Sometime around age 40 (+/-) you might start feeling like some part of your life no longer fits and you don't know what to do about it. It could be at work or at home - or simply inside of you. You might be asking questions like, "How did I get here?" Or, "Is this all there is?" "Is this what I've been working so hard for?" Or, "Why aren't I happier?" Growing out of her own experience turning 40, Stephanie McLaughlin became captivated by the big “four oh,” and how people handle the milestone ...
…
continue reading
Are you intrigued by the fusion of technology and creativity? Does the potential of AI in reshaping the narrative of storytelling fascinate you? Then Brave New Bookshelf is just the podcast for you! Hosted by authors Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite, each episode takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of AI and literature. From the way AI is revolutionizing the creative process of writing and publishing, to its ethical use in augmenting the human touch in storytelling, our ...
…
continue reading
Hi redheads and everyone else tuning In! We are so excited to bring you the first redhead beauty podcast since 2018! We're Adrienne & Stephanie Vendetti, sisters and co-founders of the vibrant How to be a Redhead (known as H2BAR) lifestyle and beauty brand. You may have seen us on ABC's Shark Tank (Season 15, Episode 14) and with over a decade plus under our belts since the launch of HowtobeaRedhead.com, we are always excited to discuss topics with redhead celebs, experts ranging world-renow ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to VALDCAST, where health, performance and technology intersect. Join hosts Dylan Carmody and Ryan McLaughlin as they bring you exclusive insights from the world's most influential voices, exploring the data, technology and trends transforming the high-performance and health industries. Whether you're a coach, clinician, sports scientist or simply interested in health and performance technology, this is your go-to source for powerful insights and conversations you won’t find anywhere ...
…
continue reading
Engaging and enlightening interviews with women leaders on energy, climate, sustainability and corporate responsibility -- ESG, environment,social and governance issues. Business, policy and technology, money, the arts and careers. Topics include driving innovation, leadership, communications and career advice. Inspiration, trends and insights. Hosted and produced by Joan Michelson, acclaimed journalist, business leader, coach and speaker, based in Washington, DC.
…
continue reading
Get out of your own way with creative mindset tools. Create more success, more clarity, more fulfillment.
…
continue reading

1
Ash Mardis: The Truth About Redheads & Dental Care
42:26
42:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:26Did you know redheads feel more pain at the dentist and often need more local anesthetic? Ash Mardis, aka Redhead RDH, joins us to debunk dental myths, share expert oral care tips, and explain why redheads have unique experiences in the dentist’s chair. From teeth whitening for sensitive smiles to overcoming dental anxiety, Ash breaks it all down w…
…
continue reading

1
42 - Innovative AI Storytelling with Russell Nohelty from Author Stack
44:12
44:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:12In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty to explore the transformative role of AI in both fiction and nonfiction writing. Russell shares his journey from AI skeptic to advocate, highlighting how AI tools have become invaluable co-creators in his expans…
…
continue reading

1
Dr Roula Kotsifaki - Revolutionizing ACL recovery
28:36
28:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:36"We shouldn't treat the MRI, we want to treat our athletes." In this episode, Roula Kotsifaki discusses her recent research on ACL recovery, emphasizing the evolving perspectives in rehabilitation. She highlights the importance of balancing tissue healing with performance metrics, the significance of objective criteria for return to sport, and the …
…
continue reading

1
The Politics Of Progress On Climate And Energy – U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
43:53
43:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:53“While the word ‘climate’ may be politically charged for some, the need for affordable, reliable, and secure energy is something we can all agree on. Americans are calling for action, and as Members of Congress it’s our responsibility to deliver. If we want long-term solutions that address both our constituents' concerns and growing climate risks, …
…
continue reading

1
Turning 40 and unlearning the American Dream
40:19
40:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:19What happens when you reach the top—and realize it’s not what you wanted? Angela Hwang had the résumé, the accolades, and the paycheck, but behind the scenes, her health was deteriorating and her happiness was nowhere to be found. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Angela shares how a health scare, motherhood, and burnout collided to spark a t…
…
continue reading

