Share a Sandwich

Kim Rutledge was appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Legislation and Communications at the California Department of Rehabilitation by California Governor Gavin Newsom in April 2022. In this role, Rutledge oversees all external affairs for the nation's largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs, which advance employment and independence for people with disabilities. Previously, Rutledge held multiple positions at the California Department of Social Services, including policy director of the nation's largest program that provides in-home care to older adults and people with disabilities. Before entering state government, she was Assistant Legislative Director at the United Domestic Workers of America/AFSCME Local 3930, which represents nearly 200,000 in-home caregivers throughout California. She was the Sweeney Graduate Intern on Disability Policy at the National Academy of Social Insurance in Washington, D.C., and a Graduate Policy Intern at the Disability Community Resource Center in Los Angeles. Earlier in her career, Rutledge worked as a newspaper reporter and editor at several publications, including the Sacramento Bee and the Oakland Tribune. She earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Social Welfare degree from the University of California-Los Angeles. Rutledge was born with a significant physical disability and has been a wheelchair user since she was a toddler. This lived experience informs her work as a nationally recognized leader in the disability community. Song = Style by Taylor Swift 

I know this week's guest as @TheBrimTruthReviews from TikTok, and if you don't follow him today is your lucky day! You're welcome!  Matthew Dickey is a Content Creator, podcast host, and music artist who is originally from Rockville, MD in the DC area. Matthew is an only child (just like me), and he feels that being an only child taught him self-reliance (also GenX and the 80s were bananas).  Song = Tracy, CA by Larry June 

Chef Katy Turner says people see her life and sometimes believe she has taken some "wrong paths," but she doesn't see it that way. From serving in the military, battling with an eating disorder, overcoming alcohol addiction, becoming a chef, and everything in between, Katy's choices have been intentional. As she says, "I am a person of principle." The song = Porcelain by Moby

Krista Gano has over 25 years in the entertainment industry. She started her career producing and acting in the feature Chicks, Man. She then immersed herself in the business aspect of Hollywood by spending the next five years as an assistant to Dustin Hoffman. Krista eventually moved back to theater, working with Tony Award-winning producers Steven Eich and Randall Arney at the Geffen Playhouse. In 2002, Krista took on the role of Executive Director for the World Famous Groundlings Theatre where she worked with actors, such as Kristen Wiig, Annie Mummolo, Jim Rash, Nat Faxon, Michaela Watkins, Will Forte, Edi Patterson, Mikey Day and more. In 2014, she founded The Working Artist Group, offering Business, Coaching and Management Services to the working artist. She directed and produced the award-winning Dime Short, The Family Hood & Losing Antonia. Krista recently started Firefly Rev Studios and co-wrote features Invisible (Stage 32 Comedy Screenplay Semifinalist and 6% Overall Script on Coverfly - Will Forte, Jim Rash & Tony Cavalero attached) and The Crusader (currently packaging). Krista is a long-time partner with SeriesFest's Pitch-A-Thon where she mentors artists as they take their projects out for the all-important pitch. She's slated to co-direct her first feature, Comfort Food, this year.   Song = Let's Go Crazy by Prince

It was suggested that I answer a few of my own questions, plus a couple from past guests, so here you go!  Questions by John W. Gibbons and Kathy Nagler. Song = All-American Bitch by Olivia Rodrigo

Known for his Sandwich Story Times, Gay Math series, and constantly calling his husband his "Current Husband," Uly from @ulyandernesto brings on the laughs! Whether it's football commentary or rating baby's outfits, no one's safe from Uly's clueless, chaotic commentary. Not even Jennifer Hudson, who recently had him on her show as a football and dating expert. Also, when he's not running his mouth online, Uly can be seen as Jeremy in ABC's Not Dead Yet. He has also appeared on shows This is Us, 9-1-1, and Hacks. Song = Break My Soul by Beyoncé

