Sow It Goes

Annabel Personeni was a rising track star on the verge of an Ivy League scholarship at Princeton. But at just 21 years old, a diagnosis of severe hip dysplasia brought her athletic world to a crashing halt. Faced with an identity crisis and a doctor's order to "stay calm," Annabel chose the opposite: she chose adventure.In this episode, we explore her transition from obsessive training to the freedom of the arts. We talk about:  - The Loss of Identity: Letting go of the "athlete" label after years of sacrifice.  - The Bold Pivot: Quitting a formal US music program after just one day to follow her gut to Mexico.  - The Traveling Artist: Teaching herself the ukulele and finding community in the cafes of Buenos Aires. - Breaking the "Cage": Why your current limitations are often just an "imaginary cage".Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What happens when a scientist picks up a camera to tell the story of wolves?In this episode, I sit down with Samer Angelone, a scientist-turned-filmmaker, to explore his powerful documentary Lupi Nostri. This documentary offers a rare, intimate look at wolves — and the deep human conflict surrounding their return.Samer shares what it was like to spend months in the mountains, getting closer to wolves than most people ever will, and how he translated that experience into a film that captures both beauty and tension.But Lupi Nostri goes beyond wildlife storytelling. It brings together two opposing perspectives:🐺 those who fear and oppose wolves🌿 and those working to protect them🎙️ In this conversation, we dive into:- The journey from science to filmmaking- Behind-the-scenes challenges of filming wolves in the wild- How storytelling can bridge divided perspectivesFurther information about the film: https://www.lupinostri.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Stop letting stage fright hold back your career 🎤In this episode, we sit down with Magda Kern, one of the world's top public speaking coaches, to break down the psychology of public speaking anxiety and how you can master your nerves. Whether you are preparing for a high-stakes keynote, a corporate board meeting, or a virtual team sync, these professional communication techniques will help you stay calm, confident, and authoritative under pressure.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Can a relationship actually survive 6 years of long distance across different countries? In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Patrick, to share the honest reality of our journey from the ballet studios of Switzerland to the shores of Estonia.From the "gut-punch" moment of packing a life into two suitcases to navigating a year of closed borders during a global pandemic, we’re sharing the tools and mindsets that helped us beat the odds. Whether you’re just starting your long distance relationship or are years deep into the "sprint," this conversation is for you.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Discover the incredible, life-changing connection between humans and horses with Shayenne Spiess, founder of Unicorn-Trainer Coaching.In this interview, Shayenne shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming a severe childhood stutter—a problem that instantly disappeared when she was with horses. Learn how this powerful experience led her to dedicate her life to Equine Assisted Coaching, helping others heal and find their true selves.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

What drives a young innovator to build, learn, and inspire all at once?In this episode, we sit down with Anirudhh Ramesh — a 23-year-old builder, coder, and organizer studying at ETH Zurich — who has already worked with OpenAI, AWS, and Apple, while creating communities that bring ambitious minds together.From growing up in Brussels to coding GPT models from scratch and launching hackathons that attract the best young talent, Anirudhh shares how ambition, curiosity, and a willingness to “just do it” have shaped his journey.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode, we chat with Lorenzo Graziotto, a doctoral student in quantum physics at ETH Zurich. Lorenzo pulls back the curtain on his work, revealing the daily life of an experimental physicist. He shares his fascinating journey from a curious high school student in Italy to a researcher at a leading university, driven by a passion for understanding how the world works.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Hear an exhilarating conversation with Matthias Fernandez as he prepares to conquer the World's Toughest Row. This isn't just any challenge – it's an unsupported 4800km journey across the Atlantic Ocean, aiming to break the world record.In this in-depth podcast, Matthias reveals the raw truth behind preparing for such an extreme adventure. You'll learn all about the immense physical and mental preparation required for ocean rowing, and how Team 44 West was formed. Matthias shares their unique approach to teamwork and communication under pressure, alongside the terrifying reality of facing storms and the scariest moments at sea. He details their rigorous training regimen and strategies for maintaining energy and morale, and also dives into the crucial safety measures and logistics on their boat. Discover Matthias's personal motivations, including a deep love for rowing and the drive to push human limits, and hear about Team 44 West's inspiring mission to support ocean conservation and rebuild coral reefs.This episode offers an incredible look at what it truly takes to attempt a world record in one of the planet's most formidable environments. If you're fascinated by endurance sports, mental fortitude, and real-life adventure, this episode is a must-watch!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Dive into the fascinating world of live theatre with actor Florian Voigt! In this captivating interview, Florian shares his controversial stance on method acting and the very idea of "character," arguing for authenticity in acting and the power of the moment on stage. Learn about his unique acting journey from physical theatre to spoken word theatre, the nerve-wracking audition process, and how he truly connects with an audience. If you've ever wondered what makes a great actor or what life behind the scenes of a creative career is really like, this episode is for you! Don't miss Florian's insights on patience, perseverance, and why "no one's going to die if you mess up on stage."Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Step into the captivating world of dance with Phoebe Jewitt, an acclaimed dancer and award-winning choreographer, and the artistic director of PITT Company! In this insightful episode, Phoebe shares her incredible journey, from her early days dancing on a freezer to becoming a celebrated artist whose work resonates with international audiences.Phoebe reveals how movement became her powerful medium for expressing deeply personal and emotionally loaded subjects that words often can't capture. Discover her unique choreographic style, a dynamic fusion of physicality and theatricality, exploring human connections, emotions, and our social system. She also dives into her fascinating process, including how she incorporates poetry and voice into her work, creating something truly tangible and impactful.This episode offers a rare glimpse into the realities of the dance industry. Phoebe opens up about the challenges of transitioning from dancer to choreographer, the importance of communication in the creative process, and the bittersweet experience of leaving a dance company to forge her own path. She shares invaluable advice for aspiring dancers and artists: believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and embrace the unique way you move.Key Topics Covered:The evolution of a dancer into an award-winning choreographer Using movement to express complex emotions and ideas The creative process of choreography: from concept to execution The role of improvisation and collaboration with dancers Navigating the challenges and rewards of the dance industry The importance of self-belief and finding your unique artistic voiceSend us Fan MailSupport the show

