Melting Pot

Discover the world of Gema Galdón, a Barcelona-based milliner whose handcrafted hats blur the line between fashion and art. What began as a hat she made for herself soon grew into a passion that captured hearts and evolved into her life’s work. Today, her studio ,The Gema Galdón Hat Gallery is a space where craftsmanship, imagination, and design come together to create timeless, one-of-a-kind headwear. In this episode, Gema shares her creative journey and the thoughtful process behind her work. Each hat she makes is crafted entirely by hand, free from chemicals, and shaped with patience and precision. For her, a piece isn’t complete until it feels just right, which is a reflection of her deep connection to her craft and the artistry that defines her work. The full episode is live on Melting Pot wherever you listen to podcasts and on ouTube. Join us as we step into her studio and explore the art, emotion, and dedication behind every handcrafted hat. [Podcast, New Episode, Behind The Mic, Storytellers, Unfiltered Conversations, Real Talk, MillineryArt, Handcrafted Hats, Listen Now] #HandcraftedHats #MillineryArt #HatDesign #WearableArt #ArtisanCraft #HatMaker#CreativeProcess #ArtisanMade#GemaGaldonHatGallery#podcast#MeltingPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step inside Silvia Ferrer Casanova’s Barcelona studio, a once-quiet garage that now overflows with colour, creativity and meaning. Surrounded by her hand-painted silk scarves, intricate tapestries, and delicate fans, Silvia has built a world where art lives and breathes in every corner. Her work extends beyond decoration, it’s an invitation to experience beauty in everyday life.Through art therapy, she discovered a liberating way to create without judgment, allowing her to explore the power of art as both a healing and transformative practice. In this episode, Silvia opens up about her journey as an artist and the deep emotional connection she has with her creative process. She shares how her passion for silk became a form of storytelling, and how creating with her hands, free from chemicals and guided by intuition has shaped her unique artistic voice. Silvia also discusses her ongoing project, “Oracle,” a series of six silk works that explore intuition, mystery, and artistic expression. A new episode featuring Silvia is out now. Available wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. [Podcast, New Episode, Behind The Mic, Storytellers, Unfiltered Conversations, Real Talk, Guest Spotlight, Listen Now] #ArtStories #SilkArt #BarcelonaCreatives #HandmadeWithLove #ArtPodcast #MeetTheArtist #CreativeJourney #SilkTapestries #TextileArt#MeltingPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the serene world of Lola Rivière, a ceramist whose studio is a sanctuary of earth and fire. Here, the tactile memory of childhood mud meets the refined skill of a master artisan. Each surface is a landscape of subtle textures and nuanced colors, where simple forms hold the quiet power of ancient artifacts. Witness the alchemy of the kiln and the careful application of slips and oxides that transform clay into objects of profound, functional beauty. Walking through her space feels like a meditation on time, where every piece carries the imprint of a hand in dialogue with the elements. This is more than a workspace; it is a living testament to the soul of ceramics. [Podcast, New Episode, Behind The Mic, Storytellers, Unfiltered Conversations, Real Talk, Guest Spotlight, Listen Now] #StudioTour #CeramicArt #ArtistStudio #Pottery #Stoneware #CeramicArtist #ArtisanLife #SlowMade #FunctionalArt #TexturalArt #AncientInspiration #SpanishArtist #WorkshopTour #HandmadeCeramics #WabiSabi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you've been told about entrepreneurship is a lie? Sean Kling, CEO of The Aria Group and author of Outwork Them All, cuts through the fluff to expose the biggest misconceptions about success. He reveals the harsh truth behind "overnight success" and why the business coaching industry is designed to sell you a dream it can't deliver. This is a no-BS conversation for every founder who's tired of the hype and ready for reality. The full episode is live on Melting Pot. [Podcast, New Episode, Behind The Mic, Storytellers, Unfiltered Conversations, Real Talk, Guest Spotlight, Listen Now] #MeltingPot #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTruth #OvernightSuccess #Startup #BusinessCoach #NoBS #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessAdvice #Podcast #TheEntrepreneurshipLie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They decided to end their marriage on a Sunday morning. After a decade of disconnect and a year locked down in a pandemic, the chasm between them felt too wide to cross. The life they had built together was over. But what happened next defies every conventional story about separation. Instead of moving out, they moved into different bedrooms. Instead of silence, they started talking. And then, Terri made a radical, vulnerable proposal that would become the first step in a journey they never saw coming. This is the story of Zeke and Terri, who accidentally rebooted their relationship by first completely letting it go. They take us inside the raw, honest moments of their unraveling and reveal the unconventional, intimate path they took to rebuild a stronger, more authentic partnership from the ground up. It’s a profound lesson in communication, vulnerability, and the courage to redesign a life together. This is not a story about saving a marriage. It’s about building a new one with the same person. The latest episode of Melting Pot is live. Listen now for a conversation that will change how you see love, commitment, and second chances. #MeltingPot #Podcast #NewEpisode #LoveStory #RelationshipGoals #Marriage #SecondChances #Vulnerability #CouplesTherapy #RelationshipAdvice #UnconventionalLove #PersonalGrowth #ModernLove #ListenNow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 celebration of creativity, resilience, and expression tucked away in Barcelona's vibrant laneways. Watch this snippet, then dive into the full, inspiring conversation on Melting Pot. #ArtistInterview #CreativeMinds #ArtGallery #DimLightBCN #BarcelonaArtScene #ArtistLife #Collaboration #ArtPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 that many aren't talking about. He gives you a glimpse into the fight to protect human creativity in a digital world. Ready to try it? The full journey is live on Melting Pot. Listen now on your favourite streaming platform. #justicevsrevenge #authorlife #philosophy #lifelessons #dystopianbooks #fatherhood #writingcommunity #bookstagram #powerfulstories #mustlisten #deepconversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. This is not just a story about drugs and recovery. It’s about transformation, resilience, and finding freedom through creativity. Episode streaming wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. #fromstruggletostrength #artashealing #journeyofresilience #realstoriesmatter #healingthroughart #lifeunfiltered #breakingthesilence #addictionrecovery #voicesthatinspire #podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 In today’s episode, Payal gets the founders’-eye tour: the vintage Adler stitcher, the splitter that hums like an old Vespa, and the stopwatch that shows why a single Surarquía piece takes an entire workday to earn its seams. Episode available on all podcast streaming platform and on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 movement-powered healing? 🎧 Tune in to your favourite streaming platform and dance your way to dopamine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 on Melting Pot. Listen now on your favourite streaming platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 change. Whether he’s exploring gun violence, mental health, or lost chapters of Black history, John’s films are rooted in truth, compassion, and the belief that cinema should start hard conversations. Dive into a conversation about creative detours, building legacy, and why the most powerful stories come from lived experience. Full episode now streaming on Podcast Now Boarding on all your favourite platforms (Spotify, Apple, YouTube) or wherever you listen to podcasts #filmmaking #blackhistory ##chicago #filmmakingchicago #race #mentalhealth #grammywinning #awardwinning #podcastmeltingpot #podcast #openconversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 took to do it) - The lessons he carried from the classroom to the stage and why every audience just wants to feel seen. - His journey is proof that reinvention is essential. If you’re ready to break out of autopilot and claim your next act, this conversation is your permission slip. Listen now and get inspired by a story that doesn’t believe in limits. Episode available on Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also available on YouTube #MeltingPotPodcast #Reinvention #MultiHyphenate #BreakTheRules #Inspiration #LifeStories #AdamLaSalle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 Love, Cyndee joins us for an unforgettable conversation about presence, purpose, and the long, slow climb back to yourself. More Than Flesh, streaming now on all Melting Pot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 – Burnout, belief, and bold transitions – What makes a career “worthwhile” – And why it’s never too late to rewrite your next chapter Episode streaming on Spotify, Apple podcast, YouTube or wherever you may listen to podcasts Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 that looks good on paper but feels like a lie. 🎧 Episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. #MeltingPotPodcast #SuzanPeltekian #MindsetCoach #MorningRituals #ToxicPositivity #HealingJourney #SelfWorth #LifeByDesign #SubconsciousWork #InnerWork #WellnessWisdom Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Culture Alive” now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. Special guests- Christabel Lim, Cindy De Oude, Sofiah Schuetzenberger, Suzanna Rueegger Koechli, Thet Mandel This isn’t just about food, it’s about memory, identity, and the flavours that keep us rooted. Episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you may listen to podcasts #MeltingPotPodcast #NewEpisode #SingaporeFood #CulturalStories #WomenInFood #ExpatsInSingapore #SingaporeCulture #FoodIsMemory #GlobalVoices #HomeThroughFood #StorytellingThroughFood Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: - How early questions about evolution and the cosmos sparked a quest for purpose - Why he believes wellness should replace pharma as the frontline of healing - What schools should be teaching about human potential - The 5 life areas every person needs to balance - And why squats might just be the secret to happiness If you’re someone who’s constantly questioning, seeking alignment, or trying to tap into more of yourself- this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. 🎧 Listen now and find a deeper way of thinking (and breathing). Episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. #RajKhedun #MeltingPotPodcast #KeepFitKingdom #7Minutes2Bliss #BreathworkHealing #HumanPotential #WellnessJourney #AnxietyRelief #InsomniaSupport #CuriousMinds #TransformationalCoach Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 wherever you listen to podcasts Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 #StoriesFromTheSummit Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. https://plus.acast.com/s/melting-pot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.