Chad Fifer is a podcaster, musician, writer, and actor. He is the co-host of the fiction podcast Strange Studies of Strange Stories alongside Chris Lackey, with whom he wrote the film The Chosen One as well as the graphic novel Deadbeats. Fifer co-wrote the 2021 science fiction film The Time Capsule and records music with his reunited high school goth band, Pitch Black Manor. Born in Illinois, Fifer lived in Los Angeles for 25 years until recently relocating to Madison, WI, where he continues to podcast and is designing a roleplaying game. Song = Into the Gears by Pitch Black Manor

Jeff Johnson is the co-creator, producer, and Co-Host of the A Film By... podcast. Additionally, he leads the lively conversations on the limited series "1986," "1976," and the spoiler-free reviews of "Back to the Box Office." Jeff is a worthy opponent at 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon, citing his days working for Suncoast Motion Picture Co. as "higher learning." His favorite films of all time include "Casablanca," "Rocky," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." His favorite director is Steven Spielberg. The song = Wishlist by Pearl Jam

I have known Dr. Naomi since we were 8! We also had an amazing Hall and Oates podcast, and she loves cocktails and dancing to Prince.  AND she's a fancy medical grown-up person... Medical anthropologist and public health nurse practitioner in San Francisco. Her areas of expertise include medical anthropology, STS, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, postsocialism, social medicine, and critical public health. She has conducted ethnographic research examining (post)socialist technoscientific formations through Cuban cancer vaccines. Additionally, her research examined a novel program providing thousands of rooms in tourist hotels to persons experiencing homelessness during the COVID19 pandemic.  Song = Baby I'm a Star by Prince

Anna Przy, the viral role model of boundary-setting and self-acceptance, shares relatable realness for anybody who feels burnt out from a lifetime of hustle culture. Often concluding with her iconic "Keep it up, cutie. I'm so frickin' proud of you," these videos have exploded on TikTok and Instagram, garnering more "likes" than there are cups of coffee at a tech startup (More than 24 million . . .but who's counting).  Whether you're in desperate need of a pick-me-up on those rough days, a break during the never-ending ones, or a pep talk that can lift your spirits, Anna Przy is your girl.  Song = Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé

Jessica Mickey is a lover of life, a fun seeker, and has the BEST best friend in the whole world. Her passion is helping people which she does by supporting 7000+ team members in her role as Employee Engagement Specialist in New Mexico's only Level 1 Trauma Hospital. Her other passion is being a mom to two amazing grown kids. She also enjoys dancing, hot yoga, and spending time with family and friends. Jess is a native New Mexican and still lives in Albuquerque, NM with her daughter and senior pup, Maddie.

Shannon Noel is a comedian-singer-songwriter and a Certified Life Coach helping Moms and Young women take their creative ideas from incomplete to COMPLETE! Combining her Master Life Coach training, credentials in Positive Psychology, and love for all things creative, she takes her clients through a deep dive creative process that they say is, "transformative," "fun," and "like having your own private cheerleader who also kicks your ass a little." She is a proud, long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and has been in commercials for IHOP, Eggos, American Greetings, Hewitt Packard, and more. She played an animal rescuer on the kid's TV show Critter Gitters and was once on the Love Connection. She is one half of the musical comedy duo @mommytonk and has performed stand-up and musical comedy on stages across the country including Second City, LA, Improv Olympic, Zanies Nashville, The Throckmorton Theatre, House of Blues, Flapper's Burbank, Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Boston Comedy Festival, Three Clubs Hollywood, The Comedy Store, Mohawk Austin, The Laughing Derby Louisville, and the Wow Summit. She grew up in Kentucky skinny dipping in quarries and smoking cigarettes in her tree house like she assumes all proper southern girls did. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 16 years, two incredible teenage sons, and two super sweet doggies! She is a lover of life and people, is unapologetically positive, and unapologetically loves to go way deep down into the nitty-gritty of all the many emotions that come with being a woman, a mom, and an artist in today's world. You can find her on Instagram at @shannonnoelcoaching Song = Dropping Bodies by Moose Beats

