Podcast Episodes
SPARK • EPISODE 85
Power of Identifying and Harnessing Inflection Points
As the pace of change continues to accelerate, we are both in a state of extraordinary challenges and opportunities. Kellee talks with Rita Gunther McGrath, a leading expert on innovation and growth during times of uncertainty. She will share her insights on how to identify, anticipate and harness the power of inflection points.
SPARK • EPISODE 84
Control of Your Personal Identity
As our personal information including our address and everything that we do becomes more and more accessible over the Internet, how should we be thinking about privacy and protecting ourselves. Kellee talks with Arjun Bhatnagar, CEO of Cloaked about how our data is being accessed as well as how we should consider protecting our personal information in the digital world.
SPARK • EPISODE 83
Growing up in a digital world involves new challenges tied to protecting your children’s privacy, self-esteem and exposure to the darker side of the Internet. Kellee talks with Diana Graber, co-founder of Cyberwise, on how to help you, to help your children build a healthy relationship with technology.
SPARK • EPISODE 82
With the rise of AI-robots, in taking over repetitive tasks and even more activities in the future, there is a now an empath robot, with evolving emotional intelligence. It is seen as a viable solution, in supporting the world’s aging population. Her name is Sophia. She is the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot, Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program. Sophia is used for research, as part of the Loving AI project, which seeks to understand how robots can adapt to users’ needs, through intra and interpersonal development.
Kellee talks with Ben Goertzel, who was the Chief Scientist of Hanson Robotics, the company that created Sophia. He is now the founder and CEO of SingularityNET, a project combining artificial intelligence and blockchain to democratize access to artificial intelligence.
SPARK • EPISODE 81
Trend-Spotting in a Topsy-Curvy World
With the world appearing to be topsy-curvy these days, are there still predictable trends and do they really matter? If there are clear trends, what are they and where are we heading? Kellee talks with Daniel Levine, a leading trend expert on the state of the world and the trends that will define the direction of our near future.
SPARK • EPISODE 80
Everyone in the digital age is a public figure. Your credibility is also determined by how you are treated by others online. How do you protect yourself or even young bloggers and users of social media online from negative interactions, reputation damage and abuse? Kellee talks with Dr Michelle Ferrier, founder of TrollBusters.com, a just-in-time rescue service for female writers and journalists experiencing online harassment as well as cyber awareness for the younger generation who are growing up online.
SPARK • EPISODE 79
Sustainable Innovation: Space-Age Cleaning Technology
With the scare resource of water now a global issue, energy crisis and microfibers from our clothing making their way into our food chain, what can be done about these challenges? Kellee talks with Dr Kyle Grant, founder and CEO of Oxwash about how its technology and laundering model are changing how clothing can be cleaned with minimal impact to the environment.
SPARK • EPISODE 78
Now that we are coming out of the pandemic, dating in person is back on again. What is trending on the dating scene and what to do about online “swiping” burnout? Kellee talks with Samantha Garcia, Bumble's Marketing Director for the Americas. She will share how to have both a better online (or app-driven) and off-line dating experience.
SPARK • EPISODE 77
Change is constant and it is speeding up even faster now. One indication is the number of people pivoting in their lives. This requires us to be able to adapt with agility. Most importantly, unleash our creativity to fulfill our potential in our pivot. Kellee talks with Maria Brito, a leading expert on creativity. She shares how we can better tap into our creativity, to successfully transition in our ongoing pivots, especially in today fast-paced changing environment.
SPARK • EPISODE 76
We all could use more laughter right now. Kellee talks with Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, an award-winning stand-up comedian, storyteller and writer. She shares her journey as a stand-up comedian and how we can better flex our funny bone. If you want to learn what it takes to be a stand-up comedian, this is the episode for you.
SPARK • EPISODE 75
The direction of marketing has changed with the rise of social media playing a significant role into how the word gets out about a particular product or service. Now, the direction of marketing on social media has evolved to influencer marketing which is where the perception of the trusted advisor or celebrity can drive or influence behavior among its followers and fans. Kellee talks with Aliza Freud, CEO of SheSpeaks, that now has the largest community of female influencers of 250,000, reaching 300 million consumers per month. She shares how to leverage influencer marketing to get the word out about your product or service.
