Not That Deep with Dana Joy

Isaac Knox was the first person I met at my first comedy show. It was at Broadway Comedy Club in 2021, and I had brought 25 of my friends and family. I sucked - but had so much fun. Der. But I met Isaac in the green room, and his kindness was unique in a way that kept us in touch to present day. I was so grateful to have time with Isaac to get to know him better and hear his story. Isaac's many other “rap jobs” have taken him all over the world, resulting in a Guinness World Record, battle rap trophies, awards for a successful rap musical, and 650,000+ Youtube views. He has special out now on Youtube, 'Name Calling'. Check it out !!

We go down a bit of a mental health journey, as the last few months have been interesting. I think it is so important to speak up, share your feelings and ask for help. With this being my second summer alcohol free, it's time to reflect. Removing alcohol from my world was a choice, one made 2 summers ago after having the best time at my birthday party without it. I stopped drinking for so many reasons - the main being I wanted to feel my best self - and I had more genuine fun when I didn't drink. I am never judging or shaming anyone who drinks - I think it is so important for people to do what they WANT to do and what FEELS good to them. If you're scared of what your peers will think, or other roadblocks, I talk about that too. Thank you so much for listening.

Maya Moves joins me on Not That Deep. I truly loved getting acquainted with Maya by a strong jewish mutual. Maya has such a unique story, but what stood out to me that most during this conversation was that the power of dance has been ingrained in her since a little girl. You cannot stop passion, and it was so beautiful to hear Maya’s story. From dancer, to dance major, to dance teacher, to THE dance teacher to use for your first dance… moving with Maya was easy. We speak the same language - enjoy!! 

I love a solo episode because when I interrupt someone talking it's just me interrupting myself. I talk about what I learned from my therapist (this week... if I did in all time I would need a few episodes), why I am not showing up to my softball team's game and voicemails !! I am having so much fun, I hope you are too (in life, not just in regards to listening to me run my mouth).

Getting to talk to Benton and Ilan was truly a treat. They are a dynamic duo, and to learn their story on how they met (spoiler, via DM around covid) was so entertaining. The power of social media is strong, and the power of two guys determined to make music is unstoppable. Their music is fun - it makes you feel alive - and it's what I want to be listening to when I'm driving with the sun shining and the wind blowing. They're also headed to tour end of June to July with The Strike, which is an incredible opportunity. You'll feel their passion and their pride, and I really loved getting to know both of them, hear their story and hear ALL they have upcoming !!! Check them out where you listen to music and learn more at sumsunmusic.com

Jacqueline is really just such an incredible person. You may know her from online as closefriendjak or maybe you've had the pleasure of running into her on the street. Closefriendjak talks to strangers and films it - by talks, I mean she shoots the shit. She genuinely just talks to people, asks them questions, asks them if men ever change, chat it the frick up, and films it. What's unique about her is ~so much~ but this content is HER. She is just as real and funny in person as she is online and that is something my ass gets behind. Jacqueline and I also share a strong mutual, Jacky Norris (yes, the wizard woman who makes my logo's). I loved getting to hear her story and how she got to where she is today. She also has been battling Lyme and other tick coinfections for years, something that I was not aware of, and something that gives her layers of character so much depth. She is a freaking fighter - and I am so grateful she joined me on Not That Deep.

I am ecstatic to announce that Not That Deep podcast merch pre sale is officially game ON. Today to 5/15 is Not That Deep presale - where you can order hoodies, tank tops, a crew neck, tshirt and trucker hats. I truly am excited about this as I took my time, and (I think) have thought of everything. This episode is great too as we have voicemails from Chloe, Hunter, Ava and Kerry. I love the voicemails, thank you everyone for sending them in!! THANK YOU SO MUCH visit notthatdeepwithdanajoy.com for the merch!!

