A fun yet insightful conversation with author and self-help advocate, Marian L. Thomas. We go on a ride as we cover a bunch of topics including racism, self-help for women, corporate initiatives around inclusion and diversity, and black hair. Born in Illinois, Marian wouldn't say that her first career choice was writing novels. She saw herself working as a journalist for a local newspaper. In college, she served as a sports editor for the student paper, and later as the news editor. But Marian's writing path took a detour when she drafted her first completed manuscript. Now, she can't imagine not crafting stories for women that bring characters to life - characters who face real obstacles, cross difficult barriers to find love, and discover all the wonderful possibilities that life can offer. Marian has been featured on television stations such as Fox, NBC and CBS, and in many print and online publications including USA Today. In her new novel, “Someone Like Me,” Marian examines race relations through the relationship of young people in love, but separated by the color of their skin. Episode References: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/town-surprises-ups-driver-with-1000-dollars/ (Town Surprises UPS Driver With $1,000 to Thank Him For Being Essential During Pandemic) Marian's Website: https://marianlthomas.com/ (https://marianlthomas.com/) GET THE BOOK!!! https://www.amazon.com/Marian-L-Thomas/e/B002JB560C/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 (Amazon) Or order at your local bookstore! Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Interesting Humans

Marian Thomas: Strong Female Lead

A thoroughly enjoyable conversation with Wendy Isaac Bergin, a Gulf Coast native who spent 22 years teaching music at Prairie View A & M and performing as Principal Flute in Houston’s Opera In The Heights Orchestra for 19 years. Wendy’s experience as a white educator at an HBCU where 90 percent of the student body is from a minority household makes for an enlightening and humorous topic of discussion. We explore her journey, life and influences including her time in Sweden and her encounter with an act of amazing grace. Her new book, Lessons In The Wild, follows musician and college instructor T. Sebastian Morrow as his life unravels when professional and personal trials befall him, forcing him to fight for his career. Stunning allegations against him leave his job in jeopardy and put him at odds with the administration. When Morrow’s personal realm is also turned upside down, his unexpected guide is a young acquaintance who helps Sebastian remember what is most important in his life. Episode References: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/12/us/verda-tetteh-scholarship.html (A High School Senior Won a $40,000 Scholarship. Then She Gave It Up.) Wendy' Website: http://www.wendyisaacbergin.com (http://www.wendyisaacbergin.com) GET THE BOOK!!! https://tinyurl.com/wcu3egj (Amazon) Or order at your local bookstore! Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Wendy Isaac Bergin: Learning and Teaching Through Music and Life

In an incredible episode packed with unvarnished takes and no punches pulled, Bibi and Sarah talk with international economics authority and financial risk expert, Charles Jacobs. A mathematician who strives always to see things as they are, and not as rendered through bias, Charles is a leading mind on measuring financial risk for international firms using advanced mathematical modeling who's had the honor of speaking before Congress (P.S. It's not as sexy in real life as Tony Stark made it look). In this conversation, we talk about religious extremism in America, the genetic manipulation of plants and animals, the relationships and conflicts between science, religion, and morality, the possibility of secret cabals making global decisions, and so much more. In his debut novel, The Pangaea Solution, Charles explores the growing danger at the crossroads of overpopulation, food shortages, and the ability of small, violent groups to attempt to alter the world based on their misguided beliefs. Facts are what power The Pangaea Solution because everything in it either exists or is being researched for tomorrow’s reality: the Christian Identity movement, white-supremacist groups like Aryan Nations, bio-engineered hybrid animals, genetically-mutated plants, weaponization of global weather patterns, and the role of internet commerce in global money-laundering. Episode References: https://time.com/nextadvisor/in-the-news/meet-q-ibraheem/ (This Chicago Chef Used to Charge $250 a Meal. Now She’s Feeding People in Need for Free) Charles' Socials: www.charlesjacobs.com  GET THE BOOK!!! https://www.amazon.com/Pangaea-Solution-Solve-Equation-World-ebook/dp/B0869TJNFJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pangaea+solution&qid=1586095084&sr=8-1 (Amazon) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/pangaea+solution?_requestid=249534 (Barnes & Noble) https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1011903 (Smashwords) Or order at your local bookstore! Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Charles Jacobs: Science, Religion, Fact & Fiction