SPARK • EPISODE 74
How to Grow Your Community, Online and IRL
Now that much of our interaction has gone online, how does one harness and create a community around one’s interest or focus, in particular as a solopreneur or entrepreneur? Kellee talks with Jill Salzman, the creator of The Founding Moms, which Forbes rated as a Top 100 Champion Small Business Influencer and one of the Top 10 Websites For Entrepreneurs. She will share what it takes to build a strong interactive community from ground up and in the real world.
SPARK • EPISODE 73
How many times are you willing to be rejected before you walk away? 3? 5? 10? Astronaut Clayton Anderson was rejected 14 times by NASA before he became an astronaut. Since he could only apply once a year, it took 15 years. Kellee talks with Astronaut Anderson about his experience and never-give-up mantra in his quest to become an astronaut.
SPARK • EPISODE 72
Which would you choose? …to be smarter or wiser over time? Wouldn’t it make more sense to become wiser than smarter, if it contributes to your overall happiness? Dr Dilip Jeste, a leading neuroscientist on wisdom, shares the neurobiology and psychology of what makes us wise and how we can nurture our wisdom.
SPARK • EPISODE 71
Do you have the courage to dream big and pursue it? Or are you overwhelmed by what it would take to realize it? Kellee talks to Darcy Gaechter, the first woman to kayak the Amazon River from source to sea. She shares her “expedition mindset” on how to dream big and make the impossible- possible.
SPARK • EPISODE 70
How common do people openly talk about women’s health, in particular menopause? It isn’t candidly spoken about and yet it affects 49.6 percent of the world’s population. According to Fast Company, it is a $10 billion stage of solution gaps to be solved. What are the phases of menopause, related physiological changes and concerns? Kellee talks with Dr Jen Gunter, author of The Menopause Manifesto about what women experience during this stage as well as the misinformation around it.
SPARK • EPISODE 69
How can we optimize the quality of both our physical and mental health as we age? Kellee talks to Dr Frank Lipman, specializing in the functioning of the body as a means of preventing disease and creating vibrant, sustainable health. He shares what we can do to promote our well-being over time.
SPARK • EPISODE 68
Hair loss can be traumatic for people. The current stress of the pandemic may be contributing to it. Kellee talks with Dr Sophia Kogan, cofounder and chief medical adviser of Nutrafol, a hair wellness company about the key factors tied to hair loss and what we can do about it.
SPARK • EPISODE 67
What if your gut health determines your mental, physical and future well-being… would you optimize the strains of gut bacteria that will protect you from diseases and brain deterioration? Kellee talks with Dr Peter Swann, an authority on the gut microbiome. He will share how we can boost our gut health that will prevent degeneration of our brain and body.
SPARK • EPISODE 66
Integrative Infusion of the Future
What if you didn’t have to take a separate health supplement and it was infused into your tea or coffee? This is what Gary Shinner and Jill Portman, founders of Mighty Leaf Tea (acquired by Peets) has accomplished in their new line of Good Pharma infusions. Kellee talks with Gary Shinner about the health benefits of their new infusions and why these infusions are different from the health supplements and superfoods that are being offered on the market.
SPARK • EPISODE 65
Imagine living in a country where people are only focused on power, status and appearance as well as manipulating others for personal gain. It would be all about winning, material growth and perfect exterior facade. This would all make a very lonely existence. Some researchers are finding that the US is heading in this direction. Kellee discusses with Ramani Durvasula, a leading expert on narcissism. She will share what narcissism looks like and how it impacts us, in particular in our relationships and how we connect with others.
SPARK • EPISODE 64
Rise of the Solopreneurs During Pandemic
In December of 2020, US economy lost 140,000 jobs. All of them were held by women. Many are turning to gig work as larger part of their income or becoming solopreneurs or even entrepreneurs. It is a growing trend during this time. How can one thrive as a solopreneur or entrepreneur during this pandemic? Kellee talks with Claudia Viek, Founder of Invest in Women Entrepreneurs Initiative, about how solopreneurs and entrepreneurs can thrive during this time.
