there for each other.  Dr. Beth Guerra is a veterinarian, and a damn good one. She shares insights into the vet med field, where things are and what s...2022-04-081h 37I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Recapping (Season 3)A day late but never a dollar short! We have been doing some Spring Break travel with their families, but never fear, we do have an episode this week! You lovable cohosts wind down Season 3: Bucking Gender Norms with a recap, some funny memories and some poignant moments from the season.  We have something fun and different for April (an A-Term, per se). Listen in for details. And then season 4 will start up in May. As always, THANK YOU to our listeners and our guests. We are loving this journey for u...2022-04-0143 minI Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking with Sharmili MajmudarOur first experience with having a guest at the Speaker’s Podium fit perfectly within the current theme of the season, and be an Expert guest! Sharmili Majmudar is a good friend of Shailushi, a brilliant mind, and a steadfast advocate for equitable and fair rights   Sharmili Majmudar oversees Women Employed’s development and implementation of strategic policy and systems change priorities advancing economic justice for women. She heads the organization’s advocacy efforts for the voluntary implementation of aspects of good quality jobs so employees can achieve economic stability, developing and leading WE’s collabora...2022-03-231h 47I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Dr.Darshan MehtaThis man’s CV reads pretty impressive: Dr. Darshan Mehta is Medical Director and Director of Medical Education for the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (BHI-MGH) and Director of Education at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (OCIM). Dr. Mehta received his BA in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University and an MD from University of Texas-Southwestern Medical School. He completed his residency in internal medicine at University of Illinois-Chicago Hospital. In 2008, he completed a clinical research fellowship in complementary and integrative medi...2022-03-161h 44I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDeputy Anmole Kaur Is SpeakingWe love seeing a young, fierce, badass woman with a badge! Anmole Kaur, nickname Anu (no relation to Batsy) is a Deputy in the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Her story is inspirational and you can feel how much she’s made for this career as she speaks. Anu’s interest in becoming a police officer started in high school and never faltered, and she had some resistance along the way. She refused to cry in front of anyone during Academy training (in her driveway didn’t count) and always pushed herself to complete her task (even running...2022-03-091h 23I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKevin Shelton Jr. Is SpeakingKevin Shelton Jr. Is Speaking.  What an amazing guest. Kevin and Kosha work at the same company. Kevin shares his experiences working in corporate America while continuing a high level of activism, which sometimes can be frustrating. But when he’s working on “changing hearts,” it also can be fulfilling.  Our time with Kevin was fascinating and inspiring. He promised to come back and we are going to hold him to it. He was a joy to listen to, and we think you’ll feel the same way.  2022-02-231h 25I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingChris Connelly Is SpeakingRockstar-turned-preschool teacher joins us in the Speaker’s Chair this week to discuss his adventures in molding the minds of 3-4 year olds.  We had some preconceived notions of what it might be like to be a male daycare teacher, but Chris gave us the real scoop of what it’s like, what he loves about being led by a strong team of women, and how gender does (and doesn’t) play a part in his job. Whatever you thought life in a classroom full of 3-4 year olds might be, we are certain you’ll learn...2022-02-161h 23I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingLeigh Steffy Is SpeakingWe love interviewing our friends! We get to spend time learning about them and understanding a little more what makes them tick. This week in the Speaker’s Chair is Leigh Steffy, one of Shailushi’s closest friends.  Leigh life never has been split into blue and pink roles. She and her brother went fishing together with their dad, and then went to the theater with their mom. She loves using power tools and she loves cooking. As she’s grown up and started a family of her own, she and her husband have navigated their responsibilities not thr...2022-02-091h 32I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking w/ Dr. Javier GomezDr. Javier Gomez is a cardiologist at John H.  