Episodios

  • Finding Home & Purpose: Real Estate, Resilience & Life Lessons with Naomi Kurzyna | Something to Say

    Finding Home & Purpose: Real Estate, Resilience & Life Lessons with Naomi Kurzyna | Something to Say
    Apr 10 2026

    In this episode of Something to Say, I sit down with Naomi Kurzyna of Compass Real Estate - one of Philadelphias most trusted realtors - to explore the powerful connection between finding your home and finding your purpose.

    Naomi shares her incredible journey shaped by global experiences, having lived across the U.S. and Europe, and how her background in hospitality, sales, and marketing influences her client-first approach in real estate. From navigating complex housing markets to delivering five-star service, she offers expert insights into buying, selling, and relocating in todays competitive environment.

    But this conversation goes far beyond real estate.

    We dive into deeply personal topics including resilience, overcoming lifes toughest challenges, the impact of meaningful relationships, and how gratitude and perspective can transform your life. Naomi opens up about her battle with cancer, lessons in listening, and why kindness and empathy are essential - not just in business, but in life.

    Whether you're exploring homeownership, transitioning to a new lifestyle, or searching for inspiration to pursue your passion, this episode delivers valuable insights and heartfelt stories you wont want to miss.

    Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations that amplify diverse voices and help you discover your own path.
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    54 m
  • Women Who Crossed Borders: By Force or By Choice

    Women Who Crossed Borders: By Force or By Choice
    Apr 3 2026
    In this episode of Americas Hidden 250, I sit down with Stacey Toussaint, Founder of Inside Out Tours, to explore the powerful and often overlooked stories of women who crossed borders - by force and by choice. From indigenous leaders and enslaved African women to civil rights pioneers and modern changemakers, we unpack how women have shaped American history despite being left out of traditional narratives.
    Stacey shares how tourism can serve as a tool for public education, amplifying marginalized voices and bringing hidden histories to life. We also dive into the deeper meaning of crossing borders - not just geographically, but culturally and emotionally - and why understanding these stories is essential today.
    This conversation is a reminder that history is not complete until every voice is heard - and that the journey to uncover truth starts with intention.
    Stay tuned for more powerful conversations uncovering the stories that shape America. Follow, share, and join us as we continue to explore whats been left out of the narrative.
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    29 m
  • Paul Blakely on Irish Craft Beer & Philadelphia Collaboration | Something to Say Podcast

    Paul Blakely on Irish Craft Beer & Philadelphia Collaboration | Something to Say Podcast
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode of Something to Say, host Greg DeShields sits down with branding expert, creative director, and 3x agency founder Paul Blakely to explore a powerful international collaboration between Ireland and Philadelphias craft brewing communities.
    With over 20 years of experience across Europe and the United States, Paul shares insights on brand strategy, entrepreneurship, and the evolving hospitality industry. The conversation dives into the PhiladelphiaIreland Brewery Collaboration Initiative, highlighting how Irish craft beer is making its way to American shores and what this means for local businesses, cultural exchange, and global brand development.
    From actionable business strategies to the importance of human connection in hospitality, this episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, marketers, and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
    Connect with Paul Blakely:Website: https://legendelphia.com/
    Website: https://stndaprt.com/
    Email: hello@stndaprt.com
    Email: hello@paulblakely.com
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    43 m
  • A Cajun Girl’s Rise to the Daughters of the American Revolution

    A Cajun Girl’s Rise to the Daughters of the American Revolution
    Mar 19 2026
    In this episode of Americas Hidden 250, host Karin Aaron sits down with travel television host Denella Ri'chard to explore a remarkable journey through genealogy, heritage, and American history. From her Louisiana Cajun roots to tracing her ancestry nine generations back, Denella shares how a personal search for family history led her to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
    Through historical records, church archives, and family genealogy research, Denella uncovered the story of her ancestor Pierre Richard - recognized as a patriot connected to the American Revolution. Her discovery reveals the multicultural foundations of Louisiana, where French, Spanish, African, Haitian, and Native influences shaped generations of families and communities.
    Recorded during Women's History Month, this conversation highlights the importance of preserving family history, uncovering overlooked stories, and recognizing the diverse voices that helped build America. Denella also reflects on her career in the travel industry and the success of her television series Traveling with Denella Ri'chard, where she shares cultures, destinations, and stories from around the world.
    If youre interested in American history, genealogy research, Cajun heritage, and inspiring travel stories, this episode offers a powerful reminder that the story of America is far more diverse and interconnected than many realize.
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    37 m
  • Lead with Presence, Not Position | Victor Simmons on Leadership & Book Launch