REDROP: Skateboarder, Musician, Model and most importantly Mental Health Advocate KJ Dillard joins me on Not That Deep to lay it all out there. KJ's vulnerability in sharing his mental health journey is admirable. In an effort to provide others with the strength to lessen the stigma, we talk about mental illness, what it looked like for him, what it looks like for him, how we can help others and how KJ is helping himself. KJ was truly wonderful to talk to, he has a very calming presence and I hope you feel the same when listening to this episode.

Haley Lickstein joins me on Not That Deep for episode 81. I loved talking to her - hearing her story, how she became so active in her community from a young age, her love for debate, her experience on the hill and the amazing work she continues to do. Haley has such a passion for women, reproductive rights, community and I loved getting the opportunity to get to know her when she was visiting New York from DC! Enjoy.

The voicemails keep coming and I keep cracking up. Thank you to Stephanie, Emily, Kate, Maggie and Noah for this episode's submissions. Something about this is actually giving me life. Can't quite describe it but grateful I get to do this. Send in a voicemail using the link tree in my bio.

One time a few years ago I saw a clip of a girl on the internet saying ‘the least interesting thing about you should be your relationship status’. I remember thinking … wait yeah. Actually - yeah. Ilana Dunn has such an amazing story of not taking the first ‘no’ as a definite ‘no’, her love for the Jonas Brothers, her connection to music and content, her love for a side gig and truly just her warm heart. Ilana hosts the podcast, Seeing Other People and has a gift for gab. From being JoBro’s number 1 fan to hosting them on her podcast, to running the NYC marathon, to being rejected from a specific major and talking her way into acceptance, and consistently proving herself to be a hard worker, this episode is FUN - and real - and I thank Ilana for her vulnerability and pizazz. 

The voicemails!! They’re here! Producer Chris Mueller texted and asked if I’d ever consider doing a call in section - I didn’t even consider it, I just said yes and immediately got 2 werk. I had so much fun listening to a few of the voicemails you guys sent in and responding to them. Voicemails range from going shopping and coming out empty, not being close with family, missing spring break and more. Net net, they’re not that deep! Thank you to Emily, Roisin, Brynne, Ahmed, Lindsey and Ayla! Can’t wait to continue this segment.

I saw a post on Substack a few weeks ago, advertising for an event called ‘Rest & Read’. An evening of solo reading quietly, followed by group discussion in a cozy bar in NYC. After attending, I was blown away at the power of this quiet community, bound  together by literature, and the founder Kelly’s ability to create such an amazing event. Kelly has always loved reading - and is a former English teacher. She has lived so many lives in this one city - and finally took it upon herself this year to turn her love for books and community into Lit Club. There are several entities within Lit Club; Rest & Read, Literary Dinners, Book Swap and more. This is just the beginning. Check out Kelly Chervin and Lit Club on Instagram and Substack!

Back to basics, for so many episodes when I started this podcast I was doing solo episodes just speaking. It always intrigued me and also worried me how I can just talk for 30+ minutes without a response from anyone. It never surprised me though because sometimes I don't let other people get in a word in a conversation for that long (ugh I'm kidding). It's tax season, this episode is just as much a tale of taxes as it is a reminder to you to do them (unless you're fraudulent). Bedside manner at a doctor's office is equivalent to banter in the real world. If we can banter but you're ugly it might work (similar to a doctor having incredible bedside manner but being awful at their job). Enjoy the solo episode and enjoy your week!! Not That Deep.

One day during my everyday commute to work, I started to hear these bright voices in the subway that after passing the turnstiles, appeared as two men. These two guys were so cheery, greeting everyone who passed, I couldn’t help but greet them right back. After the first week of “good mornings” and “have a great day”, I needed to know their names. Derrick Blocker and Danny Perez are the two guys keeping Union Square peppy. They quickly went from the guys who I said good morning to, to the guys who I hug every morning, running between the two since they stand on opposing sides of the entrance. I tend to stand for 2-4 minutes and watch them do their thing, no matter the time of morning. I watch in awe as they greet little kids, older folk, the regulars, the new commuters, dogs and people alike. People they see every day, and ones they only see once, but make a lasting impression on nonetheless. Derrick and Danny are celebrities as far as I’m concerned. They brighten everyone’s days who pass them, and there is no greater power than kindness. I had Danny and Derrick on Not That Deep not only to share them with you, but to get to know them as individuals. I learned a lot about them, and most importantly I learned that Derrick loves an apple juice at the diner, and Danny prefers butter pecan iced coffee more than the rest. Thank you so much for listening. 