SPARK • EPISODE 63
Social Impact: Innovating Fintech for Those Most in Need
More than 35 million Americans live in households that struggle with hunger. One in ten households in the U.S. experience food insecurity. Millions of low-wage earners are barely getting by, week to week. They worry about how to pay the rent and put food on the table. They need government programs, including Food Stamps and Medicare, on top of working full-time jobs just to get by. How can we support those who are on the brink of despair? Kellee talks with Jimmy Chen, CEO of Propel, who is working to deliver accessible financial support to the low-income and minimum wage earners through its technology platform.
SPARK • EPISODE 62
Social Impact: Financial Access for the Unbankable
Access to financial services has been recognized as one of the most important factors in eradicating global poverty. 1.7 billion adults remain unbanked on the global scale, yet two-thirds of them own a mobile phone that could help them access financial services. Women make up more than half or 55 percent of the global unbanked population. How can we help the unbanked become bankable or access to financial services or support? Kellee talks with Ashish Gadnis, CEO of BankQu, who is working to address this challenge through his blockchain technology platform and company.
SPARK • EPISODE 61
Social Impact: Combatting Human Trafficking in the US
The National Human Trafficking Hotline in the US saw a 20 percent increase last year in the victims and survivors who contacted for help. Each year, it is estimated that around 18,000 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States.The number of U.S. citizens trafficked within the country each year is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 American children at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. What is happening and what can we do about it? Kellee talks with Megan Cutter, Director of National Human Trafficking Hotline, at Polaris about the state of human and sex trafficking in the United States.
SPARK • EPISODE 60
Social Impact: Eradicating Modern Slavery
Over 40 million people are caught in modern slavery worldwide. 1 out of 4 of them are children. It is a $150 billion dollar industry and it is bigger than the drug trade because each person can be purchased more than once. How does it exist and thrive? What can we do about modern slavery? Kellee talks with Andrew Wallis, CEO of Unseen, based in London, England. He shares the state of modern slavery, how to spot it and how Unseen is working to eradicate modern slavery.
SPARK • EPISODE 59
Social Impact: Homelessness to Skilled Employment
If you believe in ending the homeless crisis by empowering them to have jobs and support, rather than funding them to stay where they are, then you will be interested in hearing how it is being accomplished by the social enterprise- Beam based in London, England. Kellee talks with Alex Stephany, CEO of Beam about how its innovative crowd-funding and community platform is providing training and support, for the homeless, to empower them to transcend their current situation.
SPARK • EPISODE 58
Social Impact: Prison to Entrepreneurship
If you believe in second chances, then you believe that there should be opportunities once you served your time in prison. 1 out of 20 US Citizens will serve in prison in his or her lifetime. It is estimated that close to six million children in America have experienced the loss of a parent due to prison or jail time. The national recidivism rate (or return to prison) for released prisoners is 44 percent within the first year. What can we do to break this cycle? Kellee talks with Andy Glazier, CEO of Defy Ventures. Defy Ventures trains ex-inmates to become entrepreneurs, giving them a chance to relaunch their lives.
SPARK • EPISODE 57
Sustainable Innovation: Food Waste Re-Engineered into Fashion Fiber and Plastics
What if food waste can be converted into bio-degradable fashion fibers and plastic packaging? Over 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted each year, including 128 million tons of milk. Kellee talks with Robert Luo, CEO of Mi Terro, a biotech company that has created fabric from spoiled milk. His company is focused on re-engineering food waste and plants to replace petroleum-based products like fashion fibers, plastic, and personal care.
SPARK • EPISODE 56
Sustainable Marketplace: Values-Driven Shopping
What if values-driven shopping could be easier than you think? You could go to a particular place where all products have been vetted for sustainability and social good, similar to what Whole Foods has accomplished in its purpose-driven mission of delivering natural or organic products to promote healthy living. Kellee talks with Katie Tyson, co-founder of Hive about the movement toward values-driven shopping. She shares how we can consume with the goal of making positive impact at the same time.