1
Jordan Clark: Dancing Through Life, Acting, and Embracing Redhead Power
42:08
42:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:08From winning So You Think You Can Dance Canada to starring in The Next Step and Bunk’d, Jordan Clark has captivated audiences with her talent and versatility. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of her dance and acting career, shares what it was like going viral for her wedding dance, and gives us a glimpse into her directorial debut, S…
…
continue reading

1
41 - AI in Creative Writing and Translations with Olivia Rigal
46:40
46:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:40In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in a compelling discussion with author Olivia Rigal, exploring her innovative use of AI in the publishing industry. Olivia shares her journey from law to literature, highlighting how she harnesses AI tools to enhance creativity, streamline translations, and expan…
…
continue reading

1
Stephanie Mock Grubbs - Insights from a Major League Strength Coach
49:05
49:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:05Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros. Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance. Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh …
…
continue reading

1
Women Rewriting The Climate Conversation – Voices From The Earth Day Women’s Summit
54:29
54:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:29“How do we get people in the tent to even hear the story? With ‘Living with Ed’ and other projects, we were a family they could identify with. We were yelling, laughing, loving each other while talking about real issues. I represented the average person’s perspective on issues like taking the subway. There’s the funny, and there’s the conflict. If …
…
continue reading

1
Reflections: Creative awakenings at midlife
24:13
24:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:13Among the many strange and funny things that can happen as you reach midlife is this: just when everything feels like it’s falling apart, something creative starts to stir. In this bonus episode, Stephanie explores the idea of a midlife creative awakening—inspired by past guests who picked up paint brushes, pens, instruments, and more in the messy …
…
continue reading

1
Agnes Artych: Red Hair, Runways & Life as a Multitalented Artist
27:57
27:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:57Model, actor, and dancer Agnes Artych joins us to share her journey from European dance theaters to NYC runways and film sets. She dives into life as a redhead in the fashion industry, her favorite campaigns, and the surprising ways her hair color has influenced her career. We also chat about beauty secrets, skincare routines, and what it’s like ba…
…
continue reading

1
40 - Balancing Joy and Technology in Writing with Kevin McLaughlin
45:43
45:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:43In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in an enlightening conversation with prolific sci-fi author and AI enthusiast, Kevin McLaughlin. With over 100 novels under his belt, Kevin shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in the publishing industry, highlighting how he integrates AI tools in…
…
continue reading

1
Dr Stacie Barber - The future of physical therapy
26:33
26:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:33In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan Carmody chats with Dr. Stacie Barber who shares her journey as a physical therapist and the unique approach she takes in her practice, The Physio Fix. We discuss the evolution of her social media presence, how she amassed nearly 1 million followers (Check out her instagram HERE), her personal experience with …
…
continue reading

1
Turning 40 and making art out of the mess
43:35
43:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:35When Jenn Kacmar and Rose Planer met at an engagement party, they had no idea their friendship would become the anchor that carried them through midlife chaos. With a decade between them, different careers, and wildly different life stages, their bond became a lifeline—especially during the isolating early days of the pandemic. In this heartfelt an…
…
continue reading

1
How Michigan Turns IRA Tax Credits Into Growth – Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, Michigan
45:40
45:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:40“We did lots of infrastructure investments over the last handful of years to make sure our communities are in the best possible place they can be. And we complemented federal investment with workforce investment to ensure Michiganders are getting access to those kinds of roles, some of which didn't even exist previously. [This ensures] that Michiga…
…
continue reading

1
Geena Hunt: TikTok Star on Redhead Beauty, Vintage Glam & Iconic Hairstyles
31:38
31:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:38Makeup artist and hair historian Geena Hunt joins us to chat about all things beauty, redhead confidence, and her viral recreations of iconic hairstyles. From Bridgerton waves to Old Hollywood glam, Geena shares the inspiration behind her stunning looks, her go-to beauty products, and the best curling methods for red hair. Plus, we dive into her fa…
…
continue reading

