Crazy Amazing Humans

Leah Van King joins Crazy Amazing Humans for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about feminism, patriarchy, male loneliness, self-trust, emotional healing, addiction recovery, and what it means to stop shrinking and start living authentically. Known for her massive online following and viral commentary on gender, culture, relationships, and emotional health, Leah explains why true feminism is actually liberating for both women and men because it breaks down the restrictive "personality prisons" created by patriarchy. Leah shares personal stories about growing up watching her mother suppress her own brilliance while supporting her husband, William King of The Commodores, and how those experiences inspired her work empowering women to reclaim their voice and identity. The episode also explores: • Male loneliness and emotional isolation • Beauty standards and people pleasing • Aging and visibility for women • ADHD, addiction, sobriety, and healing • Fear based media and online division • Community, chosen family, and belonging • Authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional freedom This is a thoughtful conversation about how both women and men can build healthier relationships, stronger communities, and more authentic lives.

What is really happening inside the Los Angeles justice system? In this powerful episode of Crazy Amazing Humans, we go behind-the-scenes with Nathan Hochman, the current District Attorney of Los Angeles County, for a candid and deeply human conversation about crime, justice, public safety, and the real challenges facing Los Angeles today. As the elected DA of Los Angeles County, Hochman leads the largest local prosecuting office in the United States, serving nearly 10 million people across 88 cities. His office handles more than 180,000 criminal cases each year, from violent crime and organized retail theft to human trafficking, fraud, and high-profile cases under national scrutiny. In this episode, we explore: • What the Los Angeles County District Attorney actually does • How the DA's office approaches public safety and accountability • The "hard middle" philosophy and why it matters now more than ever • The realities behind high-profile cases, including the Menendez case and the ongoing Nick Reiner case • Homelessness, mental health, and crime in Los Angeles • Juvenile justice, wrongful convictions, and victim advocacy • Protest-related crimes, wildfire-related crimes, and public trust • The pressure of leading a system with limited resources and massive responsibility Nathan also shares the human side of the job, including the weight of making decisions that impact millions of lives, the importance of getting justice right, and what it means to protect victims while preserving due process. In true Crazy Amazing Humans fashion, we go beyond the title and into the person. We explore Nathan's life and service outside the courtroom, from founding the LA County DA Foundation to his family's global work with the American Wheelchair Mission, delivering mobility and dignity to those in need. He also shares the role his wife and children play in grounding his work and why service begins with one simple question: how can I help someone a little more today? Whether you live in Los Angeles or anywhere in the world, this episode is about more than one city. It is about justice, leadership, responsibility, and the kind of communities we want to build. If you care about crime, justice reform, public safety, homelessness, mental health, or understanding how the system actually works, this conversation is for you. If you like this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone! Remember to follow us on Instagram and also subscribe to our newsletter so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!  

Most people remember Kym Karath as Gretl from The Sound of Music, one of the most beloved films of all time. But what happened to her after that role is a story far fewer people know. In this episode of Crazy Amazing Humans, we sit down with Kym Karath for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about her life beyond the screen, her journey after early fame, and the experiences that shaped who she became. After starring in The Sound of Music, Kym went on to appear in well-known television shows including The Brady Bunch, The Waltons, My Three Sons, Lost in Space, and Archie Bunker's Place. For many, she remains closely associated with her role as Gretl, but the story most people know is only the beginning. Kym shares what life was really like as a child actor, including behind-the-scenes memories from The Sound of Music and what it meant to grow up in Hollywood at a young age.  This conversation then moves into much more personal territory. Kym opens up about surviving sexual assault and the emotional aftermath that followed. She speaks candidly about how those experiences impacted her sense of self and how she found a path forward. She also shares the life-changing experience of motherhood when her son became critically ill with meningitis and was left severely disabled. In an instant, her life shifted, and she was faced with a new reality that required resilience, strength, and a complete redefinition of what her life would look like. Kym didn't let those experiences define her. She used them to build something meaningful for others, turning pain into purpose in a way that continues to impact lives. As co-founder of Creative Steps, she helps create a lifestyle centered on work, play, and social connection that empowers adults with developmental disabilities to grow, thrive, and live fulfilling lives, while uplifting the families who support them. Through these experiences, Kym was forced to confront questions that resonate far beyond her own story. What really happens to child actors after fame, the hidden realities behind growing up in Hollywood, the process of rebuilding after trauma, parenting through the unexpected, the challenges and meaning found in parenting a child with severe disabilities, and how people turn pain into purpose and create real impact in the lives of others.  Rather than being defined by what happened to her, Kym transformed her experiences into purpose. She went on to co-found The Aurelia Foundation and Creative Steps, organizations dedicated to supporting adult children with moderate to severe disability and their families through education, compassion, and community. Crazy Amazing Humans is a podcast that shares the stories of people who use their time, talent, and resources to make a positive difference in the world. Each episode highlights what happens when compassion becomes action and when individuals choose to rise above their circumstances and help others along the way. Kym Karath's story is not just about what happened in her life. It is about what she chose to do with it. This is a conversation that will stay with you. If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope and belonging right now. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!  

There's a moment most of us try to avoid. The moment you lock eyes with someone living on the street. What happens if you choose not to look away? In this powerful episode of the Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast, we sit down with Luther Keith Jr., founder of Central Urban Mission, a faith-driven outreach serving unhoused communities across Los Angeles since 1998, and a trained gang intervention specialist who has worked in gang-impacted neighborhoods since the late 1980s. For more than two decades, Luther has shown up on Skid Row and South Los Angeles morning and night feeding hundreds of people a day, distributing clothing and hygiene supplies, mentoring gang-impacted youth, helping parolees transition, and connecting unhoused individuals to housing and employment opportunities. But this conversation goes deeper than food distribution. This is not charity as an event. This is compassion as a practice.  We do not shy away from the complicated issues surrounding the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles and nearly all cities. Instead, we lean into them: • Compassion versus enabling and why showing up still matters • Boundaries, discipline, and dignity in street outreach • Gang intervention, mentorship, and earned trust • Protecting vulnerable youth from human trafficking • Connecting people to housing, jobs, and second chances • Why homelessness triggers fear and anger in otherwise compassionate people.   Behind the scenes of this work is decades of experience most people never see. Luther completed formal gang intervention training at Cal State LA and has worked in gang-impacted communities since the late 1980s. Teachers, students, and community leaders speak of the respect he has earned across rival groups, mentoring youth, counseling athletes toward scholarships instead of the streets, and helping create safer environments in South Los Angeles schools. He also addresses another often overlooked reality of street life: the risk of human trafficking among vulnerable youth. With hard-earned insight, he speaks about awareness, prevention, and the importance of families staying vigilant. He helps individuals move from the street toward stability by guiding them into housing programs with clear expectations and accountability. He connects people to employment opportunities, including security and event positions tied to major hiring waves around the World Cup and Olympics. He prepares them not only with referrals, but with clothing, direction, and hope. His model is simple, but not easy: compassion with boundaries. Kindness with backbone. Help that points towards the next step forward. If you want to support Central Urban Mission, Luther cites the need for practical items such as blankets, hoodies, shoes, hygiene kits, towels, adult diapers, baby diapers, and baby clothes. Luther accepts all forms of help, used clothing, blankets, towels and other useful items you may no longer need. Instead of throwing them away, he makes sure they reach someone who needs them right now, reminding us that each of us can make a difference in someone's life, no matter how big or small. The donation drop-off location mentioned in the episode: Central Baptist Church 3120 W. 108th Street Inglewood, CA 90303 And here is our challenge to you: Be a Crazy Amazing Human and choose one thing that you can do in the next 48 hours that turns kindness from an idea into an action. Tell us in the comments the thing you will do or have done!  If you would like to invite others into this important conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it. Don't forget to make sure you're following us at Instagram and also subscribe to our newsletter so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes. iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/katrina-carlson/3563718 Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

In this episode of the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast, hosts Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim are joined by producer Ken Carlson for a year-end holiday reflection on resilience, hope, and community. We begin on location at Marquez Elementary School in the Pacific Palisades. We walk the campus, see the play structure that survived the fires, and meet a community that stands as a powerful symbol of resilience. It is a community rebuilding after loss, led by children, teachers, and staff who continue to show up for one another with courage, care, and hope. From there, the conversation returns to the studio for a thoughtful reflection on the year. We focus on three themes that wove their way through many of our most meaningful conversations: resilience and rebuilding, maintaining hope in the face of injustice or trauma, and fostering community and belonging. Throughout the episode, we share practical takeaways drawn from our Crazy Amazing guests and our own lived experiences. We explore resilience not as bouncing back, but as bouncing forward through conscious choices, reframing perspective, taking small actions that build momentum, and allowing timelines to unfold without self-judgment. We reflect on hope as a discipline rather than a feeling, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, rejecting toxic positivity, and remembering that there is always something new to try, even when circumstances feel overwhelming or unjust. The conversation also centers on community as both a lifeline and a responsibility. Through personal stories, legacy lessons, and research-backed insights, we underscore that belonging is created through small, intentional acts of care. We remind listeners that the more love we give, the more love there is to give, and that community is the antidote to isolation, especially during the holidays. We close the episode with Katrina and Jefferson singing and playing their co-written Christmas song, "You Are Christmas." If this episode encourages you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope and belonging right now. Don't forget to make sure you're following us at Instagram and also subscribe to our newsletter so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