SPARK • EPISODE 55
Sustainable Fashion: Wear the Change You Wish to See
What if what you wear can determine the health of our planet? Would you be more selective about your options? Kellee discusses with Rihanna Knight, CEO of Team Timbuktu about the sustainable fashion process and ethical production. She shares how it is possible to balance profit with purpose.
SPARK • EPISODE 54
Sustainable Innovation: Pee Powered Energy
What if your urine had the ability to be sourced as a fuel to provide electricity? It is what Pee Power technology has accomplished through its innovation of microbial fuel cells that channel urine through to create clean and sustainable energy. Kellee talks with Professor Ioannis Ieropoulos, the innovator of Pee Power about the potential of this clean energy source.
SPARK • EPISODE 53
Countering Disinformation in Digital Age
There has been a lot of controversy around information or disinformation tied to the coronavirus and elections this year. How information has been conveyed, shared and acted-on has divided the country, in particular, the spread of disinformation. Kellee discusses with Professor Philip Napoli, a leading expert on media, democracy and public policy about disinformation in the digital age and how we can counter disinformation.
SPARK • EPISODE 52
As we age, our sense of purpose becomes an important part of staying healthy, connected and resilient. Kellee talks with Professor Eric Kim, a leading expert on aging and purpose, about how purpose can make a significant impact in both our physical and psychological health. If you feeling that it is time to define or redefine your purpose, this is the episode for you.
SPARK • EPISODE 51
According to a Harvard study, over the next two decades, more than 27.7 million people will join the 50 and over age group. Most of this increase will be among the population aged 65 and over. The number of people over 65 years of age who are working has doubled. As the population ages, more people will encounter ageism. It isn’t a topic that is commonly talked about and it is as important as racism or sexism. What can we do to address ageism? Kellee discusses with Ashton Applewhite, activist-author on what we can do about ageism.
SPARK • EPISODE 50
One in three adults does not get enough sleep. As a nation, we are not getting sufficient sleep. We need quality sleep to stay healthy, engaged and resilient. What are the key contributors of sleep deprivation? Kellee discusses with Dr Guy Leschziner, a leading expert on the science of sleep on how to address the most common sleep issues. If you are feeling sleep-deprived, this is the episode for you.
SPARK • EPISODE 49
Are you experiencing physical or emotional exhaustion, disconnection and questioning your worth? You may be experiencing burnout. Kellee discusses with Christina Maslach, a world-leading expert on burnout about how to identify and avoid burnout. She shares her expertise on how to address factors in the workplace that contributes to burnout.
SPARK • EPISODE 48
Can you be happy in a pandemic? Kellee talks with Gretchen Rubin, a New York Times best-selling author, about what happiness looks like for her in this pandemic and what she believes makes a difference in feeling happier. She also shares her personal experiences as a writer during this time.
SPARK • EPISODE 47
What if confidence is tied to the certainty of your values and it is not a feeling or state of mind? Kellee discusses with Alyssa Dver, the CEO of the American Confidence Institute, on how confidence is a choice you can make each day, based on your underlying values rather than fake it until you make it. You will be interested to hear that you don't need to feel inspired by any motivational guru to live confidently.
SPARK • EPISODE 46
The “Mega Fires” burning throughout California that are considered abnormal have become the new normal in the US western region. What is contributing to these mega fires? Kellee discusses with Kevin White, an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, who has been following these wild fires in California since 2014. He shares this journey, captured in his film Wilder than Wild, on the causes and solutions to address these mega fires.
SPARK • EPISODE 45
What if you could persuade anyone because you are able to read underlying the values that are important to the person and frame your communication around those values? Kellee interviews Jonathan Pritchard, a mentalist to Fortune 500 companies. He shares the psychology of what motivates people to recall, connect and act on situational cues.
SPARK • EPISODE 44
What if the art of empathy helps you to connect deeper with others and bridge conflicts… would you become fluent in it? Jodi Halpern, a world-leading expert on empathy, shares how you can build on your empathy skills that will enable you to engage in more impactful conversations and communicate over any divide.
