This episode is a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Anouska Bhattacharyya about what it means to show up fully human in a system that often rewards performance over honesty, the power of play and community, and how embracing discomfort can lead to innovation and growth. They also share personal stories about karaoke, the value of rest, navigating unemployment, and why connection matters more than polish.

Key Topics:

• Workplace authenticity and the importance of bringing your whole self
• The role of community and collective support in overcoming challenges
• The value of play and trying new things to learn and grow
• Using karaoke as a metaphor for facilitation, community, and vulnerability
• The significance of rest and re-framing unemployment as a period of reflection and growth

Try these our for size:

1. Ask yourself who you are beyond what you do.
   Write down a few things that bring you joy, create connection, or make you feel most like yourself—none of them need to belong on a résumé.
2. Build more room for human reality.
   In your work, relationships, or community, look for one place where people could be offered more grace, support, or time to pause instead of being expected to keep pushing through.
3. Invest in community as deliberately as you invest in achievement.
   Reach out to a friend, join a conversation, or create a small moment of shared joy. Connection is not a distraction from growth—it is part of how we grow.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to authenticity and innovation

02:04 Innovating workplace support for baggage and emotions

04:13 Imagining a new future beyond the fractured present

06:30 Karaoke as a facilitator skill and group entertainment

11:44 A memorable moment of community during Women's Week Idol

13:53 The importance of showing vulnerability and trying

16:16 Learning through play and falling on your face

17:24 The constant work of balancing and adjusting

18:16 The role of play in self-awareness and growth

19:16 The value of trying and embracing imperfection

20:21 The joy of spontaneous movement and play

21:00 Self-entertainment and the importance of play

22:10 Lessons on rest and the challenge of resting

23:09 Unemployment as a period of space and reflection

30:02 Reframing unemployment as growth and self-discovery

32:30 Letting go of the need for stability and control

33:29 Facing fears and doing hard things

34:16 The mantra of courage: feel the fear and do it anyway

36:39 Karaoke as a new form of networking

37:02 Closing thoughts and the joy of togetherness

Connect with Anouska -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anouskaisonline/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouska/

Connect with Ciara -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ciaragogan13/

Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Follow This Podcast wherever you get your podcasts & share! https://stumblingthroughgrowth.riverside.com/

In this episode, Dr. Anouska Bhattacharyya shares her joyful, insightful reflections on how upbringing, friendship, and lived experience shape the way we connect with others, handle conflict, and navigate work. It’s a conversation about being seen, being supported, and learning to make room for both grief and joy. I absolutely adored this conversation and know you will too!

Key Topics:

• Anouska's childhood and immigrant experience
• The paradox of excellence and assimilation
• The role of friendship and community in well-being
• Systemic injustice and emotional resilience
• The importance of authentic connection and support
• The impact of systemic inequities in education and work
• The balance between individual identity and societal expectations
• The role of vulnerability and emotion in leadership

Try these suggestions:

1. Notice how people speak about others when they are not in the room.
   Let that guide you toward relationships and communities where people are generous, trustworthy, and willing to advocate for one another.
2. Try something before you feel completely ready.
   Choose one low-stakes, slightly uncomfortable activity and treat it as play rather than performance. Let yourself learn by doing—and possibly by failing.
3. Make space for rest without needing to earn it first.
   Notice when you reach for another task, project, or achievement to avoid stillness. Practice remembering that your value is not dependent on constant output.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Anouska Bhattacharyya and her work

02:21 Anouska's background and professional journey

04:19 The impact of childhood and cultural expectations

06:17 Observations on how people speak about others

08:03 The competitive nature of DEI work and support networks

10:21 The significance of being part of like-minded communities

12:24 Who is Anouska at her core? Joy and curiosity

15:11 Anouska's approach to connection and networking

18:21 The tension of balancing visibility and humility

22:09 Nicknames, identity, and cultural roots

23:02 Upbringing, assimilation, and cultural identity

27:08 Moving between different cultural spaces and self-discovery

30:12 Evolving relationship with heritage and family

34:16 The importance of sharing personal stories and learning from others

39:48 What quietly or not so quietly breaks you?

43:24 Systemic injustice and emotional impact

45:28 The cycle of toxicity and the need for systemic change

46:04 Part two preview and closing thoughts

Connect with Anouska -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anouskaisonline/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouska/

Connect with Ciara -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ciaragogan13/

Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Follow This Podcast wherever you get your podcasts & share with a friend! https://stumblingthroughgrowth.riverside.com/

I sat down with Ayanna Freedom for a tender, honest exploration of healing, embodiment, trauma, recovery, and the quiet work of becoming more fully yourself. Ayanna shares how healing lives in the body, why community matters, and how silence, rest, and joy can be powerful forms of resistance. In this episode, we hear Ayanna’s story from childhood loss and addiction to recovery, then into the work of helping others unlearn harmful systems and reconnect with their bodies. It’s a powerful conversation about truth, tenderness, and the courage to live out loud.

