The Pod of DC

Inspired by the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, Pod of DC host and producer Rick Bernstein channels his inner Casey Kasem to count down the top 40 songs in the U.S. from 40 years ago during the week of April 7, 1984.

Total Eclipse of the Charts Volume 1 counts down from #40 to #35 and features songs from Billy Joel, Berlin, The Pretenders, The Romantics, .38 Special, and of course, Bonnie Tyler.

Tune in each week until we get all the way to #1.

Sara Quinteros and Juli Shesser are registered dietitians and nutrition experts in Washington, DC. With March being National Nutrition Month, Sara and Juli stopped by the studio to share their expertise in managing food and nutrition choices for individuals and families. On this episode of the pod, Sara and Juli break down how to navigate nutrition in a fast-paced world, the ever-changing landscape of diet trends, creative solutions to engage children to take part in their own food choices and nutrition, understanding micro and macronutrients, the cost and accessibility of healthy foods, the Beyond the Plate theme for National Nutrition Month, and their plans to launch a podcast that will engage with experts to help demystify nutrition for individuals and families.

On this spontaneously recorded and minimally edited and mixed podcast, Rick shares some thoughts about the start to 2024, the therapeutic nature of podcasting, how The Pod of DC was conceived, and how podcasting can help unleash your true voice.

On this final pod of 2023, Rick reflects on his firsts this year, waxes nostalgic on how technology has evolved in helping us capture those moments throughout the year, and shares quick clip recaps from inspiring individuals featured on the pod in 2023. On behalf of The Pod of DC, we wish you all a happy and healthy New Year, and we'll talk soon in 2024!

Tina Fox is an Entrepreneur, Creator, and CEO of TERN Mentoring, a B Corporation that provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences and live their legacy through mentorship. Of course, through networking, I met Tina's husband, who encouraged me to connect with Tina as she was a fellow JMU Duke. Tina and I hit it off immediately and chatted it up on how mentorship and networking shape one's career path. On this episode of the pod, Tina shares the importance of vulnerability in mentorship, how mentors and mentees can share their wisdom and experiences, the process by which TERN pairs mentor with mentee, and the crucial role of connections and networking in career advancement. To connect with Tina visit ternmentoring.com

Sytera Field is an innovative yoga instructor and owner/operator of Sytera Yoga in Vienna, Va. I’ve spent the last 1 ½ years taking classes from her and the instructor team there and wanted to learn more about Sytera’s yoga journey and experience as a small business owner.

For this pod episode, Sytera and I met just outside the studio doors to share some laughs and delve into her early experiences as a yoga student following a devastating break to her right leg. Years later, she would set up a Kickstarter campaign and, with incredible community support, opened up the doors to SyteraYoga. Sytera details how yoga helps create healthy relationships “along the chain” throughout the body to manage external stressors more effectively, the qualities in bringing along new instructors to the studio, and the innovative Nadi ball method she created blending Thai yoga massage with balls to awaken the right muscle groups to prepare the body for more dynamic movements. Sytera’s story is one of perseverance and service and is a great model for individuals who practice or are new to yoga to help “find their shine.”

Rick shares another Happy Father's Day message to all the Dads out there and explains why this Father's Day feels extra bittersweet.

Julie Cangialosi is the founder of Operation Little Angel 101: Hope after Loss centered on advocacy and support for the pregnancy and infant loss community. It was almost six years ago that Julie and I first crossed paths on the Mrs. DC America stage and upon her crowning that evening, Julie set in motion an array of mission-driven pursuits centered on her journey as a mother, nonprofit founder, and now published author of two books, Mom: A Collection of Personal and Poignant Journeys to Motherhood and The Moon is Always Following Me, a children's book inspired by her son. On this first pod of 2023, Julie shares what led her to the pageant stage in 2017, her personal experiences with two pregnancy losses, the services and support that Operation Little Angel 101 provides families across six countries, and the light and love her family has provided that has inspired her work to grow, flourish, and make an impact.

Kristen Berset-Harris is an award-winning host of Great Day Washington on WUSA9 in the greater DC/Baltimore metro area. For the final pod of 2022, I visited Kristen at WUSA9 to discuss her upstart in broadcasting, how competing in pageantry gave her a foundation to find her voice and confidence that led to years as a news and sports anchor and co-host of the Ravens Report. But it was a second breast cancer diagnosis and fight that reshaped Kristen's focus and energy leading her to Great Day Washington, a morning lifestyle program featuring stories from throughout the region, celebrity interviews, musical performances, and all the latest trends in fashion, food, and entertainment. Kristen is a survivor and "thriver" whose hard working and infectiously fun spirit embodies all that is good in entertainment broadcasting.