SPARK • EPISODE 43
Resilience Through Self-Compassion
What if self-compassion makes you more resilient both psychologically and physically...would you practice it? Kellee discusses with Kristin Neff, a leading expert on the power of self-compassion and how it can contribute to your well-being as well as motivate you in your pursuits. She shares the myths people have as to what exactly self-compassion is.
SPARK • EPISODE 42
Did you grow up focusing on external accomplishments in defining who you are? Whether it is the next win, promotion or accolade, it is a continuous moving target even when you achieve it. Kellee talks with Banni Bunting, a national tennis champion and former FBI agent, about her shift from high-intensity, external drive to inner mindfulness that has changed her sense of self-fulfillment. She shares how you can integrate the drive for exceptionalism without all the static and tension that comes with it. Basically, you can still achieve authentic happiness.
SPARK • EPISODE 41
Why Social Attitudes + Biases Are Contagious
Why are social attitudes and biases contagious? Is it the source or the way it is conveyed that influences what we pick up? Kellee talks with Allison Skinner-Dorkenoo, a social scientist, on how situational cues shape our attitudes and behavior.
SPARK • EPISODE 40
What if how you eat could heal you? Would you make the time and focus for it? Kellee discusses with Christina Pirello, a food expert on how to eat for longevity. At twenty-six years old, Christina cured herself from advanced stage (4) cancer by converting to macro nutrition. She will share her experience and tips on how you can make this healthy difference.
SPARK • EPISODE 39
Sustainable Living with Less Is More
What if you could feel lighter with less things consuming your time, energy and finances each day? Kellee talks with Lindsay Miles, an educator who helps people to create more meaningful lives, through changing consumption habits and making sustainable choices, enabling people to thrive with less. She shares ideas about how you can live a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.
SPARK • EPISODE 38
Thriving on a Plant Based Diet
What if eating a plant-based diet would both increase your and the planet's well-being? Kellee discusses with Sharon Palmer, a leading dietitian and nutritionist in plant-based nutrition and sustainability, on how you can create a balanced diet, while reducing your carbon footprint.
SPARK • EPISODE 37
What if the experience of awe can boost your positive outlook, promote your connection with the world and inspire you to be kind? Would you practice it for a few minutes each day? Kellee talks with Michelle Shiota, a leading social scientist on the power of awe, who shares her research on how it can transform your physical and psychological wellbeing.
SPARK • EPISODE 36
3-D Printing of Coral Reefs From Extinction
Coral reefs or the rainforest of the seas are threatened by multiple factors. Kellee interviews Danielle Dixson, a marine scientist on the factors that are leading to their destruction and her innovative application of 3-D printing of coral scaffolding to support declining coral structures. She also shares what we can do to make a sustainable difference.
SPARK • EPISODE 35
Authoring Your Best-Selling Book During Pandemic
With over 200 million people feeling that they have a book in them, this may be perfect time to write the book and fulfill the dream of becoming an author. If you are ready to give life to your story, this is the perfect episode for you. Kellee talks at length with Joanna Penn about writing, publishing and marketing your book. This discussion covers the entire process of becoming a published author. Although the focus is on writing non-fiction, many of the tips apply to both fiction and non-fiction.
SPARK • EPISODE 34
With the interest in CBD growing over 100 percent each year, what exactly is CBD and its true benefits. Kellee interviews Dr Brent Bauer on CDB’s health benefits and potential side-effects. Dr Bauer shares what to look for in CBD products and usage considerations. Kellee also talks with Michael and Paul Harney of Harney and Sons Tea Company about their hemp cultivation and line of CBD products.
SPARK • EPISODE 33
With the advances in reproductive technology, women donating their eggs to aspiring parents has become a flourishing and lucrative industry. Kellee explores this growing trend with Diane Tober, a leading expert on egg donation and reproductive health policy. This interview takes a deeper dive into health and ethical considerations involved with human egg donation.