You may know Dave Weltz from Instagram, TikTok or your local bar. He is a character and a force and I am so happy to have had some time with him on Not That Deep. Where he is today is not where he was a few years ago (freaking duh). He was devoted to tennis for most of his life, deciding to pump the brakes on it his junior year of college. Working corporate post college, something just didn’t sit right with him. He’s always loved yapping and connecting with people - and enjoyed posting his funny thoughts on social. He thought social was a good route but just didn’t, like so many, know what or how. Though everything looks much easier when you’re on the other side - he has been hosting his show, Weltz and Bruises for over 7 months where he interviews people while they make their fav cocktail. Keep an eye out for the exciting things he has coming in - this is just the beginning! 

I got connected with Kristen when I was interested in learning more about a volunteer program with Global Lyme Alliance. Seeing what Lyme has done to my sister Kayla’s life; the passion, anger and drive I gained from it is what fuels me. If something can be learned from Kristen Harris’ episode, it is that Lyme disease is an intricate, complicated, understudied, under-recognized, debilitating, confusing, unfair and awful disease (I guess that’s more than one thing). Kristen has had quite the road with Lyme Disease herself as she was bit by a tick at the age of 8. Symptoms reappeared in high school, affecting her cognitively and neurologically at 16. After feeling it was under control, thinking she was out of the woods, the Lyme and coinfections came back. Kristen, like so many, had to quit her job, reassess her world as she knew it and fight for her life. Kristen now works at the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) - in their mentor program, volunteer program as well as fundraising. GLA is an incredible organization - if you or anyone is interested more in the work they do, please visit their website, globallymealliance.org. If you or someone you love is questioning if they have Lyme disease, know they have it, are looking for a new perspective, want someone to believe them, or are unsure of their next step - GLA is here. 

Megan Keaveny joins me on Not That Deep and I am truly so grateful. A few weeks ago I saw a video of a girl in a big coat holding up a sign that said ‘tell me ur good news’. I was enamored, someone taking the time to spread positivity and connect strangers is someone I want to be talking to!! DM incoming bitch! She stands bravely with a tripod, a tiny mic and a sign and strangers do the rest. Megan has created a space where strangers not only can - but WANT to share their good news with her, and putting it on social media allows people around the world to watch and be filled with happiness. We need more Megan’s - a fun fact is Megan at one point had 5 jobs, and she also was a bottle girl when she lived in Chicago. As adults, we should have career day - swap a career with someone for the day and see what it’s like. Just a thought …. Guys thank you so much for listening, engaging, sharing, BEING. You are doing amazing - thank you.

We fight like an old married couple - but not on the podcast (you would need to pay to see that!) Mia is one of my long time childhood best friends - we’ve been through so many stages - like the first one - ugly. A bond between two people who have known each other since they were 10 is a special one, and I never take it for granted. Mia is someone I go to when I need comfort, a laugh, or a cry. She knows me and tells me like it is, even when I literally don’t ask her to. I got us matching juicy shirts because I thought it would be hysterical and it was. Duh. Check out @mia_mill on Instagram. 