Stroger Hospital, also known as Cook County Hospital. He immigrated to the US from Colombia to train and specialize, and then he stayed. His story of how he came to Cook County Hospital is fascinating. The reasons why he stays are inspiring.  Javier has an undeniable charm. He’s warm and funny, but he’s also sharp and deeply passionate about treating his patients. He takes time to understand his patients as people, not just symptoms, and he teaches fellows and residents to see them accordingly as well.  O...2022-02-041h 47I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingMike Is SpeakingBeing a flight attendant is not all about handing out peanuts and making sure people have their tray tables up. Not even close. Every day at work, Mike takes on much of the responsibility for the safety of the passengers on the flights that he is working on. And most people do not recognize how much responsibility that actually is when they are demanding a better seat or fighting about wearing a mask on board. In 2013, Mike was the only straight man in the room during his training courses. And while things are changing, they aren’t ch...2022-02-021h 28I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAres Collins Is SpeakingA well-known scene from the movie, Meet the Parents: Jack: Greg's in medicine too. Bob: What field? Greg: Nursing Bob: Ha ha ha ha. No, really, what field are you in? Greg: Nursing. And now, meet Ares Collins, a nurse who happens to be male (and African-American.) We discuss how both of these facts have impacted his career. You will love Ares. You will hope that Ares, or someone like him, will care for you or your loved one if they need a nurse. He is clearly intelligent, cares...2022-01-261h 16I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking with Joel HubbardWe are loving our I Am Speaking with Expert Voices series, and this week’s guest is no exception. We think you’ll love him as much as we did: Mr. Joel Hubbard, cofounder of The Art of Growth and a certified Enneagram Coach.  You might have heard about Ennegram, or heard that it’s “one of those personality tests.” But what you’ll learn from this conversation is how much deeper the enneagram insights can go, if you are willing to do the work (that’s the tough part, right?)  Joel’s life work has revolved aroun...2022-01-211h 57I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKaren Rothstein Pineda Is Speaking (Back for Season 3)I Am Speaking’s brilliant and thoughtful resident therapist is back for another session with Shailushi and Kosha. This time, we talk about gender stereotypes in the workplace, how toxic masculinity starts early, and how Karen thinks we might be able to eventually break free of toxic cycles.  Karen is the founder of Multicultural Counseling Associates in Oak Park, IL. They are a unique group focusing on the needs of people of color as well as the LGBTQQ community. Her personal experience and professional expertise gives her a unique perspective and deel understanding of the needs of div...2022-01-191h 20I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingJason Krebs Is Speaking“I mean, I was king shit of changing a diaper.” - Jason Krebs.  Friends with Shailushi for three decades, a clinical psychologist, and a Stay-at-Home-Dad  Being a SHAP is hard. No matter what. But what happens when the world isn’t used to seeing a man in that role? Jason says there are 2 main reactions. Listen in to see what they are and what Jason thinks of them.  Nationally, we are engaging in a “where do dads fit in childcare?” conversation. Ashton Kutcher (to Jason’s amazement) took the change table conversation nat...2022-01-121h 32I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Grateful - 2021 EditionHappy Holidays! We wanted to wrap the year talking about holiday traditions, holiday favorites and holiday wishes. See you all in 2022! Merry Everything, and thank you for joining us on this ride. It is not over. We have so many more stories to hear, share and amplify. Happy New Year, and remember to always stand up a little straighter and talk a little louder when you say " I am speaking." -Love, Shailushi and Kosha 2021-12-2947 minI Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingChirayu Baxi Is SpeakingIf you’ve ever been curious about the inner workings of the Baxi Sisters, welcome to at least their brother’s side of the story.  Chirayu Baxi is Shailushi and Kosha’s youngest sibling and only brother. Growing up in small-town central IL, one of the only Indian or Brown families around, with 3 independent, opinionated strong older sisters…that will definitely influence and help mold a young man as he grows.  