SPARK • EPISODE 32
Catalyzing Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
How do you catalyze social impact? Kellee talks with Matthew Swift about Concordia’s convening model of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together leaders from both private and public sectors to discuss the most pressing global issues, raise cross-sector awareness and explore cross-partnership solutions. He also shares his day-to-day mantra of running into problems and staying motivated as a social impact entrepreneur.
SPARK • EPISODE 31
Kellee talks with David Meltzer about leadership and the common thread that weaves through all spiritual, sports and business luminaries. He shares the daily practice of balancing his ego and his ferocious buddha, in his mission to empower a billion people to become happy.
SPARK • EPISODE 30
Global Promise & Momentum of Cryptocurrency & Blockchain
With 42 million cryptocurrency wallets and growing around the world, the cryptocurrency and blockchain platform is gaining momentum. This episode explores the future of digital money and infrastructure. Kellee interviews Charles Hoskinson, a leading innovator of cryptocurrency and blockchain, on the promise of it can deliver to the world and current barriers. He shares his predictions for the next decade.
SPARK • EPISODE 29
With the explosion in genetic testing, this episode focuses on the considerations that you need to be aware of as to what it can and can't do for you. Kellee interviews Gillian Hooker, who currently analyzes the complexity of the genetic testing market, including test offerings, predictive outcomes and data privacy concerns.
SPARK • EPISODE 28
Optimal Health During Quarantine
While in quarantine, you can still optimize your well-being. Imagine how great you can feel about your body, health and spirit. Kellee talks with Dr Taz about how you can nourish your entire-self each day and come out of the quarantine feeling stronger. She shares in-depth advice for all aspects of your life. It is an episode you won't want to miss!
SPARK • EPISODE 27
With the drastic shifts in today's economic landscape due to the pandemic, many people are asking themselves whether they should be reconsidering their current line of work or focusing on how best to be more prepared for the future of work. You may not have had time before, to consider upgrading your skills and now may be the perfect time. Kellee talks with two leading advisers about how best to upskill or perhaps it is a reskill, depending on your situation. Basically, acquiring a new skill that will make a difference for the future of your work.
Nicolle Merrill is an upskill adviser and author of the career book, Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Up-skill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots. She was the former Associate Director of the Career Development office at Yale School of Management, where she coached hundreds of MBA students and professionals through all phases of their career transitions.
Lee Pierce is an Assistant Professor at the State University of New York, Geneseo. She facilitated the launch of SUNY's nanodegree (micro-credentialing) program. Lee shares how to evaluate which upskill program is the best fit for you and the top skills of now and future. As a Rhetorical Communication instructor, Lee has helped (okay, sometimes forced) thousands of students to ditch cliches and say something that matters. Lee's research has appeared in top academic journals, winning several awards from the National Communication Association. She integrates her best teaching practices into suggesting what an excellent upskill program should offer you.
SPARK • EPISODE 26
What if you can successfully pivot during this pandemic? Kellee interviews three entrepreneurs who share their approach that has worked for them in their pivot at this time.
Sharon Zimmerman talks with Kellee about how she is evolving her jewelry business, now that there can no longer be in-person interaction. She shares how she is embracing this new reality, rather than fight it.
Emily Jenks started as an attorney, who pivoted to creating and growing a photography business into a 6-figure income, only for it to fall off a cliff, during this pandemic. She shares with Kellee how she is pivoting again in her business.
Heather Farris went from making $12 per hour at an office job to now making closer to a 6-figure income. She discusses with Kellee, how she is able to create this revenue stream through self-teaching and creating a virtual assistant business that focuses on digital marketing support.
SPARK • EPISODE 25
Entrepreneurship During Pandemic
If your dream is to start a small business or you already own a small business, this is an important episode for you. Kellee discusses with Sharon Miller, CEO of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center on what it takes to succeed, including in today’s economic climate. Ms Miller shares the available support whether it is capital raising, networking, online training, etc. that you can access now.
SPARK • EPISODE 24
As artificial intelligence (AI) expands into emotional learning, how will this transform our interactions with machines? Many people are already feeling connected to Alexa or Siri now. Kellee interviews Briana Brownell, CEO of PureStrategy.ai, on how our world will be redefined by our interactions with AI and what you need to be aware of, as AI knows you better than you know yourself.