Kathleen Klawitter is a speaker, resiliency expert, visionary, former LPGA golf pro, and author of Direct Hit: "A Golf Pro's Remarkable Journey Back from Traumatic Brain Injury." On this episode of the pod, Kathleen shares her story from gifted athlete to marketing manager on the stock exchange to finding her true calling as an LPGA golf instructor helping students discover and refine the art of creative golf shot making. One summer morning in 1998, Kathleen's life was turned upside down when an errant golf ball hit her on the head causing a traumatic brain injury. Kathleen would have to relearn how to read, write, speak, and live independently. Enduring years of rehabilitation and with the support of therapists, friends, and family, Kathleen now travels the country sharing her inspirational story of overcoming life's biggest challenges and facing them with hope, determination, spirituality, and empowerment. 

Michael Pukownik is the Head of Genre Marketing at Amazon Music. Michael and I met as classmates and fraternity brothers in college and we connected on our shared love for all things music, but he was the one who dove head first into the music business in New York after a short stint in DC upon graduation. Soon after his move to NYC, Michael's brother gifted him a CD of original music that Michael leveraged to start a small record label and began researching the music business and making contacts at live shows. Fast forward twenty years and Michael is now based in LA and embracing music distribution's next frontier. In this episode of the pod, Michael shares his inspiration to pursue a career in marketing and advertising, the inner workings of the music business from artist discovery to music distribution, licensing, and publishing, and the rush of breaking and representing some of the world's biggest artists.

Meghan Grana is the author of Call Me Penny Pickleberry, a relatable story for children and adults alike about a girl named Penelope who faces a roller coaster of emotions in her everyday life and learns to reframe her thinking to take on everyday challenges. Meghan has been a tireless advocate for children and families in some of the country's largest public school systems for decades working to help identify and remove a range of learning barriers from attendance to mental health support for elementary and middle-school-aged children.

In this episode of the pod, Meghan shares her relationship with anxiety, her weekly routine supporting children and families, how the idea and story behind Call Me Penny Pickleberry came to her, and the process of writing, publishing, and now sharing Penelope's story with the world.

Kinosha Soden has been on the move since arriving in the nation's capital over a decade ago. She made her way to D.C. via St. Louis holding a Masters in Biomedical Engineering and Analytics from Washington University in St. Louis. She cheered for the Super Bowl Champion St. Louis Rams ("Greatest Show on Turf"), became a master esthetician, was crowned Mrs DC America 2016, and is now Creator/Producer/Co-Host of the streaming series Good Things DC. Onstage at the Mrs. DC America 2016 pageant is where I first met Kinosha and on this episode of the pod she looks back on her life growing up in St. Louis, the work ethic and commitment to community instilled in her by family example, overcoming her own doubts to land on the pageant stage and the opportunities that lead to the creation of Good Things DC, a show co-hosted with friends Leiah Rochleau and Britt Jones focused on living a modern life full of love for yourself, for others, and doing good things.

Alison Gary is founder and editor-in-chief of Wardrobe Oxygen, a professional blog offering "real-life style advice for grown-ass women." Her work has earned her features in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and on the Today Show to name a few. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Alison began blogging and musing on fashion for enjoyment and to stay busy as she continued climbing the ladder in corporate America and raising her newborn daughter. Drawing from a decade of experience in retail and apparel, Alison began finding her voice and audience demystifying fashion with every outfit and perspective posted. On this episode of the pod, Alison shares her journey into becoming a professional blogger, the viral post that took her exposure and profile to a new level, how the support of her family propelled her to managing Wardrobe Oxygen full-time, the lessons and skill-sets she continues to learn to stay relevant and challenged as her blog evolves, and how she aligns her "quality not quantity" motto with ethical, sustainable brands that reinforce her passion for personal style that is real and accessible for any age, size, and lifestyle.

