Melting Pot

Exploring Barcelona laneways often leads to hidden gems, and one of them is Dim Light BCN. This eclectic gallery is the vision of  Marino along with Jalal, two talented and driven individuals who shared their creative journey with me.

In our conversation, they spoke about the inspiration and philosophy behind their art—how each piece reflects a unique story and identity. Jalal also opened up about his struggles and how he discovered that art is his true calling, turning challenges into purpose.

Dim Light BCN is more than just a gallery. It’s a cel...

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan wants his sons to understand a hard truth about the world: it is "extraordinarily unfair." In his award-winning saga, he wrestles with one of humanity's oldest struggles: the fiery, seductive line between justice and revenge. He gives you a glimpse into the powerful lesson that fuels his stories. A lesson about hope in the face of injustice.

Aaron Ryan watched his industry begin to vanish. Clients he'd worked with for years were replaced not by people, but by algorithms. He calls the damage "irreparable." This is the raw, unfiltered cost of AI...

At 15, Robin Ajder wasn’t sketching lines on a canvas.He was chasing lines on a table. What began as teenage highs spiraled into chaos, until art became the only way out.

With raw honesty, he shares how addiction nearly consumed him, how abstract art gave him a lifeline, and why he now creates not just for himself but for survival.

But amidst the darkness, he found a spark in art. He gives you a glimpse into how painting became more than an outlet; it became his way of survival and self-discovery.

Payal just stepped into Surarquía’s sun-lit workshop near the Sagrada Familia and straight into the story of two South-American dreamers who turned a Barcelona flat into a leather lab.

Alejandro (Venezuela) and Felipe (Colombia) swapped architecture sketches for pattern-making, taught themselves to sew, and after kitchen-table prototypes, opened this atelier where every bag is cut, skived, and stitched by their own hands 

. In 2023 they finally moved the machines out of the apartment and into a purpose-built space, but the process is still gloriously slow and local 

Blanca Rodríguez (@thewoundedhealer) is a bilingual storyteller who turns untreated childhood trauma into teachable hope. On stage she champions the “happy-chemistry” formula she calls D.O.S.E.- Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins and shows how music, laughter and dance spark each one for real body-mind repair. 

In this Melting Pot episode Blanca unpacks:

• why a two-minute shoulder release on your dog can calm your own nervous system

• her roadmap from shattered childhood to global speaker, massage therapist and ocean-volunteer 

Ready for a dose of movem...

Mid-divorce, Karen Rudolf rang her paralegal to vent. “Every complaint is cha-ching, and a judge will soon decide your kids’ future.” That blunt response snapped her Mama Bear wide awake. 

Instead of drowning in rage and legal fees, Karen plunged into communication bootcamps so she could speak for herself and for her children, inside the courtroom and beyond. Those hard-earned skills became her Stop-Change-Shift clarity framework, a sassy-classy-bad-assy method that helps you pause, breathe, ask sharper questions, and steer your own story.

Ready to try it?

The full journey is live o...

From Chicago to Hollywood sets and the heart of historic Greenwood Avenue, John Wayne S III’s path was anything but predictable. Once a pre-med student, a chance phone call landed him on a film set and he never looked back.

Over a career spanning three decades, John has directed music videos for Grammy-winning artists, produced award-winning films like “Red All Over” and “The Tuskegee Airmen Project,” and founded Londyn Town Pictures, inspired by his daughter. But what sets his work apart isn’t just the credits, it’s his unwavering commitment to telling stories that push for c...

What if you didn’t have to choose just one life?

Adam LaSalle never fit in a box and he doesn’t want you to, either. From teaching English and math, to leading a music program, to acting on NBC’s Chicago Fire and performing off-Broadway, Adam has built a career by refusing to follow the “one path” rule.

In this episode, Adam reveals:

-       Why being a multi-hyphenate actor, musician, coach, writer is powerful.

-       The moment he realized he could rewrite his own story (and what it t...