What if joy—not time, success, or wealth—was the real measure of your life? And what does joy truly mean? In this powerful episode of Crazy Amazing Humans, hosts Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim sit down with Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist, and her daughter Claire Burnight, a future naturopathic doctor, to explore how to move beyond Lifespan and Healthspan into the groundbreaking concept of Joyspan—the measure of how much joy, vitality, and meaning we experience throughout our lives. Drawing from over 30 years of gerontology research, Dr. Burnight challenges our culture's obsession with anti-aging, inviting us to redefine aging as a season of continued growth, connection, and purpose. She shares her keys to living with vitality and fulfillment, helping you shift your mindset, cultivate connection, and embrace aging as evolution—not decline. You'll also learn practical ways to strengthen both body and spirit through her Inner Four: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give. Meanwhile, Claire Burnight shares her deeply personal story of surviving a life-threatening brain tumor in her twenties and finding alignment through holistic medicine. She encourages us to find stillness each day, listen to our bodies, and see illness not as failure, but as communication guiding us back to balance. Her gentle wisdom highlights the essential determinants of health—sleep, nutrition, connection, sunlight, and gratitude—and how to nurture them in our daily lives. Together, this inspiring mother-daughter duo reminds us that joy is an inside job, available to every person at any age. Whether you're 4 or 104, thriving means using all the tools you have to shift your mindset, strengthen your connections, nurture gratitude, find purpose, and embrace each season of life. As Dr. Kerry Burnight says, "It's not about adding years to your life—it's about adding life to your years." Don't forget to make sure you're subscribing to our newsletter, following us on Instagram and  subscribing to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you! Peace and love, Katrina Carlson  

Every year, Halloween in Santa Monica becomes something truly special. It's not just a night of costumes and candy, it's a joyful neighborhood celebration of community, creativity, and compassion. What started years ago as a simple night of trick-or-treating for the Carlson family, neighbors and close friends has transformed into the Annual Halloween Spooktacular, a beloved community event that now draws thousands from across Los Angeles. For this fun and festive episode, we're on location at the Carlson's haunted home with all their Halloween decor-–monsters, vampires, ghosts, oh my! You'll get the real, behind-the-scenes story of why Ken and Katrina Carlson have decided to put in the effort to make Halloween a magical time for kids of all ages. You'll hear how it has grown organically into such a beloved community-building event. They also offer some helpful advice for communities that might want to create their own Halloween experiences in their neighborhoods. After listening to the audio, check out the YouTube version of the podcast to see the Carlson haunted home decorations (inside and out) in all its spooky grandeur! In this inspiring and delightfully spooky episode, hosts Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim welcome Ken Carlson—Katrina's husband and the creative force behind the event—to share the untold story of how this neighborhood tradition evolved into a joyful symbol of community, creativity, and compassion.  In this episode, you'll discover: The origin story of the Halloween Spooktacular—how one family's front-yard fun became a city-wide celebration. How the Carlsons transform their Santa Monica home into a magical, family-friendly Halloween wonderland each year. The passion and purpose behind the festivities, including support for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Angel City Sports, and Palisades wildfire relief efforts. What the Spooktacular reveals about the power of imagination, generosity, and togetherness in today's world. You'll laugh, you'll be inspired, and you might even get a few chills as Katrina and Ken pull back the curtain on the planning, heart, and humor that fuel one of L.A.'s most uplifting Halloween traditions. This episode captures everything that defines the Crazy Amazing Humans spirit—people using their time, talent, and creativity to bring light, hope, and connection to their communities. Listen now and rediscover how fun, kindness, and creativity can turn even the spookiest night of the year into something truly extraordinary. Check out the website www.crazyamazinghumans.com Subscribe and follow the Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast wherever you listen for more inspiring stories, and join us in celebrating the crazy amazing humans making the world brighter—one act of kindness at a time. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

In this milestone 50th episode of our Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast, we sit down with Patti Davis—author, journalist, advocate, and daughter of President Ronald Reagan—for a deeply moving and honest conversation exploring how personal struggles can become a source of strength, purpose, and healing. From her bestselling memoir The Long Goodbye, chronicling her father's battle with Alzheimer's, to her powerful new book Dear Mom and Dad: A Letter About Family, Memory, and the America We Once Knew, Patti Davis shares how she has walked through fire and emerged with a strength she never knew she had along with an unwavering commitment to helping others find their own. We talk openly about: The emotional truth behind her relationship with her famous parents Honest reflections on addiction, recovery, and helping others How painful experiences in your past can become a source of power and connection Insights from founding UCLA's Beyond Alzheimer's support group and wrote Floating in the Deep End Co-writing "I Wish You Peace" with Bernie Leadon for the The Eagles' album One of These Nights What she's most proud of from her father's presidency How to incorporate healing and reconciliation in our lives This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. Whether you're facing personal challenges, caring for a loved one, or simply looking for inspiration, this special episode will uplift and empower you. It's the kind of episode you'll want to share with a friend.  Subscribe to Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform—and don't forget to follow us on YouTube to watch the full interview!

What if the path to healing our divided world isn't found in power or politics—but in realizing that we belong to each other?  In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast, we sit down with Rev. David Carpenter, senior pastor of Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, to explore how faith, inclusivity, and a radical sense of interconnectedness can heal our divided world. Reverend Carpenter is a deeply compassionate and forward-thinking leader who has been reshaping the conversation around faith. With an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a current doctoral thesis in progress at Duke Divinity School, Rev. Carpenter brings deep theological insight and global perspective. From the philosophy of Ubuntu to confronting Christian nationalism, and from spiritual deconstruction to climate change and biblical stewardship, this conversation is a must-listen for seekers, believers, and changemakers alike. Together with hosts Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim, Rev. Carpenter explores what it truly means to live out the gospel in today's world—and why it's more radical, inclusive, and revolutionary than often portrayed. Highlights from the Episode: Faith as Relationship, Not Religion: Rev. Carpenter shares his transformative spiritual journey that began with a hillside moment in high school and ultimately led him from pre-med at Tufts to a life in ministry. The Decline in Church Attendance: Why millennials and Gen Z are leaving organized religion, and why the Church must take responsibility for becoming judgmental, hypocritical, and out of touch. What is Ubuntu & Imago Dei?  We take a deep dive into Rev. Carpenter's thesis on Ubuntu, a South African philosophy meaning "I am because we are," and how Archbishop Desmond Tutu infused it with Christian theology through the lens of Imago Dei—the belief that each of us is made in the image of God. The Dangers of Christian Nationalism: A candid conversation on how political movements have co-opted Christian identity, often in contradiction to the teachings of Jesus. Interfaith Harmony: Rev. Carpenter reflects on the beauty of shared values across major religions and how faith leaders like Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and the Buddha might just walk out of a bar as best friends.  What the Bible Really Says About Climate Change and Environmental Care: A new (and ancient!) understanding of humanity's relationship with the environment—how serving the garden, not dominating it, reflects God's love for all creation. Ubuntu in Action Today: What would it mean if we all truly believed we were interconnected? Why should we create inclusive communities of faith in a modern, multicultural world? How could that shift politics, climate action, religion, and relationships? Practical Ways to Live More Meaningfully—whether you're religious or not! www.crazyamazinghumans.com Follow us on Instagram @crazyamazinghumans.com  

We're in the studio with Jason Flom, a legendary music industry executive, criminal justice advocate, and podcast host who has shaped the careers of global superstars while fighting to free the wrongfully convicted. Flom is the founder and CEO of Lava Records, former Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records, Virgin Records, and Capitol Music Group. He is a true music industry legend who has launched the careers of many Grammy-winning artists. Some of the acts he's worked with include Katy Perry, Lorde, Kid Rock, Greta Van Fleet, Tori Amos, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jessie J, Hootie & The Blowfish, Skid Row, Collective Soul, Stone Temple Pilots and Matchbox Twenty.  Beyond Jason Flom's influence in the entertainment industry, Flom is a leading voice in criminal justice reform. As founder of Lava Media, which encompasses a record label, music publishing, and a fast-growing podcast company, Flom hosts the Webby Awards-honored Wrongful Conviction series on the Lava for Good platform. Jason has interviewed and raised international awareness for the cases of hundreds of innocent men and women imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit, many facing death sentences. Jason also hosts Righteous Convictions, a podcast that spotlights today's social justice leaders and change-makers to uncover the most powerful actions we can take together to inspire meaningful reform and equal justice. A founding board member of The Innocence Project, Jason Flom works relentlessly to change laws, support exonerees, and shed light on systemic injustices. He has been honored as a Billboard Change Agent and awarded the City of Hope's Ambassador Award, the Spirit of Life Award, and the Correctional Association of New York Social Justice Award. In 2024, Jason married Khaliah Ali (Muhammed Ali's daughter) and together they continue to tirelessly advocate for the wrongfully convicted.  Much of Jason's current work includes working with elected officials and policymakers, activist groups, celebrities, and other philanthropists to reform the inequities in the criminal legal system. This has made him a globally recognized leader in criminal justice reform.  Through his work with the Innocence Project, Lava For Good and as the host of the podcast Wrongful Conviction, Jason Flom has changed lives, challenged broken systems, and inspired real reform. His story is a powerful reminder that one person can make an extraordinary impact. Tune in now to hear Jason's inspiring journey, jaw-dropping cases, and why second chances matter. 