Chirayu joins us to discuss his experience of gender roles, how he explored what gender norms mean through high school and college, and how toxic masc...2021-12-221h 31I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking with Hemant MehtaHemant Mehta is an author, an activist, and a blogger. Oh, and he’s also an atheist. He has been the force behind The Friendly Atheist blog, podcast, website and social media platforms for years. But before you think Hemant’s sole purpose is to convert people to atheism, listen to this conversation. He doesn’t care to debate anyone on atheism vs religion.  His scope of work goes far beyond tallying atheists to carry on the torch. Hemant’s work is about ensuring that belief- or faith-based decisions aren’t being made in places where they shouldn’t.  We had a...2021-12-171h 27I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDawn Munson Is Speaking"You don't have to go to the best of the best to be the best." - Dawn Munson How do you respond when your professor says “that’s what I get for calling on the woman in the room”? There are plenty of ways one *could* respond. The way Dawn Munson did, you’ll just have to listen to find out. Spoiler alert: it didn’t involve throwing things and curse words as one might imagine (and hope for.) It did involve being gobsmacked, finding peers, working hard and rising above. Admittedly not as satisfying in the moment, bu...2021-12-151h 49I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingMichael Vadacchino Is SpeakingWhat an incredible ride this conversation was with MIchael Vadacchino. Throughout his life, Michael has fought against gender norms and expectations - sometimes just being a badass gymnast or dancer and sometimes actively as he leads male dancers in a judgement-free Boys Dance Too conference. Any way you slice it, Michael is an artist, a thinker and a leader.  You hear, toward the end, some emotion come out of Michael. There were, in fact, a few tears. It won't do this conversation or Michael justice to try to explain to you, but it is powerful. Because realizing t...2021-12-081h 35I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are Speaking with Dr. Sheetal KircherDr. Sheetal Kircher is a GI oncologist at Northwestern Medicine. She’s brilliant. She’s insightful. She’s kind. And Shailushi and Kosha are so lucky that she’s also their cousin.  Your co-hosts talk to Dr Sheetal Kircher on their first episode of I Am Speaking w/ Expert Voices. As an oncologist of GI-based cancers, Dr. Kircher’s discussions with her patients often involve end-of-life wishes, hospice care, and acceptance of hard truths. Her work is vital and fulfilling, but bringing people to acceptance of their mortality takes a toll also, which she discusses in depth with us. Dr...2021-12-011h 42I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingGreg Tinkler Is SpeakingWhat is toxic masculinity? How do you recognize this toxicity in yourself and be open to change? How do you impact change around you? Shailushi and Kosha sit down with their good friend, Dr Greg Tinkler, to hear his take on these issues. Adopted as an infant, Greg was othered within the family from the start. Not having an ethnic/DNA identity, he was able to forge his own path, reject the racism and covert misogyny he saw around him and commit to act as an ally.  Greg discusses what he does in his classroom t...2021-11-171h 31I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSusun Matta Is SpeakingAnd just like that, we enter Season 3.  Season 3 of I Am Speaking with Shailushi and Kosha will focus on bucking gender norms and expectations. Just as in every aspect of life, there are a billion ways to do that. And we are going to explore some of those ways. Each guest will have a story that connect to this thread. First Up: Susan Matta, lawyer and advocate extraordinaire. If you know her, you know she’s tough, direct and a freaking good lawyer. Yet, she (half) jokingly says she must have to serve it...2021-11-101h 25I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingWe Are ReflectingYour cohosts have a conversation together as they close out Season 2 of I Am Speaking with Shailushi and Kosha.  This last season has been filled with joy, proverbial gut punches, words of wisdom from our incredible guests, and moments of validation that we are on the right track with this podcast project of ours. Today, Shailushi and Kosha recap and reflect on all of those moments and memories, plus some fun examples of their own familect. Also Kosha decides to try out a few theme songs of her own.  Shailushi and Kosha have no plans of...2021-11-031h 03I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDarien Marion-Burton Is SpeakingDarien Marion-Burton. He/him. HBIC. Wondering what HBIC stands for? You won’t question it once you listen to this episode.  Darien is a young Black gay man who has navigated life in the intersections. He speaks to us about that intersectionality, what is expected of him, and how he uses emotional intelligence and a certain level of code switching to work through those expectations. Darien is larger than life, insightful and hilarious. Our time with him flew by, and now we need him to help style us.  