One year ago, Never Work a Day began as a search for fulfillment in work and grew into honest, generous conversations about creativity, community, reinvention, and moving forward when the world feels uncertain.

In this special episode, we revisit favorite moments from the past year exploring world building, truth telling, designing people first systems, making space for joy, and using new tools (including AI) without losing our humanity.

We close with a short guided meditation to reset, breathe, and return to yourself.

Please follow the incredible guests featured in this episode, and thank you for listening.

Featured:

:56 Nickey Frankel – https://previewmedia.com/

3:00 Noor Tagouri – https://www.noortagouri.com

11:08 Eleni Simos – https://www.thecleaneatingchick.com/

12:45 Arana Hankin Biggers – https://www.thetravelagency.co

Kanene Ayo Holder – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaneneayoholder

17:41 Paul Jun – https://pauljun.me

22:43 Mica + Noah Scalin – https://www.anotherlimitedrebellion.com/

28:49 Atiba T. Edwards – https://www.brooklynkids.org

33:25 Solonje Burnett – https://www.solonjeburnett.com/

36:15 Joe Lazer – https://www.joelazer.com

44:00 Emily Joffrion – https://www.emilyjoffrion.com

48:08 Amber Godfrey – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4npwdPXO4Vc

50:00 Marisa Löwenstein – https://marisalowenstein.com

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In this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with legendary creative thought leader James Victore — the artist, designer, and renegade educator known for pushing people to live boldly and create with purpose. Described as “part Darth Vader, part Yoda,” James has spent his career helping others find clarity, courage, and their true creative voice. From apprenticing under Paul Bacon at 23, to exhibiting at MoMA and the Louvre, to working with global brands like Adobe, MailChimp, Bobbi Brown, and The New York Times — James’ journey is a masterclass in choosing yourself and making a living doing what you love. We dive into his philosophy, his rebellious design ethos, his teaching years at SVA, his move to small-town Texas, and the dangerous ideas behind his life-changing book Feck Perfuction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone craving creative freedom, personal truth, and a reminder that your voice is your superpower.

Learn more about James: https://yourworkisagift.com

Instagram: @jamesvictore

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On this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with Vaughn Terry Jelks — a fashion designer, bespoke tailor, and cultural architect whose roots in Gary, Indiana shaped a lifelong belief that style is identity, dignity, and storytelling. From discovering his craft at home to training at FIDM and breaking into the industry under legendary costumer Bill Whitten, Vaughn went on to design for Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, and countless music icons. His work helped define the Purple Rain era, evolved through major fashion houses like Oscar de la Renta and J. Mendel, and was recently honored in The Met’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition. Today, he continues building his legacy through his couture atelier, new collaborations with Paisley Park, and the upcoming Purple Rain stage musical.

More about Vaughn:

www.vaughnterryjelks.com

@vaughnterryjelks

@vaughnterry_official

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On this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with Atiba T. Edwards, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum — the first museum in the world created just for kids. From his early days on Wall Street as a top-ranked Fixed Income Research Analyst to leading one of Brooklyn’s most beloved cultural institutions, Atiba’s journey is one of purpose, reinvention, and impact. We talk about leadership, community, creativity, and how the power of play can shape future generations.

Learn more about Atiba and the museum at https://www.brooklynkids.org

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This week on Never Work a Day, Kanene Ayo Holder sits down with Arana Hankin‑Biggers, co-founder of The Travel Agency: A C*nn*bis Store — New York’s premier legal retail brand. Arana shares how she helped elevate the brand through design, social equity, and community-first values while scaling multiple flagship locations across NYC. We explore the changing landscape of the legal C*nn*bis market, the importance of inclusion and justice-involved ownership, and how building an experience-driven retail brand can redefine an entire industry. Tune in to learn how Arana turned vision into impact — and why in today’s world, authentic purpose and consumer trust matter more than ever.

To learn more visit: https://www.thetravelagency.co

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On this episode of Never Work a Day, we welcome Noor Tagouri — award-winning journalist, producer, and media innovator. From founding At Your Service Media to launching her investigative series REP, Noor’s work explores how narrative, truth, and representation shape our culture. In this episode, she shares how she bridges storytelling with integrity, why REP rethinks objectivity in media, and how the stories we tell reveal far more than we realize.

Learn more about Noor and her work at noortagouri.com

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We’re joined by sibling duo Mica and Noah Scalin — artists, authors, and creative leaders behind Another Limited Rebellion. Together, they’ve built a practice rooted in the belief that creativity is not just for a select few but a skill anyone can cultivate.

In this episode, Mica and Noah share how they’ve used art, coaching, and collaboration to inspire growth in individuals, organizations, and communities. From Fortune 500 boardrooms to grassroots cultural events, their work proves that creativity is the ultimate tool for connection, resilience, and change.

Learn more about their work here 👉 https://www.anotherlimitedrebellion.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Kanene Ayo Holder, a three-time National Endowment for the Humanities award-winning educator, AI strategist, and comedian. Known as the “FutureFixer,” Kanene advises organizations like The United Nations HIVE, Shutterstock, and The American Red Cross on AI ethics, the future of work, innovation, and creative strategy.

Kanene shares her unique perspective on AI’s potential to uplift underrepresented communities, how inclusive datasets can shape the future of generative AI, and the balance between ethics and innovation. She also talks about her work in comedy and interactive media with BlackIssuesISSUES, a project blending storytelling, fashion, and social critique to create engaging conversations about media representation.

This episode is packed with insights on AI, creativity, leadership, and storytelling — all delivered with Kanene’s signature wit and energy.

✨ Socials & More from Kanene:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kaneneayoholder_antiverydemure-ai-responsibleai-activity-7242971332722720768-ny0c?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cg2WykRJDL2/?igsh=ajc1aGE5Mmx6OGI4 @blackissuesissues

🎵 TikTok (BlackIssuesISSUES): https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8B9Grot/ #blackissuesissues

🤖 TikTok (Future Fixer): https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefixer.ai3?_t=ZP-8zD1lcpk8BL&_r=1 @FutureFixer

Follow Never Work A Day on Instagram & TikTok @neverworkadaypodcast