A conversation between our hosts, Katrina and Jefferson, and guests, Roger Fishman and Ken Carlson, about experiencing the recent devastating Los Angeles wildfires. It is difficult to find the words to describe the unimaginable devastation affecting so many and beyond heartbreaking to see all of the different communities affected by the many wildfires. Our hearts go out to all of those dealing with this tragedy. Yet, even in the face of such immense challenges, we are reminded of the incredible stories of hope, resilience, and humanity. From the heroic efforts of first responders to neighbors stepping in to support one another, and the tireless work of organizations providing aid, these acts of kindness shine brightly amid the darkness. One such organization is World Central Kitchen who we highlighted in Episode 30 with Maxwell Eaton. Other groups include American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, FEMA, Walt Disney Company, NFL, to name a few.  In this impromptu conversation, we are joined by a previous Crazy Amazing guest, Roger Fishman. Roger tragically lost his home and everything in it during the Palisades Fire. Despite this profound loss, he offers powerful insights about the strength of kindness, compassion, and hope—true forces of nature that sustain us in difficult times.  There are many families in our Crazy Amazing Humans community that have lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades Fire. Also, living in north Santa Monica, Katrina and her family were on Evacuation Warning for the duration as well as one block from the Mandatory Evacuation zone. Since most neighbors had evacuated, Ken Carlson had to fend off looters roaming the neighborhood. It was both comforting and disturbing to see the National Guard come in to help secure the area. Comforting because we felt more secure and disturbing because we really needed them.  Though the flames may seem all-consuming, they cannot break the human spirit. We are inspired by all those who have stepped forward to help rebuild, to offer comfort, and to remind us that we are never alone. To those lending a hand or supporting others in any way during this time, we are deeply grateful. Stay safe, stay hopeful, and let's remember that we are all in this together. Subscribe to the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website, or wherever you tune in. Go find us, hit subscribe, and you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Follow us on Instagram for uplifting updates, behind-the-scenes content, and inspiration, and stay connected with our latest episodes.  

It's unimaginable, but each year about 45 million children worldwide suffer from severe malnutrition — that's nearly one in three children under the age of five. Thankfully, there is hope! We're thrilled to introduce our guest, Navyn Salem, founder and CEO of Edesia. Edesia, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit, is on a mission to tackle this global crisis, having already saved over 25 million lives in more than 65 countries. Her journey began with a powerful realization while watching 60 Minutes, where she saw firsthand the devastating effects of malnutrition—a preventable condition that affects millions of children worldwide. Inspired by her father's Tanzanian heritage and the knowledge that so many children's lives could be saved, Navyn set out to create an organization that could make a tangible difference. Partnering with major organizations like UNICEF, USAID/USDA, World Food Programme (WFP), Global Child Nutrition Foundation, CORE Group, Navyn navigated manufacturing and logistics while raising the necessary funds to scale Edesia's efforts. Edesia focused on creating life-saving products designed for areas where children are at severe risk. Their Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), like Plumpy'Nut, are peanut-based pastes fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. These treatments are revolutionary in malnutrition relief: they don't require refrigeration, water, or cooking, making them accessible for distribution in even the most remote and conflict-affected areas.  Edesia's workforce is as diverse as the communities they serve, including former refugees from 26 countries, adding a unique depth and resilience to the organization. Their shared commitment underscores Edesia's role in empowering communities while fighting malnutrition. Navyn's visionary approach has redefined the conventional models of humanitarian aid, creating Edesia as a social enterprise and focusing on impactful, sustainable solutions that can adapt to today's challenges. Feel the hope and inspiration as Navyn's journey proves that each of us has the power to contribute to a healthier, more equitable world. Subscribe to the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website, or wherever you tune in. Go find us, hit subscribe, and you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Follow us on Instagram for uplifting updates, behind-the-scenes content, and inspiration, and stay connected with our latest episodes.

Did you know that women are the fastest-growing population in prison? Ever wondered why? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into this critical issue and more with Martha Ackerman and Stephanie Segel, the founders of Create: New Beginnings. This transformative program harnesses the power of artistic expression to help incarcerated women confront the challenges that led them behind bars. The impact of Create: New Beginnings is profound. Participants can even have their sentences reduced through their engagement in this life-changing initiative, affiliated with Prison Fellowship. As Martha and Stephanie share inspiring stories of adversity, vulnerability, and healing, we are reminded that everyone has the potential to create a new beginning. Through a series of restorative, art-based workshops, women explore themes of shame, self-doubt, empathy, and forgiveness in a supportive, faith-based environment. By engaging in painting and other creative arts, these women delve into core issues of identity and purpose, reimagining their futures with newfound hope. Since 2019, Create: New Beginnings has engaged over 140 volunteers and Prison Fellowship staff, serving more than 2,400 women across 20 states, from Alaska to Florida. With 50 active workshops reaching over 800 women each week, they are also partnering with the Salvation Army in 10 of their Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Don't miss this powerful conversation! Subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and be inspired by extraordinary journeys of resilience and hope. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Hit subscribe to get notified about new episodes, and please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don't forget to join our newsletter for exclusive updates, and follow us on Instagram for inspirational content between episodes!

It's Dad Season so I wrangled two of my favorite dads, Ken Carlson and Jefferson Denim, with a combined experience of over 58 years of fatherhood to candidly share their own wins, losses, tips, tricks and insights. I know that everyone has unique experiences around this topic - some dads are great, some are toxic, and then there's everything in between. Join us as we discover and celebrate the important role of fatherhood and father figures in our lives. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Subscribe to our newsletter so you can be the first to know about a new episode. Follow us on Instagram for inspirational and informative content between podcasts!  Thanks for being a vital part of our Crazy Amazing Humans Community.  

If you or anyone you love needs a pick-me-up or has ever experienced a mental health challenge, then this podcast is for you. In highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month, our guests Brenda Sarai Zuniga and Elizabeth Stephens from NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) share their expertise and lived experiences to give us helpful tools to navigate any journey. Press play to find ways to not only survive, but thrive! You'll learn about NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and how can they help anyone struggling and it's free! Brenda Sarai Zuniga speaks about "Ending the Silence" campaign. Elizabeth Stephens explains how NAMI helps you feel seen and heard. We discuss the stigma of mental illness in Latino communities. The tools to boost your mental health include finding a supportive community and the Hug Yourself Technique that activates your mammalian caregiving system. How to set your circadian rhythm by walking and getting outside everyday. Using Solfeggio Frequencies that tap into different brain waves. The EFT Emotional Freedom Technique. Somatic Hip Exercises and stretching for trauma release. Worry journaling where you write down your concerns on paper. Breathing and getting in your body. All kinds of ways you can feel better now.  Jefferson Denim is also interviewed about his work with NAMI and how to feel seen and heard. NAMI's 8 week life skills class. He talks about getting out of your head and into your body with physical exercise. His tool of using a Thought Challenge technique to examine your negative thoughts gives you power over harmful thoughts. He outlines Radical Self-Acceptance which can help you create a well of self-esteem.  Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. 

We can't wait for you to meet our guest, Jake "Body by Jake®" Steinfeld, a guiding light for health & wellness in lifestyle, sports, and entertainment for over four decades. Fueled by his "Don't Quit" mindset, Jake will motivate you, inspire you and have you laughing throughout our entire conversation. Jake has trained a myriad of well-known clients including Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Bette Midler, Madonna and many, many more and has the stories to show for it! Jake was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Chairman of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports® in 2006 and served until 2011. Named Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils® in 2012, Jake brought his "DON'T QUIT!" attitude to the national stage following his belief that "academics and fitness go hand in hand." Through the cooperation of public and private partnerships he has created DON'T QUIT! Fitness Centers which are awarded to underserved elementary and middle schools in every state in the USA. Jake's life journey has led to some fascinating stories from acting in films such as Eddie Murphy's "Coming To America" to founding Major League Lacrosse®, the first pro Lacrosse league. We think you'll be inspired through Jake's positive energy to say "Don't Quit" as you aspire to be your best self.  Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be the first to know about a new episode. Follow us on Instagram for inspirational and informative content between podcasts!