SPARK • EPISODE 23
Epidemic of Loneliness: Part 2 (Solutions)
In post COVID-19 world, what if getting out of your social isolation is easier than you think? Kellee interviews three leaders of the software platforms that focus on getting you out and meeting people with similar interests.
Kellee talks with David Siegel, CEO of Meet Up on how its software is addressing the epidemic of loneliness and creating in-person events and groups for people to meet up. There are over 35 million people who are using Meet Up today.
The rise of find a friend software application is here to stay. Kellee interviews Olivia June CEO of Hey! Vina, on how its software application can help you to connect with others with similar interests, create gatherings and build new friendships anywhere you go.
Your dog may be more social in helping you get out and meet people. Kellee discusses with Ninis Samuel, CEO of Bark Happy, on how its mobile software is bringing people together, in person, through shared love of dogs and creating community around it.
SPARK • EPISODE 22
An impromptu conversation with Alicia Dattner, an award-winning comedian on how we can feel lighter, during a crisis.
Alicia Dattner has been winning awards and rocking comedy clubs like The Improv. She has performed with Maria Bamford, Ali Wong, Moshe Kasher, Arj Barker, Kate Willett, Ann Randolph, and many more luminaries. She is a spiritual practitioner of letting go through comedy, humor and laughter.
SPARK • EPISODE 21
Are you feeling or sensing loneliness with the people in your life? Kellee interviews Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a leading expert and researcher on loneliness. This interview focuses on the current epidemic of loneliness and its effects at both the individual and societal level. We will also discuss how each of us can be part of the solution.
Kellee explores the rising epidemic of loneliness in the younger generations with Tim Bono, lecturer and researcher in psychological & brain sciences. In addition, this discussion delves into you can do about it.
SPARK • EPISODE 20
New Model of Community and Inspiration
Are you starting a new chapter in your life where you are looking for inspiration and community? Kellee interviews Grace Kraaijvanger, founder of The Hivery, who has created a new model of coworking space that enables you to feel that you are not alone in your transition or quest to redefine your path. We will explore this journey, intertwined with the Hivery, on how you can experience the truths of transformation.
SPARK • EPISODE 19
Stress-Proof Your Brain (& Combat Negative Self-Talk)
Do you let your stress do all the talking and directing in your life? Kellee delves into the various stressors with Melanie Greenberg, a leading expert and psychologist, on managing stress and techniques that empower you- to master your emotional responses, overcome negative thinking, and create a more tolerant, stress-proof brain.
SPARK • EPISODE 18
Does your time seem to escape you? Are you feeling overwhelmed with how much you need to do? Kellee focuses on addressing these concerns with Craig Jarrow, who has taught time management to organizations including the US Navy. This podcast shares the transformative process of strategizing, combating distractions and prioritizing your time effectively.
SPARK • EPISODE 17
What is dark money and how much impact does it have in the electoral process? Kellee talks with Ann Ravel, former Chair of the Federal Election Commission under the Obama Administration, about the power of dark money and how it will affect the upcoming 2020 elections. If you care about your voice in the electoral process, tune into this interview.
SPARK • EPISODE 16
Creating and Sustaining New Habits
Do you have new goals or resolutions that you like to accomplish this year? Statistics show that most people give up by the third week. Kellee discusses with Elliot Berkman, a cognitive expert on the motivated brain, in how you can overcome common psychological barriers and achieve success in your goals and habits.
SPARK • EPISODE 15
Are you entering into a new phase or transition in your life that is begging the question of whether you should be changing careers? Kellee explores the search for new purpose with Nancy Collamer, a career transition expert, on how best to enter into a new career or direction. Given that most people are living longer, she also shares how best to stay engaged as you enter into semi-retirement or the next 30 years, after your mid-span.