Ian is a daddy to two older teen boys, married 25 years to his beautiful Belgian bride, now living in coastal Connecticut. A self-described movie addict, casual explorer, and survivor of two open heart surgeries (leaving him now part cow...moo), Ian finds employment working as an actor in TV and film (yay, the strike is over!). Ian was fortunate to make friends with MK when our first kids were born. "Didn't we do baby CPR classes or something like that together?" Anyway, Ian is happy to connect with MK who he doesn't get to see very often after he and his bride and new baby boy jumped ship from LA in 2005. Song = Step by Vampire Weekend

Andrew spent his life hopping from one special interest to the next; his obsession with fitness driving him to lose 100 lbs and joining the endurance racing community, his passions for movies leading him to waste elective courses in college studying films, or his fascination with space travel garnering him the coveted "Right Stuff" award from adult space camp. But it wasn't until he took a special interest in his own mental health that his life really came together.   Now a proud Cleveland OH transplant, Andrew is a proud husband and father (to a son as well as 4 rescue dogs), owner of an award-winning coffee shop/roastery, and an ongoing advocate for mental health.   Song = Tighten Up by The Black Keys

Sarah Auerswald is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for helping people (mostly Moms) have more fun and live their best lives. She is the Publisher of, among other websites, MomsLA.com, the go-to site for parents in Los Angeles. She came to LA for a career in the film industry, which led to great adventures, including meeting her husband, with whom she's raised two sons (now adults). When she's not working, she enjoys reading, walking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with family and friends. Song = Best Day Of My Life by American Authors

How's this? Kathy began her career after being told again and again that her ultra-dry voice could make anything sound funny. Early on, she was billed as the female Ben Stein. But she has expanded her repertoire well beyond dry. Kathy is an accomplished improviser and standup comedian and has lent her unique talents to cartoons, TV shows, commercials, and even a ride at Disneyland.   Kathy, not content to wear just one hat, is also (in no particular order) a graphic designer, potter, wife, mother, and pickleball addict. Song = Get the Party Started by P!nk 

Yvonne is a freelance journalist and social media manager based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in the LA Times, The Arrow - a site for GenX dads, Next Avenue - a PBS site for people over 50 and KCET. She is also a Contributing Editor to Picturing Mexican America, a project that works to uncover the whitewashed history of Mexican Los Angeles. Yvonne is originally from Tucson and started her career as a newspaper reporter. Her online life began as an OG mom blogger and she went on to co-found MomsLA.com, an award-winning parenting site where she served as editor for 10 years.  Fun facts: Yvonne is a Mujer Legendaria, a title bestowed on her by Ford Motor Company, and one of Red Tricycles Coolest Power Moms of whatever year that happened. And back in the early days of Twitter, she won a trip to New York City for the 140 Conference: The State of Now and interviewed Ann Curry from the Today Show. Song = Oye Mi Amor by Maná

When not teaching middle school English and history, which she's done for 28 years, Liz Ganem is busy writing, cooking, reading, or trying to find a misplaced item in her house. Her piece, "Nothing to Be Scared Of" appeared in the So to Speak journal and is a part of a memoir she has been wrestling with for 17 years. She lives in Los Angeles with her hilarious and loving husband and son. Liz relishes time with friends and family preferably in nature with a beautiful view, but anywhere will do. The song is Give Me Everything by Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer This song encapsulates Liz for me. 