1
39 - Transforming Audiobook Narration and Discovery with Spoken
47:52
47:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:52In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Phil Marshall and Andrew Wallner, co-founders of Spoken Press, to explore the transformative role of AI in the audiobook industry. Discover how Spoken Press is revolutionizing audiobook creation, distribution, and monetization with its innovative AI-driven…
…
continue reading

1
Nicol van Dyk - The Role of Normative Data in Injury Prevention
34:29
34:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:29In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field. He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles. Nicol emphasizes the need for context in d…
…
continue reading

1
Sustainable Business Is Good Business – Tensie Whelan, Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business
50:38
50:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:38“Blue state pension funds are doubling down on sustainability while red state pension funds are firing you. Companies are challenged because for some constituencies, they have to demonstrate their sustainability credentials, and for others, they have to hide them. So it's a really challenging time. But if you can demonstrate the business case, then…
…
continue reading

1
Reflections: Breaking Old Patterns to Find Yourself
23:46
23:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:46In this short bonus episode, Steph unpacks the deeper themes from her conversation with Elizabeth Makepeace—no listening homework required. Through Elizabeth’s story, Steph explores how unconscious patterns from childhood shape our adult relationships, often without us realizing it. She dives into what it means to break the caretaker cycle, how to …
…
continue reading

1
Meaghan Doyle: Unlocking the Secrets of Redhead Genetics & Reproductive Science
31:02
31:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:02Genetic counselor Meaghan Doyle joins us for a fascinating deep dive into the science behind red hair and reproductive genetics. We explore how the rare redhead gene is inherited, whether genetic testing can predict if you’ll have red-haired children and some surprising facts about redhead DNA. Plus, Meaghan shares insights from her work in fertili…
…
continue reading

1
38 - Celebrating One Year of Brave New Bookshelf with Danica and Steph
47:34
47:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:34In this special one-year anniversary episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite reflect on their journey exploring the intersection of AI and authorship. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI in the publishing industry and share personal insights into how these tools have transformed their writing workflows. With over …
…
continue reading

1
Turning 40 and resigning as the family fixer
33:22
33:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:22When Elizabeth Makepeace fell for a younger, free-spirited musician, she thought she’d found the love foretold in a dream. But what began as a spiritual connection turned into a controlling, emotionally draining marriage that forced her to confront an old pattern she thought she’d outgrown: the compulsion to care for others at the cost of herself. …
…
continue reading

1
Shaun Owen - The science of recovery, from Rugby to Red Sox
32:20
32:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:20In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes. Shaun…
…
continue reading

1
Female Farmers Are Transforming Cotton – Alison Ward, CEO of CottonConnect
53:31
53:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:31“I've been particularly passionate about working with women in those communities to teach them about new techniques so they can understand how to run their farm more effectively, but also understand their rights as women in those communities so they have a stronger voice…. And because they were called an ‘ambassador,’ their status in the village ro…
…
continue reading

1
Andrew Dylan: Red Carpet Hair Secrets, Styling Trends, and the Art of Red Hair
49:13
49:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:13Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Dylan joins us to spill the secrets behind red carpet glam, runway trends, and the art of styling red hair to perfection. From transforming Meredith Duxbury’s blonde locks to red to creating show-stopping looks for fashion weeks and film festivals, Andrew shares his expert tips, favorite products, and insights into the …
…
continue reading

1
ORKA Performance - Born from a love of training and performance
42:03
42:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:03The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture. The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong cu…
…
continue reading

1
Building A Culture Of Innovation – Telle Whitney, Author of “Rebooting Tech Culture,” Co-Founder of AnitaB.Org Institute
46:01
46:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:01“Talking to people from different disciplines pushes your thinking about your assumptions, going out and listening to what other people are doing helps inform the way that you creatively solve the problem that's in front of you. Leaders often are scared by some of these ideas that are coming out of their workforce and that's why they're shutting th…
…
continue reading

