Connecting Conversations
By Jen Brookover
Each one of us has a story and hearing others’ stories can be life-changing, inspiring, and amazing. These are stories of resilience- stories of love- stories of the human spirit. Ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Connecting Conversations Mar 13, 2023
00:00
49:21
Donna: Social Justice Advocate
I have a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about the work my friend, Donna, does regarding diversity and inclusion. We talk about her life as a Chinese-American and how those experiences led her to her current work.
Mar 13, 202349:21
Joel Trumbo: Walking the Walk
This is a great way to get back to recording episodes of my podcast. My friend, Joel Trumbo, does amazing work with providing water to other countries. Please check out his organization: h2o4all.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgOefBhDgARIsAMhqXA5mK6oWDvJIXmuqbtdl_ScmRTbRySVoFvp9xHl6mhZbNF6iF98Py_QaAgB5EALw_wcB
Feb 25, 202342:03
Mike Lavetsky: Full Circle
For my last episode this season, I spoke to Mike Lavetsky, who I worked with for several years as a counselor. Mike shares some very interesting stories which lead to the title I selected for this episode of Full Circle.
Mar 08, 202240:35
Chris Weisel: Sarcastic and Genuine: A Perfect Combo
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
Chris and I have a fun and relaxed relationship which you will definitely be able to notice within the first few minutes of the episode.
Nov 27, 202101:04:41
Tink Rainbow: Two Roads Diverged.
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Tink shared her story of resilience and paving her own part.
Nov 12, 202157:01
Aries McGinnis: Adventurer and Advocate
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Aries tells his story which involves taking opportunities, advocating for others, and spending as much time as he can skiing being outdoors.
Oct 29, 202158:02
Kat: The Cycle-Breaker
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For those who have been victims of sexual abuse and/or any form of child abuse, this could be a tough episode to listen to. Kat speaks openly about her childhood and the journey she’s taken to get to a place of acceptance and love.
Oct 17, 202101:00:06
John Sneh: Legacy and Love
John Sneh is one of my former students from Upper Darby High School in Upper Darby, PA. He has created a nonprofit organization in honor of his parents called EQ@JS Foundation. Please check out this amazing tribute to his parents http://www.eqandjs.org/. You can donate @ https://www.gofundme.com/f/eqjs-foundation-zogo-rehabilitation-program?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Oct 01, 202146:12
Colin Mortenson: Embracing the Unfamiliar
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In this episode, Colin Mortenson and I have a conversation about several topics, and the main theme is to be open-minded and see where life leads you. We talk about politics, college, stigma of mental health, and embracing the unfamiliar.
Sep 17, 202101:00:16
Twiana Armstrong: This is Your Path
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Twiana and I talk about taking chances in life and discovering amazing opportunities. She is a pillar of strength and a strong role model and advocate.
Sep 03, 202145:58
Bruce Skinner-Light: The Spirit of PRIDE and Disney.
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Bruce shares his story about his life, love, and work at DisneyWorld. For the month of June, my episodes will be in honor of PRIDE.
Jun 11, 202156:56
Ryan Monaghan: His Next Chapter
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I have a conversation with Ryan Monaghan who I know from my time at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. We cover several important topics, and he shares the story of his journey.
Jun 04, 202154:55
Chad Hunter: From the Jersey Shore to Guam
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In this episode, Chad and I talk about how he ended up living in Guam, marriage equality, and how he name dropped Tina Fey for a job interview. It’s a fun and wonderful conversation.
May 28, 202101:06:38
Michele Curay-Cramer: A Mother’s Heart
Michele shares her beautiful story of how she and her husband became parents. She is an amazing woman, mom, and educator who I’m grateful to know. During May, each episode will focus on stories of moms and their exceptional lives.
May 14, 202101:02:55
Tamekia: Young: Protector of Peace
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Tamekia shares her very personal journey about how she became a mom, and it is one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever heard.
May 06, 202157:50
Charo Evangelista: A Balanced Life
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From Peru to the advertising industry in NYC to finding her calling as a yoga instructor in Pennsylvania, Charo shares her story of finding joy and her center.
Apr 30, 202157:16
Dana Vlasics: A Mother’s Love
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Our conversation focuses on a medical emergency that occurred when her son was a few days old. Her story and the story of her son is a true testament to the power of the human spirit and a mother’s love.
Apr 23, 202101:01:58
Koren Clark: Advocacy in Action
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My conversation with Koren focuses on how her upbringing and experiences led to her working with kids. Not only is she a strong advocate for children, she is also an advocate for their parents.
Apr 09, 202159:33
Rebecca Levenberg: Ability, Disability, and the Space Between.
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My conversation with my good friend, Rebecca Levenberg, is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Rebecca faces challenges with grit, determination, and humor. Check out her blog, My 1000 miles, my-1000-miles.blogspot.com/?m=1.
Apr 02, 202101:03:39
Damion Saunders: Warrior for Racial Justice
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Damion Saunders is a founding member of a group called Allies for Black Lives in Placer County, CA. He and I speak about the challenges we face in our community but also focus on our hope for the future.
Mar 26, 202141:34
Rachel Lusardi: A Continued Journey
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Rachel Lusardi is a teacher and an advocate in every sense of the word. In our conversation, we talk about a major medical crisis that happened to her and her journey of resilience.
Mar 19, 202156:16
Melissa Wombell-Twersky: Social Worker and Healer
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Melissa is a social worker who has dedicated her career to working with people who are in hospice care. Our conversation is poignant, focusing on the importance of discussing grief and the journey of our lives from birth to death.
Mar 05, 202149:02
Jeff Lovari: Traveling and Shooping with Mittens.
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Jeff and I went to West Chester University together. Our conversation focuses mainly on our love of traveling and how important it is to see the world.
Feb 26, 202147:49
Greg Grant: Educator of Truth
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Greg and I have a powerful conversation about race and social justice, focusing on our role as parents. There are some audio issues in this episode- Greg was sitting outside while his daughter napped so if you’re wearing ear buds, please turn the volume down.
Feb 18, 202157:60
Patty Hillkirk: Circle of Love
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In this episode, I have a conversation with Patty Hillkirk, the founder and Director of Camp Dreamcatcher, a camp for children and teens infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Camp Dreamcatcher is located in Kennett Square, PA. To learn more, go to: campdreamcatcher.org.
Feb 12, 202141:41
White dude with a good soul
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I have a conversation with Joe Vicente, one of my former students. Our conversation is meaningful on so many levels, and it’s refreshing to hear from a white young man who supports Black Lives Matter.
Feb 06, 202101:01:40
Malik Muhammad: Social Justice Accomplice.
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This is the first episode for Connecting Conversations. Malik and I talk about his identity as a young Black man living in Philly and our conversation focuses on many important issues we are facing today.
Jan 31, 202146:40