Guys I’m feeling more like myself and for that I am so grateful. The month of January was off to a huge low, which means the only way to go from there is UP. I had Mono and then Covid and then somewhere in the middle I got a bad haircut. The bad haircut was the worst of the 3 because I not only paid for it, but I knew who gave it to me, unlike the other two. My sleep was getting messed up so naturally I went to the dispensary, they gave me a gummy that didn’t make me sleep but made me higher than my first time trying drugs in college. Felt good I can’t even fib. I talk through the privilege of temporary illness, share some of my perspective, my thoughts on ‘soup illness’ and speak on my sister’s experiences lightly as she has shaped my view on life. Lastly I talk about my latest obsession, creative numerology. If you want to figure out what cycle you are in this year, I teach you how to do it (or you can google it because I go in circles and probably confuse you). Thank you for listening.

“Sharing personal stories to feel more connected in our human experience” What started in a living room in 2023 and a craving for interconnectedness within community, became StoryTell. Rachel Saslaw joins me on Not That Deep for episode 70 and I am oh so grateful. Rachel, you will feel immediately embodies warmth and welcome. She is engaging, well spoken, authentic and bold. When she is not working her product marketing job, once a month, Rachel leads, organizes and hosts StoryTell events in various locations in NYC. Topics like ‘transitions’, ‘journey’, ‘new york’ are brought as the topic, and humans from all walks of life have the opportunity to have 50+ stranger’s undivided attention for 5 minutes as they speak their truth. It is unbelievable to watch the power if stories being shared in such a safe space, getting deep with people you have never met. Check out StoryTellnyc on instagram for more info, trust me, you don’t want to miss this. 

Kiara Lee is currently performing with Heather’s the Musical (that is where I first saw her as Heather Duke ) And to clarify, she can play 3 different roles in Heather's, and could be told that DAY who she is playing. My friend Josh Rosen introduced us and I am forever grateful. Kiara is a weapon - she is an actress, dancer, singer, comedian, influencer, kind hearted soul and good person. She is only 23, conquering the ins and outs of New York. Kiara’s devotion to getting better and growing has gotten her to Heather’s and will continue to get her anything in her path. I truly just LOVED talking with her, we had so much fun and I loved asking my hot questions of Broadway… enjoy this episode! 

Danielle Frank is a jack of all trades. What brought her to me (thankfully) was a friend she grew up in New York, whom I currently work with (I love nothing more than a small world - and people connecting people). Danielle was once in the entertainment industry, working as a film publicist. Following years of this, she entered the wine and spirits industry and has been truly crushing it for over 22 years. Danielle most recently wrote a book called “A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting”. This is a satirical book written in the style of classic children's rhyming bedtime stories but geared towards parents. Lessons include not letting your kid whine to get their way, teaching them to look at life through rosé colored glasses and giving your child a nice punt (depth). Check out Danielle and her journey on instagram @createagreatstory

Jill Cohen, also known as as the Cannabosslady (cannabis lady, also a boss) joins me on Not That Deep for episode 67! I was met with Cannabosslady’s product in a Hoboken dispensary and immediately loved it. You’ll hear Jill’s journey with the cannabis industry and her story of opening the first woman owned dispensary in NJ. Listen to Jill Cohen’s story and visit her store in Maplewood Village in NJ if you’re able! 

Skateboarder, Musician, Model and most importantly Mental Health Advocate KJ Dillard joins me on Not That Deep to lay it all out there. KJ's vulnerability in sharing his mental health journey is admirable. In an effort to provide others with the strength to lessen the stigma, we talk about mental illness, what it looked like for him, what it looks like for him, how we can help others and how KJ is helping himself. KJ was truly wonderful to talk to, he has a very calming presence and I hope you feel the same when listening to this episode!

You might know Robin and Sam (typically also with their third, Emma) from social media. What started as a visit to Mark's grave as they always do (Robin's husband, Sam and Emma's dad), the kids recorded Robin's reaction to asking her 'where is dad?' to which she responded 'in the ground, here mark gave a fry' (threw a fry at the grave turned into 'grief humor', catapulting them into a niche that turns grief into humor, while honoring those who have passed. They have become a sensation - with hysterical and sincere family content that makes you laugh out loud and also of course cry. I am so lucky they gave me some of their time, it is time I truly will never forget. Enjoy episode 65 !!!