1
Jessica Enslow: Raising Redheads, Motherhood, Social Media, and Life
55:18
55:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:18Jessica Enslow, mom of 7 (including 3 redheads!), joins us to chat about her unexpected journey into social media, parenting in the digital age, and what it’s like raising redheads when you’re not one yourself. From viral Reels to navigating online criticism, Jessica shares her insights on motherhood, content creation, and the hilarious personality…
…
continue reading

1
37 - Wide Strategies and Translations with Monica Leonelle from Writer MBA
48:13
48:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:13In this episode of the Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by Monica Leonelle, co-founder of Writer MBA and a trailblazer in the publishing world, to explore how AI is revolutionizing wide strategies and translations for authors. Monica shares her journey from skepticism to fully embracing AI as a tool to expand creativity, save time, and break into …
…
continue reading

1
Turning 40 and turning pasta into a paycheck
45:18
45:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:18At age 39, Francesca Montillo had a thriving healthcare career at a prestigious Boston hospital—but her heart was in Italy, dreaming of pasta, wine, and sun-soaked adventures. In this episode, she shares how she slowly and strategically built a food and travel business on the side, eventually trading her secure 9-to-5 for a life she once thought wa…
…
continue reading

1
Derek Hansen - The evolution of technology & coaching methodologies
33:19
33:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:19Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA. We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sport…
…
continue reading

1
Where’s My Carbon Coming From? – Zara Summers, Chief Science Officer, LanzaTech
51:25
51:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:25“We've worked with partners like AcelorMittal… and oil and gas refineries. Emissions that would've been destined for the atmosphere are piped into our bioreactor and our magnificent microbes turn that gas into ethanol. When we pull out that ethanol, we can send it a lot of different places. You can go to On, Adidas, Athleta and buy products made by…
…
continue reading

1
Elizabeth McLaughlin: The Power of Dyeing Your Hair Red & Making Her Mark in Hollywood
57:37
57:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:37Our next guest is Elizabeth McLaughlin. She's making her mark on the entertainment industry. You may know her as a series regular on Amazon’s "Hand of God" and ABC’s "Betrayal", her recurring arcs on "Pretty Little Liars" and "Grand Hotel", or any number of guest star appearances on shows such as "Lethal Weapon" and "Dexter." Elizabeth initially br…
…
continue reading

1
36 - Story Bibles from Story Snap with Cameron Sutter from Plottr
34:50
34:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:50In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back Cameron Sutter, creator of Plottr, to discuss his latest innovation, Story Snap — an AI-powered tool that creates detailed book bibles in minutes. Cameron dives into how Story Snap works, its game-changing potential for authors and developmental editors, an…
…
continue reading

1
Matt Jordan - Embracing science. From asymmetries and squats to strength & conditioning
48:02
48:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:02Matt Jordan, a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of force plate technology discusses his journey with force plates, emphasizing their significance in strength and conditioning. He shares insights on how he transitioned from traditional training methods to a more scientific approach, utilizing force metrics to inform training decisions, esp…
…
continue reading

1
What Canada’s Energy Policies Can Teach The U.S. – Claire Seaborn, former Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
59:27
59:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:27“One of the big differences between Canada and the United States on climate policy spending broadly is that unlike the United States, Canada has a national carbon pricing system. So, we have a carbon pricing system that sets a national minimum standard…. Without strategy, coordination, investment, we will be putting ourselves at a painful disadvant…
…
continue reading

1
Turning 40 and trading safety for soulful
49:02
49:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:02What if your “successful” life started to feel like a slow, quiet heartbreak? In this episode, Steve Vincent shares how he went from burned-out high school vice principal to thriving freelance copywriter—by finally listening to the voice he’d been pushing down for years. He opens up about the emotional weight of staying in a life that looks good on…
…
continue reading

1
Tess Alexander: First Natural Redhead To Be Crowned Miss Australia
52:20
52:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:20Our next guest is Tess Alexander. She's an Australian TV presenter, natural redhead, and former Miss World Australia and allied health professional who is on a mission to break down unrealistic beauty tropes. Landing her first international modeling contract at age 17, Tess has worked for brands such as Vogue, Valentino, and Fendi, working in every…
…
continue reading