Mala Persaud is an environmental advocate, sustainability commission member in the Town of Vienna, Virginia and owner of Trace - The Zero Waste Store, the first zero waste store in Fairfax County, the most populous county in the state of Virginia. As the daughter of South American immigrants, Mala learned early in life to appreciate the gifts of the Earth and to push herself outside of her comfort zone personally and professionally to now help move wide scale behavior change in the reduction of plastic production and waste. On this episode of the pod, Mala shares her journey into practicing waste reduction from a career in television and ghost writing, tips on adopting a sustainable practice mindset, how confusing messaging has hindered our collective understanding of proper recycling methods, popular items available for purchase at Trace and the need to also serve as a drop off point for difficult to recycle items, and the very real impact investing in sustainable practices makes on our businesses, communities, and environment.

Courtney Phillips is a mental health advocate and coach who founded Hope for Invisible Wounds to provide awareness and understanding for mental anguish caused by trauma and has shared her own story of survival through her platform as a former Washington, D.C. and Virginia state pageant title holder. When Courtney and I first met onstage in 2018 during the Mrs. DC America competition, Courtney was re-discovering herself and re-emerging into pageantry after spending years away from competition. On this episode of the pod, Courtney shares those formative competition experiences living in Houston, Texas and the new work she put into prepping, competing, and engaging the public as a title holder and public figure traveling thousands of miles and making hundreds of public appearances to share her story and help others share their stories of survival. Courtney details the importance of understanding your own internal and external "why", the power of working with a coach, managing the reach and impact of social media, and how employing healthy coping mechanisms alongside new self-development challenges like pageantry competition can open up a new world of opportunities for unlimited personal and professional growth. 

John Daly is a three-time Winter Olympian in Skeleton Racing and friend who is closing in on his fourth Winter Olympic Games in February 2022. From the age of 14 John has been training, competing, and performing at the highest level of sport to capture that elusive medal that was in his grasp in 2014 but slipped away in his final run. On this episode of the pod, John shares his story of entering competitive skeleton racing, the training and mindset required to compete at an Olympic level, the feeling of being one run from his dream two Olympic Games ago and the lessons of competition that he has taken with him that he applies every day to his personal and professional life.

Leiah Rochleau is a licensed health coach, certified personal trainer, and mentor to many seeking a healthier body, spirit, and self image. Leiah was in the midst of her own personal self-discovery when we met onstage during the Mrs. DC America Pageant competitions in 2017 and 2018. On this episode of the pod, Leiah details where she was in her life when she walked that stage, how pageantry helped her find her inner light and focus on self care, and how now as a coach she draws on her personal experiences and expertise to advise and guide others to become "the CEO of their health" through practical, sensible approaches that focus on the why of eating and not so much on the what.

Twenty-one years ago this week, just after her 18th birthday, Deveney Shea joined the Army on whim and began her two decades plus military journey from Midwest America to Virginia and currently the DC Metro region. Over those two decades of service, Deveney has taken on a variety of roles within the Department of Defense in both active duty and civilian/reserve status, but it was almost exactly 18 years after her enlistment that Deveney took a different kind of chance and found herself, unexpectedly, gracing the Kennedy Center stage as a contestant in the Miss DC for America pageant. On this episode of the pod, Deveney shares her story navigating military life, how she found pageantry and the power it provided to unleash her feminine side, the confidence boost competing has provided her personally and professionally, and how she is leveraging her Public Affairs experience within the Army and pageantry successes (crowned Miss Maryland 2019 and USOA Ms. Kansas 2020) to mentor young women and become the first ever Executive Director of the United States of America Pageant System's Teen, Ms., Miss, and Mrs. competitions for the DC, MD, and VA region.

Dr. Renee Allen, "The People's Emcee", is a speaker, author, talk show host, mentor, and advocate for human decency in the nation's capital region. Renee and I teamed up on several Mrs. DC America and Miss DC for America pageants as co-hosts and I was excited for the opportunity to get the story behind a woman who radiates love and positivity in all that she touches. On this episode of the Pod, Renee shares her story from being a young girl who was always at ease with a mic in her hand and performing, to serving her country for over 20 years in the United States Navy to fighting through and overcoming a devastating divorce to rediscover and rededicate herself to family, and continue her work in the public eye as an in demand speaker, event host, and talk show personality.

Rounding out the third episode of our three part spotlight series on the Behavioral Health program at Mary’s Center in Washington, DC, we have a conversation with Spencer Northey and Daniel Veiga, licensed therapists within the Couples & Family Therapy program at Mary’s Center. Spencer and Daniel share practices and anecdotes around relationship therapy, the role of genograms and what family histories could mean for individuals and their relationships, the terms emotional cut-offs, differentiation, and enmeshment – feelings and actions that we all can identify with but maybe not know the terminology for, and how technology during the pandemic period has offered some surprising benefits in practice.