Buckle up, this episode is wild! Our guest on this adventure is Ryan Boyette, a regular guy from Florida who was inspired to move to a war-torn region of Sudan during a mass genocide. He's being bombed, he's living through atrocities and instead of running back to America, he goes…I'm not going anywhere. This is my home. This is where I'm meant to serve.  Ryan built a network of citizen journalists called Nuba Reports to record and report on the brutality of the Sudanese regime in order to gain worldwide attention. Hear how Ryan smuggled journalists and activists like Nicholas Kristof, Ann Curry and George Clooney into a dangerous region strictly forbidden to outside media. For those efforts and more, he was recognized with a Human Rights First Award. With his Master's Degree from Vanderbilt University in International Education Policy and Management, Ryan, alongside his wife Jazira founded and now run To Move Mountains, an organization that's building schools, training teachers and creating unique educational opportunities for families in Sudan. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be the first to know about a new episode. 

Buckle up, this episode is wild! Our guest on this adventure is Ryan Boyette, a regular guy from Florida who was inspired to move to a war-torn region of Sudan during a mass genocide. He's being bombed, he's living through atrocities and instead of running back to America, he goes…I'm not going anywhere. This is my home. This is where I'm meant to serve.  Ryan built a network of citizen journalists called Nuba Reports to record and report on the brutality of the Sudanese regime in order to gain worldwide attention. Hear how Ryan smuggled journalists and activists like Nicholas Kristof, Ann Curry and George Clooney into a dangerous region strictly forbidden to outside media. For those efforts and more, he was recognized with a Human Rights First Award. With his Master's Degree from Vanderbilt University in International Education Policy and Management, Ryan, alongside his wife Jazira founded and now run To Move Mountains, an organization that's building schools, training teachers and creating unique educational opportunities for families in Sudan. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you'll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be the first to know about a new episode. 

With all the division we see in the world, is coexistence even possible? A recent article in Psychology Today on this topic pointed out how we are constantly reminded of our differences, but in reality we are all very much the same. We all want love, we all want purpose, we all want the best for our children, etc... But the #1 thing we have in common? We want to belong.  To test this theory, we invited seven guests who each have different belief systems and grew up in different cultures to share their views on coexisting: Robert Scheer, Dr. Tom Catena, Mobolaji Olambiwonnu, Deepa Bharath, Roger Fishman, Chantal Prunier and Ryan Boyette. The results were profound, enlightening, and revealing. Many of us have not had an opportunity to speak with and get to know people whose thoughts, identities and views differ from our own--this episode is that kind of opportunity. Check out our conversation with this brilliant and diverse group of humans on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, our website or wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for being a vital part of our Crazy Amazing Humans Community.

We're beyond excited to share this exclusive and candid interview with the ultimate girl boss of the ultimate girl brand, Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel. Recently, Forbes recognized Lisa McKnight as one of the top brand marketers in the world for 2023 and after listening to this podcast, you'll know why! While at the helm of the Barbie brand, Lisa and her team have led the charge in making Barbie more relevant than ever, especially with the record-breaking Barbie movie ranking as THE highest-grossing domestic film release in 2023. In this interview Lisa puts us "in the pink" with her extensive knowledge garnered from over 25 years at Mattel. She has been recognized as a driving force in transforming the Barbie brand into the most diverse and inclusive doll line on the market while overseeing the evolution of the Barbie movie from inception to the silver screen.  You may already know that the Barbie movie has garnered over 1.4 billion dollars at the Worldwide Box Office and Barbie's director, Greta Gerwig, is now the first woman ever to independently helm a billion dollar movie. But what you may NOT know is the tremendous behind-the-scenes effort it took to bring the film's top-shelf creatives together, the details of the film's 5-year timeline, the many homages throughout the film, the truth about the Kens' fate, and other juicy controversies and collaborations. In this conversation, you'll also discover the many philanthropic efforts at Mattel with which Lisa is involved, including The Future of Pink is Green, Barbie Loves the Ocean and Save the Children. She also shares from her heart something that all working mothers can relate to – the tricky and ongoing balancing act of career and family life. We are sure you'll enjoy this uplifting and insightful conversation. Pink attire optional. Be sure to follow us on Instagram  and also subscribe to our Youtube  version of the podcast that you'll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We're always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing! Thanks for being a vital part of our Crazy Amazing Humans Community.

Our guest is The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada. Kim is a powerhouse whose life has been a life of firsts: from the age of 16 when she became the first female student body president at Prince of Wales Secondary School, to the first female president for her freshman class at University of British Columbia, to holding elected office at all three levels of Canadian government and then becoming Canada's first (and only) female Prime Minister in 1993. Clearly, Kim has spent much of her life breaking barriers for women. She was the first woman to serve as Canada's Minister of Justice and Minister of National Defence, as well as the first woman to serve as Minister of Defence of a NATO member country. Ms. Campbell served as the Canadian Consul General in Los Angeles, taught at the Harvard Kennedy School and is a member of the International Women's Forum, a global organization of women of significant and diverse achievement, and served as its global president (2003-2005). She was inducted into the IWF Hall of Fame in 2008.     Kim Campbell is also a founding member of the Club de Madrid, now the largest international forum of former heads of government and state who work to promote democratic values. After serving as Acting President (2002), Secretary General (2004-2006), Vice President and a member of the Board (2007- 2011), she returned to the Board in 2019.  Among her involvement in international organizations focused on democracy and security issues, Kim Campbell chaired the Steering Committee for the World Movement for Democracy in Washington, D.C. from 2008-2015, and is a Trustee of the International Center for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) at King's College, London. Ms. Campbell became an international leader of leaders as Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders (1999-2003) and is currently a member and Chair Emerita. The Council's membership is composed of women who hold, or have held, the office of President or Prime Minister.  Ms. Campbell's most notable achievement in recent years has been the design and launch of a ground-breaking leadership program for undergraduates at the University of Alberta: The Peter Lougheed Leadership College. She served as its Founding Principal from 2014-2018.  In 2016 Kim Campbell was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to serve as Chairperson of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments, a role she has reprised three times since, most recently in spring 2021. In 2021, Ms. Campbell joined the board of Toronto-based Glen Gould Foundation (glengould.ca) and the advisory board of The Vancouver Anti-Corruption Institute. VACI is a project of The International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (ICCLR), which was created during Ms. Campbell's tenure as Minister of Justice. Also in 2021, Ms. Campbell accepted an invitation to become a fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of arts, manufactures and commerce (thersa.org), which was founded in 1754 in England. Additionally, Ms. Campbell received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the International Leadership Association (ILA), for her significant contributions to the understanding and practice of effective leadership which has had an exceptional impact internationally. Kim Campbell lives with her husband - pianist, actor, playwright, composer and producer Hershey Felder - in Florence, Italy. Join us as Kim Campbell speaks candidly on issues related to leadership, international politics, democratization, climate change, gender, Canadian/American relations and much more. By discovering how someone else has learned important life lessons from lived experiences, many times we can then apply these insights to our lives and unlock our own hidden potentials.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram and also subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We're always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing!

Our guest for this episode is Nikki Mark, founder of the TM23 Foundation and Tommy's Field. Nikki's son, Tommy, died unexpectedly in his sleep at the age of 12. Her story and this conversation is about processing grief and loss - and, ultimately, discovering ways to heal. Her principles not only apply to the loss of a loved one, but also help anyone who has experienced personal trauma and loss.  You'll be encouraged and inspired by the crazy amazing way she lives with a hopeful and positive mindset as she shares her story firsthand on the podcast--from her immediate response to her devastating loss to the explorative and magical journey that ensues. Nikki thoughtfully and thoroughly goes down that road and comes to a place where she learns about herself and life in a brand new way. Nikki shares the tools that helped her along her path and teaches us the 5 things to best help others during the early days of grief and loss plus a lot more. We're confident you'll benefit from learning about Nikki's philosophy of seeing life through the lens of love and healing from the inside out. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and also subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We're always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Humans experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing!

