The Someone To Tell It To Podcast

Christopher Kelly lives with neurodiversity. He sees his neurodiversity as a gift that he can offer to the world, and that’s exactly what he does. He focuses on his own and others’ abilities rather than their disabilities. He prioritizes inclusion over exclusion. He validates others’ feelings and circumstances, especially with their health challenges. He supports them and works to help them live their best lives. Our conversation with Chris offers a refreshing perspective about the way we view ourselves and others.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray—author, coach, podcast host—whose work has transformed education for more than three decades. Barbara helps people uncover their “why,” embrace the power of story, and live with greater purpose, authenticity, and joy. In this episode, we explore the personal experiences that shaped her mission, the magic of storytelling, the inspiration behind her message, and the transformative role deep listening plays in finding meaning. If you’ve ever questioned your purpose or wondered whether your story matters, this episode will remind you that your voice—and your “why”—are worth sharing. Barbara's books and other information can be found at: https://linktr.ee/barbarabray27

Alex Ross-Reed (she/they) is a soul having a human experience on planet earth. Seeking connection, working for peace, learning, making, playing and loving everyday. Working for justice, cooperation, creativity, and supporting people, especially those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community, who are young and their families is their passion and mission. An artist, Alex knows that art saves lives, and wants to show the world how.

From above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, Professor Ingrid C. Nordli joins us to focus on her years of experience researching, teaching, and writing about how children uniquely listen and how adults can better listen to them. A communications and linguistics expert, Ingrid speaks with us about the music of language and how, with its distinct rhythms, melodies, and harmonies, we can learn to respect the perspectives, the beautiful innocence, and the dignity of children - and the dignity of persons of every age, for that matter.

Joshua Lazerson remembers starting to understand the power and importance of listening as a teenager. At the age of 25 he made a personal commitment to try to prioritize listening in his life, and has 41 years of practice to date. Today, he fulfills that commitment, in part, with The Listening Project, through which he holds space by offering to listen to anyone who wishes to join him in a variety of public places around San Diego County, California, where he lives. Join us in this warm and beautiful conversation as Joshua describes why and how he holds that space for others to share who they are and what is on their hearts and minds.

In our latest episode, we have a conversation with Kristopher Sledge — pastor, conversation curator, traveler, husband, and father — who has built a reputation for helping people engage in real, honest dialogue about life’s toughest issues. Kris shares how he creates safe spaces for meaningful conversations around justice, equity, and inclusion, and how humility, listening, and curiosity can bridge deep divides. He also reflects on a life-changing experience that shaped his passion for connection and compassion. Join us for a powerful conversation about what it takes to stay at the table — even when it’s uncomfortable — and to see one another as human beings first.

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Deary, President & CEO of the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and former Executive Director of Leadership Cumberland. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, program development, marketing, and community engagement, Nicole has devoted her career to fostering growth, connection, and collaboration across Central Pennsylvania. Nicole shares her own journey into leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why authentic relationships are at the heart of effective leadership. Together, we explore how she helps emerging leaders move beyond surface-level networking into deeper, lasting connections—and the role emotional intelligence, intentional listening, and safe spaces play in that process. From sparking meaningful moments between participants to creating environments where every personality can thrive, Nicole offers wisdom and practical insight into what it means to lead with both courage and compassion. If you’ve ever wondered how to cultivate stronger, more connected teams—or how leaders can avoid isolation by rooting themselves in genuine community—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

When Kait Gillis-Hanna opened her coffee shop, it was about more than lattes and pastries—it was about creating a place where everyone belongs. By intentionally hiring people with disabilities, Kait has cultivated a workplace rooted in dignity, purpose, and connection. In this conversation, we talk with Kait about her vision, the challenges and joys of building an inclusive team, and the transformative power of belonging at work. Her story reminds us that when we make space for everyone’s gifts, we enrich not only our workplaces, but our communities as well.

Austin T. Qualls’ journey is one of redemption, resilience, and reinvention. He has a powerful story to tell about how he has found new life after a decision that landed him in the throes of the criminal justice system. Rather than allowing “cancel culture” to keep him down, he is on a mission to serve those who serve and to uplift the communities he is part of.

Jamaican-born Marva Shand-McIntosh, is a Speech Language Pathologist in the District of Columbia Public Schools, in Washington, D.C. In this conversation, Marva’s passion for the essential impact that listening well can have shines through. She has realized that her work helping others with their verbal abilities needs to be undergirded by intentional listening. Everything begins with listening, she believes, and she dedicates her professional and personal self to living out that belief. “If you’re not listening”, she says, “you’re not loving”. For additional information head to the ILA website listen.org and ilovetolisten.com

As Someone To Tell It To continues to grow, we’re embracing a new chapter of leadership — one that honors who we are and where we’re going. After more than a decade of co-leading as our Co-Chief Encouragement Officer (Co-CEO), Co-founder Michael Gingerich is transitioning into a new role as Chief Values Officer. Michael’s heart has always been at the soul of our mission. Michael will continue to pour into our team, our culture, and the deeper “why” behind all we do — guiding us with the wisdom and compassion that have defined his leadership from the very beginning. Stepping into the role of Co-Chief Encouragement Officer (Co-CEO) is our own Angie Dickinson. Co-leading alongside Tom Kaden (Co-CEO and Co-founder). Many of you already know Angie as the creative force behind our programming — she leads with empathy, wonder, and an incredible ability to see possibility in every challenge. In the past five years she’s helped countless individuals and organizations find connection, healing, and hope. We’re proud and grateful to welcome her into this new role. Change is inevitable, but navigating it with grace and intention can make all the difference. In this special episode, Angie joins us as we dive deep into the heart of transition—what it means, how it shapes us, and the opportunities it holds. Whether it’s a career move, personal shift, or unexpected life event, this conversation offers honest reflections, practical wisdom, and the reminder that you’re not alone in the journey.