“I flatlined. I lost my husband. I lost years. But I never lost myself.” 

-

Cyndee Dhalai

Cyndee has been called a medical enigma. Surviving multiple near-death experiences, living 11 years in a wheelchair, and allergic to nearly every drug. But that’s not the story she chooses to tell.

Instead, she tells us what it means to begin again. To grieve without drowning. To listen when the body breaks and answer back with spirit.

A poet, educator, and the author of Grief is the Price You Pay for...

"You’re not too old. You’re just telling yourself that.”

After 34 years working with the blind, David Petrovay walked away- burnt out, but not done.

Today, he helps people reframe their stories, identify their strengths, and step into careers that actually feel meaningful.

David’s not just a coach. He’s a former educator, a narrative builder, and someone who’s walked the hard road of reinvention.

In this episode of Melting Pot, we talk about:

– Listening to the real story you’re telling yourself

–...

What if your ‘positivity’ is actually hiding self-loathing?

When Suzan Peltekian walked away from a thriving real estate career, it wasn’t just a professional pivot, it was a radical act of self-trust.

In this episode, Suzan reveals: 

-The silent grip of toxic positivity

-The one decision that rewired her life

-Her Miracle Morning rituals that turn intention into action

-Why your subconscious mind is running the show (and how to change the script)

This one’s for anyone feeling stuck in a life th...

From tossing lo hei with Christabel to pickling tea leaves with Thet, this episode takes you on a journey across kitchens, wet markets, hawker stalls, and family dining tables—through the voices of the women who live in this city’s diversity every day.

- A South African barbecue in the tropics.

- A Singaporean-Indians go-to hawker stalls.

- Banana stems and tea leaf salad in Peninsula Plaza.

- Cheese, dim sum, and food rituals that span generations.

🎙️ Listen to “Singapore’s Secret Ingredient? Women Who Keep Its Food Cult...

What do dinosaurs, planets, and squats have in common? For Raj Khedun, they were the starting points of a lifelong search for deeper meaning.

In episode 9 of our ongoing season 19, we sit down with the dynamic founder of Keep Fit Kingdom, who’s on a mission to help a billion people live healthily to 100. A seasoned relationship coach, yogi, author, and wellness entrepreneur, Raj shares how his childhood curiosity evolved into the 3:3 Metaverse Breathing Method- a simple, powerful technique that’s helping people overcome anxiety and insomnia in under 3 minutes.

We talk about:

After walking away from a high-powered legal career and a life that wasn’t truly hers, Sophia Elan (aka Debra Buhring) found healing, purpose, and a voice. In this powerful conversation, she shares how she transformed years of trauma into a life of authenticity. Through travel, writing, and heart- centered living.

Tune in to hear how Sophia broke free from toxic patterns and built a life aligned with who she really is.

#SophiaElan #MeltingPotPodcast #TraumaToTransformation #HeartCenteredLiving #WomenWhoRewrite #HealingThroughTravel #EmotionalResilience #LiveAuthentically #BreakingFree

Episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, You Tube or wh...

At 60, Barry Finlay climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and it changed everything. What started as a personal challenge became a bestselling book, a decade of philanthropy, and an unexpected award from the Queen. In this episode, Barry shares the real story behind the mountain, the writing journey that followed, and why it’s never too late to start over.

🎧 Hit play for a story of reinvention, resilience, and quiet courage.

Episode available on all podcast streaming platforms, on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

#AuthorLife #SecondActSuccess #ResilienceStories #RealLifeInspiration #AdventureToAuthor #BarryFinlayEpisode #TheKilimanjaroChapter #JustKeepClimbing #Stori...

What if the food you eat could help you feel calmer, more grounded, and less stressed?

When Llance Kezner and his wife, Lori, started experimenting in their kitchen, they had no idea their creations would become award-winning products found in thousands of stores. But behind Keep Life Tasty is a simple mission—to make food that brings comfort, both physically and emotionally.