 Hey Crazy Amazing Humans! As you know, one of our biggest goals is to always provide helpful and practical information for your life. With that in mind, here are some startling facts: -Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. -Kidney disease is known as a "silent killer" and it is very hard to detect until it is almost too late, unless you get checked regularly.  -Kidney disease can happen at any stage of life - from teens and young adults, to older adults, to even babies and young children. March is National Kidney Month so what better time to talk about what our kidneys do for us, how to be proactive with our kidney health, and highlight the efforts of those who are making an impact in helping individuals and their families who are dealing with kidney-related health issues. The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2023 to be the year of "Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the Unexpected, Supporting the Vulnerable!" We certainly agree! Join us as Elisa & Michael Schenkman of the GOFARR Kidney Fund at Children's Hospital L.A. and Mary Beth Barry from the CORE Kidney Health Program at UCLA share their invaluable knowledge and stories of courage, perseverance and hope. Our lively conversation will give you a deeper understanding of what your kidneys do, what signs to look for and how to be your own advocate when it comes to your health.  Listen as we share important information that could save your life and the lives of those you love. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and also subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We're always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing! Please review the podcast as we love to hear what you think. Thanks for being a vital part of our Crazy Amazing Humans Community.

Being musicians, Crazy Amazing Humans hosts Katrina and Jefferson are always ready to celebrate the artistic gifts of others. In this episode they feature Ricky Kej, a 2x Grammy Award winner, U.S. Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020 and an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist. Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries. He serves as the UNESCO MGIEP "Global Ambassador for Kindness", UNCCD "Land Ambassador",  UNICEF "Celebrity Supporter" & Ambassador for "Earth Day Network."  Ricky has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary 'Wild Karnataka' narrated by Sir David Attenborough. He serves as the UNESCO "Global Ambassador for Kindness," UNCCD "Land Ambassador",  UNICEF "Celebrity Supporter" and Ambassador for the Earth Day Network. In addition to his music success, he has been recognized for his tireless work in creating awareness for environmental issues.  Ricky is nominated again this year for a Grammy and we speak with him remotely from his home studio in India.  His most recent Grammy Award was last year for the album Divine Tides, a collaboration with Stewart Copeland of The Police (his Grammy acceptance speech with Copeland from 2022 addressed the importance of the environment and went viral. You'll hear that in the podcast as well.)  Ricky's awards include the United Nations "Global Humanitarian Artist" award and is conferred with the title "Youth Icon of India". 'Real Leaders', a Signatory to the United Nations named Ricky Kej as one of the 100 Real Leaders who 'Inspire the Future'. The House of Commons, Parliament of Canada awarded Ricky for his "Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement". His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums released internationally, over 3500 commercials and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary 'Wild Karnataka' narrated by Sir David Attenborough.  You'll want to listen to this absolutely brilliant talent because he's walking the walk of taking actions for the environment, both large and small, that make a huge difference. In our conversation, Ricky provides insights and ideas that will resonate and empower you to see how you can use your unique talents and abilities to make a difference, too. 

We're starting off the year with some helpful information and reminders with regards to safety for ourselves and our loved ones that you won't want to miss! January also happens to be Human Trafficking Awareness Month so in this episode, we are featuring Keelin Washington and Jeff Wohler, experts in both of those fields.  Keelin Washington, a human trafficking survivor, is a Program Facilitator on multiple anti-human trafficking programs including support groups and the kNOw More program, an awareness curriculum for middle and high school aged youth. She is also the Survivor Advocate and Mental Health Coach at Generate Hope, a safe house that provides healing and a real way out. As an expert in the field, Keelin has spoken at Shared Hope International, The Washington Times podcast, Debx/Amplified Voices among many more. Her dynamic work includes creating training videos and developing curriculum for organizations working with survivors, designing reintegration programming for survivors, including therapy, court advocacy.  Jeff Wohler is a lawyer, has an extensive background in law enforcement and was a former Special Agent with the US Treasury Department where he worked on organized crime and complex financial investigations. In his current role as President and CEO of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, he has created a robust Human Trafficking awareness training program that contains six separate segments and all of these training modules are available for free through their website at www.helpstophumantrafficking.org  Jeff is the recipient of the 2021 ASTORS Platinum Award for Excellence in Public Safety and Community Enrichment sponsored by American Security Today, along with the 2022 Hope Rising award for the Foundations work.   In this episode we are certain you'll learn surprising new things about the subjects of safety and human trafficking. You will also be immensely inspired by the work that Jeff Wohler and Keelin Washington are doing to make a difference and create hope out of darkness. Don't forget to make sure you're following us on Instagram and also subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes. We're always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU are Crazy Amazing! Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

We're starting off the year with some helpful information and reminders with regards to safety for ourselves and our loved ones that you won't want to miss! January also happens to be Human Trafficking Awareness Month so in this episode, we are featuring Keelin Washington and Jeff Wohler, experts in both of those fields.  Keelin Washington, a human trafficking survivor, is a Program Facilitator on multiple anti-human trafficking programs including support groups and the kNOw More program, an awareness curriculum for middle and high school aged youth. She is also the Survivor Advocate and Mental Health Coach at Generate Hope, a safe house that provides healing and a real way out. As an expert in the field, Keelin has spoken at Shared Hope International, The Washington Times podcast, Debx/Amplified Voices among many more. Her dynamic work includes creating training videos and developing curriculum for organizations working with survivors, designing reintegration programming for survivors, including therapy, court advocacy.  Jeff Wohler is a lawyer, has an extensive background in law enforcement and was a former Special Agent with the US Treasury Department where he worked on organized crime and complex financial investigations. In his current role as President and CEO of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, he has created a robust Human Trafficking awareness training program that contains six separate segments and all of these training modules are available for free through their website at www.helpstophumantrafficking.org  Jeff is the recipient of the 2021 ASTORS Platinum Award for Excellence in Public Safety and Community Enrichment sponsored by American Security Today, along with the 2022 Hope Rising award for the Foundations work.   In this episode we are certain you'll learn surprising new things about the subjects of safety and human trafficking. You will also be immensely inspired by the work that Jeff Wohler and Keelin Washington are doing to make a difference and create hope out of darkness. Don't forget to make sure you're following us on Instagram and also subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes. We're always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU are Crazy Amazing! Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

Join us as we wrap up 2022 by sharing insightful and uplifting highlights with each of our guests as identified by YOU, our Crazy Amazing Humans community, along with a special "follow-up treat (or trick?)" from our Halloween Spooktacular in Santa Monica, CA. We feature and discuss highlights from each of our guests; Sister Rose Pacatte (The Media Nun), Christine Mirasy-Glasco (Director of Upward Bound House), Sheryl WuDunn (Pulitzer Prize-winning author), Rebecca Alexander (Disability Rights Advocate), Shirin Yadegar (Founder and CEO of Los Angeles Mom Magazine), Jamie Montgomery (Visionary Entrepreneur–Founder of The Montgomery Summit and March Capital), Maxwell Eaton (World Central Kitchen) and Sonali Perera Bridges (Co-Founder of Shero's Rise). Remember to follow us at Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast YouTube so that you'll have all the updates on this episode as well as keep up with all things with our Crazy Amazing Humans community! As we enter into 2023, let's remember the secret ingredient to life — that doing good does you good! We are committed to being of service to you, and we always want to remind you that YOU are CRAZY AMAZING! Thank you for being a part of this movement to make the world a better place one act of kindness at a time. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

For this fun and festive episode, we're on location at the Carlson's haunted home with all their Halloween decor-–monsters, vampires, ghosts, oh my! You'll get the real, behind-the-scenes story of why Ken and Katrina Carlson have decided to put in the effort to make Halloween a magical time for kids of all ages. You'll hear how it has grown organically into such a beloved community-building event. They also offer some helpful advice for communities that might want to create their own Halloween experiences in their neighborhoods. After listening to the audio, check out the Crazy Amazing Humans YouTube version of the podcast to see the Carlson haunted home decorations (inside and out) in all its spooky grandeur! This year the Carlson's 26th Halloween extravaganza in West Los Angeles benefits Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the GOFARR Fund. GOFARR is dedicated to Organ Regenerative Research and Cell Therapeutic applications affecting the kidney.. This wonderful annual event for the community brings folks from all over the Los Angeles area to enjoy their wonderful haunted house and trick-or-treat experience.  Don't forget to make sure you're following us on Instagram at CrazyAmazingHumans and also subscribe to our YouTube version of the podcast so that you'll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes.

Did you know that a girl's self-esteem peaks at the age of 8 and then rapidly declines by 64% by the age of 9? Sonali Perera Bridges does and she is doing something about that and much more with an organization she co-created and runs called Shero's Rise! Get it? It's like hero, but "she"ro. Sonali Perera Bridges is an award-winning, dynamic and innovative leader with over 20 years of experience in a wide breadth of educational settings. With her BA from Mount Saint Mary's University and MBA from University of Redlands, her experience as well as her passion for making a difference in the lives of young women resulted in founding Shero's Rise. Shero's Rise reaches out to young women (particularly from underserved communities) and helps them recognize their worth and value in order to empower them to become agents for change in the world. In this episode you'll hear how Shero's Rise provides girls with the essential skills, experiences, tools and the support they need so every girl can become their own "shero." You'll learn about identity building, mindfulness, financial literacy, Toxic Positivity vs. Healthy Optimism, owning your own power, kindness and gratitude and much more. In addition to the students, Shero's Rise also helps educates parents so that the whole family benefits, many times breaking unhealthy cycles. Where was Shero's Rise when I was a kid? And you'll want to hear this so you can pass it on to your own kids or someone you know with kids. We're sure you'll be inspired by hearing first-hand about the teamwork making the dreamwork at Shero's Rise for future generations.