    Lead with Presence, Not Position | Victor Simmons on Leadership & Book Launch
    Mar 3 2026
    Join me, Greg DeShields, on Something to Say as I welcome back Victor Simmons, author of "The Presence-Driven Leader". Victor shares his journey from his familys Alabama roots to leading on the global stage of hospitality, showing how authentic leadership comes from presence, not position.
    We explore his three-pillar leadership framework: coaching, influence, and conviction, plus insights on motivating teams, building trust, DEI, and leveraging AI in the workplace.

    Book Launch: March 3, 2026 Victors The Presence-Driven Leader is available wherever books are sold, with autographed copies available directly from him. Lead with presence, not your title, and make a real impact in your workplace and community.

    Subscribe and listen to get actionable leadership strategies and timeless wisdom from Victors journey.
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    38 m
  • “The Green Book Wasn’t Just a Book - It Was a Movement”

    “The Green Book Wasn’t Just a Book - It Was a Movement”
    Feb 12 2026
    Before GPS. Before online reviews. Before safe travel was assumed.
    There was The Negro Motorist Green Book.
    In this compelling episode of Americas Hidden 250, host Karin Aaron sits down with David Jackson, Executive Director of the Green Book Institute, to uncover how the Green Book became far more than a travel directory - it became a movement. A lifeline. A symbol of resilience for Black travelers navigating segregation during the Jim Crow era.
    Discover the hidden stories behind historic Green Book landmarks like the A.G. Gaston Motel, the Hampton House in Miami, and the Magnolia House in North Carolina. Learn how corporations like ESSO (Exxon), Ford Motor Company, and the YMCA played unexpected roles in supporting safe travel. And explore why preserving Black travel history and cultural tourism is essential as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
    This conversation goes beyond history - it challenges us to rethink belonging, safety, and inclusion in American travel today.
    Because the Green Book wasnt just a book.It was survival. It was a strategy. It was a community.It was a movement.
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    41 m
  • Is Travel Ever Neutral? How Place Reveals America’s Untold Stories

    Is Travel Ever Neutral? How Place Reveals America’s Untold Stories
    Jan 29 2026
    Is travel ever truly neutral? In this powerful episode of Hidden 250, host Karin Aaron sits down with Shaun Lain, historian, orator, and President of College Campus Tours, to explore how place-based travel shapes what we remember, what we believe, and whose stories get told in America.
    As the nation approaches the America 250 commemoration, this conversation challenges traditional narratives by asking hard questions about history, education, and identity. From college campuses as living classrooms to the ways untold stories are preserved - or erased - through travel, Shaun Lain shares decades of experience helping students engage with history beyond textbooks.
    Together, they unpack why travel is never neutral, how suppressed histories still shape the present, and why seeing, touching, and experiencing place can transform understanding, self-esteem, and purpose - especially for young people navigating their future.
    This episode invites listeners to rethink how Americas story is told, who is included, and how truth emerges when we move through history with intention.
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    20 m
  • Finding Balance, Purpose & True Hospitality: Fitz Spencer on Something to Say Podcast

    Finding Balance, Purpose & True Hospitality: Fitz Spencer on Something to Say Podcast
    Jan 24 2026
    Join me, Greg DeShields, on this episode of Something to Say, as I sit down with Fitz Spencer, co-owner of Honkytonk Wine Library in Devon, England. Fitz is an entrepreneur, mentor, and business leader with over two decades of experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship.
    From his beginnings as a chef across the UK and Europe to building community-focused bars and leading ethical income ventures with Zinzino, Fitz shares his journey of resilience, faith, and purposeful success. We dive deep into hospitality, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the lessons hes learned from failure, family, and lifes toughest moments.
    Discover insights on:
    • Building income and life with purpose
    • True hospitality and challenging common industry misconceptions
    • Navigating entrepreneurship without losing yourself
    • The evolving role of technology in hospitality
    • Lessons from life, faith, and personal growth

    Whether youre passionate about hospitality, entrepreneurship, or personal development, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to guide your journey.
    Listen, learn, and find your own path to balance, purpose, and long-term success.
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    49 m