SPARK • EPISODE 14
Clearing & Renewal for the Life You Want to Live
Are you ready to shed what is no longer working for you? Kellee talks with Nicole Anzia, a professional organizer and contributing writer for The Washington Post, about the transformative process of clearing and creating an stress-free environment for the life that you want to live. She will also share the best approach to simplifying and sustaining it year-around.
SPARK • EPISODE 13
What if you can reverse or slow down the aging process of both your brain and body today? Kellee converses with Dr Sheldon Jordan, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at UCLA about how you can protect against decline in your brain-health. This is an important segment on what you can do now that will make a significant difference in your long-term health. He also discusses new anti-aging approaches, including stem cell and exosome research to turn back the clock.
SPARK • EPISODE 12
Kellee interviews Susan Cervantes, the "Mural Matriarch" and award-winning muralist, who has directed and painted 600+ murals including, The Bay mural on the new Warrior stadium (Chase Center) in San Francisco. She talks about the transformative process of creating monumental art through a community process.
SPARK • EPISODE 11
Are you spending a lot of time on your devices? With the rise in addiction, loneliness and depression, tied to with increased usage of smartphones and other devices, Kellee talks with Tchiki Davis, author of Outsmart Your Smartphone: Conscious Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection IRL, about how you create a more positive and effective experience with your device, each day.
SPARK • EPISODE 10
What if the practice of gratitude can decrease stress, work productivity and connect deeper in your relationships with people? Kellee interviews Robert Emmons, is a leading expert, on the science behind the practice of gratitude and how it can help you to see opportunity even in the most dire situations.
SPARK • EPISODE 9
We have all been taught success takes hard work, long hours and diligence. What if this is the path to greater misery? Kellee converses with Kristin Morrison, recognized author, coach and entrepreneur on how success can be easier than you were taught to believe.
SPARK • EPISODE 8
Navigating Modern Dating World
Kellee interviews Cora Boyd, a dating coach and contributing writer for the Tinder platform, on how you can navigate today's dating culture, expectations and venues with success. If you are ready to understand how to connect online and offline- while remaining real, this is the segment for you.
SPARK • EPISODE 7
Stepping into Your Authentic Power
Kellee converses with Lynn Kirkham, a self-esteem coach, working with leaders on identifying and releasing their inner barriers, on how you can step into your authentic voice and power. If you are ready to ignite your full potential and presence, this is the episode for you.
SPARK • EPISODE 6
10 Signs of Unhealthy Relationship
Are you in a healthy or unhealthy relationship? Kellee talks with Megan Shackleton of One Love Foundation, on the ten signs of an unhealthy relationship. This episode is important for everyone, especially for the teenagers and young adults in your life, who may be having his or her first relationships.
SPARK • EPISODE 5
What if you could feel lighter everyday? Kellee interviews Alicia Dattner, an award-winning comedian, on creating the spiritual practice of letting-go through daily laughter each day.
SPARK • EPISODE 4
Dealing with Anxiety Disorders & Brainsonix Innovation
Is anxiety crippling your life? Kellee discusses with Dr Alexander Bystritsky, Professor & Director of UCLA’s Anxiety Disorder Program, the treatment for different anxiety disorders including social, generalized, phobias and PTSD. Dr Bystritsky is also the founder of Brainsonix and shares the promise of the Brainsonix innovative device that has woken coma patients.
SPARK • EPISODE 3
Asserting Yourself Gracefully & Effectively
Do you feel uncomfortable asserting your view, opinion or feeling when it is necessary? Kellee talks with Rachel Kjack, a social fluency expert on how to assert yourself gracefully and effectively. You will learn the nuances, understand how to address situational-challenges and succeed in this transformative process.
SPARK • EPISODE 2
Projecting Your Authentic Self
Are you sharing who you really are with the world? Kellee interviews with Sue Yerou, the founder of Style Rehab, an image and transformation consultancy, on living and projecting your true self. The discussion centers around one’s self-talk, underlying boundaries, influences and transformation process.
SPARK • EPISODE 1
Do you wish you could connect easily and deeply with people? Kellee discusses with Rachel Kjack, a social fluency expert, on you can confidently initiate any conversation, create a more meaningful interaction and navigate through different situations.