Sanjay Sujanthakumar is an amazing person - you’ll get it immediately. If you have met him, you might know him as your friend, the soccer player, the guy who was notoriously concussed in high school, so much so that he got held back and a lot more... it's literally Sanjay. If you haven’t met him, you should know he is one of the most driven, kind, compassionate and tenacious people I've met. Sanjay has one of the best laughs, he is an incredible friend and his head was so sensitive to sound during prom in 2014 that we danced on the outskirts of the dance floor together. As funny as it is - it also is a small example of him taking his circumstances and adapting, always finding humor. Sanjay’s love for soccer shines through supporting his friends who play the sport, building an ever lasting community through it and finding jobs in his adult life to involve him in the space; a space he belongs. I loved getting to talk to Sanjay for so long - and I know you’ll love listening to this. Enjoy episode 64 of Not That Deep with Sanjay. 

I quote Jordin Sparks ‘one step at a time’ and then I start talking about yearbook quotes, where in mine I quoted my two biggest inspirations; Beyonce and Michael Scott. Then I start talking about high school - the nuances of a Northeast time, the realization that if you were best friends with your guidance counselor in high school you might be a podcast hostm and of course the eerie truth behind George Orwell’s 1984. My high school reunion is coming up and i am considering myself a huge advocate. I then go into why having a crush is not that deep, like sorry it’s just not. We used to get them all the time when we were younger and now we are scared of them? Bring them back immediately. I had a really great time recording this one. I mean I always do, but just felt the need to say it. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! 

Bridget Flynn joins me on Not That Deep to talk bodegas, beers and blowouts- her signature everything. She’s from the midwest and used to live in Chicago - after moving to New York she was creating content but nothing really felt like IT. One day when she was getting ready to go out she was craaaving a beer but was in her rollers from her blowout. She then thought… wait what if I just GOT my beer with my rollers in, then she recorded it, and instantly the people loved it. She is herself, she is amazing, and it’s not that deep!!! Thank you so much for listening. 

Re-wearing work clothes and wedding dresses is not that deep - it's just not.!

Crying in public is not that deep. I should seriously get this tattoo’d on my lower back at this point. Crying in public is chic, it is the moment and it actually feels really good. Expressing yourself in public, for some, can feel freeing (and if you highly disagree, then I respect how you feel)... duh. There is something about letting emotions run buck wild in the chaos of a city that feels illegal - yet so many do it. Everyone has their own list, their own worries, their own train of thought that is gnawing at them - not just you. This episode also starts off with me breaking down the character assignments from the movie Matilda. Net net - justice for Agatha Trunchbull. She is not the villain in my eyes - never was, never will be. Like yeah Matilda you don’t need to be eating more chocolate your friend Bruce is the one you should be worried about not dear Aggie. Enjoy - XO

Welcome to episode 2 of my NTDOTD Friday segments. Getting Up to Pee on an Airplane is Not That Deep!

I had this brain blast of an idea 20 minutes before the podcast. Not that deep has been a success in a lot of thanks to my daily “not that deep of the days”. I usually record them for 40 seconds or less because I like it to be a bit more snappy. Makes it more quick & delicious. But could I go on for MINUTES on some of these “not that deep of the days”? Yes. Will I? As of 20 minutes before I recorded, yes. It’s Not That Deep to speak up if you’re out to dinner and recognize you owe a lot less money. 

Do you know anyone in your life who you see on the Internet and you just.keep.laughing? I stumbled upon Andrea’s video’s back in 2019, and over the years, thanks to happen stance chance and purposeful action I’ve gotten to know her more and she really is in real life who she is online. Andrea does impressions that make me sob of people like Teresa Giudice and Kourtney Lemme Kardash, she also has a podcast with Anna Roisman called ‘Big Wigs’ and creates content, dabbles in stand up and more. What’s great about Andrea is she’s a actually just a good person, and you’ll be able to hear this, and hear way more about her in episode 60 (whoa!!) now!!

