The WECAN Podcast

It is "Young Leaders" week here at WECAN, and in today's episode, I’m thrilled to feature a dear family member: Luca Ortona, championing for student voices worldwide. Luca is a 20-year old, Italian-American student at the prestigious Bocconi University, and the founder of Agora International. Driven by a passion for diplomacy and authentic storytelling, he created Agora a year ago to provide a platform for student voices from regions often overlooked by mainstream media. This is a non-profit publication dedicated to featuring student political perspectives from every corner of the globe, bridging cultures. Luca is carving out his own unique path, and a powerful example of what happens when a young leader dares to fill a void in the conversation. Coming from a family with a rich legacy of diplomacy, including his great-grandfather, who worked on the Marshall Plan, and his father, recently appointed Ambassador to the UAE, it’s no surprise that Luca has a deep-seated passion for international relations. Agora has secured a publishing contract to distribute their magazine globally, a testament to the hard work and integrity Luca invests into this initiative every single day. What is Agora? "Agorà is an international, non-profit publication produced exclusively by university students interested in how politics shape our everyday lives, covering topics from domestic affairs, international governance, economics and innovation, art, culture & identity, and science, technology & environment. They reach out to students already on-site in countries around the world, and ask them to document local, political issues. In turn, they assemble and spotlight their work in a monthly journal on a global stage." I am so proud of Luca, and I couldn’t agree more with his mission: we need more young people at decision-making tables across the world. Their perspectives matter, and it is time we do more to listen and include them. The future is bright because we have passionate young people taking action, turning their values and beliefs into tangible projects that shape our world. Contribute & Connect with Agora International: Website: https://www.agorainternational.it/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-ortona-a34551331/#WECAN #YoungLeaders #AgoraInternational #StudentVoices #GlobalPolitics #YouthLeadership #BocconiUniversity #LeadershipDevelopment #GlobalDiplomacy #FutureLeaders ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models! 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

In today's heartfelt episode of WECAN, Stephanie sits down with the extraordinary Tracey Thomas, founder of Good Mess Media, to deep dive into the real business of Podcasting and the Good Mess Media philosophy: prioritising genuine storytelling over traditional, numbers-driven models. Good Mess Media is a New York–based production company, creatively rooted in Tribeca. They create premium podcasts, digital series, documentaries, YouTube content, and live experiences designed to connect, move, and resonate. Authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability aren't just "nice to have" but the most powerful metrics for success in today’s saturated podcast, AI, and digital landscape. Tracey possesses that rare combination of sharp business insight, intuition, and heart. In an industry that often obsesses over metrics and algorithms, Tracey’s values are a breath of fresh air. She leads with vulnerability, honesty, and a commitment to protecting the creator's voice. I received so much incredible feedback on WECAN during this episode, and it’s no surprise; Tracey has a gift for making you feel truly seen the moment you sit down with her. Tracey shares her personal journey, having lost her father at the tender age of 14, and how her own life experiences shaped her approach to business, and why she believes audiences are craving "unpolished", soul-filling content more than ever. We absolutely love the Good Mess Media philosophy: "Life is MESSY, but it’s GOOD MESSY!" Audiences are moving away from perfection and striving toward authentic storytelling, staying true to their values, all while scaling with vision instead. "Tracey has insight, gut feeling, heart, and values that reflect ours, and it just felt like we had known each other for a long time. I love how we instantly connected; I am moved by our conversation, and your business model resonates! Thank you so much, Tracey." Stephanie Connect with Tracey Thomas & Good Mess Media Website: https://www.goodmessmedia.com/ Instagram: @goodmessmedia #WECAN #GoodMessMedia #PodcastingTips #ContentCreation #AuthenticStorytelling #PodcastBusiness #MediaIndustry #DigitalStrategy #CreativeTalent #Storytelling #PodcastLaunch #LeadershipWithHeart ________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models! 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