From their first-ever garlic condiment (a happy accident) to Millie’s Sipping Broth, a soothing, savory tea bag that helps curb cravings and ease stress, their journey has been anything but conv...

In 1979, Chris Donaldson set out from Belfast to ride his Moto Guzzi Le Mans to Australia. He never made it. Instead, he crossed the Middle East, rode through the Sahara, hitched a yacht ride, and ended up in Argentina.

44 years later, he picked up where he left off—riding the same bike across the world. But this time, the obstacles were bigger: age, political unrest, and a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Beyond adventure, Chris has spent 40 years in business across retail, property, health, and IT. He’s also a best-selling author and a fighter, reclai...

What if obstacles were actually guideposts?

Author, screenwriter, and creator of Life is a Trip Reincarnation Stories, Brownell Landrum shares her journey of embracing the unknown.

From a sudden decision to leave behind a settled life to an unexpected encounter in Tunisia, she reveals how unseen forces shape our paths.

In this episode, Brownell talks about reincarnation, the voices that guide her writing, and the fine line between fiction and truth. She believes stories aren’t just entertainment—they hold deeper meaning, revealing the connections we often overlook.

In this fascinating episode of Melting Pot, we sit down with Csongor Daniel, a master of bioenergy healing with over 30 years of experience in harnessing the power of energy to promote healing and well-being. Originally from Hungary and now based in the United States, Csongor shares his extraordinary journey—from his engineering background to discovering the unseen forces of energy that shape our lives.

Csongor discusses his unique approach to bioenergy healing, explaining how energy imbalances can lead to illness, and how healing involves restoring the body’s natural flow. He also delves into long-distance healing, quant...

In this inspiring episode of Melting Pot, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Nadia Sethi, a former hospitality professional turned healer and coach.

With over two decades of experience serving humanity in the corporate world, Nadia found her true calling during a life-changing transition catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nadia shares her powerful shift from the fast-paced hospitality industry to embracing holistic healing practices that focus on empowering individuals to heal on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

Join Nadia as she discusses the importance of u...

In our final episode of our series Echoes of Impact we meet Matthew Carauddo—aka "Novastar"—a versatile creator with 30+ years in acting, directing, and staged combat.

Mathew is a licensed fencing instructor, he has trained hundreds in the California Bay Area. 

Matthew Carauddo, is the visionary behind "Diamond Dragons," bringing the story to life as its creator, author, designer, and voice-over artist. With over 30 years in acting, directing, and staged combat, he has choreographed iconic plays like "Romeo & Juliet" and "Peter Pan," alongside dazzling Star Wars-inspired L.E.D. saber combat performances.

In episode 6 of our series Echoes of Impact, we meet Henry Woodman, a seasoned professional in film production and travel with an MBA from the University of Arizona and Nova Southeastern University.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, he co-founded WoodMark Productions in 1984, blending his passions. Henry’s career led him to Santiago, Chile, where he spent two years producing the hit game show Machos.

Henry Woodman’s career is marked by four Emmy nominations and a passion for travel that has taken him around the globe.

He has produced and...

In episode 5 of our ongoing series Echoes of Impact, we meet Stefan Fehr, an AI pioneer and visionary entrepreneur since 2019. With a passion for content creation, marketing, and business development, Stefan crafted intelligent apps, founded an AI App Store, and designed cutting-edge websites.

A sought-after speaker and blogger, Stefan shares insights on the future of work, society, and AI. As the founder of ModernIQs, Stefan has established an AI App Store specifically designed for B2B applications that efficiently perform complex tasks, such as creating deeply optimised SEO blog articles. With just one click, businesses can...

In episode 4 of our series Echoes of Impact we meet Joelle Kaufman, creator of the "Curveball Method," inspired by her family's battle with breast cancer and 25 years of her life in the Silicon Valley.

Joelle's method has already impacted 150,000+ professionals and is the subject of her upcoming book, Crushing the Cancer Curveball.