HEY YOU GUYS! Here with a solo episode, I'm always like... what if I have nothing to talk about? And then I laugh because there is always something to talk about (just ask my therapist). Pretzel rods make a guest appearance, I literally love pretending to smoke a cigarette with my pretzel rods - I'm 28. I finally found an apartment, it was a process that I don't bore you with but like yeah... I'm gonna talk about it. I almost got scammed into spending an arm and a leg on a gym, I broke the fast with chopped liver and someone quoted me to my face on the street the other day. Thank you for listening to episode 59 of Not That Deep!

Corey Yoskowitz, NYC comic, host of the Yosko Show and mommy’s little meatball joins me on Not That Deep to talk about everything everywhere all at once. Corey immediately guesses what my present for him was which was funny because usually I am not predictable - news flash - I do not like being predictable. Corey thinks a lot is not that deep - eating alone, changing your style and most importantly when your food comes too early. Corey’s take on the Mets game is it only costs $20, no matter how many concessions he eats - debatable. Check out Corey on Instagram @yoskoooo.

You might recognize Josh Rosen from the internet, but if you don’t, now you do. Josh worked in corporate, having 3 jobs in 1 year (WHAT?!?!) NO seriously why do people think you need to stay in a job you’re miserable in for a year and THEN look - it’s not that deep. One day Josh posted himself having a tantrum in the office, after going viral, something he had only dreamed of, the universe did its thing, and in tandem, so did he. From misery Monday to tantrum Tuesday, Josh posted hysterical videos that spanned from tantrums to his love for theater and laying in bed. Success hit so fast that within the first week of explosion on the internet he got an agent and two brand deals. I love talking to Josh - he makes me laugh and is just a genuine good person. Give him a follow at @joshrosen_

Yeah … we’re going to crack up. Amanda Piacquadio and I have the longest last names in the history of last names and that’s just a fact. Amanda is my coworker and makes me so happy when skies are gray. She is funny, stunning inside & out, approachable, delightful, hysterical, vulnerable and real. Amanda brings a fresh perspective, talking about substack, the year of tooting your own horn, the library and why she is and has always been that bitch, BRAVO, feeling your sad and why productivity is … not that deep. Thank you so much for listening and yes, I am aware that Demi Lovato has an upcoming album with my podcast title. Waiting for my podcast lawyer to reach out. 

I got my hair straightened and started acting different. Today’s episode I beep bop around- topics covered are writing cards, cow print clothing, Yenta’s and not getting into a sorority. I love nothing more than writing a card - it comes straight from the heart. Actually, the only thing I love more than writing a card is receiving a hand written one. It’s filled with love - screw a gift, write me a little something. OK and get me a gift too. When I was in college I went through sorority recruitment and didn’t get into any sorority I liked so I dropped out -  is this my villain arc? I feel like I could talk about cult recruitment forever, there needs to be more documentaries about it. I ended up rushing again and got into the sorority I loved. We were referred to as the store brand sorority - mega personality hires and funny real gals. All works out the way it needs to and honestly, it’s not that deep. 

Alcohol has been consumed by me since 8th grade; and it has consumed a greater part of my adult life until last summer. My decision to cut out alcohol did not stem from a desire to be healthy, remove hangovers, decrease brain fog, fear of blacking out or social anxiety. My decision to remove alcohol from my lifestyle came from recognizing that I feel my best self when I do not have alcohol in me. I want to be able to control how I feel, I want to remember, I want to connect and most importantly, I want to be present. I would actually freak out if you told my 20 year old self I stopped drinking. I would be so worried … do you have friends? Do you go out? Are you okay? Alcohol has always been a side character in my life, and at the age of 27, going 28, one I don't need and one I don’t want. If I wanted to drink tomorrow, I would. I am driving this bus. Having the knowledge of what works best for me, is a power. Being able bodied, having a healthy body and taking care of it the best that i can is what works best for ME. You do not need to drink to be somebody, to have fun, to be you. You need to do what works best for you. For me, this has been a year of realization and change. Listen along and feel free to reach out with questions.