Do you ever wish to break down the complexities of mental health into actionable, everyday, practical tools to manage stress? Today, on WECAN, we are so honoured to talk to the brilliant Dr. Rachel Goldman, a Top 100 Mental Health Influencer and a Top 40 CBT Influencer of 2025 and 2026, Clinical Psychologist, NYU Professor, and Author of When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free. Dr. Rachel is frequently featured as a health expert on radio and television. She has been an expert panellist with Oprah (three times!) on obesity, body image, and CBT, has been recorded with Mel Robbins, has spoken at Reese Witherspoon's Shine Away event, and has appeared on SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio, discussing weight-loss struggles, stress, and disordered eating. Dr. Goldman shares her expert perspective on moving away from complex solutions and returning to the basics: sleep, hydration, and understanding the core link between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. She takes a holistic approach to mental health, specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is the ultimate stress-conversation, and Dr. Rachel shares her expert perspective on good stress, better referred to as eustress, the kind that gives us butterflies before a big moment, and how to stop letting anxiety hold us back. We lean into the power of the word "and": instead of letting "I’m overwhelmed" stop you, we use "I’m overwhelmed, AND what am I going to do about it now?" Parents must prioritise their own mental health to be the best version of themselves for their children. And for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their future? You can change your mind! You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going; take those small, intentional baby steps. I truly love her approach! She meets you exactly where you are, helping you step into your power, one small step at a time, through her holistic approach. 0:00 Introduction: Meet Dr. Rachel Goldman 0:52 Going back to basics: Mental health beyond social media trends 3:00 The "When Life Happens" approach: Simple tools for big challenges 5:40 Reframing mental health: Accessibility & stigma 8:30 Dr. Rachel’s journey: Pivoting from academia to media 13:30 Legacy and mission: Why share the message? 15:30 The "And" technique: CBT basics for managing overwhelm 19:03 Understanding Eustress: Why "good stress" helps you grow 21:20 Supporting family through eating disorders 23:30 Parenting: Connection before problem-solving 26:30 Final advice: Embracing change & the power of baby steps Connect with Dr. Rachel Goldman & Buy Her Book: Website: https://www.drrachelnyc.com/ #WECAN #DrRachelGoldman #Eustress #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips #WhenLifeHappens #StressManagement #CBT #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #EatingDisorders #Anorexia If this conversation lit a spark in you, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to join the WECAN community! If you’re feeling the pressure of life and stress, please give this a watch. It’s the gentle, grounded reminder we all need. 💛 _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models! 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047cd465c

In today's episode, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Jennifer Grandis, physician-scientist and distinguished professor at UC San Francisco, to discuss her vital new book, Harsh Medicine: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Healthcare. Jennifer Grandis, MD is an otolaryngologist and associate vice chancellor for clinical and translational research at UCSF, combining hard data with personal narratives to expose why, despite high qualifications, women often face systemic roadblocks that their male counterparts do not. From the lack of meaningful mentorship to the persistence of workplace harassment and the exclusionary culture of academic "boys' clubs," we still cannot ignore the reality of navigating these high-stakes environments. There is a mentorship gap, and being a "role model" isn't enough to solve systemic disparity. In her book Harsh Medicine: Why Women Can't Get Ahead in Science and Health Care, Jennifer examines the persistent challenges women face in science and healthcare, drawing on research, policy analysis, and firsthand accounts. Sexism in science and health care rarely announces itself as a single, dramatic event. More often, it appears as a steady accumulation of slights, exclusions, and unequal expectations that shape careers over time. Through the book, she describes this reality and examines its consequences for women working in academic medicine and biomedical research. Whether you are an aspiring clinician, a researcher, or an advocate for workplace equity, Dr. Jennifer offers a pragmatic look at the challenges ahead and how we can create a more transparent, supportive path forward. 00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Jennifer Grandis and the mission for gender equity 01:03 – Why the data matters: Moving beyond "role model" status 04:37 – The mentoring gap in science and medicine 06:25 – The reality of sexual harassment and reporting consequences 08:44 – Structural barriers: The overt meritocracy vs. the covert system 10:39 – The "Scientific Boys Club": Networking and exclusionary spaces 11:58 – Egregious examples: Academic retreats and operating room safety 14:44 – DEI in the U.S.: Addressing controversies and finding common ground 16:51 – Practical strategies: Inclusive scheduling and childcare 19:15 – Pivotal moments: Navigating career-altering challenges 23:37 – Supporting those who have been harmed by systemic bias 24:37 – How to respond to microaggressions in the workplace 28:13 – Advice for young women: Finding helpers and staying true to goals 31:02 – Why women move from investigators to educators 34:09 – Looking ahead: The future of gender equity and narrative voice 36:26 – Final takeaway: A story of hope and collective action Connect with Dr. Jennifer Grandis & Buy the Book: https://jennifergrandis.com/ #WomenInMedicine #GenderEquity #ScienceCareers #WorkplaceCulture #WECAN #DrJenniferGrandis #Mentorship #HarshMedicine _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models!