1
35 - Exploring AI, Translations, and Zombies with Derek Slaton
39:33
39:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:33In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Derek Slaton, author of the massive Dead America zombie series. From creating weekly audio stories on YouTube and Spotify using AI narration tools like Play HT, to expanding his global reach through affordable translations with Scribe Shadow, Derek shares his insights on leveraging technology…
…
continue reading
In this episode of VALDCAST, we chat with Mick Hughes about his extensive experience in ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the evolution of management practices over the years. He emphasizes the importance of data-informed decision-making in clinical practice, particularly in assessing quadricep strength and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes. Mic…
…
continue reading

1
A State Program Leading The Clean Energy Transformation – Doreen Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA
50:39
50:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:39"The [sub-national level] is where we can incubate and to effectuate the private sector shifts that we see happening every day. We are looking to move markets in a direction that can improve not only quality of life, but the very metrics that we're solving for. And when you look at this over years or even decades, you can see the pace accelerating …
…
continue reading

1
Turning 40 and getting dismissed by doctors
50:25
50:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:25When Amita Sharma hit her 40s, her body started betraying her—crippling fatigue, brain fog, and relentless hot flashes—but doctors told her she was "fine." Frustrated and desperate for answers, she turned to holistic medicine, unknowingly setting herself on a path to revolutionize women's health. Amita shares her eye-opening journey through perimen…
…
continue reading

1
Sylvia Flote: Behind The Scenes of "Tar", Redhead Beauty Secrets & Life in Fashion
49:20
49:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:20Our next guest is Sylvia Flote, a London-based model and actress. Originally hailing from a small island off Norway’s Western fjords, she predictably loves hiking, knitting, and heavy metal. Although cast opposite Cate Blanchett in last year’s blockbuster Oscar-Nominated movie ‘Tar,’ Sylvia is best known for being the face of major Scandi brands fr…
…
continue reading
Creator of Run-Specific Isometrics and Manager of Sports Science at NSWIS, Alexander Natera discusses the evolution of isometrics and overall strength in athletic testing and training. He shares insights on how his techniques originated, their effectiveness across various sports, and the nuances of implementing them for different athletic needs. Na…
…
continue reading
What is VALDCAST? Join hosts Dylan and Ryan as they introduce VALDCAST—where leading health and performance experts share real-world insights, transformative stories and how technology is shaping their practices. 🎙️ Connect with our hosts Ryan McLaughlin and Dylan Carmody 🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website…
…
continue reading
Dr Ebonie Rio, renowned sports physiotherapist and leading tendon researcher, breaks down the complexities of tendon rehabilitation. She discusses the role of muscle activation, neuroplastic training and the central nervous system in recovery, as well as key considerations for load management, dynamic training readiness and tendon capacity. We dive…
…
continue reading
Dr Duncan French, Senior VP at the UFC Performance Institute, breaks down the complexities of training the worlds best MMA fighters. He discusses the unique demands of MMA compared to other sports, the critical components of a successful training camp and the need for seamless collaboration between performance staff and coaches. We dive into Duncan…
…
continue reading

1
Turning Waste into Energy (and Wine) – Autumn Huskins, Finance Director, Hitachi Zosen Inova
39:12
39:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:12“We’re giving [companies] the avenue to take something that historically has been an inconvenience and turn that into an opportunity to make them some money, whether that be selling energy to the grid, or putting energy back into the operations of their facilities. So, what could have cost them money in the past can now be a huge benefit. At the sa…
…
continue reading

1
Rachel Stubington: Acting in 'Shrinking', Wearing Green & Embracing Her Red Curly Hair
45:43
45:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:43It's St. Patrick's Day weekend, and if you're joining our Dallas Pop-Up tomorrow at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, we can't wait to see you! Our next guest is Rachel Stubington -- a fellow redhead that not only appeared in "A Rose for Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story", "Abaddon", "Grassland", and "The First Taste" but also the Apple TV series "Shrink…
…
continue reading