What if the key to healing your mind and body was as simple as dancing?In this episode, neuroscientist and dancer Dr. Hanna Poikonen shares how movement and music can reshape the brain, elevate mental health, and even aid recovery from serious conditions like stroke and chronic fatigue. 🎶💃Hanna blends cutting-edge neuroscience with her personal journey and scientific research to introduce WiseMotion—a unique method that merges dance, mindfulness, and brain science. You'll hear powerful real-life stories, including how a stroke survivor defied the odds through dance, and how small, joyful movements can bring profound emotional and cognitive benefits.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Flurina Rigling's story will move you. 🌟 Six-time world champion & Paralympic medalist, but her journey is far deeper than medals. Flurina, born with a condition affecting her hands and feet, reveals how para-cycling transformed her life, not just her athletic career.🚴‍♀️ Hear how she navigated a world where she felt neither "disabled" nor "typical," finding her path to elite sport. Discover the incredible collaboration with ETH Zurich, where 3D-printed technology became a lifeline, enabling her to push beyond perceived limits. ⚙️ More than just a sports story, this is a tale of self-discovery. Flurina shares her raw, honest emotions about how para-sports reshaped her identity and empowered her as a woman. "Para sports really changed myself as a woman with a handicap, or how I go through life." ❤️ Feel her passion as she speaks about defining your own limits, a message that resonates far beyond the cycling track. This is about resilience, innovation, and the power of believing in yourself. Listen now and be inspired. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

When Anna Gracia Herbst first saw a video of people collecting plastic bottles in exchange for hot meals in Nicaragua, something fundamentally shifted for her. After years of feeling paralyzed by global problems displayed in media—wars, climate crisis, extreme poverty—she suddenly found a concrete way to contribute. "I was like, okay, this is something I can do," she recalls, marking the moment her life trajectory completely changed.At just 25, Herbst left her stable marketing career to co-found Buy Food with Plastic with her former classmate who had witnessed twin crises in Nicaragua: devastating plastic pollution and families unable to feed their children amid 80-90% unemployment rates. Rather than creating dependency through handouts, they developed community events where residents could exchange plastic waste for nutritious meals—addressing two critical issues simultaneously.What began as simple events has evolved into a comprehensive approach across three countries. Today, the organization maintains collection points throughout communities in Nicaragua, Ghana, and India, operates trucks that gather plastic from households, runs manufacturing facilities that upcycle materials into new products, and—perhaps most importantly—creates sustainable jobs that lift entire families from extreme poverty.The human impact is profound. Herbst shares the story of Luis, a recycler who's worked with them for four years. His employment enabled his son Jenner to finally attend school (previously impossible due to the prohibitive $250 cost of mandatory new uniforms) and provided health insurance covering his entire family. "We are not changing the whole world, but we are changing the world for this person," Herbst reflects, highlighting how targeted intervention creates ripple effects through generations.For those feeling overwhelmed by global challenges, Herbst offers the Hummingbird Story—a tale of a tiny bird fighting a forest fire one water drop at a time while larger animals stood by. When questioned about its seemingly futile efforts, the hummingbird replied: "This is my contribution." The message resonates deeply with Herbst's journey: meaningful change often begins with small actions that inspire others to join. What small step might you take today?Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Pollution isn’t just something happening “out there”—it’s in your water, your food, and even your blood. From PFAS "forever chemicals" to microplastics, these toxic contaminants have infiltrated every aspect of modern life. But what if the solution already exists in nature?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Estelle Clerc, founder of CellX Biosolutions, to explore her groundbreaking approach to pollution cleanup: using bacteria to break down even the most persistent chemicals. With her microfluidic trap technology, Dr. Clerc is building what she calls "the Netflix of bacteria"—a catalog of microbial communities capable of degrading pollutants in industries from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals.🔬 How do bacteria naturally evolve to break down pollution?🌍 What’s the real danger of PFAS and microplastics in our daily lives?💡 Can biotechnology offer a sustainable alternative to incineration and chemical treatments?This conversation is a must-watch for anyone concerned about environmental health, scientific innovation, and the future of pollution cleanup.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

A captivating conversation with Alexander Jones unfolds as he shares his transformative journey from a reluctant ballet student to a principal dancer. We explore the trials of rigorous training, the emotional complexities dancers face, and the importance of resilience in pursuit of one’s passion. • From early reluctance in ballet to passionate involvement • The pressure of rigorous training in prestigious ballet schools • Moments of self-doubt and overcoming personal challenges • The fine line between artistry and athleticism in dance • Navigating career progression and the realities of professional ballet • Preparing for life after dance and embracing future possibilities Tune in for an enlightening discussion that resonates beyond the ballet world—subscribe, share, and join the conversation on navigating life’s intricate ballet!Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Have you ever questioned the real meaning of success? Join me, Nicole, as I sit down with extraordinary guests whose journeys defy the conventional narrative. We often swipe and scroll through life, missing the profound stories unfolding right before our eyes. Listen in as my guests share their unique paths, revealing personal insights and the resilience that propelled them to incredible destinations. Their stories are a testament to how great things grow from small beginnings, offering inspiration and wisdom to help you recognize the potential within your own journey. Through engaging conversations, we highlight the power of determination and the extraordinary possibilities that lie within each of us. Get ready to be inspired, and perhaps see your own path in a whole new light.Send us Fan MailSupport the show