A common cold thought it could take me down, and it did, but I wouldn’t let it get in the way of episode 53. I had a bachelorette party this past weekend, and I had so much fun, I am totally pro bachelorette parties but NO pedal and pub. Begging. Have I done it? Yeah. Do I need to do it again? No and don’t venmo request me to split it. I posed a news worthy thought provoking question and discuss it  - do you come from a sleep supportive family or a non sleep supportive family? I didn’t know that by asking this I would go MF’in viral but thats the way the cookie crumbles. And then i talk viral - what does this mean to me - what does it mean to you - my goal is to not be numbers focused but authentically laughter and joy focused. I am overwhelmed at the messages I have received on Not That Deep, thank you for your engagement, acceptance and for being you!!! 

Grace Finerman and I met on a weekend trip to Budapest when we studied abroad. After we met, we stayed in touch solely through social media, Grace was a news reporter in various markets after graduating from the University of Michigan. One day, after being used to seeing videos of Grace reporting her sweet little tushy off, I saw a video of her passing out samples in a New York City park. I literally was like … is that Grace? WTF is she passing out? Turns out after cooking to pass time, get healthy and provide herself entertainment during her news days, she locked in a recipe for a chocolate caramel date snack that would eventually be called Date Smarter. The video was of Grace giving out samples to people in parks, trying to get them to try her snacks. Little did she know, 3+ years later she is in Erewhon, Shop Rite, Fairway Markets, Happier Grocery, more, and growing… Grace is a hoot to talk to, and she has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit. Quitting what you thought was your dream job to pursue your actual dream job is not that deep!!! Enjoy, and thank you so much for listening. 

Join me as I have the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Michelle Parente, who I first met when I took her Fuze House class. Michelle’s willingness to say YES to opportunity is inspiring, and has landed her some incredible positions that are just the beginning for her. I loved listening to Michelle talk about teaching - her face lights up and it’s amazing to watch people do what they love most. A fellow collegiate Virginian, Michelle double majored in Psychology and Journalism, deciding towards the end of her college career to pick up Journalism. After talking with her, I felt motivated to get to bed earlier, wake up earlier, seize the day, find joy in my mornings and of course remembering... it's not that deep. Enjoy !!!!

My episodes do not really have a roadmap. Of course, if I am interviewing someone I am read up on who they are, I know going into it what I want to know, and an idea of what I want to ask, but leaving the ~hour long conversation up to chance is what I like. Sometimes I will have an idea of what I want to talk about, but the uniqueness of this show is you might just get a train of thought, structured to the best of my ability. My point is, what comes out is not pre planned or rehearsed. I think being able to be vulnerable and say what i want is powerful, and at first it felt scary. But now I can say with confidence whatever I want, about myself, my experiences, my stories. Thank you so much for listening. This episode I talk about how hit clips were the first TikTok, Bento Boxes,, how I ‘take advantage of being young’, social anxiety and my experiences, and the importance of a hype person. Thank you so much for listening. 

One day during my everyday commute to work, I started to hear these bright voices in the subway that after passing the turnstiles, appeared as two men. These two guys were so cheery, greeting everyone who passed, I couldn’t help but greet them right back. After the first week of “good mornings” and “have a great day”, I needed to know their names. Derrick Blocker and Danny Perez are the two guys keeping Union Square peppy. They quickly went from the guys who I said good morning to, to the guys who I hug every morning, running between the two since they stand on opposing sides of the entrance. I tend to stand for 2-4 minutes and watch them do their thing, no matter the time of morning. I watch in awe as they greet little kids, older folk, the regulars, the new commuters, dogs and people alike. People they see every day, and ones they only see once, but make a lasting impression on nonetheless. Derrick and Danny are celebrities as far as I’m concerned. They brighten everyone’s days who pass them, and there is no greater power than kindness. I had Danny and Derrick on Not That Deep not only to share them with you, but to get to know them as individuals. I learned a lot about them, and most importantly I learned that Derrick loves an apple juice at the diner, and Danny prefers butter pecan iced coffee more than the rest. Thank you so much for listening. 