In this special re-release, we revisit a playful and profound episode featuring Jed and Sophia Lazar, creators of the connection-building game COZY JUICY REAL. During our conversation, we dive into the game itself—experiencing firsthand how it sparks laughter, honesty, and heartfelt connection. What starts as fun quickly becomes something deeper: vulnerable, meaningful, and richly human. That’s the magic of COZY JUICY REAL—it invites us beyond surface talk into conversations that build trust and forge real bonds. Our time with Sophia and Jed was no exception. They’re warm, wise, and deeply committed to creating spaces of belonging in a disconnected world. We’re excited to share this episode again—you’ll be glad you met them. To get all of the details and the connection questions head here: https://someonetotellitto.mykajabi.com/walk-talk-listen-2025

In our latest episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristina Newport, Chief of Palliative Care at Penn State Health, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. With wisdom, compassion, and heart, Dr. Newport shows us how care at the end of life can be filled with meaning, connection, and profound humanity. Her insights remind us of the extraordinary power of listening, presence, and love.

What does trust really look like in life and in leadership—and how do we build it every day? We sat down with Randy Conley to dig into the heart of trust, leadership, and human connection. His wisdom will stick with you long after the episode ends. ​​His insights from Simple Truths of Leadership are a gift to anyone who values connection, integrity, and growth.

This past weekend we had the privilege of the author and subject of the play I'm Proud of You, Tim Madigan, with us for the performances. This special episode of the Someone To Tell It To Podcast was recorded during one of the talk backs that happened after the performances. There is still time to get tickets and see this wonderful play: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36407/production/1207369

Stuart Landon, the Producing Artistic Director at Open Stage of Harrisburg, a professional regional theater in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, joins us in a conversation. As an actor, director, and theater executive, Stuart has well-honed experience with how the arts can move, inspire, and elevate us. We also talk about the play we are co-producing with Open Stage this spring - I’m Proud of You - about the friendship journalist Tim Madigan (our previous guest) had with Fred (Mister) Rogers, a friendship that changed Tim’s life in dramatic and positive ways. Tickets are available here!

Our friend and our book editor and collaborator Isabelle Harman is our special guest. Isabelle has a mission to alleviate suffering in any form that she can. Her unique life experiences living across the United States, in Europe, and her education as a young student in a Japanese school, have given her valuable insights and empathy. Those gifts inspire her to want to help others to come out of the shadows of their challenges and live their lives in ways that enable them to shine. We know, because she has done this for us.

Scott LaMar, has worked in both radio and television for more than 45 years. He retired last year as the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on public radio station WITF-FM, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He has moderated political candidate debates and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. Scott hosted more than 3,200 radio shows featuring at least 5,000 guests over the years and has many fascinating stories to tell about what he’s heard and learned during his time as a broadcaster. Content Warning: Before we begin, this episode contains mentions of some sensitive topics including war, suicide, abortion, rape, and guns.

Kittie Watson has more than 25 years of experience as an executive and leadership development consultant and coach. Kittie has authored / co-authored 6 books on listening, is a former president of the International Listening Association (ILA), and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from ILA as a listening researcher, practitioner and advocate in 2024. Kittie is recognized as one of the top twenty-five most prolific women writers in communication. While there are hundreds of books on how to express ourselves clearly, most of us haven't learned how to listen effectively. Kittie developed a Listener Preference Profile assessment to help educate us on how we all personally tend to listen. In this episode we discuss all four basic listening styles; we tend to listen for people, for action, for content, or for time orientation.

In this episode, Michael and Tom have another conversation with their dear friend, Tim Madigan. Tim was the very first guest on the program six seasons ago. Tim is a journalist and author of several books. But the one book highlighted in this episode is one that was instrumental in the founding of Someone To Tell It To. That book is I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers. This is off the Open Stage Website A true story of a life-altering friendship... Tim Madigan, an “anonymous guy who wrote stories for a newspaper in Texas,” and Fred Rogers, the icon of children’s television and one of history's most beloved celebrities, formed an unexpected, deep friendship. "You know him, at least if you are of a certain age, as Mister Rogers, the icon of children’s television, America’s secular saint, loving and gentle, wise and compassionate. I knew him as my friend, Fred… I considered him to be one of my closest friends. In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that if it were not for Fred Rogers, I might not be around today, alive to tell you my story..." Tim Madigan invites us into his memories and friendship with a man who shaped more than a generation—simply with his kindness.