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Jenn shares her journey of pivoting her business after a last-minute workshop cancellation in Prague in 2022. She developed a comedian's formula to teach people how to connect and storytell, which significantly impacted her career. Jenn emphasized the importance of creativity in problem-solving and the need for human connection in an increasingly AI-dominated world. She also discussed the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the role of storytelling in business, and the significance of authenticity and community in personal and professional growth.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ the art of pivoting and adapting
+ creativity in problem solving
+ the impact of AI on communication and creativity
+ power of storytelling in business
+ intersection of comedy and personal growth
+ importance of connection and community

Bio:

Award-winning comedian, speaker & consultant with a thing for synthesizing ideas through storytelling.

Jenn’s work has been featured by SiriusXM, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, Inspiring Lives Magazine, on stages at YALE, Twitter and Google Headquarters in NYC and comedy clubs throughout New York City and Europe.

Performing all over the country, internationally and virtually, too! Jenn emcees and leads workshops and keynotes helping audiences learn how to answer the one question everyone hates (but can’t avoid) “What do you do?” using the “comedian’s formula” for educating, connecting and amusing your audience.

Jenn’s experience spans 15+ years and at least 8 different avenues in the creative industry that include earning a BA in Dance from Point Park University, co-writing an off-off-Broadway musical, co-writing an album, owning and running a Talent Management company representing actors for film, TV and theater, Motivational Speaking, Business Coaching, Storytelling Consulting and comedy.

Contact/Socials:
Website - https://www.JennLederer.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennlederer/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jennlederer

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Keisha discusses the evolving dynamics of client relationships in the beauty industry. She highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for clients, which often leads to deeper personal connections. Keisha emphasizes the value of building trust and rapport, noting that clients often return for the experience and personal connection rather than just the service. She also addresses the challenges of mentorship in the industry, stressing the need for genuine experience and expertise over social media influence. Keisha underscores the significance of personal relationships and the emotional support provided by beauty professionals.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ the role of beauty salons in community building
+ impact of personal relationships on client loyalty
+ mentorship and support in the beauty industry
+ value of creating a positive experience
+ impact of personal relationships on professional success
+ role of social media and influence in the beauty industry

Guest Bio:

Keisha aka The Nail Teach is a nail technician who has been in the beauty business for 25+ years! A NYS licensed Teacher of the Nail Technology program, Nail Tech Influencer, Educator on Social Media, and Content Creator.

Contact/Socials:
Instagram - Keishanails
Email - TheNailTeach@gmail.com
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheNailTeach/

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Satori discusses the lived experiences that inspired her forthcoming film "Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale," releasing June 12 on various platforms (Apple Tv+, Amazon Prime, Google Play). She highlights the often-unspoken challenges of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, and the lack of medical training and support for women experiencing these symptoms. Satori emphasizes the importance of community and open dialogue about menopause to address misdiagnoses and improve women's health. She also touches on the cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences and the need for better representation and advocacy for women's health issues.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ understanding menopause and its symptoms
+ personal journey and the birth of a film
+ impact of menopause on personal and professional life
+ challenges and advocacy for menopause awareness
+ cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences
+ role of storytelling in healing and empowerment
+ menopause and gender identity
+ advocacy and support for women’s health

Guest Bio:

Satori Shakoor is a dynamic storyteller, multi-disciplinary artist, and social entrepreneur known for her bold and transformative work in the arts. A 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow, Satori began her career as a recording and touring vocalist with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic as one of the Brides of Funkenstein before expanding into acting, comedy, and television writing. She is the creator and Executive Producer of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®, an award-winning storytelling platform that fosters healing and community connection. Satori’s storytelling prowess has been showcased on global stages, including The Moth, PBS, and NPR, while she also serves as host of Detroit Performs Live for Detroit PBS. With her solo, standup storytelling concert film, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale, she breaks outdated stigmas around aging and womanhood, bringing humor, truth, and empowerment to center stage. A sought-after facilitator and speaker, Satori has worked with major institutions like Duke University, the University of Michigan, and even the United Nations. Her work continues to inspire and transform communities, using the power of storytelling to connect humanity and spark meaningful dialogue.

Contact/Socials:

Website - www.satorishakoor.com
Website - www.twistedtellers.org

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Sandra discusses her journey with ADHD, diagnosed at age 38, and the concept of being "neuro spicy." She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and understanding one's brain to manage ADHD effectively. Sandra highlights the need for accommodations in professional settings, such as performance improvement plans (PIPs), and advocates for universal design learning (UDL) to create inclusive workspaces. She stresses the significance of rest and self-care, and encourages individuals to pay attention to their needs and advocate for themselves to thrive professionally and personally.