John W. Gibbons is a father, husband, entrepreneur, and media tech executive. Married for 16 years to a successful executive coach, John has three sons in elementary, middle, and high school. John's career has focused on creating products that empower creators and customers to thrive on growing digital platforms. He currently serves as CEO of Libsyn, the leading all-in-one podcast platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their content. Prior to joining Libsyn, he served as CEO of Pocket Casts, an industry-revered podcast app and spent over a decade with Amazon.com and its subsidiary, The Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com) where he established and launched both the global advertising business and its related products, launched the platform for third-party sales on Amazon, and built strategic partnerships with global brands; he's also served in leadership roles in global ad tech, was a VC-backed Founder and CEO of a digital-first video attribution company, and helped launch and grow Atom Tickets, an award-winning movie ticket e-commerce app. The song is Zach Bryan's Overtime  

Jessica Pennington does voice-overs. She has voiced kids, teens, adults, computers, virtual assistants, witches, elves, Amazons, Asgardians, and lots and lots and lots of zombies. Jessica's work can be heard in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, DC League of SuperPets, Scoop!, UglyDolls, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, The Star, Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast, Hotel Transylvania, and eleven seasons of Walkers for The Walking Dead Universe. When not growling, hissing, screaming, and whatnot behind a microphone, she can be seen singing with her all-female rock cover band The UnderCoverGirls www.ucgband.com, or belting her face off for her first and forever love, the musical theatre. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. Jessica lives in Los Angeles, California with her beloved mate Kevin and their ridiculously fantastic cats. We stand with the WGA and SAG!  Song: Changes by David Bowie

After more than a decade of pioneering the tech-business economy in both North America and Europe for companies like Amazon, IMDb, and Fox Interactive Media, Sarah Gibbons became hungry for a different kind of fulfillment. As a new mother and highly successful corporate executive, she moved from London back to the US to complete her Master's in Spiritual Psychology. Not long after obtaining her Master's, Sarah began Sarah Gibbons & Co. a global coaching practice for organizations and individuals looking to experience transformational leadership. Now, 15+ years later and having worked with notable top Executives and Creatives from Pinterest, the LA. Clippers, Goodby, TBWA\Chiat\Day, The Weitz Foundation, and many more, Sarah has expanded her team to bring on world-renowned Executive Coach and Consultant, Tashion Macon, and launched a podcast, The Tidal Podcast. Sarah has also co-authored a book, is an Executive Contributing Writer for Brainz Magazine, and has headlined numerous events as an inspirational speaker. Sarah is also the V.P. of the Symphony Guild for Seattle Children; Hospital. Song: The Mother by Brandi Carlile

Jeanette grew up in small town Missouri in the '70s and '80s. She went to the University of Missouri-Columbia and has a political science degree and a philosophy degree. For some reason she just could not make herself go to law school, which was her plan, so instead, she auditioned and somehow got into the prestigious, California Institute of the Arts and got her MFA and acting where she still discovered her calling was not only acting but writing and directing. She currently works as a story producer in reality TV, but hopefully, one or more of her scripts will be sold soon.  She constantly feels fortunate to have great parents who provided her with a wonderful childhood. Her Mom is, and always has been, her absolute favorite person.  Song: Waterloo by Abba

Today we talk to Nato Green, "the country's only semifunctional hybrid of standup comedian and union organizer." También es un poco famoso. Un poco.  Song: Tightrope by Janelle Monáe

Erika is a digital content creator with a passion for film, fiction, and all things pop culture. As a millennial, mom, woman of color, and self-proclaimed film geek, she aims to create space in her online communities for fellow nerds from all different backgrounds to feel seen and comfortable being their most authentic selves. Erika is on Instagram as Erika Enchanted and you MUST follow her for a daily dose of joy. If you love Disney, Universal, or theme parks in general, she is your new best friend.  Song: Defying Gravity by Stephen Schwartz from Wicked

Chris Lackey is the co-host of two shows! The Strange Studies of Strange Stories Podcast (formerly the Legendary HPLovecraft Literary Podcast) and Rachel Watches Star Trek. Originally from Illinois, he now lives in Yorkshire England, Via Los Angeles.  Chris (I call him Johnny) is a long-time friend and all-around superstar of a human. I could talk to him all day, every day, if given the opportunity. Plus his book recommendation is AMAZING! Song: Na Na Song by The Jon Johns (from the Platonic Soundtrack/Playlist on Spotify)

A quick little explanation of the premise and why I decided to make Share a Sandwich!