Connect with Ayanna:

Website - https://www.ayannafreedom.com/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AyannaFreedom-d6q

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ayannanfreedom/

Connect with Ciara:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ciaragogan13/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/

Highlights:

• Ayanna shares what it means to be “deeply embodied in bringing the earth to life” and why her work centers collective healing, not individual striving.
• We discuss how dominant culture pushes individualism, hustle, and separation, while healing asks for rest, community, and interdependence.
• Ayanna explains how her mother’s addiction and repeated missed train station meetings shaped her earliest understanding of love, trauma, and abandonment.
• She describes how that childhood wound later showed up in her own alcohol addiction, relationships, and fear around being late or being cancelled on.
• The conversation explores how embodiment work helps people notice what is happening in the body before the mind turns it into shame or self-blame.
• We talk about racial justice, white complicity, and why white people need to say the things out loud instead of leaving people of color to carry that labor alone.
• Ayanna reflects on the stigma around mental health in communities of color and the need for therapists to ask about a person’s lived experience in the world, not just their symptoms.
• The conversation returns often to joy as resistance, with singing, dancing, laughter, and rest framed as vital forms of survival and repair.
• Ayanna closes with a reminder that silence matters and that truth often arrives when we stop rushing to fill the space.

Key Frameworks discussed:

• Unfuck Your Stuck - Ayanna’s 12 agreement approach to identifying stress cues, locating them in the body, and releasing them.
• Embodied Liberation Therapy - A practice for helping bodies unlearn toxicity and heal from systems of oppression.
• Devotion over discipline - Ayanna’s preferred way of relating to healing, rooted in care, surrender, and relationship rather than force.
• Full body no - A grounded way of listening for whether something is truly aligned, especially when money or external pressure is involved.

In this episode, the incredible Heidi Clements shares her journey of embracing aging, self-love, and authenticity. We explore topics like pro-aging, anti-alcohol, smashing the patriarchy, mental health, social media's impact, and overcoming societal expectations.

Connect with Heidi & Ciara:

Check out Heidi's Podcast with Constance Zimmer - Talk Fifty to Me - https://talkfiftytome.com/

Follow Heidi Clements on Instagram - https://instagram.com/welcometoheidi

Follow Ciara Gogan on - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ciaragogan13/

Connect with Ciara Gogan on - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Ciara's business - Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/

Main topics:

• The importance of loving oneself at any age
• Challenging societal beauty standards and patriarchy
• The role of social media in self-expression and community
• Overcoming body dysmorphia and ageism
• The journey to sobriety and mental health awareness
• The significance of self-acceptance and authenticity

Key takeaways:

• Loving yourself radically is the key to happiness and confidence
• Social media can be a tool for community and self-expression when used intentionally
• Challenging societal beauty standards is essential for true self-acceptance
• Addressing mental health openly helps break stigma and promotes healing
• Self-love and authenticity are powerful tools for overcoming societal pressures

If you enjoy this episode, please share with someone who needs to hear the messages! & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Honest Conversations

02:46 Reframing Aging and Women Over 50

05:37 The Importance of Discussing Menopause

08:26 Empowerment and Self-Love in Midlife

11:24 The Role of Social Media in Community Building

14:07 Navigating Trauma and Personal Growth

17:08 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

19:57 The Impact of Relationships on Personal Growth

22:52 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

25:47 Lessons in Self-Discovery and Acceptance

31:35 Navigating Vulnerability in the Digital Age

33:58 Body Positivity and Aging Gracefully

38:42 The Impact of Societal Standards on Self-Image

40:17 Creativity and the Pressure to Perform

45:22 Sobriety and Self-Discovery

50:26 Finding Joy in Everyday Life

Explore how identity, vulnerability, and artistic expression intersect in this heartfelt conversation with drag artist and theater enthusiast, Novaczar. Discover personal stories of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of authenticity in art and life.

Main Topics:

• The fluidity of identity and the persona as armor
• The transformative power of drag and theater in healing and self-expression
• Navigating criticism, societal expectations, and personal growth
• The influence of iconic art and performance on identity and purpose
• Strategies for managing inner critics and building resilience

In this episode:

• Novaczar shares her journey from childhood in Virginia Beach to becoming a celebrated drag artist in NYC
• Discussions on the significance of Tamara de Lempicka's art and its impact on her identity
• The importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and community in creative expression
• How drag creates a space for healing, confidence, and human connection
• Practical insights on managing triggers, inner saboteurs, and the fear of rejection
• Future aspirations including returning to theater and embracing new creative ventures

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Introduction to the episode and guest
• (02:53) Who is Novaczar: exploring identity beyond drag
• (04:02) Drag as armor vs. authentic self
• (06:39) The creative freedom of self-creation in drag
• (08:16) Drag as healing from societal restrictions
• (10:00) Emotional growth through performance
• (12:26) Authenticity and not compromising yourself
• (14:41) Spreading positivity through social media
• (18:50) Art as a tool for healing
• (22:15) Social media and authentic connection
• (27:07) Public perception and the inner/outer self
• (30:52) Theater, drag, and future goals
• (36:25) Trauma, resilience, and survival through art
• (44:17) The impact of Lempicka and art
• (51:49) Listening to intuition vs. the inner critic
• (54:36) Managing inner saboteurs
• (66:55) Relationships, seasons, and letting go
• (68:50) Purpose, growth, and authenticity
• (72:47) Closing thoughts and appreciation

Resources & Links:

Novaczar - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/novaczar/

Ciara Gogan - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ciaragogan13/

Ciara Gogan - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/

Tamara de Lempicka - Official Website - https://tamaradelempicka.org/

Lempicka Musical - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lempickamusical/

I can’t wait for you all to meet Lawrence, he is a remarkable, fascinating man whose enormous capacity to love and support is truly unique.

