Original Air Date: Jun 3, 2017

“Teaching the skills necessary to live in this world that doesn’t adapt to an autistic person, while also teaching them it’s ok to just be you.” - Heather Conroy Social Worker, Autism Specialist, Karaoke Enthusiast

In this episode, host Kahmeela welcomes autism specialist Heather Conroy for an enlightening discussion about her journey and work in the field of autism advocacy. Heather shares her experiences growing up in rural Pennsylvania and how her path led her to specialize in autism support. We delve into her role at Evolve Coaching, where she assists young adults in navigating college and life challenges, emphasizing self-advocacy and social skills.

"I want my daughter to know that she can also pursue herdreams." - Gabrielle Walsh (Actress, Mental Health Advocate, Authentic Spirit)

This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I am excited to welcome actress Gabrielle Walsh, known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, and NBC's drama series Found. Gabrielle opens up about hercharacter Lacey Quinn, a passionate advocate for those who have experienced trauma, and how her own journey mirrors Lacey’s resilience and determination.

Our conversation dives deep into the impact of Found and the complexities of portraying a character with such profound emotional depth.Gabrielle shares her path to acting, her commitment to mental health advocacy, and the vital importance of self-love and body positivity.

Join us for a heartfelt discussion that highlights Gabrielle'svibrant personality, her insights on the acting industry, and her dreams for the future.

Original Air Date: Aug 3, 2016

"I've always just been me." - Marta Mazzoni Podcast Queen, Theater Nerd, Michael McDonald Fan

This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I am thrilled to welcome Marta Mazzoni, the creative force behind the popular podcast, Marta on the Move. Marta shares her journey from her roots in Pittsburgh to becoming a podcast queen with a penchant for adventure and storytelling. We dive into her experiences with solo travel, including a transformative trip to Sicily that sparked her love for exploration and self-discovery.

Our conversation touches on Marta's passion for immersive theater, her family's food service business, and her love for music. We also discuss her unique self-care routine, which includes yoga and sensory deprivation floats, and her aspirations to learn sailing and work on a winery.Marta's vibrant personality and zest for life shine through as we chat about her eclectic tastes in music and her philosophy on living life to the fullest.

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Original Air Date: Aug 3, 2016

"I wanna feel extreme, in some way." - Kate Hansen (Machinima Artist, Consumer of Vaporwave, Snarky Country Gal)

This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I chat with the fascinating Kate Hansen, a multidisciplinary artist with a penchant for the eclectic and unusual. We dive into Kate's journey from a rural upbringing outside Pittsburgh to her vibrant life in the city, where she explores a unique artistic practice that defies easy categorization. Kate shares her experiences with the art collective Dad Pranks, where spontaneous collaboration and a playful approach to post-Internet aesthetics take center stage.

We touch on her love for malls as public spaces, her experimental use of video game engines for creative storytelling, and her passion for learning new artistic techniques. Kate also opens up about the challenges and joys of being an artist, the importance of feeling extreme emotions throughart, and her dreams of exploring new horizons in her personal practice.

Join us for an engaging conversation that covers everything from Kate's musical influences to her thoughts on the evolving art scene in Pittsburgh.

This week, I am thrilled to welcome Sarah Raughley, a talented author whose journey from fan fiction to published novels is nothing short of inspiring. Sarah joins me to discuss her path as a writer, the influences that have shaped her storytelling, and the powerful themes in her upcoming book, "The Queen's Spade."

Our conversation uncovers Sara's early passion for storytelling, her love for role-playing games, and the significance of representation in literature, especially for Black women. We delve into the historical backdrop of her work, the emotional challenges of exploring complex identities, and the vital role of reclaiming narratives. Sarah passionately advocates for more Black stories in literature, highlighting the empowerment that comes from seeing oneself as a hero.

"The Queen's Spade," set for release on January 14, 2025, is a riveting historical thriller inspired by true events.

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I have the pleasure of chatting with Tetona Jackson, a rising star in the entertainment industry and one of the leads in the new CBS sitcom "Poppa's House." Co-starring alongside comedy icons Damon Wayans and his son Damon Wayans Jr., as well as the talented Essence Atkins, Tetona brings her unique flair to the screen.

Our conversation explores Tetona's vibrant journey into the world of entertainment, her time as Princess Tiana on Disney on Ice, and how these experiences have shaped her career.

Join us as Tetona opens up about the significance of representation, her cherished moments with her daughter, and her aspirations in the industry. Don't miss her insights into her character, Nina, and the delightful dynamics of "Poppa's House."

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I reconnect with Maggie Lynn Negrete, a talented illustrator and member of the #notwhite Collective. We explore the profound impact of motherhood on her artistic journey and the constant quest for balance. Maggie shares her return to music as a source of joy for herself and her family, emphasizing the importance of finding moments of ease amidst the demands of parenting, especially during the pandemic.

Our conversation delves into shared challenges in motherhood, such as the mental load's effect on creativity, and Maggie's transition from traditional illustration to digital art, which has revolutionized her process.

Join us for a candid discussion about the seasons of life, the significance of community, and the therapeutic power of art and music. Don't miss Maggie's previous appearance in episode 60, and enjoy her triumphant return as RuggedAngel number 131.

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This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist and cultural worker Sara Tang, a proud member of the #notwhite collective. We delve into Sara's journey of self-discovery and her efforts to promote racial equity in the arts. Through her unique artistic process, which intriguingly involves using coffee as a medium, Sara aims to foster authentic connections and community healing through storytelling.

We discuss her experiences with the #notwhite collective, the impact of growing up in a mixed-race household, and her work with the Asian American collective, Jaded. Sara shares how art and cultural exchange can be powerful tools for social change and personal growth.

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