Not Your Average GOAT

In creating season one of Not Your Average GOAT, I learned a lot about myself, the podcast space, and more importantly, the incredible diversity that is humanity. Here are 10 of my favorite moments from this past season—in no particular order.

Despite being once in the thick valley of alcoholism, Jessica Williams has reached many incredible peeks throughout her life. But even so, she is still on the journey to becoming the person she was always meant to be. In this conversation, Jessica and I explore the detrimental impact of bullying, including her sad yearning for death as a child; the role popularity and ensuing “power” played in Jes...

From abusive foster families to violent racism to extreme depression, dark experiences tortured Terrell Jackson for most of his life, but he found a way to turn these trying times into the fuel that powers his dream of promoting, supporting and connecting Black creatives. In this conversation, we explore what life is like as an orphan, including the impact of physical abuse and nepotism; Terrell’s...

We’re back with part 2 of Braelyn (Brae) Rasco’s  inspiring story! If you haven’t already, head over to part 1 now to give it a listen. In the second half of this conversation, Brae shares what life was like in the months leading up to her mother’s suicide, including the emotional rollercoaster the day of her mom’s passing; we explore the unique grieving stages suicide survivors experience, as wel...

Braelyn (Brae) Rasco’s animated personality and connection with dance is  proof you can absolutely be the evidence of your loved ones without being the evidence of traumatic circumstance–but Brae will be the first to admit it’s been “one hell of a journey” sorting through all the layers to get here herself. In part 1 of this conversation, we explore Brae’s life-long passion for creativity, in...

Cultural, religious and familial tensions as well as childhood trauma stunted Noor’s identity for awhile, but through twists and turns, she eventually evolved from inward thinking and meek to out and loud! In this conversation, Noor and I explore what it was like growing up in India in a multi-generational household; discuss the impact Sikhism and the anti-Sikh riots of the 1980’s had on her and h...

Despite the tremendous hurdles of shame and pain Madeline Ruiz has faced, her passion for empathy has never faded. In this conversation, we explore the magnitude of shame Madeline endured as a Bolivian/Honduran female throughout her childhood and young adulthood—both inside and outside her culture walls—stemming from her “wifery” grooming; a Mormon upbringing; in-school racism and bullying; and pr...

Gaining confidence and finding her own voice is something Chelsea Gilchrist, MGS struggled with for awhile, but once she conquered it, she not only had the courage to speak up for herself, she also became the loud vocals for many older adults who had become voiceless themselves. In this conversation, we talk about what it was like for 14-year-old Chelsea trying to cope with her grandmother’s demen...

We’re back with the second half of Stephan Ringer’s incredible story. In part 2 of this conversation, we travel back to the U.S. with Stephan and his wife and explore what it was like trying to get back on their feet (and almost hitting bankruptcy); the “hard sell” of having kids in today’s world and their experience starting a family; and what it was like learning their son had a developmental de...

The label “bipolar” is one that Stephan Ringer leans into wholeheartedly, and is what ultimately enabled him to be himself always—regardless of relationship or environment. In part 1 of this conversation, we set the stage for Stephan’s incredible journey to being diagnosed bipolar in his late 30s (and spoiler alert!), what it was like discovering that his wife was also bipolar in the same year. We...

From a Black lawyer to a female leader to a loving mother, Kisha A. Brown, Esq. is dedicated to always showing up in the world, and doing it consciously. In this conversation, Kisha and I journey through her extraordinary legal career—from her time as a practicing attorney, to becoming the first woman to hold the role of Director of Civil Rights for the Baltimore City Office of Civil Rights, and t...

Across four careers and just as many continents, Yza Shady’s journey through life can be described as many things, but plain isn’t one of them! In this conversation, we talk about Yza’s extraordinary career pivots, starting with her dancing days in 1980s’ NYC go-go bars and Parisian cabaret clubs, as well as cruise ships; to her time as an off-Broadway actor; then her transition to teacher at an e...

Sonia Zamborsky, (she/her/hers), doesn’t just live her truth, she lives it loudly–and proudly!  In this conversation, Sonia shares what her journey was like finding her sexual identity throughout her 20s and 30s; discovering what her queerness meant to her, and sometimes struggling with not being “queer enough”; and what it’s like coming out as a poly femme while also challenging common myths...

I'm so excited for season 1 of Not Your Average GOAT as well as to share a preview of the first few episodes with you!

Hi, I'm Teisha Gillespie, host of the upcoming podcast, Not Your Average GOAT. In this episode, I share with you my inspiration for why I even wanted to start a podcast; what my mission is and what I'm trying to accomplish with the show; and why I chose the name, Not Your Average GOAT. I'm going live in June, so get ready to tune in! Please follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to...