Side by Side

Today’s guest is Effie Cao, a life coach, entrepreneur, and community leader who brings experience and soul to her work and her personal journey. You can find her writing as well as her own deepdive conversations with thought leaders such as Michael Singer through her online community spaces.
 
In this conversation, we discuss the purpose of “being healthy,” Effie’s journey from northern China to working and living as a digital nomad, and the nuances of communicating across multiple languages.
 
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Today's guest is Meredith Heller, author of "Writing by Heart," "Write a Poem, Save Your Life," and several poetry collections. A poet, singer-songwriter, avid nature lover, and educator with degrees in writing and education, she leads writing workshops online and in-person at schools, juvenile detention centers, women’s prisons, and wellness retreats. 
 
In this conversation, we dive inside the origins and highlights of Meredith's latest release, “Writing By Heart,” and her lifelong journey with creativity and self-expression as a healing force in her life.
 
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Today’s guest is writer, performer, educational consultant Coda Wei (they/them), who is pursuing their Masters in Intercultural Communication Studies at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
 
In this conversation, we explore Coda’s early life traveling and living between America and China, and how their experience of the world has influenced their perspective around queer identity, creative expression, and education.
 
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Today’s guest is coach and facilitator Austin Walker, who focuses on leadership and men’s personal development, inside and out. In addition to one-on-one partnerships, Austin leads several men’s groups, including the “Man Cave,” a space dedicated to BIPOC Men to connect and share their perspectives.
 
In this conversation, we explore Austin’s journey from boyhood to man, the connection between leadership and intimacy, and the essence of finding and doing meaningful work. 
 
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In honor of Lunar New Year on February 10 this year, today's special guest paved the way for me, and my passion for language and communication: My mom, Gia Zhang.
 
Before immigrating to America, she was a language teacher and published author in China. She was around the age I am now when she made the decision to start a new life, learn a new language, and take a risk by doing something no one in our family had before.
 
In this conversation, we dive inside her early life growing up in China, the cultural differences and similarities between American and Chinese culture, and some tips and tricks for language learning at any age.
 
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Today’s guest is Wendy Xu, a bestselling illustrator, comics artist, designer, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is the creator of graphic novels "Infinity Particle," "Tidesong," and co-creator of "Mooncakes." 
 
In this conversation, Wendy shares the origins of her passion for artmaking and storytelling, her way of balancing commercial success and artistic freedom, and she shares some handy advice for those looking to explore the graphic novel medium. 
 
Registration: Spring '24 Online Writer's Workshop
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Today’s guest is screenwriter and higher education professional Ashley Griggs. She earned her BA in Film Studies and French at the College of William & Mary, and later received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she was awarded a Future Screenwriters Fellowship. She has written for the narrative podcast "The Host," directed plays in New York City and Los Angeles, and is a mentor for the nonprofit WriteGirl LA. 
 
In this conversation, we dive inside Ashley’s early influences as a cinephile and storyteller, the challenge of balancing personal fulfillment with professional output, and lastly, we talk about our upcoming online writer’s workshop, called “Embracing the Multidisciplinary Writer: Lessons Across Genre & Form.”
 
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Today’s guest is Varsha Mathur, J.D., PCC, a certified dating and relationship coach with over seven years of experience who guides clients worldwide to find and sustain lasting love with their ideal partners. A former practicing lawyer and mediator, Varsha draws on her personal journey, including divorce and remarriage, to help others make decisions untainted by negative influences, propelling them toward their dreams. 
 
In this conversation, we dive inside her childhood influences in relationship matters, the evolution of dating culture since the pandemic, and what to look for when starting and ending a relationship.
 
Registration: Spring '24 Online Writer's Workshop
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Today’s guest is Hanna Thomas Uose, a writer, activist, and co-founder and Principal Consultant at Align, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting organizations in the progressive movement. Her debut novel, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” will be published in early 2025.
 
In this conversation, we dive inside Hanna’s somewhat unexpected turn as a speculative fiction writer, her interdisciplinary work with organizations, and the connection between time and worldbuilding in her vision for a better future for all.
 
Registration: Spring '24 Online Writer's Workshop
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Today’s guest is Scott Stabile, the author of “Enough as You Are” and “Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart.” He is a passionate love advocate who believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our world. Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment workshops internationally. His inspirational posts have attracted a huge and devoted social media following, including more than 350,000 Facebook fans. 
 
In this conversation, Scott and I explore his creative process for “Enough as You Are,” his journey and offerings around breathwork, and the importance of leaning into love and acceptance even during the darkest of times.
 
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