We're at the Ukraine-Poland border with Maxwell Eaton, an entrepreneur and restaurateur from New Orleans, who signed up to travel halfway around the world and volunteer to work with World Central Kitchen to help feed displaced Ukrainian families. Maxwell is the epitome of someone who asked the question "How can I best help?" and then dropped everything and showed up! You may have seen the National Geographic documentary We Feed People from Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard, available for viewing on Disney+. The film spotlights renowned celebrity chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen's incredible mission and evolution over 12 years. They've become one of the most highly regarded humanitarian aid organizations in the disaster relief sector. And, most recently, they've set up shop at the Ukraine-Poland border to assist Ukrainians fleeing from the devastating war Russia has inflicted on their country. We're all aware of the heroic efforts being made by President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. Their valiant example has inspired folks from around the world to help them, and one such person is today's guest! Join us as Maxwell shares stories and his experiences in this important humanitarian effort. We're sure you'll be inspired by hearing first-hand about the teamwork making the dreamwork for people in need. Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you!

In this episode we take you inside The Montgomery Summit presented by March Capital, a premier tech conference. Katrina interviews Jamie Montgomery, the founder and host of the summit. Jamie is a successful businessman who Co-Founded and is Managing Partner of March Capital. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Montgomery & Co., an L.A.-based investment bank where he advised and mentored over 500 companies, financed over 200 companies, and took approximately 40 companies public. In addition to his business acumen, Jamie is also a wonderfully passionate and forward-thinking philanthropist. Jamie has provided leadership to a myriad of charitable causes both personally and through his companies. Because of his passion for encouraging education, Jamie also supports programs for innovation and entrepreneurship at many schools and universities.   Some of the many organizations that have benefitted from Jamie's efforts are (but not limited to) the following: UC San Diego, Claremont McKenna College; USC, Stanford and Chapman University, Westmark School, Brentwood School, St. Matthews School, the Boy Scouts of America, as well as efforts to help homeless populations with feeding programs, housing and inoculation efforts. In addition, Jamie was involved with ways to help rebuild businesses that have been harmed by Covid and other related factors...and much more.   Jamie Montgomery authentically helps create community and connection everywhere he goes and in all that he does in a positive and inclusive way. He not only leads on a large scale, he rolls up his sleeves doing one-on-one work for various organizations so he can better understand them.   It is our hope that you'll be inspired by Jamie Montgomery's unique perspectives and then be motivated to incorporate this entrepreneurial spirit in your own life. Jamie reminds us that, as lifelong learners, we can always discover new ways to utilize our gifts to make a difference for good!

In this episode we take you inside The Montgomery Summit presented by March Capital, a premier tech conference. Katrina interviews Jamie Montgomery, the founder and host of the summit. Jamie is a successful businessman who Co-Founded and is Managing Partner of March Capital. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Montgomery & Co., an L.A.-based investment bank where he advised and mentored over 500 companies, financed over 200 companies, and took approximately 40 companies public. In addition to his business acumen, Jamie is also a wonderfully passionate and forward-thinking philanthropist. Jamie has provided leadership to a myriad of charitable causes both personally and through his companies. Because of his passion for encouraging education, Jamie also supports programs for innovation and entrepreneurship at many schools and universities.   Some of the many organizations that have benefitted from Jamie's efforts are (but not limited to) the following: UC San Diego, Claremont McKenna College; USC, Stanford and Chapman University, Westmark School, Brentwood School, St. Matthews School, the Boy Scouts of America, as well as efforts to help homeless populations with feeding programs, housing and inoculation efforts. In addition, Jamie was involved with ways to help rebuild businesses that have been harmed by Covid and other related factors...and much more.   Jamie Montgomery authentically helps create community and connection everywhere he goes and in all that he does in a positive and inclusive way. He not only leads on a large scale, he rolls up his sleeves doing one-on-one work for various organizations so he can better understand them.   It is our hope that you'll be inspired by Jamie Montgomery's unique perspectives and then be motivated to incorporate this entrepreneurial spirit in your own life. Jamie reminds us that, as lifelong learners, we can always discover new ways to utilize our gifts to make a difference for good!

Shirin Yadegar, journalist, publisher, TV host, mother and CEO/Creator of L.A. Mom Magazine, shares all her best tips, tricks, advice and hacks that will help anyone in a parenting role and will inspire you to live a healthier, balanced and more meaningful family life. Shirin is on a mission to provide as much practical and useful information to parents of kids of all ages and we get to benefit from it! From her time spent as a journalist at several major publications including the Los Angeles Times and the Managing Editor of the Beverly Hills Weekly to becoming a wife and a mother of four girls, Shirin is on a mission to provide as much practical and useful information to parents of kids of all ages and we get to benefit from it!  As the TV host of "Moms Matter," she diligently finds experts whose interviews answer parenting, personal and spiritual questions. Before becoming a mother, Shirin received her M.A. from USC's Annenberg School of Journalism.Passionate about repairing the world, Shirin is involved in many philanthropic causes such as Shero's Rise, Visionary Women and WIZO USA. She believes that we all need to pay it forward because this is the world we are leaving our children and grandchildren. Whether you are a biological mom or play the role of a "mom" in all its wonderful varieties, shapes and forms, this episode is for you. Each and every one of us, mom, parent or not, can be the source of hope for others. And to all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day! I am constantly learning how to reset, recalibrate and adapt to new situations so I always look for, and welcome, good advice as a mom! We hope you enjoy all of her excellent advice and more! 

Rebecca Alexander  inspires, empowers and entertains us with hilarious anecdotes; candid insights and expert advice that will help you overcome any obstacle and encourage you to live life to its fullest in this lively conversation with Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim. Rebecca is the perfect guest with whom we celebrate "National Month of Hope" because she brings that and much more in this podcast! This episode is also completely closed captioned on Crazy Amazing Humans' Youtube channel. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome rendering her almost completely deaf and blind, Rebecca has written the best-selling book Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found which is currently in development to be made into a major motion picture and received an Indie Book Award. She was also honored as one of the MS Society's Books For A Better Life. She recently narrated the PBS American Master's biopic documentary "Becoming Helen Keller" and her TEDx talk entitled "H.E.L.P. - Humanity's Essence, Living Proof," has been critically acclaimed. Rebecca has been featured on many TV shows such as The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and ESPN, as well as numerous publications including People, Cosmopolitan and Shape. Rebecca has been honored with prestigious awards for her advocacy work, presented for TEDx, and has been the keynote speaker for many esteemed companies and organizations. She has been honored with prestigious awards for her advocacy such as The American Foundation for the Blind Helen Keller Achievement Award, Disability Rights Advocate Eagle Award, Future Vision Foundation Luminary Award, The Foundation Fighting Blindness Hope and Spirit Award, Strike Out USH, No Limits for Deaf Children Spirit of Leadership Award, University of Michigan Bicentennial Alumni Award, JWI Woman To Watch, Center for Hearing and Communication - Irving Berelson President's Award. Among her many extraordinary feats, Rebecca participated in the 600-mile AIDS Lifecycle ride, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, swam from Alcatraz to shore in the San Francisco Bay, and competed in the Civilian Military Combine (CMC) races. Rebecca has a thriving psychotherapy practice with two masters' degrees from Columbia University in Clinical Social Work and Public Health. She works with individuals, couples, and groups, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, eating disorders, and disability. Rebecca received post-graduate training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy at the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia and received her psychodynamic psychotherapy training from the American Institute for Psychoanalysis. Rebecca is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and also communicates in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language. Rebecca currently serves on the boards of Usher Syndrome Society, Usher Syndrome Coalition, No Limits for Deaf Children, Disability Rights Advocates, Kresge Hearing Research Institute at the University of Michigan Department of Otolaryngology. As we celebrate the National Month Of Hope, always remember that we can be the source of hope for others. Every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because you are Crazy Amazing! And we, at Crazy Amazing Humans, are in your corner, we're rooting for you, and really appreciate you as part of our community.