On this second of three episodes of our spotlight series on the Behavioral Health program at Mary's Center in Washington, DC, we have a conversation with Tiffani Boykin, a licensed therapist within the school-based mental health program at Mary's Center. Tiffani shares her approach to her practice working with teens in schools, how the program and her practice has evolved over the course of the pandemic, and how she discovered her calling to help people from a young age growing up in the nation's capital.

Kicking off the first of three episodes of our spotlight series on the Behavioral Health program at Mary’s Center in Washington, DC, we have a conversation with Georgette Saad, a licensed therapist and Senior Early Childhood Manager at Mary’s Center. Georgette shares the importance of being in tune with your child, that parenting is not a one size fits all and what works today with your child might not tomorrow, and how she is alongside parents in their journey to build fluency and toolsets that will resonate with their child moving forward.

Music is truly a gift, one that gives us comfort and inspiration and helps create memories that last a lifetime. One fun and special way to draw on the magic of music is honoring your child through song. On this episode of The Pod, the Rossman Family share how their love of music inspired them to self publish their new book "Sing Your Child's Story, Parents as Modern Bards," the simple ways parents and children can begin structuring  ideas and experiences into song, how these songs can evolve over time, and a few stories and performances from the Rossman kids that are sure to motivate and inspire. 

From the time he learned to read, Steve Trout was following box scores and idolizing his local DC sports teams and sportscaster George Michael as a sports obsessed kid growing up in Reston, VA. On this episode of The Pod, Steve shares how he cultivated his passion for all things sports into calling high school sporting events to pursuing a sports journalism degree at James Madison University and writing articles and columns for the school newspaper. Soon after graduation, Steve found his way behind the camera shooting games and serving as an on-air talent at NBC29 WVIR in Charlottesville and ultimately landing at NFL Films in 2004 where he is a four-time Emmy award-winning Producer/Director from his work on the sports documentary series Hard Knocks and All or Nothing. Steve provides a unique, behind-the-scenes peak into these productions and the storytelling elements that make these series so compelling. 

With thousands of Twitter followers and over 200 podcast episodes published, the JMU Sports Blog continues to provide fresh and entertaining takes on all things JMU Sports both past and present. On this episode of the pod, JMU alums Rob Abbott and Todd Davis share what led them to establish the blog back in 2009, how the blog and the JMU football program specifically have evolved over the years, some advice for graduating Dukes, and their outlook on this (hopefully one and done) Spring football season for the Dukes in 2021. 

One of the bright moments of the last year in the DC region was the crowning of JeanAnne Roberts as Mrs. DC America 2020. On this episode of the pod, JeanAnne shares her life experiences growing up in West Virginia coal country, the impact pageants made on her early in her life, traveling the world as a flight attendant, and her work now supporting the Girl Scouts of America to help build strong female leaders for the future.

Marco Jacobs is a CEO, startup investor, and mentor in the thriving greater Washington, DC IT market. Born, raised, and educated in Jackson, Mississippi Marco knew at an early age he loved building things. His love for building landed him as a computer science major at Jackson State where he received a full scholarship as a sonic boomer in the well known Jackson State band. After serving multiple internships throughout college, Marco set up shop in DC and in 2016 established CodeIntelX servicing IT clients, as well as CodeIntelX Labs, to help provide training, mentorship, and real world opportunities for future software leaders. 

The healthcare world is fortunate to have professionals like David Daniel in its ecosystem. On the first episode of The Pod in 2021, David shares his journey to serving mission driven healthcare organizations after hitting a crossroads professionally and choosing to volunteer one summer at a camp for children with life threatening illnesses that proved to be truly transformative. We chat about his small town upbringing in Camden, Arkansas, the world of healthcare philanthropy, early 90's Razorback basketball, and the lessons he has learned as a Dad to never say never, to fully embrace his kids' joy, and the resiliency kids will show when given a little space and time.

Patrick Brown might be a familiar face whether you’ve personally met him or not. He’s been a close friend of mine for 25 years and on this final interview episode of The Pod of DC in 2020, Patrick shares what made growing up in Columbia, MD special, his journey to JMU, how he packed up everything to pursue an acting career in California in 2004 and some fascinating behind-the-scenes details on the casting process for film and tv, his transition into a career in real estate and the impact his parents made on him as a man and now family man. I have been alongside Patrick throughout the years and it’s amazing the new things learned when good friends make time for each other, setting aside all the kidding from over the years, and share their story.

