What does activism really mean? This season, we're centering the idea that justice and equity are not only pursued through protests, but also through everyday actions that shape how we show up for ourselves, our communities, and the world around us.

Whether it's teaching women how to advocate for their healthcare needs, buiding sustainable communities through homesteading, relearning ancient wisdom related to food, or collectively screaming over a body of water to promote mental wellbeing, our guests this season will demonstrate how activism takes many forms across disciplines and lived experiences. Each episode highlights how individuals and communities are redefining activism in ways that are creative, relational, and deeply human.

Buckle up and tune in!

In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Maroukian welcomes Judy Oyedele, founder and principal consultant of Joyedele Consulting. Judy is an organizational development practitioner and executive leadership coach with over a decade of experience helping leaders across sectors break out of the status quo and lead with clarity, ease, and strong boundaries.

Judy shares reflections on her upbringing as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in Texas and how early messages around worthiness and faith shaped her identity and resilience. She and Maria explore the evolution of self-worth beyond external validation, particularly in academic and professional environments, and how redefining identity is a powerful act of liberation.

They dive into Judy's approach to culture change—one that prioritizes joy, justice, and human-centered leadership—and the challenges and rewards of coaching and podcasting. Judy also discusses her own podcast, Transformation Horizon, which amplifies stories of people driving change through organizational development and human connection.

Whether you're a coach, change leader, or just someone craving deeper joy in your work, this episode offers meaningful insights and actionable wisdom.

In this live and in-person episode of Culture Stew, Maria sits down with the dynamic Melanie Smith, founder of Moves with Melanie, a health and wellness company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. With a powerful blend of pharmacy expertise, fitness instruction, and integrative nutrition coaching, Melanie shares her personal and professional journey one that took her from a military childhood to pharmacy school to a life changing pivot into holistic wellness.

Maria and Melanie explore:

• How growing up as a "military brat" shaped Melanie's go for it mindset

• The realities of burnout in the healthcare system and the bold decision to walk away

• Why her retreats offer a rare mix of structure and radical freedom for women

• How imposter syndrome and racialized beauty standards show up in the wellness space

• The power of building inclusive, body-positive, and evidence-informed spaces for healing

Melanie brings humor, honesty, and a no nonsense approach to helping others thrive emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This episode is a must listen for anyone navigating burnout, craving more authenticity in wellness, or searching for a place where they truly belong.

Learn more about Melanie's work at mymoveswithmelanie.com