Belonging First, one of the most important aspects of everyday life, no matter in which environment we find ourselves: home, work, college, school, or between friends. We all want to feel that we belong, but what happens when belonging is missing? In today's episode, Andrea Carter, a global neuroscience-based consultant and expert in workplace cultural transformation and founder of Belonging First, introduces her "Belonging First" methodology, a data-backed framework that proves belonging is more than just a "feeling"; it is a measurable driver of human performance, health, and profitability. They give leaders the measurement that other tools miss and give every person the language to bring their 50%, so belonging becomes performance infrastructure, not another initiative. Traditional "fitting in" cultures are exhausting and a health hazard. Andrea breaks down the science of the 5 Indicators of Belonging (Comfort, Connection, Contribution, Psychological Safety, and Well-being) and shares real-world data, including how a manufacturing firm saw discretionary effort jump from 32% to 87% by shifting its cultural framework. Is your culture a driver of success or a hidden cost? The Science of Belonging means moving from "fitting in" to being seen, heard, and valued. We are so inspired by Andrea's work, how she drives change, and cannot wait for the release of her upcoming two books! 00:00:00 – Intro: The Neuroscience of Belonging 00:01:56 – Why Belonging Predicts Performance & Retention 00:02:41 – The 50/50 Rule: Rethinking Giving and Receiving \00:06:42 – The 5 Indicators of Belonging Explained 00:07:17 – Comfort: Lowering the Brain’s Threat Response 00:07:51 – Connection: Moving Beyond Transactions 00:08:56 – Contribution: The Science of Mattering 00:10:42 – Psychological Safety: Why Rejection Hurts Like Pain 00:12:06 – Well-being: Why Recovering Together Beats Solo Resilience 00:14:31 – Why Belonging is a System (Not a Feeling) 00:20:48 – Fitting In vs. Belonging: Understanding the Difference 00:23:44 – The "Liking Gap": Why We Underestimate Our Impact 00:28:51 – Real-World Data: Discretionary Effort & Productivity 00:32:20 – The Health Cost of "Fitting In" Environments 00:34:58 – Andrea’s Personal Story: Neurodiversity & Resilience 00:45:18 – How to Self-Regulate & Create Your Own Belonging 00:52:12 – Career Advice: Navigating Research, AI, and Curiosity 00:57:51 – What’s Next: Books, Workbooks, and Future Goals 01:00:07 – Final Takeaways: Reclaiming Your Honest 50% Take Andrea’s free "Belonging Breakdown" assessment to see where your organisation stands: https://belongingfirst.com/belongingbreakdown Subscribe to her Substack "Belonging First, Rethink Culture": https://substack.com/@andreadcarter #WorkplaceCulture #BelongingFirst #AndreaCarter #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanPerformance #WECAN #CompanyCulture #NeuroscienceAtWork _______________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell for more interviews with role models! 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MAiuylxS5AhxCSQcm8cax?si=003fe73047c

In today's episode of WECAN, Stephanie sits down with Tom Joseph, founder and treasurer of Wilson's Fountain and America's Main Street Party during retirement—NOT a Third Party! As a social activist, innovator, producer and true visionary, Tom is using his expertise to rebuild the foundation of our democracy through a new method for nominating members of Congress. But what does it take to actually change a political system that feels designed to keep us divided? Tom is an engineer who has spent his career challenging traditional models. From founding Bookminders, where he pioneered a remote-first, flexible work culture long before it was the norm, to his current work with America’s Main Street Party, he applies a brilliant, business-oriented approach to solving our biggest societal problems. The Main Street Party is citizen-centred, and an APP disrupting the market, helping us all see a future where our political system is transparent, fair, and accountable. He isn't just pointing out the gridlock; he is architecting a functional, technology-driven alternative that empowers voters over donor networks. WECAN leverage innovation to reclaim our voice in government, and that leaves us hopeful, but we have to figure out a system of fairness. Massive gratitude to Tom for his vision, execution, and action in playing a big role in changing a system that needs a serious overhaul. We all know that! We need people building viable alternatives! Learn More, Donate & Sign the Petition: https://www.mainstreetparty.org/ Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsjoseph/ #WECAN #PoliticalReform #TomJoseph #MainStreetParty #Democracy #CivicTech #EndPolarization #FutureOfPolitics #SocialActivism #Leadership