In honor of International Women's Day, we have a very special guest, Sheryl WuDunn, who reminds us that women hold solutions to our world's greatest challenges and that empowering women and girls is the most effective way to fight poverty and extremism. Selected as one of Newsweek's "150 Women Who Shake the World" and listed as one of 60 notable members of the "League of Extraordinary Women," WuDunn has helped raise awareness about the challenges facing women as well as models being a woman who makes an impact.  Sheryl WuDunn is the first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize and is a best-selling co-author of "Half the Sky," "Tightrope" and "A Path Appears" amongst other books. She also is one of a small handful of people who have worked at The New York Times both as an executive and journalist. Sheryl is a co-founder of FullSky Partners, a consulting firm focusing on double-bottom line ventures and was previously a VP at Goldman Sachs. In her inspirational best-selling book, "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" – written with her husband, Nicholas Kristof – WuDunn goes beyond simply exposing the devastating daily reality for so many of the world's women, and uses the powerful book as a call to action for solutions. Thanks to the book's popularity and global impact, it soon grew into a multi-platform digital media effort that now includes a highly popular documentary series on PBS, mobile games and an online social media game on Facebook. Sheryl has co-taught on China as part of a global affairs course at Yale University, and she frequently speaks about business and economic challenges facing China to a wide range of audiences. She discusses Chinese economic issues on major television and radio programs such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business News and NPR. She also was an esteemed guest at President Obama's State Dinner at the White House for Chinese President Hu Jintao. She was elected this year to the Harvard University Board of Overseers. She is also a former member of the Board of Trustees at Princeton and Cornell. WuDunn has a BA from Cornell, an MPA from Princeton and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also helps run Kristof Farms, a vineyard and cider apple orchard in Oregon. Join us as Sheryl WuDunn demonstrates ways in which we can all take steps, both large and small, to impact our world for good. And as we celebrate our second year together, remember that every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because you are Crazy Amazing! And we, at Crazy Amazing Humans, are in your corner, we're rooting for you, and really appreciate you as part of our community.

There is not one human being who feels happy when they see another human being living on the street– it's safe to say that we all agree homelessness is something everyone cares about and no one is for. If you've ever been moved with compassion for families with children experiencing homelessness and wondered what can be done, then this inspiring episode is for you! Join us as we speak with positive and innovative Christine Mirasy-Glasco from Upward Bound House. She shares the successes they've seen at UBH as they address this issue in Los Angeles and remind us of our common humanity. UBH provides housing, training, and support, helping families get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. Going beyond physical needs, they address psychological issues such as PTSD from being on the street and the like with love and care. These efforts result in families feeling more stable and hopeful for their futures, many times breaking the cycle of what brought them to homelessness in the first place. Ally Piddock also joins us to highlight Home Run For Kids, their hugely successful, collaborative fundraiser that brings together the entire community. 

If you love movies, want a deeper understanding of media - and have a cool Catholic nun explain it all - then this episode is for you! Sister Rose Pacatte, founder of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, opens our eyes to seeing our favorite media in a new light! She is an award-winning author, film journalist, well-regarded film reviewer and a "tomatometer-approved critic" on Rotten Tomatoes. Featured on Turner Classic Movies, Sister Rose shares what's hot and what's not with the Academy Awards and beyond! Sister Rose explores the crossroads of media literacy, humanity, and several controversial topics in this episode. Media literacy expert, Sister Rose, is a member of the Daughters of Saint Paul and founded the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles. She is an award-winning film journalist and author/co-author of 15 titles on film, film and Scripture, and media literacy education. Some of her books include Martin Sheen: Pilgrim on the Way and Lights, Camera, Faith!: A Movie Lectionary Guide to Scripture. Her educational journey is impressive. Sister Rose earned a Master of Education in media studies from the University of London's Institute of Education and a doctorate in ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. Her doctoral project was an undergraduate film textbook entitled To Seek God's Face: Theological Approaches to Film. Sister Rose is a resident film critic for the St. Anthony Messenger and for the National Catholic Reporter. She reviews mainstream, independent, and faith-based titles. She also writes the blog "Sister Rose at the Movies" on the Patheos website. She has sat on ecumenical juries at the Berlin, Locarno, and Cannes film festivals, as well as on the SIGNIS independent jury in Venice. In 2015, she presented the inaugural "Redeemer" award at the Razzies parody award show. In 2016, Sister Rose hosted a series of classic films on Turner Classic Movies that were originally condemned by the National Legion of Decency. Remember to make listening to our podcast a "habit" (see what we did there?) by subscribing to our podcast and Instagram. Like, right now, do it! No, seriously, click on the link to subscribe–it's free and it's crazy amazing! And with every new subscription, an angel gets their wings!  We really appreciate you, Crazy Amazing Humans, and we're proud to call you part of our community. Remember that every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. We are in your corner, rooting for you and think YOU are Crazy Amazing, too!

Have you ever felt frazzled, overwhelmed, and just plain tired from all the things you juggle in your life?  If so, then we think you are going to love this episode! Our guest is an expert in this arena, Mallika Chopra--mom, media entrepreneur, author and public speaker. Listen as we discuss her book "Living with Intent" and apply it to taking on any social situation and/or gathering this holiday season and beyond with grace and calm. Mallika, daughter of Deepak Chopra, even leads us on an impactful and centering guided-meditation that you don't want to miss. Her wit, insights and authenticity makes what she shares extremely helpful, inspiring and fun! You don't want to miss what Mallika has to say in this episode; from the numerous books she has written such as Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy, and her charming children's books Just Breathe, Just Be You, and My Body Is A Rainbow to her expertise in all things mindfulness and meditation. she is a fountain of insight when it comes to discovering purpose, peace, balance and joy in your life. Mallika unpacks her four main principles from her book and helps us answer the questions "Who Am I?", "What Do I Want?", "How Can I Serve?" and "What Am I Grateful For?" Also, since we thought you may be attending some upcoming holiday gatherings with family, which can be challenging even in the best of times, we apply her principles to equip you to be able to be intentional and mindful and to help steer the overall experience to make sure it can be a positive one for you and your families. We can let life come at us and just react to what comes our way or we can be intentional and mindful with a purpose on how we enter gatherings of any kind, holiday or otherwise.    So as a reminder let's do what's best for us and others by entering our upcoming social situations with mindfulness, being thankful, and be in the moment. Thanks so much, Crazy Amazing Humans, we think you are awesome!

Meet James Kanoff, Ben Collier, Will Collier and Aidan Reilly. Learn how they created The Farmlink Project to combat hunger and heal the planet by linking farmers to food banks. The nonprofit, grassroots organization run by 250 volunteers, was just awarded the 2021 Congressional Medal of Honor Service Award. Due to the effects of COVID-19, over 54 million people were experiencing food insecurity. At the same time, the four founders read an article in the New York Times and learned that fresh food was going to waste on farms and food banks were running on empty, so they decided to do something about it. The Farmlink Project connects farms that have a surplus of fresh, nutritious produce to communities in need with the added bonus of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions! Hear how they are addressing challenges of food waste, food insecurity and the environment--incredibly inspiring. As seen on Today Show, CNBC, Washington Post and more.

Are you ready to live a happier, healthier and more vibrant life? Then this episode is for you! We're talking with health guru and certified clinical nutritionist Lauren Rashap of Lauren Living Healthy who shares her invaluable wisdom, knowledge and advice on how to help us achieve our health goals through her unique, organic and holistic approach to wellness and integrative nutrition. With over 20 years of applied study and experience, Lauren Rashap is a certified clinical nutritionist who has health and wellness written in her DNA. As the third generation in her family to study, practice and teach the art of longevity, Lauren helps clients all over the globe lead healthier lives and now she's sharing her insights and easily accessible advice with the Crazy Amazing Humans community, too!  Listen as Lauren teaches us how to "hijack our genes" so that we can fit in our jeans -- ha! In this episode Lauren motivates us with her fact-based advice and shares a myriad of optimal ways to boost health through the power of healthy foods. Learn surprising facts about PUFA's, The Hateful Eight, TOFI and more. Don't know what those are? Then definitely tune in, find out and get motivated!

In honor of Father's Day, a moving, insightful conversation with Dr. David Kuhl who focuses on the health, integrity and well-being of men to create a more equitable, compassionate and sustainable world. David co-founded Blueprint.ngo that strives, through research, service and influence to impact society positively. Helping men to be more self-aware and integrate all aspects of themselves into their own unique authenticity, Blueprint is allied to all genders to positively influence the culture of men. Get informed and inspired as we hear how Dr. Kuhl and those at Blueprint have uncovered surprising insights about the impact of fathering and that of being fathered, discovering how fathers' behaviors, values and norms affect their children and those around them for a lifetime. 

