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Conversations That Make a Difference with Teresa Velardi: Making a Difference Through Media
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Making a Difference Through Media
Synopsis: On this compelling episode of Conversations that Make a Difference, host Teresa Velardi welcomes three dynamic women who are harnessing the power of media to inspire social change: Andi Buerger, Cassandra Tindal, and Danielle Bisutti.
Andi Buerger unveils the moving stories and powerful advocacy within her forthcoming book, "Voices Against Trafficking," highlighting the urgent fight against human trafficking and how storytelling can drive awareness and action. Cassandra Tindal, founder and editor of Womenz Straight Talk Magazine, discusses her mission to uplift women’s voices, address real-world issues, and foster meaningful dialogue through her influential publication. Actress and singer Danielle Bisutti shares her passion for using the arts to make an impact—donating a heartfelt song to the Voices Against Trafficking album and using her creative platforms to amplify important causes.
Together, these changemakers explore how diverse media—books, magazines, and music—serve as transformative tools for advocacy, education, and hope. Their candid conversation, guided by Teresa Velardi, inspires viewers to use their own unique voices and creative outlets to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Guests: Andi Buerger, Cassandra Tindal and Danielle Bisutti
Bio: Andi Buerger, JD is an international speaker, author, and advocate for victims of human trafficking & exploitation. Andi herself was a victim of child sex trafficking and unspeakable abuses by family members for 17 years.
She founded Beulah’s Place, which provided temporary shelter services to at-risk, unsheltered teens for 14 years. 300+ youth were successfully rescued and assisted, earning national recognition.
Andi later founded Voices Against Trafficking(VAT) to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves — the voiceless victims of human trafficking and exploitation. VAT advocates for the protection of every human’s rights regardless of race, gender, culture, or socio-economic status. Voices Against Trafficking-The Strength of Many Voices Speaking As One, gives a portion of proceeds from each sale to survivors of child abuse and trafficking, as does Andi’s first book, A Fragile Thread of Hope - One Survivor’s Quest to Rescue.
Andi launched Voices Of Courage magazine in 2023. It is distributed internationally and accepted into the U.S. Library of Congress. It honors everyday heroes who selflessly fight to protect human rights. These champions come from all walks of life to change communities and the world for the better. A television series by the same title debuts in 2025.
Website: www.voicesagainsttrafficking.com
Bio: Cassandra Tindal is the Founder, Visionary, and CEO of IMAG Media Inc., and the creator of Womenz Straight Talk®.
Driven by an unshakable belief in the power of women’s voices and the need for meaningful discourse, Cassandra Tindal didn’t just build a media company—she ignited a movement. As the founder of IMAG Media Inc. and the force behind Womenz Straight Talk, Cassandra’s vision was clear: to create a multimedia platform where women and marginalized communities could speak boldly, be heard globally, and drive real-world impact on the issues that matter most.
Cassandra’s passion for storytelling isn’t about headlines—it’s about humanity. She built Womenz Straight Talk as a hybrid of award-winning journalism, documentary filmmaking, and advocacy. Her mission? To challenge narratives, elevate underrepresented perspectives, and spark conversations that lead to action—whether in business, politics, culture, or social justice.
At the heart of every culture, in every corner of the world, lies a shared human truth: we are wired for stories. From ancient oral traditions to today’s digital narratives, storytelling is the bridge that connects us—transcending language, politics, and geography. Cassandra Tindal and Womenz Straight Talk harness this power, using media and entertainment not just to inform, but to unite, provoke, and inspire action on the issues that define our time.
Website: https://womenzstraighttalk.net
Bio: Danielle Bisutti is an Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated actress, writer, producer, director, and singer-songwriter with an illustrious 25-year career in the Entertainment Industry. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Danielle is renowned for her dynamic versatility across film, television, video games, and music.
Danielle received a BAFTA nomination for her captivating performance as the Norse Goddess “Freya” in Sony PlayStation’s critically acclaimed and top-grossing video game, God of War. She is also celebrated for her LA-area Emmy Award win, recognizing her outstanding hosting work in Street Music Los Angeles (2002).
Her notable film and television credits include unforgettable roles such as The Mother of Death in Sony Pictures' cult horror hit Insidious: Chapter 2, Barb in Universal's Curse of Chucky, the enigmatic Ms. Grey in Lifetime’s Nanny Killer, Professor Linda in NBC's Parks & Recreation, Dana Gallagher in Shonda Rhimes’ For the People, and as the powerful witch Hexela, a series regular in Paramount’s Dwight in Shining Armor. Danielle’s diverse portfolio also features guest spots and recurring roles in Matador (Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network), Last Man Standing, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, Raising the Bar, and The O.C.
Danielle graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Fullerton, earning her Bachelor of Arts with a double emphasis in Acting and Musical Theatre. During her collegiate years, she garnered multiple Irene Ryan Best Actress Award nominations and was the national runner-up at The Lincoln Center Theatre in NYC.
Further honing her artistic craft, Danielle studied producing, directing, and screenwriting at The Hollywood Film Institute with Dov Simens, along with advanced coursework at ScreenwritingU and The Writer’s Store’s Screenwriter University. Her acting education continued with renowned mentors including Eric Kline at Film Actor’s Workshop, Larry Moss, Lesly Kahn, Shari Shaw Studios, and the Upright Citizens Brigade for improv.
With her passion for storytelling and her dedication to the arts, Danielle Bisutti continues to be a transformative force in every medium she explores.
Website: https://perfecttimingproductions.com/
Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/live/p5Vm8vnGxNA?si=HCY1cna18UI_Vioq
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