Bibi hosts this episode solo (listen to find out why) and is joined by David Schaelfer, a career international diplomat who has worked in the US State Department for several decades and has lived in several parts of the world including Bucharest, Hong Kong, Iraq, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico, Finland, Tokyo, and Kiev. We talk about incredible chapters from David's life such as his nerve-rattling encounter in Mexico with one of the infamous "narco-Satanico" (Satanic-cannibal) cult members who had been involved in a high profile murder case of an American college student, and how he adopted his daughter from Tyumen, Russia. A lifelong fan of mythology, David’s fluency in the Finnish language led to years of research into Finland's famous Kalevala epic tale, and resulted in book “The Mark of the Bear Clan,” the first installment of a trilogy with the subsequent titles coming to the marketplace later this year. David's books take the baton from legendary authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, who was also influenced by the Kalevala to create his world-famous fantasy tales about Middle-Earth. Episode References: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/a-judge-gave-a-drug-dealer-chance-now-edward-martell-lawyer/ (Judge Gave Drug Dealer a Second Chance. 16 Years Later He Swears Him In As a Lawyer) David's Socials: http://www.davidschlaefer.com/ (www.davidschlaefer.com) GET THE BOOK!!! https://www.instagram.com/schlaeferdavid/ (https://www.instagram.com/schlaeferdavid/) https://twitter.com/SchlaeferDavid (https://twitter.com/SchlaeferDavid) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

David Schlaefer: Service, Wanderlust & Mythology

Bibi and Sarah sit with fellow-podcaster and food photography enthusiast, Lindsay Seligman. When she's not at her day-job as a marketing professional, Lindsay is finding exciting and interesting ways to express herself using her skillset and natural talents. In the episode, we talk about unrealistic self-expectations, starting new projects and doing them even when you're filled with fear of the unknown. Episode References: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/20/us/coronavirus-fitness-training-former-inmates-jobs-cnnheroes/index.html (Fitness trainer uses his decade behind bars to inspire clients and help former inmates transform their lives) https://www.instagram.com/thebougieweeklypodcast (The Bougie Weekly Podcast) Lindsay's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/lbseligman (https://www.instagram.com/lbseligman) https://www.instagram.com/charcuterieboardqueen (https://www.instagram.com/charcuterieboardqueen) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Lindsay Seligman: Do It Afraid

On this episode, Bibi and Sarah are joined by Mira Mistry, an IT business professional turned yoga instructor and movement enthusiast serving her community with free online yoga courses during COVID-19. In this conversation, we talk about growing up the child of immigrants, finding self-identity and rediscovering cultural heritage. We also find time to pick between coffee and peppermint essential oils... You have to listen to understand. It became a whole thing. Episode References: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/jonathan-bauer-assawoman-bay-saves-life-toddler/ (Hero Jumps Into Maryland Bay to Save Toddler’s Life After Crash Flings Her Car Seat Into the Water) Mira's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/miramistry22 (https://www.instagram.com/miramistry22) https://www.instagram.com/movementwithmira (https://www.instagram.com/movementwithmira) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Mira Mistry: Bliss Through Movement

When the snowstorm hit Texas in early 2021, wiping out power and utilities in communities already grappling with the effects of COVID-19, Zishan and his young family had no choice but to hunker down for the duration of the unexpected challenge. Bibi and Sarah have a truly enlightening conversation with Zishan about what it was like to live through an ordeal a lot of us just got to watch on TV. His sense of calm and perseverance shines through in this episode and teaches us how we might properly handle even the toughest situations. Episode References: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/inspirational-stories/a19724430/jennifer-maddox-future-ties/ (Jennifer Maddox has provided after-school activities for more than 800 children) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgnC65nrajs (CST #3 - Perseverance Part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbi76gPOJSU (CST #3 - Perseverance Part 2) Busi's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/zubairzishan (https://www.instagram.com/zubairzishan) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Zishan Zubair: Surviving An Unexpected Storm

Bibi and Sarah kick off Season 2 with a fantastic conversation with Busi Gwiji, a self-care and mental health advocate in Oakville, ON. In true Interesting Humans fashion, we talk with Busi about her journey, life and experiences as well as what makes self-care and mental health so important, especially now. This conversation is full of knowledge gems and laughs, and the season couldn't have begun any better! Episode References: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/04/sport/japan-supercentenarian-olympic-torchbearer-hnk-intl/index.html?utm_term=1615035700378a949bd2faeb0&utm_source=cnn_The+Good+Stuff+03%2F06%2F21&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1615035700380&bt_ee=ZX4t6Pi8Y7R0i0pzY1n7xbtOWZT1TDifQGcllXB5c63ib6LbjtT13XztUPFRfBDN&bt_ts=1615035700380 (Aged 118, the world's oldest living person will carry the Olympic flame in Japan) Busi's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/busi_global (https://www.instagram.com/busi_global) https://www.selfcareglobe.care/ (https://www.selfcareglobe.care/) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Busi Gwiji: The Journey to Self

Did you miss us? Your favorite hosts, Bibi and Sarah are back on April 27! New humans. New stories. New season.