After listening to this episode, you’...2021-10-271h 22I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingGretchen Is SpeakingWe are so lucky to have found Gretchen.  Gretchen is a young woman from a very small conservative town where she could not be herself. She spent years hiding who she was, denying her identity and dodging homophobic slurs. Until she did a very scary and brave thing, and moved herself out of her small world into the big city, so she can begin living her truth. We can all benefit from channeling Gretchen to become a bit more brave, even when we are scared.  Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of self-harm and suicide....2021-10-201h 02I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingRekha Rajkumar is SpeakingEPISODE REVISIT - listen to one of our first episodes with Rekha Rajkumar.  What a joy it was to talk with our good friend, Rekha (well, Shailushi's good friend. Kosha poached her. You learn about Kosha's friend-poaching habits in this episode.) Rekha Rajkumar is a first generation American whose parents immigrated from South India. She has 2 kids of her own now, and is coming full circle in managing to balance between two cultures. She shared her experience growing up in an predominantly white suburb, her thoughts on the Indian matchmaking system and how she k...2021-10-131h 33I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingMark Perry Is SpeakingWhat a joy it was to spend some time talking to Mark Perry. Mark and Kosha went to high school together - 2 years apart in grade but connected through theater. Mark is a lawyer, a dramaturgist (Google that, or just listen to the episode), a brother, a son and a friend. He has been with his now husband, Michael, for nearly a decade. Oh also, he is hilarious. The sharp wit that Kosha remembers from 25 years ago has not worn off.  And so importantly, Mark is a true ally. Throughout our conversation Mark shows himself to be w...2021-10-061h 32I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKelsey Is SpeakingA huge part of the joy of doing this podcasting is listening and sharing the stories of our guests. And when one of those guests is Kelsey, the joy comes fairly easily.  You have heard ABOUT Kelsey, if you listened to Dave Is Speaking. Kelsey is Dave’s wife, within the polycule of their polyamourous life. And now you will hear FROM Kelsey, in this episode, Kelsey Is Speaking.  She loves axolotls (not bridges), gets in and out of the gym as quickly as possible, and simply wants to elevate every relationship within her polycule with...2021-09-291h 26I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAnna DeShawn Is Speaking“We deserve.” Anna DeShawn is a powerhouse and a poet, on her way to becoming a media mogul.  Born and raised in Chicago’s south side, Anna didn’t allow herself to question her sexuality until college. Living her truth as a queer Black woman meant also realizing that if she wanted to be in “The Room Where It Happened,” she would have to open the door to a whole new room. Her newest project, The Qube, is a curated media platform for BIPOC and QTPOC musicians and podcasters.   “The Qube is a place for p...2021-09-221h 35I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingDave Is SpeakingDave is a teacher, a friend, a husband, a director. He loves bridges. He also happens to be polyamorous and demisexual.  Polyamory is such a misunderstood part of the sexuality spectrum that it often gets represented poorly, fetishized or just completely neglected. Our conversation with Dave was beautiful. In this episode he shares how he and his wife came to be polyamorous, why his wife would rather his girlfriend see bridges with him, and what some of difficulties have been since coming out.  DISCLAIMER: Dave has not shared his last name in...2021-09-151h 38I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingMichelle L‘amour Is SpeakingMichelle L’amour’s Instagram bio reads: “Erotic Artist. Empowerment Advocate” and we cannot agree more with those descriptions. And if you don’t know what those are, you definitely need to listen to this episode, we promise you’ll get it after to listening to this powerhouse of a woman. Michelle L’amour is known as The Most Naked Woman and she has traveled all over the globe performing her unique brand of burlesque. She has been featured on many TV shows and documentaries including, “America’s Got Talent” (season 1), MTVs “Amazingness”, France’s “Incroyable Talent”, and Epix Network’s “Sex Life.”