Tune in as our host Payal Nayar explores Joelle's journey in this episode.

With over 20 years of executive level business development, strategy, marketing, product management, sales and communications experience, Joelle Kaufman has led teams in media, enterprise technology, and...

In episode 3 of our new series Echoes of Impact, we meet Patricia Mulles, an independent consultant specialising in marketing, customer experience, and data governance.

As Director and Global Partnerships Head for She Loves Data, a 25,000-member nonprofit, she empowers women to shape a data-driven future.

Patricia's forward-thinking approach and dedication to bridging the gender gap in tech make her a key advocate for women in the digital age.

Patricia’s significant contributions across various industries includes pioneering information systems for the Asian Development Bank, digital transformation projects for Samsung and Pearson, and co...

In this engaging bonus episode, Krista Goon and Payal Nayar come together for an inspiring conversation about their podcasting journeys and the stories they uncover through their unique platforms.

Krista Goon, the host, creator, and producer of Womenpreneur Asia, launched her podcast in March 2020, sharing the struggles, strategies, and triumphs of Asian women entrepreneurs. Having started from scratch during the pandemic, Krista’s episodes have since become a treasure trove of rich experiences from women navigating the entrepreneurial space across Asia.

On the other hand, Payal Nayar, Founder and Host of the 'Melting Po...

In our new series Echoes of Impact we meet Andy Kozlowski, a Taoist Spiritual Sage and Empath Guide. He has a diverse educational background, delving into psychology, clinical dietetics, personal training, neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, Silva Method techniques, career coaching, and business coaching. Alongside that he also dances with shamanic spirits, fearlessly exploring the depths of the divine in search of greatness.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to know more about Andy's world.

Andy’s remarkable journey is marked by over 7,000 hours of meditation, including numerous 10-d...

A new series Echoes of Impact Season 18 begins with Henrik Wilenius, a Finnish author known for his compelling young adult fiction that tackles real-world issues through engaging and thought-provoking narratives.

Henrik later transitioned to writing in English and self-published the Rise Up Trilogy, a powerful series that follows the journeys of Hashim, Alex, and Maryam as they confront challenges like climate change, corruption, and social justice.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to dive deeper into his thrilling world.

Henrik Wilenius' work, bridges...

It is the 25th episode of our ongoing Mic & Minds series. Today the conversation is with J.V. Hilliard who was educated by his warrior uncle in creative writing which now helps him craft epic tales of bravery and adventure set in the realm of Warminster. While residing with his wife and two horses hounds in a countryside castle, he continues to bring his legendary stories to life.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to dive deep into his captivating world.

Meet J.V. Hilliard, who...

In episode 24 of our ongoing series Mics and Minds, we speak with Jeevita Pillai, a dynamic dance fitness instructor and accredited Sport and Exercise Psychologist with a rich background in diverse dance styles and athlete well-being.

Jeevita began her dance journey at the age of 4 where she mastered a range of styles from Chinese dance and Ballet to Bharatanatyam, Reggaeton and Hip Hop.

Stay tuned and listen to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to know more on how Jeevita is blending dance and psychology to inspire and transform lives.

...

In episode 23 of our Mics and Minds series our guest is Kelle Sparta a visionary coach for spiritual coaches and practitioners. With nearly five decades of study, 25 years in the spiritual industry, and over 35 years of business experience, Kelle brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insights to her clients.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to know how Kelle creates a lasting impact in her spiritual coaching practice.

As the founder of Spirit Guides School and the host of the widely acclaimed Spirit Sherpa Podcast...

In episode 22 of the ongoing Mics and Minds series we meet Allie Gray and Kale Sudhoff, the founders of Silent Opportunities, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the deaf community.

Allie Gray, Miss Ohio's Teen 2024 and former Miss Lake Festival's Teen, is a dynamic advocate for self-acceptance. Her deep connection to the deaf community and proficiency in sign language has allowed her to champion inclusivity.

Whereas, Kale Sudhoff is an accomplished children's book author and illustrator known for his work that brings awareness to disabilities.

