The WECAN Podcast

I'm deeply grateful to my incredible team—Liandri, Ash, and all our interns. You ROCK! Together, we've achieved so much. Thank you to our mentors who lead by example and build true community. To our listeners and sponsors—you make this work possible. Together, we're proving what's possible. We're showing that strength doesn't require compromising your values. That challenges can become purpose. That transformation is real. Six hundred people from all walks of life are showing up on WECAN—innovators, survivors, changemakers. They're leading from the centre, not the extremes. Finding clarity about their unique role, then going for it—scrappy and imperfect and beautiful. Writing books. Starting podcasts. Building foundations. Creating companies. Advancing research. Running for office. Building AI for good. They show us how to balance, stay aligned with who we are, and deploy our unique gifts. We're all in this together. I'm filled with optimism because we are uniquely human, here to work out our individual and collective stories. We thrive on connection. We thrive on transformation. So here's to 2026! Never buy into divisive extremes—they only destabilise our future. Instead, transform your experiences into fuel for yourself and others. That's exactly what WECAN is: a mentoring platform built on real stories and lessons learned to make your journey easier. In a world showing us terrifying leadership—cruel, narcissistic power that spreads fear and threatens our fabric—we choose differently. We lead with values. We make the issues our mission. Your story might be exactly what someone needs to hear. To continue. To overcome. To flow. We appreciate you. We need you. We believe in you. Thank you for leading by example and showing us how it's done. Let's do this together—nobody is meant to life alone. Join our village. Lead with heart and soul. Have a purposeful 2026! Our normal Podcast episodes resume next week with 3 to 4 episodes a week from January 13th onwards. Join us, Follow us and connect with us. Thank You!

This is our last episode of 2025, and we are back with more role models leading by example for you from January 5th onwards. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder of Vote Mama, political trailblazer, and tireless advocate for working families, talks to us about electing moms and reshaping the future of U.S. politics. Liuba shares how America’s broken childcare system and the lack of paid family leave pushed her to run for Congress in 2018 while raising two young children. From making fundraising calls while nursing her son to attending community meetings after her mother finished teaching for the day, Liuba’s lived experience exposed the structural barriers that keep mothers out of office and inspired her to fight for systemic change. Since launching in 2019, Vote Mama has endorsed more than 600 moms, including 59 candidates for 2026, helping mothers across the country run, win, and lead. In this conversation, Liuba discusses the urgent need for policies like paid family leave, universal childcare, and campaign funds that can be used for childcare and security, essential tools for making public office accessible to parents. Vote Mama: https://www.votemamafoundation.org/ #votemama #electingmoms #democraticmoms #LiubaGrechenShirley #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is?👉 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 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id1790078746

In this episode, Kemp Gregory, Co-Founder & CEO of Renewell Energy, shares his remarkable journey from the traditional oil and gas sector to the cutting edge of clean tech innovation. Kemp breaks down how Renewell is transforming idle and unplugged oil wells into gravity-powered energy storage systems, unlocking a massive opportunity hidden beneath North America’s existing infrastructure. Kemp reflects on how the idea began at Stanford University with co-founder Stefan Strickfist, and how their early vision has grown into a company making real progress, including grants from the California State Government and Kern County, as well as new regulatory clarity across three states that is accelerating deployment. With a team of six and their first commercial system already in operation, Renewell is now preparing to build five additional systems while engaging customers, refining the technology, and educating both regulators and industry stakeholders about this powerful, scalable solution. Kemp also discusses the broader implications of repurposing legacy infrastructure for clean energy, why the many unplugged wells across North America represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and why pursuing ambitious ideas, even in the face of uncertainty, is essential for meaningful progress. Renewell Energy: https://renewellenergy.com/ #RenewellEnergy #renewableenergy #KempGregory #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 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 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id1790078746

Jomboy Media doubled revenue under the CEO, Wife and Mother of 3, Courtney Hirsch.  @JomboyMedia  is a creator-led sports media company known for its viral Breakdowns series, top baseball podcasts, and original IP like The Warehouse Games. Under her leadership, Jomboy Media doubled revenue, tripled profitability, and secured a historic partnership with Major League Baseball, the first between a pro sports league and a creator-led media company. In this episode, Courtney shares her journey from corporate leadership at Uber to becoming CEO, discusses Jomboy Media’s creator-first business model, expansion across sports, and the importance of authenticity, community, and balancing work and family life as a working mom. Jomboy Media: https://www.jomboymedia.com/ #JomboyMedia #doubledrevenue #CourtneyHirsch #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 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 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id1790078746

In today's episode, digital education activist, author, podcast host, speaker, and entrepreneur Stephanie von Bismarck discusses digital education and the importance of keeping children safe online. This conversation is all about what it means to grow, learn, and parent in the age of rapid tech change. Stephanie shares insights from her work at the intersection of digital education, child development, mental health, and online safety. The discussion explores the impact of fast-moving technology on children’s mental health and well-being, and practical screen-time boundaries that support healthy child development, the “Big 4” essentials every child needs before screens: sleep, meals, movement & in-person connection, why digital literacy matters more than outright social media bans and how education systems must evolve responsibly for the digital age This episode is a must-watch for parents, educators, caregivers, policymakers, and anyone passionate about protecting children online while empowering them to thrive in the real world. Stephanie von Bismarck also opens up about launching her own podcast and how long-form conversations help shape solutions in digital learning and child protection. https://www.stephanievonbismarck.com/ #digitaleducation #KeepingChildrenSafeOnline #StephanievonBismarck #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ your favourite role model is? 👉 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 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id1790078746