In this episode, you will hear:

• understanding the term “neurospicy”
• navigating professional roles and ADHD diagnosis
• leadership and advocacy in social work
• obstacles navigating professional spaces
• advocating for accommodations in the workplace
• role of culture and community in support

Guest Bio:

Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW, known as The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, is a clinical leader, speaker, and advocate transforming how we view neurodiversity in leadership. As Clinic Director for Transformations Care Network, she drives operational innovation, integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles from academia into workplace practices, and cultivates inclusive, high-performing teams.

A specialist in coaching Latinx and neurodivergent professionals, Sandra blends metacognitive strategies and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) into leadership development to foster emotional resilience and strategic growth. She is the creator of the J.A.R. Framework, a model that reframes invisible impact to strengthen leadership effectiveness.

A contributing author to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 3 and a sought-after speaker, Sandra’s work challenges outdated narratives and celebrates cognitive diversity as a catalyst for success. Through her platform, The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, and her doctoral research at Simmons University, she is redefining leadership for a more equitable future.

Contact/Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurospicysw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracrespo/

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Victor discusses his journey from macro social work to advocating for social workers' involvement in politics. He emphasized the importance of local government and his role in Higher Education. Additionally, he shares that his “Why?” regarding running for president elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is to address membership decline and improve chapter support. Victor highlights the need for social workers to balance micro and macro practice, engage in community advocacy, and foster respectful relationships with elected officials.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ role of political social workers
+ challenges and misconceptions within social work
+ balancing macro and micro practice
+ journey with NASW and vision
+ power of listening and compassion

Guest Bio:

Victor earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. For over 25 years, he has taught policy, political practice, and community organizing in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles. Victor has been an active member of NASW since 1991.

Victor is a former Mayor and Councilman for the City of Artesia, California, Chairman of the Artesia Planning Commission, Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commission, and local government consultant.

Contact/Socials:

Email: victor@victormanalo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.macro.social.worker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-manalo
Website: www.VictorManalo.com

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Jose speaks about his personal and professional experience with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling and skin picking. He highlights 4-5% of the population suffers from BFRBs, with nail biting affecting 20-30%. Alviar emphasized the importance of reducing shame and increasing awareness, noting that BFRBs are now recognized in the DSM-5 for the first time. Jose also shares his experience transitioning from patient to clinician and the role of peer support in recovery as well as the scarcity of trained clinicians, with only a few hundred in the U.S. He encourages those affected to seek help and join supportive communities, a driving factor in starting his own podcast about BFRBs.


In this episode, you will hear:
+ impact of BFRBs on various domains
+ confusion between BFRBs Self-Harm
+ peer support and recovery
+ challenges associated with revealing BFRBs to loved ones
+ accessibility of support and treatment

Guest Bio:

Jose Alvear is a licensed clinical social worker in NYC who treats people with all types of body-focused repetitive behaviors. Jose went from a skin picking patient to BFRB advocate to clinician in order to help raise awareness of these disorders. He currently co-hosts the BFRB Podcast.


Contact:
Website - http://www.bfrbpodcast.com
Podcast - http://www.bfrbpodcast.com

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Paula shares some the mental health benefits of owning or engaging with pets, highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. She shares her personal experience with her rescue service dog, Fonzie, a tripawed cancer survivor, highlighting how pets can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase daily exercise. As well as some additional ways that animals have the ability to uplift us. establish routines, provide unconditional love, and foster social connections. She also addresses the practical aspects of pet ownership, including financial and time commitments, and suggests alternative ways to engage with pets, such as volunteering at shelters or fostering to soak up the benefits that animals have to offer.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ physical and mental benefits of pets
+ establishing routines and bonding
+ mindfulness and presence
+ stress relief and social connection
+ unconditional love and companionship
+ cultural and practical considerations

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Stephanie, a Nuyorican (a Puerto Rican located in New York City-in this case, The Bronx), trauma-born Capricorn, mother of three and first year MSW student/intern, discuss her journey from being a soldier in the U.S Army from deployment in Iraq and beyond to today. She highlights the pivotal role of therapy in her recovery and speaks of her struggles associated with self-sabotage. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and accountability noting the lack of support available for veteran transitioning to civilian life. Stephanie uplifts the need for more peer support and representation in mental health services, especially for women of color.


In this episode, you will hear:

+ challenges access mental health services in the military
+ resilience and accountability in mental health
+ combined experiences of military life with a mental health diagnosis
+ impact of deployment on veterans
+ role of social work in supporting veterans
+ importance of representation and authenticity in social work

Guest Bio:

Stephanie Piazza is a dedicated Social Work Intern, Veteran, and proud Mother who brings a unique, trauma-informed perspective to her practice. A Capricorn by nature, Stephanie is grounded, resilient, and deeply curious about human behavior—consistently exploring how people act, feel, and think. With humor as a vital tool in her work and life, she strives to build authentic connections with others. Stephanie is committed to using her lived experience and empathic abilities to empower individuals, helping them recognize their inherent strength, beauty, and potential.

Contact/Socials
Instagram:@madamep82
Facebook: Stephanie Lee Piazza (tread carefully)
Email: stphnpiazza@gmail.com

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