He is a fervent supporter of the arts, his former students, his Mom, his chosen family, and he makes the world a better place by being in it. I struggled with what to call this episode, as it was so rich with so many wonderful insights and lessons, but I settled on “Pouring Into Each Other” because at its heart, this conversation is about how Lawrence pours into others, how he has been poured into, and how all of this love and support has lasting ripples across generations and time. I cannot overstate how huge this man’s heart is, how boundless his capacity to love and support others is, and how his reflective nature is such a gift!

I touch on his bio at the top of the show, but it's extensive so I'm sharing more here.

His areas of professional expertise include:
✔Educator Preparation
✔ Leadership Development
✔ Mentorship & Youth Resiliency
✔ Administrator & Teacher Induction
✔ Human Services
✔ Career Development
✔ Career Technical Education
✔ Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
✔ Performing Arts & Entertainment Production

Dr. Lawrence V. Fitz is a transformational leader with extensive experience in the field of education, working in public institutions, Fortune 500 corporations, and non-profit organizations. His roles have included coaching and developing organizational leaders, designing curriculum, conducting program evaluations, serving as a lead school site administrator, and teaching at all levels from K-12 through graduate study. He has been honored with a service award of distinction from the California State Senate for his “commitment to inspiring vision and leadership excellence” and received a commendation from the California Assembly for his “dedication and support in mentoring youth.”

Recognized as an expert in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in professional and educational settings, Dr. Fitz focuses his research on social and educational justice leadership. His work emphasizes three key areas: Mentorship (establishing support systems for transitional-aged youth and developing leaders), Human Capital Development (enhancing value and self-worth through education and career attainment), and Arts Advocacy (amplifying justice through inclusive practices in the performing arts). He presents nationally on these topics.

Through advisory board service for the City of Brea’s (CA) Curtis Theatre, he works as an artist and arts advocate who is passionate about increasing the community’s involvement in the performing arts, addressing inequality, and amplifying the voices of marginalized artists.

He is a faculty member at the University of La Verne's College of Business, where he teaches courses in leadership, communication, and gender, culture, and diversity. Additionally, he teaches graduate-level leadership and licensure courses to school administrators at the University of Massachusetts School of Education for Instructional Innovation.

Ciara’s Info

Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Follow Stumbling Through Growth on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stumblingthroughgrowth/

Ciara’s business, Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/

I loved this conversation so much and I’m so happy I get to share it with you. My guest this episode is Wanda Cox, entrepreneur, caregiver, and all around good human!

Wanda has such a warmth about her and a wicked sense of humor! For me the crux of this conversation boils down to this…we don’t have our paths all figured out when we are younger (or as we get older), and that’s ok. Life is going to throw things in your path that you don’t expect, and sometimes those things are gifts in disguise. Sometimes you just need to follow the breadcrumbs of life.

Wanda’s business website - https://wandacox.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wandamcox/

Wanda’s bio:

Wanda Cox is a Fractional Director of Operations who works with established founders when growth starts feeling heavier than it should.

Her path here wasn't straight. Two decades inside corporate America spanning marketing, product, and operations. Years embedded inside online service businesses learning what actually breaks down behind the scenes. And a decade as a health and wellness coach that permanently changed how she thinks about what sustainable performance actually looks like.

That last piece matters. Most operational work focuses on output. Wanda's is built around capacity, because she's seen what happens when the two get out of alignment, in businesses and in people.

She works with founders who are successful on paper but quietly carrying more than they should have to. The goal is always a business that feels lighter to lead, not just one that looks good from the outside.

Welcome to my very first episode! I started this podcast to share honest conversations about life's journey with some of the people that inspire me the most.

We're starting out with the powerhouse that is Madi B. Madi is an author (Let Them See You - Madison Butler), host of the Crash Out podcast, and newsletter of the same name.

This conversation with Madi is full of raw stories, incredible insight, and gems that listeners will cherish!

I hope you enjoy it, and glean some valuable insights from it! Thanks for spending some time with us!

Madi’s Info

Subscribe to The Corporate Crash Out Newsletter - https://thecorporatecrashout.beehiiv.com/

Purchase “Let Them See You” - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-them-see-you-madison-butler/1147004022?ean=9781394294305

Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluehairedunicorn/

Crash Out With Me Podcast on iHeart Radio - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-crash-out-with-me-327048993

Crash Out With Me Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0zzJxWFFBLJlsrTBPIS12H?si=0d761d18a24b442b

Ciara’s Info

Follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaragogan/

Follow Stumbling Through Growth on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/stumblingthroughgrowth/

Ciara’s business, Uplift Inclusion - https://www.upliftinclusion.com/