Patrick Belliveau, the CEO of GambitCo, shares how they're building some of the world’s most engaging AI personalities trusted in health care, legal support, entertainment, and beyond. They explore the transformative potential of conversational AI in supporting people through challenging life experiences. From AI tools that assist cancer patients to platforms helping individuals with addiction and mental health, Patrick shares how technology can be leveraged for social good while maintaining ethical responsibility. Patrick shares real-life examples of how AI can empower individuals, enhance learning, and provide personalised, culturally sensitive support at scale. This episode is a must-watch for tech leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the ethical use of AI to create meaningful impact. "Build AI your customers will love talking to. Humanise your customer conversations with AI personalities that deliver from GambitCo." GambitCo: https://gambitco.io #AI #engagingAIPersonalities #AIforgood #PatrickBelliveau #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 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 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id1790078746

Joanna Schroeder is a writer, editor, and media critic recognised for her bold work on parenting and modern masculinity and Talk To Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Tweens and Teens Grow into Confident, Caring Young Men, which she wrote with Christopher Pepper. With a Gender Studies degree from UCLA, she has built a career working alongside psychologists, child development experts, and parenting consultants. She is a mother of three, including two teenage sons, who inspire much of her advocacy for healthy emotional development in boys. Joanna is the co-host of the podcast Open Relationships: Transforming Together, where she interviews globally respected experts on relationships, psychology, and personal growth. Her writing has appeared in major national and international publications, and she has been featured widely on television, radio, and global news networks. She also contributes to the award-winning Equity, Diversity and Inclusion segment of The Talk. Joanna gained significant public attention for her highly viral 2018 Twitter thread about teen boys and online extremism, which was later documented by the Washington Post and developed into a widely circulated essay in The New York Times encouraging parents to engage proactively with their sons. She continues to share insights through social media platforms, her LinkTree page, and her newsletter, Zooming Out. Talk To Your Boys: https://www.talktoyourboys.com #TalkToYourBoys #Emotionalhealth #JoannaSchroeder #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecan.Shecan 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us who your favourite role model is? 👉 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 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id1790078746

In today's WeCan interview, Jennifer Potter discusses finding strength in unimaginable loss. Jennifer shares her grief journey after losing her son, Maddox, in early 2025, and how his legacy inspired the creation of the Maddox Potter Foundation. Jennifer opens up about Maddox’s courageous battle with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, the overwhelming community support her family received, and the role of faith and acceptance in navigating loss. She also highlights the foundation’s mission to fund pediatric cancer research and to support families through financial assistance, caregiver comfort kits, and youth-driven programs such as the Maddox Junior Golf Initiative. A special focus is on the importance of golf for well-being during treatment and the urgent need to close the funding gap in Sarcoma Research. 💛 Support the mission via donations, fundraising events, or by sharing their story. No family should face grief or cancer alone. Maddox Potter Foundation: https://maddoxpotter.org/ 00:00 Meet Jennifer 15:00 The Maddox Potter Foundation 25:43 You Can Get Involved 31:28 How Jennifer Manages & Caregiving 36:19 Support 47:45 Outro #FindingStrength #UnimaginableLoss #MaddoxPotterFoundation #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecanleadbyexample 🔔 Subscribe and stay connected for new conversations every week featuring people from all walks of life sharing their stories, wisdom, and lived experiences. 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she.can.world LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-shecan-podcast/id1790078746

In today's episode, Elissa Kalver shares her journey with stage IV breast cancer, caregiving and how it inspired her to create We Got This, a nonprofit gift registry platform supporting cancer patients and caregivers through personalised gifts, financial support, and community resources. This year, the platform has grown to over 12,000 users and now offers custom care products, financial assistance, and a filtered resource directory for diverse patient needs. Elissa also highlights honest communication, caregiver self-care, and meaningful morale-boosting support—like the LEGO Flower Bouquet. Looking ahead, We Got This is building momentum for their Giving Tuesday fundraiser featuring their charity comedy livestream, Cancer is a Joke, while calling attention to the ongoing need for funding and community support. We Got This: https://wegotthis.org/ | https://www.elissakalver.com/ 00:00 Meet Elissa 05:13 We Got This 10:22 Elissa's Experience 14:35 Purpose 16:46 Challenges 20:29 Top Tips 23:14 Main Learnings as an Entrepreneur 28:00 Plans and Goals for The Future #WeGotThis #StageIVBreastCancer #Caregiving #ElissaKalver #WeCan __________________________________________________________________________ For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to us @Wecanleadbyexample 🔔 Subscribe and stay connected for new conversations every week featuring people from all walks of life sharing their stories, wisdom, and lived experiences. 👉 Connect with us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecan.shecan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shecan-world/ Substack: https://shecan.substack.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wecan-podcast/id17900787