It was a pleasure reconnecting with my friend Tracey Butler-Johnson who has served as a public school educator and counselor in one of the largest school systems in the country over the last two decades. Tracey shares her journey to the DC area and how she found her passion counseling middle schoolers, the evolution of the school counselor position in providing social and emotional support to teens to assist in their pursuit of academic success, and a few very impactful examples of how parents can help their children navigate life's challenges from a foundation of unconditional love, acceptance, and positive self-esteem.

The Fantasy Sports world is getting to know Sia Nejad. Sia is a college bro of mine turned fantasy football and golf writer, podcaster, and contributor to outlets like Win Daily Sports and CBS Fantasy Football Today. On this episode of The Pod, Sia dishes about raising a family in Florida after growing up in the greater DC area, his passion for and evolution within fantasy sports and how he is using his platform to give back. Sia also shares his experience cashing out in the main event at the World Series of Poker in 2018 and how unlucky breaks can be overcome when you surround yourself with the right people. 

Jason Scalzo is a fighter, an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Jason discusses with Rick his upbringing in Hamden CT and the impact losing his mother had on his life, the example set by his father, how he strives to live up to his father's model as an individual and doting Dad, the twists and turns his personal and professional life have taken since moving to Charleston SC in 2000, and how he found his life's purpose through the sport of boxing.

Tommy Ross is a boss. Professional drummer, karate black belt, and an elite obstacle course athlete. We dove right into things talking music and his formative upbringing split between California and Saudi Arabia, finding his calling through elite obstacle course training and competition, how he gives back through the sport, and the support and guidance he is giving his son as he pursues excellence in soccer and life.

Cristine Gollayan is a cybersecurity pro, fashionista, and fixture on the DC social scene. On this episode, Cristine shares with Rick how she landed in tech, the changes that have evolved since coding Cobol in the late nineties, her plans as President-elect for the Women in Technology nonprofit organization, her optimism for the young leaders of the future, and how she is putting out those positive vibes in the community in person and online.

Rick reconnects with Rebecca West-Hensinger since her crowning in 2019 as Mrs. Pennsylvania America to reflect on her life growing up in Allentown PA, her journey into pageantry and finalist finishes at Mrs. America and Mrs. World, the inspiration behind her platforms of education equality and substance abuse recovery, her experience summiting Mt. Kilamanjaro and the infiniteness of life when you have someone who believes in you.

Phil Singh is a passionate music lover from the San Francisco Bay area who now calls DC home. On this episode of the pod, Phil shares with Rick the sounds of his childhood, how he listened to new music as a teenager in the late eighties and early nineties, and breaks down with Rick the Beastie Boys' award-winning and critically acclaimed album Check Your Head.

Rick has a conversation with Dr. Mara Monoski, a board-certified urologist turned educator. Mara discusses her upbringing abroad and in the greater DC area, her close friendships formed in high school, the twists and turns in her professional career that inspired her writing and ultimately, the process of publishing her debut novel Downtown Dani.

Rick catches up with his buddy Robert Hofheimer to reflect on meeting in MAFTY, a regional movement of Jewish youth, in the late 80's and early 90's, the journey they shared navigating over 13,000 miles cross country the summer after graduating high school, and the lens they have on friendships made back then in a low fidelity world as Dads of young kids and teenagers today.

Rick reconnects with his friend Dr. Jason Heiserman to discuss his career as a higher ed administrator and educator, the impact of his upbringing in Silver Spring, what brought him to JMU, and his time breaking classic tracks in the golden era of 90's hip hop as a college radio station DJ.

Rick catches up with childhood friend Brad Perry to reminisce about their middle school years in Stafford County, VA, the skateboarding scene in the late 80's, and the musical journey Brad has taken over the years as a working and touring musician.

Rick chats with Top Dawg Brock Leonard, who served as JMU's mascot from 1994-1998. Brock shares what led him to JMU, what it means to wear the costume, and other fun stories from his All-American run as the beloved mascot for the Dukes.

Rick chats with MAAM, DC's premier alt/grunge rock band featuring 4 Moms and a Man.

Rick discusses the night a tree came knocking on his home and took (almost) everything with it

Rick shares why he chose to attend James Madison University and the lasting impact of those college years

Rick reminisces about the dog days of summer at the pool as a kid and now as a dad during the pandemic summer of 2020