Stay tuned and continue listening...

In episode 21 of our ongoing Mics and Minds series we meet Cathy Derksen, the visionary producer behind the forthcoming book “Grit and Tenacity! Women Transforming Leadership in Business and Community.”

As the founder of Inspired Tenacity Global Solutions Inc. Cathy is a disruptor and catalyst dedicated to uplifting the lives of women in her community and around the globe. Her mission is to help women rediscover their brilliance, find their voice, and step into new possibilities.

Stay tuned to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to know more about Cathy’s developments and mi...

In the 20th episode of our ongoing series Mics & Minds, we meet Anoushka Dasgupta, a dynamic and multifaceted professional based in Barcelona.

Anoushka believes in the harmony of service, space, cuisine, price, and food at Little Andaman and acknowledges the importance of training in the gastronomic sector and the evolving culinary landscape of Barcelona.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar as we learn more about her excellence.

Anoushka works at the esteemed Little Andaman, a high-level Indian restaurant belonging to the Bembi Group. Beyond...

In this episode of the ongoing Mics and Minds series we meet Qin Sun Stubis, an accomplished writer, newspaper columnist, and the award-winning author of “Once Our Lives.”

Born during the tumultuous era of the Great Chinese Famine in a Shanghai shantytown, Qin's early years were marked by hardship. As the first foreign student to graduate from her university's Department of Communications, Qin has dedicated herself to advocating for the voiceless and fostering cross-cultural understanding through her writings.

Stay tuned and listen to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to discover Qin’s powerf...

In episode 18 of our ongoing Mics & Minds series we meet Alida Miranda, a passionate advocate for love, inclusion, and community building.

As the Founder & CEO of Ethos, Alida is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within company cultures through innovative learning design, consulting, and Inclusive Communication.

Apart from her professional background, Alida is also a classical guitarist, meditation instructor, writer, storyteller, avid reader, and devoted bunny parent.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar where Alida shares her inspiring journey and insights.

In episode 17 of our ongoing Mics & Minds series we meet Jonni Champbell, an actress, model, director, producer, and an advocate for humanity.

Born in Alaska, her life has been an inspiration of overcoming challenges. Her current role as founder of Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE) redefines representation, ensuring that all voices are heard . She resides in Tucson with her four amazing kids: Jasper, Karma, Wyatt, and Gabriella. Her mother, Liz is also a part of their household, creating a warm and supportive family environment.

Stay tuned for the episode with our host...

In episode 16 of our series Mics and Minds we meet Andrea Putting, a catalyst of transformative story sharing and the visionary founder of Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony.

As an engaging speaker and podcast host, Andrea passionately advocates for unity and the powerful impact of storytelling. Based in Melbourne, Australia, she finds joy in the company of her two grandchildren, who keep her busy jumping in puddles.

Stay tuned and listen to the episode with our host Payal Nayar where Andrea shares her journey and insights about the power of compassionate...

In episode 15 of our Mics and Minds series, we meet Mark Steven Porro, the author of "A Cup of Tea on the Commode”. At the age of 55, Mark transitioned from his carefree bachelor lifestyle to become a first-time caregiver for his ninety-year-old mother.

Stay tuned and continue listening to the episode with our host Payal Nayar to witness how Mark’s story encourages people to care for their loved ones.

Mark's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As an award-winning designer, writer, director, and a best-selling author, he has crafted a multifaceted care...

In episode 14 of our Mics & Minds series we meet Meet Urmi Hossain, a blend of Bengali heritage and Italian upbringing, now thriving in Canada's financial services industry.

Urmi is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, polyglot, and mentor. Not just that, but she also champions gender equality and mentors aspiring women to reach their full potential.

Stay tuned for the episode with our host Payal Nayar as we shed light on Urmi’s multifaceted achievements and dedication. 

Urmi Hossain, renowned for her energy and enthusiasm who earned Honours in Finance and...