Thank God It's Toby: Highlights

Francis Juarez is a seasoned filmmaker with more than 20 years of experience producing and directing projects across Europe and the US. Originally from Los Angeles and raised in Madrid, he brings a unique cultural perspective to his work, which helps him tell stories with depth and authenticity. Over the years, he’s worked on everything from commercials for big-name brands like The Home Depot and McDonald’s to full-length feature films.Francis is known for his ability to move between genres—whether it’s a gripping thriller or a heartfelt comedy, his projects often explore themes of humor, struggle, and redemption. He’s passionate about connecting with audiences through storytelling, aiming not just to entertain but also to inspire and provoke thought. His latest film, Crazy Texas, is a great example of his ability to find humanity and connection in the middle of chaos.On top of his creative talents, Francis is also recognized for his leadership and calm under pressure, regularly pulling off high-quality work even when deadlines are tight and circumstances are tough. He’s always on the lookout for new challenges and collaborations, committed to growing both personally and professionally while continuing to create films that resonate with people around the world.

Darren W. Freeman is an American author and former law enforcement officer known for his gripping, true-to-life storytelling. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Freeman spent much of his career in Florida, where he rose to the rank of Administrative Commander while investigating some of society’s darkest crimes, including serial killings and child exploitation. He’s also been recognised as one of the top criminal law instructors in Florida, teaching at several Central Florida colleges.Now the author of ten books, Freeman’s latest release, Plated Armor, dives into the murky world of crime and corruption within law enforcement. Told through the eyes of both a seasoned officer and a rookie on a single life-altering shift, the book tackles human trafficking, dirty money, and the moral grey areas faced by those behind the badge. Known for his raw, realistic style, Freeman brings firsthand insight to every page, making Plated Armor a must-read for fans of high-stakes crime thrillers.

Dr Carla Rodrigues is a GP and the Head of Clinical Obesity at Numan. With a passion for helping people build healthier, more sustainable lifestyles, she brings a wealth of experience in nutrition, mindset, and medical insight. As the London Marathon inspires thousands to run or set new fitness goals, Dr Carla offers practical, down-to-earth advice on everything from fuelling and recovery to mental resilience and sticking with long-term habits. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to live a bit healthier, she’s all about finding what works for you – because when it comes to health, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Dr. Akira Olsen is a clinical psychologist who’s passionate about helping people build a better relationship with themselves. With years of experience working in therapy, she specialises in supporting Gen Z and Millennials through the ups and downs of modern life. Her book The Journey to Self is a down-to-earth, compassionate guide packed with practical tools and thoughtful advice for managing stress, improving mental well-being, and growing as a person.Blending science-backed strategies with a holistic approach, Dr. Olsen encourages readers to explore self-awareness, self-love, and self-management, touching on everything from emotions and relationships to finances and creativity. Her focus is on helping people heal, build resilience, and live more balanced, meaningful lives.At the heart of Dr. Olsen’s work is the belief that everyone deserves to feel at peace with who they are, and The Journey to Self is her way of helping you get there.

Kontac is a filmmaker and artist from the Bay Area. He released his first film Finders Keepers and has a busy year ahead, with several new projects lined up for 2025. Coming soon are At 60 Days, Finders Keepers Too, Losers Weepers, and a fun kids' movie called Snowflake Witches. Whether he's behind the camera or creating art, Kontac brings a unique creative style to everything he does.

Jillian Hishaw is an attorney and innovator with 25 years of experience in agricultural law and asset protection, having worked across five countries. She’s the creator of the Blockchain Legislative Tracker and a certified FINRA Arbitrator since 2020. Jillian made her mark in blockchain technology with the launch of her NFT in 2021. She's authored influential books like Don't Bet the Farm on Medicaid and 50 State Farm Tax Credits, and her upcoming book, Banks, Land and Crypto, explores new ways landowners can protect their property through blockchain. Her work has earned recognition from major organizations like the MacArthur Foundation, Farm Aid, and Clif Bar, and she’s been featured in publications like ELLE, POLITICO, and Oprah’s “O” Magazine.As the founder of Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.), Jillian has helped protect over $15 million in farm assets and led global food security initiatives. She’s also taken on important legal work, including litigation against the Department of Justice for improper farm seizures and helping clients navigate debt and estate planning. In 2019, Food Tank recognized her as one of the "Women Revolutionizing Food Systems Globally." Jillian joined the Blockchain Legal Institute in 2024, a non-profit dedicated to advancing blockchain research and policy.

Dr Alison Parker, PhD, is a passionate educator and child development expert who believes that every child has the potential to succeed—especially when parents are given the right tools to help. With years of experience in K–12 education, language and literacy, and child development, she’s dedicated her career to helping families and schools bridge the reading achievement gap.In her book Mom is the Missing Link!: The Power is Within You!, Dr Parker shares 25 practical, research-backed strategies that parents—especially moms and caregivers—can use to nurture a love of reading in their children. Her goal? To make literacy support something that fits into real life, not something that feels overwhelming or out of reach.Whether you're a parent trying to help your child catch up in school, a teacher looking for ways to connect with families, or a school leader searching for proven ways to boost literacy, Dr Parker’s message is simple but powerful: with the right support, every child can thrive. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to take an active role in children’s learning and to believe in the power of everyday moments to make a lifelong difference.