Season 2 Is Coming On April 27!

In this very special episode, Bibi & Sarah make Interesting Humans history by having a recorded conversation without a guest in the mix! Follow your two favorite hosts down memory lane as they unpack the planning, beginnings and making of the podcast. Each episode to date is also examined for the gems they contain. After a truly eventful and unprecedented year - anyone else feel like the word "unprecedented" really blew up in 2020? - it was chicken soup for the soul to look back and see how far we've come. Here's to a kinder 2021, interesting humans! Guest Playback Markers: Shar J: 00:09:29 Cherry Mayers: 00:14:03 Christine Awad: 00:16:41 Jessica Gorlicky: 00:20:24 James Milonas: 00:23:59 Brayden Laflamme: 00:26:50 Sae Byeon: 00:28:51 Alyaa Younis: 00:32:55 Harprit Gill: 00:36:22 Jasmine Amoako-Agyei & Naruro Hassan: 00:38:52 Sibel Mufti: 00:42:40 Michelle Kosoy: 00:45:55 Gaurav Pramanik: 00:50:41 Arthur Odeka: 00:54:46 Noella Eze: 00:57:21 Josiah Ojenma: 01:00:51 Gabe Young: 01:03:05 Julia Bennett Chan & Caroline Leung: 01:06:08 Fraz Iqbal: 01:09:51 Episode References: Find all the episodes we referenced at the clickable links below (and everywhere else you find podcasts): https://open.spotify.com/show/4D78ektm1LdKX1RVpxcfnd (Spotify) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/interesting-humans/id1495558237 (Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaW50ZXJlc3RpbmctaHVtYW5zLw (Google Podcasts) https://www.stitcher.com/show/interesting-humans (Stitcher) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Special Episode: 2020 Wrapped

In the last episode of 2020, we could not have wished for a more wonderful guest! This week, listen to the conversation that Bibi and Sarah have with Fraz Iqbal, a charmingly unassuming tech professional who's seen a thing or two about life. Since immigrating to Canada from Saudi Arabia as a fresh-eyed college freshman some 12 odd years ago, Fraz has learned to overcome every challenge he's encountered along his journey. Listen to him talk about his Indian heritage, assimilating Canadian culture, overcoming hearing loss as well as a brain tumor with the ease of a natural storyteller. Fraz's nature is so calm and endearing that even while describing the most visceral aspects of his experiences, you aren't sucked into a negative space. Enjoy the episode! Episode References: https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/us/florida-utility-bills-paid-trnd/index.html (A Florida man just paid off the past dues for 114 families at risk of having their utilities shut off) Fraz's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/alphyc (https://www.instagram.com/alphyc) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

XXX Fraz Iqbal: On the Other Side of Fear

On this episode, Julia and Caroline join Bibi and Sarah for a witty, truthful and thought-provoking conversation that takes us through their lives, journeys, work and the life-altering decisions they've made to get them where they are today. These two proudly Chinese-Canadian women lead with purpose and bring a breath of fresh air to every situation while remaining funny and extremely conversational. This is evident in spades in the incredible podcast they host together, the Not Nice Podcast. The episode covers a wide range of subjects from racism to bowel-movements, and you're just going to have to listen to find out how on earth we were able to cover so much ground! Episode References: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/13-year-old-angel-donating-masks-food-to-homeless/ (13-Year-old ‘Angel’ is Donating Thousands of Masks, Meals, and Clothing to Seattle’s Homeless) https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1532681092 (The Not Nice Podcast) Julia's & Caroline's Socials: https://www.instagram.com/juliabennett (https://www.instagram.com/juliabennett) https://www.instagram.com/cutieism (https://www.instagram.com/cutieism) Interesting Humans Socials: https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/interestinghumanspod/) https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/ (https://www.twitter.com/theihpod/)

Julia Bennett Chan & Caroline Leung: That Takes Ovaries

How much of the people you interact with the most in your everyday life do you actually know? The people you work with, the ones providing you a service, or even the ones you casually bump into as you journey through your day? Have you ever wondered whether you might feel more connected to them if you understood a bit more of what makes them who they are? Their experiences. Their stories. Their lives. Humans, it turns out, are generally more interesting than they might appear at first glance. That's why we're making this podcast. Join Bibi Sofowote and Sarah Poonawala as we talk to some seemingly-ordinary people every other week. You'll hear about truly inspiring stories, life-altering choices and amazing personal victories. And maybe you'll hear a story that's so similar to yours, it makes you think, "If they could do that, perhaps I can too". Their stories will connect with you because the are authentic, organic, unrehearsed and sincere.

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Interesting Humans

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