When I first had the idea to sublet for the entire summer, moving apartments every month, lots questioned me. Duh. I bet you’re reading this like “why…….?” At this time in my life, I find change exciting. I find disrupting a routine to be magical, as I never know what it will bring. My lease was up in May, and I decided to take the summer to “try out” new neighborhoods. I had only lived in one place, why not try some other places out for size. I was open to anything, and the universe and my community came majorly into play. This is why you should always ask - put what you want out there- you never know what will come from it. Living in different places for 30 days encourages me to live it to the fullest- this can mean trying a lot of new things, going out, seeing new areas, but it can also mean finding where feels like home, is there a park I am drawn to? A coffee shop? A new subway stop that puts a smile on my face? (Nothing will ever beat Union Square, we already knew this). We study abroad if we are able, right? Why? To see new cultures, try new things, expand your comfort zone. You don’t need to go to Europe to do that. Where can you expand your comfort zone locally? Enjoy episode 48 of Not That Deep. 

Ella Katz is an all around great person. Ella was introduced to me by my friend Jacky Norris who told me, “you guys are doing to be obsessed with each other” - and she was correct. Ella is not only well spoken - she is bright, she is a connector, she is a driver of change, a seeker of truth. Ella left her big girl job a few weeks ago and now has a show, now podcast called Taller Toddlers. She has accurately nailed that the key to happiness is doing the things we loved as a child, when there wasn’t a care. We talk about the power of a morning routine and your after work time and why it is so important to listen to that voice in your head. Ella is a breath of fresh air, check her out and check out Taller Toddlers, you’ll be so happy you did. 

I met Felipe outside of my gym a few weeks ago, he was holding a sign up advertising his app Amrap; a Virtual AI Trainer. If you can bear having a lot of people pass by casting judgment and not caring, you’re my cuppa tea! Felipe and Ignacio de Sande Palma Ignacio now leads product and strategy and Felipe shapes the company’s training philosophy and user experience. Their co-founder (not interviewed, or a brother), Juan, leads the technology aspect. I talk to these two about their stories, Felipe was a dentist, Ignacio an engineer. We laugh a lot - duh - but also get to know who these two are, what they came from, and where they hope to be. Enjoy and check out AMRAP.AI.

Actress, Comedian and good human Katie Novotny joins me on Not That Deep for episode 44. We actually showed up to the wrong studio, and when I say we, this is me trying to rid responsibility from myself. It was all my fault, but it turns out when things don’t go as planned, as long as the parties involved can remember it’s not that deep, all ends up OK. And that it did! Katie and I met when we both went to an open mic in LA and we conversated in the parking lot, this is how some great friendships begin so I have read. Katie has so many comedy shows lined up in New York during here time here, and when she is not here, she can be found in LA or Chicago working on her craft and pursuing / crushing acting. Katie has an incredible relationship with her family, and opens up about her moms experience withTransverse myelitis. Katie is driven in so many facets of life, and I was so lucky to be able to have her on Not That Deep. Enjoy.

Soji James joins me in the studio after only meeting in person twice. The first time I met Soji he was with his buddy Matt Mccoy who is also my friend, and we love nothing more than a mutual. The second time I met Soji, he was now my friend. Soji’s energy is unlike any other. He is wise, strong, kind, driven, understanding and human. Soji’s attention to the present is something we all can take a lesson from. What is busy? What does busy mean to you? We don’t get these moments back, how do YOU want to be spending them. Soji is filled with so much knowledge, I could have had him on the podcast for 18 hours. His voice is healing, and his words are as well, remember you can make a difference.  “The small hinge is swinging the big doors of life”