...2021-09-081h 42I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKaren Rothstein Pineda Is Speaking (Season 2)Our resident therapist is back, and she has more insight and words of wisdom to share. We are so lucky to have her. Karen talks to us about how her life experience informed her path as a therapist, how the pandemic has shifted how people can find mental health help and she shares what advice she would now give her younger self. Karen is now accepting patients onto her waitlist, so if you live in Illinois, you can contact Karen's practice at: Multicultural Counseling Associates, PC 137 N Oak Park Avenue Suite 402 Oak Park...2021-09-011h 44I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingMama Tits Is SpeakingMama Tits, some may know her as Brian Peters, is a force to be reckoned with. His journey of self-discovery, love and joy has taken him from California to Idaho to New York to Seattle and now he and his husband live in Puerto Vallarta where Mama Tits has a residence at Act 2 Stages.  “This is what I was born to do. Realizing my calling as an entertainer and taking the leap to do it professionally has been the best thing that has happened to me. I love being able to share my talents with peo...2021-08-111h 14I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingElisa Woodruff (she/her/hers) Is SpeakingDr Elisa Woodruff is a counselor and an educator of future counselors. Her clinical and research interests include sexual and gender diversity, wellness and the mind/body connection, systemic and generational trauma, religion and values in counseling, the needs of older adults, and medical issues and disability. And she identifies as asexual, gray aromantic.  We learned so much during our conversation with Kosha's HS friend. Asexuality is an orientation that is relatively "new" to the lexicon, and many of the asexual community find each other on the internet, in forums and support groups. Elisa speaks on the i...2021-08-041h 32I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAlicia Elkins Is SpeakingWe love this lady. Kosha met Alicia long ago and she clung to her because she knew she was special. And damn was Kosha right. Alicia Elkins is a gay woman who came out in her early 20s. Her coming out story is unique, but it reminds us that every coming out story is unique. As Shailushi reminds us, if you have heard one person's coming out story, that means you have heard one person's coming out story. Listen to Alicia. We all can benefit to hear her speaking. 2021-07-281h 39I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingHaaz Sleiman Is SpeakingHaaz Sleiman is a velvet-voiced actor and activist. He has been in shows like ER and Veronica Mars. He played the beloved Mo-Mo in Nurse Jackie, Rafiq in the critically-acclaimed Little America, and will be in the new Marvel movie Eternals. But to introduce Haaz as a filmography would be doing him, and us, a disservice. This man is a storyteller. He is larger than life. Haaz sees the world in how it CAN be, not just how it is. He does what is NEEDED, not just what is expected. His story, which he shares so eloquently...2021-07-211h 31I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingSeth Turner Is Speaking"...take that idea [of what you thought being a parent would be] and blow it the hell up." - Seth Turner Listen to this episode. You will learn something about yourself, how to be an ally, and why transgender people seeking top surgery in the Kaiser System should know the name "Seth Turner" moving forward. When we spoke with Violet Turner last week, it was clear that she is an amazing and special person. Amazing and special people shine most when they are surrounded by love, support, encouragement and safety. Violet's parents, Melissa and Seth...2021-07-141h 24I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingThe Baxi Four Is Speaking**BONUS EPISODE**   To finish off I Am Speaking's first season of conversations with first generation Americans, we present a bonus episode with two people who know your beloved co-hosts better than almost anyone...their siblings! Spruha Thompson and Dr. Chirayu Baxi join Shailushi and Kosha for a conversation on who they are, our origin stories, how we have grown together and how we remember our childhoods.  2021-07-011h 32I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAnn Chen Is SpeakingExcuse me, Mr. [Former VIce President]... When Ann Chen is speaking, it benefits everyone around her to listen up. Ann is brilliant, she is honest, she is passionate, and she is a lawyer so I am sure she can argue circles around most of us. As a Taiwanese-American, Ann has heard all of the anti-Asian, anti-immigrant rhetoric. And yet, here she stands and here she speaks, pushing back against white supremacy and white silence, and speaking up for all othered communities. It was truly a joy to speak with her. (Also, we will...2021-06-231h 37I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingLiz Drapa Is SpeakingHow does do two brothers marry two