This podcast is all about you! We're sharing our conversation with resilience and emotional intelligence expert Kristin MacDermott who says anyone can learn resilience, emotional intelligence and conflict management and she shows us how. She is the founder and President of the MacDermott Method, which provides resilience-based resources for individuals and organizations. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of research in resilience. Her resilience-training programs have been validated in four studies with researchers from the Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health. They have also been published in peer-reviewed journals, and her methodology has been shown to improve key mental health and resilience outcomes, including anxiety, depression, distress, conflict management and PTSD.  We think you'll agree she part of the Crazy Amazing Humans (CAH) tribe because she has taken her expertise and applied it to help others by designing resilience-training programs for some of the highest-performing people on the planet and beyond; including Navy SEALS, LAPD, schools, corporations, non-profits, and mentors who support at-risk kids. Kristin is the co-founder of Pathfinders, an Aspen-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people living with cancer as well as those experiencing grief. She also helped start Zero Hour Expeditions, a nonprofit that helps combat veterans reintegrate into civilian life and overcome the effects of PTSD by experiencing 30-day wilderness trips.  Kristin is the author of It Takes Two Minutes to Shift Your Mindset and Build Resilience, a book that breaks resilience down into bite-size skills you can apply to your life immediately. She has recently launched two online courses for parents, one called Resilience-Based Parenting and the other called Parenting Through Divorce. She has a private practice in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where she lives with her husband of 28 years and her three children. Tune in and have fun listening! Please feel free to share it with anyone you know who would benefit from this episode. Remember that every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day. And we, at Crazy Amazing Humans, are in your corner, we're rooting for you, and really appreciate you as part of our community and we think YOU are crazy amazing! Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3hGk32N Our Linktree: bit.ly/CAHLinktree Be Part of the Crazy Amazing Humans Community: Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Zkk06V Facebook: https://bit.ly/2ZpA2wq Website: https://bit.ly/2Zqypyi Twitter: https://bit.ly/2ZnCymMWebsite: http://www.katrinacarlson.com iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/katrina-carlson/3563718 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.carlson/

We are excited to introduce you to Bonnie Abaunza. Bonnie founded Artists for Amnesty at Amnesty International, led the Social Action arm of Participant Media for seven years, directed the philanthropic foundation for Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer and consulted for the United Nations' International Labour Organization all before founding the Abaunza Group. Her social impact campaigns have raised awareness about critical issues including genocide with Hotel Rwanda and The Heart of Nuba campaigns, conflict diamonds with Blood Diamond, abuses by the food industry with Food, Inc., campus sexual assault awareness with the Lady Gaga song "Til It Happens To You" from The Hunting Ground as well many many others. Most recently Bonnie is spearheading an awareness campaign in relation to the Oscar-nominated film The Trial of the Chicago 7 for the 2021 Academy Awards.  Bonnie Abaunza has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, human rights and social justice advocacy. She develops and executes campaigns to help films move the needle on critical social, political and cultural issues. Bonnie's work has brought hard-hitting campaigns and major celebrity engagement to issues as diverse as child slavery, human trafficking, environmental justice, girls education and much more.  From behind the scenes at the Academy Awards to Artists for Amnesty to consulting with the United Nations, Bonnie leverages the momentum created by things like films, music and more to make a huge impact in the world for good. Bonnie has been referred to as the "Wizardess of Oz" because when you pull back the curtain to many philanthropic efforts emanating from the entertainment community, she is moving the levers to make things happen.  Tune in and listen and we think you'll agree that Bonnie is definitely a crazy amazing human rights warrior! Please feel free to share Bonnie's inspirational story with anyone you may know who could benefit from it. We want to thank you so much for being part of our community. We think YOU are crazy amazing! Never miss a future episode by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/3hGk32N Be Part of the Crazy Amazing Humans Community: Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Zkk06V Facebook: https://bit.ly/2ZpA2wq Website: https://bit.ly/2Zqypyi

Join us for an inspiring "two-fer" episode with Leeza Gibbons from Leeza's Care Connection and Wendy Marantz Levine from Beauty Bus. Leeza Gibbons, Emmy-Award winning TV journalist and NY Times bestselling author and Wendy Levine, named one of 50 women who inspire and make an impact in Los Angeles by L.A. Magazine, share how their personal tragedies have fueled their commitment to reach out to others who are hurting. Both Leeza and Wendy, through their separate endeavors, provide free resources and guidance as they deliver loving-kindness and support to seriously ill patients and their caregivers. Leeza and Wendy's powerful stories transform pain into purpose and show how their personal tragedies have fueled their commitment to reach out to others who are hurting. In Leeza's case, it was when she was hosting the television show "Extra" and her mother was diagnosed with Alzhiemer's disease. And for Wendy Levine, it was when she was Director of Litigation spearheading the international Holocaust Services Justice Network at Bet Tzedek where they provide free legal services for Holocaust survivors and her sister was diagnosed with a rare form of ALS.  Both Leeza and Wendy, through their separate organizations, provide guidance and resources that you will find extremely helpful.  We hope that you will then take this information and share it generously with anyone you know who could benefit from it...it could even be you! If you know of someone who could benefit from these organizations, please share their websites  www.leezascareconnection.org and www.beautybus.org

Join us for our first anniversary episode with Nicholas Kristof, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with the New York Times, best-selling author and a regular CNN contributor. We share an insightful and intelligent conversation about various subjects of his columns such as Darfur, The Heart of Nuba in Sudan, the Kevin Cooper story and current political and economic factors. Learn about Kristof's passions, motivations and renowned "Annual Gift Giving Guide" that raised more than $9.3 million for underserved people in 2020.

Listen as our co-hosts wrap up 2020 and give you some ideas to hold on to as we move into 2021--mindfulness, gratitude, forgiveness, & self-care. LIVE from the studio, Katrina (guitar, vocals) and Jefferson (keyboards, vocals) dedicate the gift of live music to YOU as a way to express their gratitude to the Crazy Amazing Humans community. Their original songs "You are Christmas" and "End of December" will get you in the holiday spirit. Let's take the lessons we've learned and make 2021 as Crazy Amazing as we can!

Randy Lioz of Braver Angels ignites a conversation to help us and all Americans understand each other beyond stereotypes, form community alliances, and reduce the discord that can poison our civic culture. Listen to Randy's story and how in discovering Braver Angels he found a way to fulfill his passion to build bridges between conflicting viewpoints. Braver Angels sponsors workshops where people from differing political opinions come together, hear each other out, build bridges between each other and ultimately foster a sense of understanding and respect. Learn how to start off by deciding to listen and then trying to understand the other person's perspective. See how you don't need to try to change them. You may find, like many others, that there is some common ground to build on.

In this Veterans Day special hear a powerful conversation with award-winning filmmaker Jeff Werner about his timely documentary "Those Who Serve." The film follows three American soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (also known as PTSD), with no previous criminal history, who now find themselves in serious trouble with the law once back from fighting overseas. Join us as we speak with Werner about this challenging issue facing many of our military veterans. Also meet veteran Mark Stillion, one of the subjects in the film, and hear about both his struggles and successes as he fights another valiant fight - this time one that he must engage in within himself.

From illiterate sixth grader to Ivy League graduate with Honors in English Literature, the dynamic and engaging Jonathan Mooney says that we should stop trying to fix people and start empowering them to succeed. Mooney is an award-winning writer, entrepreneur and educational activist who is fueled by his mission to fight for every single human being's right to be different. From people of color to the LGBTQ+ community to the neurodiverse, Jonathan explains that everyone must be included in the conversation and inspires us to understand why. Mooney's re-imagining of education for the 21st century by emphasizing inclusion, neurodiversity and debunking the myth of normalcy will inspire you to look at your child, your friend, your neighbor and the world in a whole new way.

Did you know that hundreds of millions of dollars in scholarships, if not more, are left unclaimed every year? Our guest, Claudia Saavedra, a first generation college graduate, wants to make sure to inform you how to claim those funds. Listen as she shares her inspiring mission to assist and educate hundreds of college students to achieve success and attend college through the organization she co-founded, FlairNow. Hear how Claudia's core value of "love and generating love" fuels her passion to help others. We also bring you a segment on navigating college financial aid in the age of Covid-19. With the most up-to-date information on how students can receive more financial assistance this year. From FAFSA to CARES, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, you don't want to miss this.  Meet Claudia Saavedra, first generation college graduate who made it her mission to assist and educate hundreds of college students to achieve success and attend college through the organization she co-founded, FlairNow.  Claudia advises high schoolers based on their interests and backgrounds. She inspires them to make college a priority, informs them of their scholarship options and other ways to afford college. Hear how Claudia's core value of "love and generating love" fuels her passion to help others. Get inspired as Claudia Saavedra shares her journey on how she found her calling to help others have the opportunity to achieve academically as she has. She advises high schoolers based on their interests and backgrounds. She inspires them to make college a priority, informs them of their scholarship options and other ways to apply to and afford college. All for free! Hear how Claudia's core value of "love and generating love" fuels her passion to help others. And learn how FlairNow's new website can help you or someone you love go to college.