sisters and there is no Netflix rom-com made about it? Who was Shailushi's first date to a high school dance, and why did he have to leave so early? How does Liz use her "secret superpower" on a Chicago bus? If you are dying to find out, you are in luck! Because all of the answers, and more, are in this episode! Liz Drapa is the daughter of Polish immigrants. Liz and Shailushi became good friends in HS, lost touch and then life (and social media) brought them back together...2021-06-161h 25I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKwasi Amankwah Is SpeakingThe cat is on the mat! Kwasi Amankwah's father is from Ghana, his mother is from Guyana. He spent most of his life between Canada and America. He is the youngest of three brothers. He is an accomplished artist. A dad of two boys. A husband of an amazing person. And he is an incredible person himself. Kwasi's story is so very unique, yet this conversation will feel very familiar. His experiences are somehow universal, and his laugh is completely infectious.  Follow Kwasi on Instagram (@kwasi81). His artwork is stunning, and award-winning.  2021-06-091h 32I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKaren Rothstein Pineda Is SpeakingKaren Rothstein Pineda. She is a keeper. Karen Rothstein Pineda is Latina, Jewish, Queer first generation American born to immigrant parents from Colombia. She is the founder and CEO of Multicultural Counseling Associates, P.C., a psychotherapy practice focusing on the needs of BIPOC and LGBTQQ communities. She has been practicing therapy since graduating from Northeastern Illinois University with a Masters Degree in Community Counseling in 2003. Karen takes a holistic approach to therapy, looking at people's environment and life circumstances to support people in their healing journey. One important part of her work with clients...2021-06-021h 34I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingHaydet Giulianetti Is SpeakingWhat a freaking gem! Haydet Giulianetti is someone who should be everyone's friend. Everyone's life would be better to have her in it. Haydet was born in Mexico, and came to the US with her mom when she was very young. She speaks to Shailushi and Kosha about finding her way in the Bay Area as a teenager, raising two boys in a TRI-cultural home and how she gives back to her community when she has tools that others needs to navigate anti-immigrant sentiments in her community. You will love her as much...2021-05-271h 29I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingAnnemarie Pedraza Is SpeakingAnnemarie Pedraza is a good friend of Kosha's. They go back 25 years. And yet, there is always so much to learn from people, even if you have known them forever. Annemarie was born in the Netherlands and came to the US very young for what was supposed to be a short work stint for her father. 35 years later, she is still here, balancing two cultures that both very much a part of her. Annemarie is a natural storyteller. She speaks candidly about her own experiences and her thoughts on how we can learn from the...2021-05-201h 10I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingJenny Shin Yang Is SpeakingContinuing with Season 1 of I Am Speaking, a season that is focusing on 1st generation Americans, Shailushi and Kosha sat down with Jenny Shin Yang. Born in South Korea, she was not even 5 years old when her parents brought her to the US (technically an immigrant, but mentally a 1st gen!) Jenny reflects on her relationship with her parents, the Korean language and how she hopes to parent her kids to have a relationship with the Korean culture.  Jenny forged her own way in marketing and advertising and works for the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of C...2021-05-131h 22I Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingKristin Salvador Is SpeakingWe were truly blown away and inspired by Kristin Salvador. Part Chinese, but raised culturally Filipino, Kristin has been through her share of high highs and low lows as a first-generation American. Her parents immigrated from the Phillippines in 1971, she and her sister grew up in the Chicagoland area where Kristin was able to foster her love of horror movies, sushi and dollhouse renovation. But when she wanted to follow her love of graphic design into a career, her parents simply "didn't get it." Kristin lives in Oak Park, IL with her husband Scott and their two children. She an...2021-05-0501 minI Am SpeakingI Am SpeakingShailushi and Kosha are SpeakingWelcome to I Am Speaking, the podcast that gives voice to people who have been "othered." In this very first episode, Shailushi and Kosha sit down with...each other! We talk about where we came from, where we went, and why we decided to do this podcast.  Please enjoy Episode One: Shailushi and Kosha are Speaking. 2021-04-2157 min