The DaliTalks Podcast

In this insightful episode of the DaliTalks Podcast , Dali Rivera sits down with Irina Macare , a certified sleep coach and former IT engineer, to explore the deep connection between burnout, stress, and chronic sleep issues. Irina opens up about her 16-year career in the tech industry, where repeated burnout led to persistent middle-of-the-night insomnia, extreme exhaustion, and difficulty functi...

What happens when parents and children are speaking the same language, but not truly understanding each other? In this powerful and honest conversation, Dr. Unnatti Jain breaks down how generational gaps show up in parenting, leadership, schools, and workplaces, and how to bridge them without guilt, shame, or control. From parenting teens and Gen Z to navigating divorce, cultural expectations, and...

In this episode, Carolyn Dowdy shares her deeply personal journey into caregiving and the life-changing experiences that led her to found Caregiver Mental Wellness. She opens up about how many people become caregivers without realizing it, why caregiver burnout often goes unnoticed, and how long-term stress can quietly impact mental, physical, and emotional health. This episode offers insight, val...

Episodio en español para padres latinos e inmigrantes que quieren ayudar a sus hijos a llegar a la universidad en Estados Unidos, aunque sean la primera generación y no sepan por dónde empezar. En este episodio del DaliTalks Podcast , converso con Carlos Ampuero , fundador de A Tu Alcance , una organización dedicada a acompañar a familias latinas e inmigrantes en el proceso completo para que sus h...

In this powerful episode of The DaliTalks Podcast, Dāli sits down with returning guest Kenneth Scott, former Division I athlete, NFL/CFL pro, educator, university instructor, speaker, social entrepreneur, and creator of the groundbreaking Social Health Brand Program. Kenneth opens up about his non-linear career path , from dreaming of the NBA to becoming a nationally ranked football star, earning...

What does it really take to build a career in broadcasting and media, especially when your path isn’t linear? In this powerful episode of the DaliTalks Podcast, host Dali Rivera sits down with returning guest Yovy Daniels, a media professional with nearly two decades of experience in broadcasting, programming, and media planning. Yovy shares her honest, behind-the-scenes journey from growing up in...

In this episode, Safrianna Lughna, shares her honest and grounded career story, from the expectations she grew up with to the pivots and discoveries that shaped her path. She opens up about choosing a major, navigating grad school decisions, and realizing that careers aren’t always linear (and that’s okay). This episode is perfect for students and early-career professionals figuring out their next...

In this episode of the  DaliTalks Podcast , Dali explores the inspiring story of  Nury Castillo Crawford , a Latina educator whose journey shows the true meaning of teaching with purpose, connection, and heart. Nury shares how her early childhood dreams led her into the field of education, the defining moments that shaped her teaching philosophy, and the tools and mindset that fuel her growth as a...

In this episode of the DaliTalks Podcast, I sit down with DeAnna Pursai , Co-Founder and Director of Development & Outreach at the College of Adaptive Arts . DeAnna is a CNN Hero , a Women Making Herstory award recipient, and a Golden State Warriors Impact Warrior . Her mission is powerful: making sure adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have ongoing access to real, meaning...

In this episode of DaliTalks Podcast , I chat with Dr. Jen Rafferty , an educator, author, and founder of Empowered Educator , about her inspiring career journey from music teacher to business owner, and the importance of prioritizing educator well-being. We explore: Insights about her career as a music teacher How Jen transitioned from teaching to empowering educators worldwide The role of self-a...

What would you do if you discovered your child was the bully? In this episode of The DaliTalks Podcast, I, Dāli Rivera—parenting coach, bullying prevention educator, and founder of the Diversity & Anti-Bullying Academy, share how to respond when you discover your child is bullying others. You’ll learn:✔️What to do the moment you find out your child is the bully✔️How to uncover the real reasons...

In this episode of the DaliTalks Podcast , Griselda Provencio shares her professional journey — from her first job after college to the lessons she learned along the way. She answers questions about her career path, education, and experiences in the field of communication. We explore: What career she first worked in after college and what her title was What attracted her to that field What educati...

Based on Dr. Olatunji’s new book, this topic provides a powerful overview of why a new paradigm in education is needed. Many youth underachieve because we focus on making them skillful but not willful. This insightful and engaging presentation leaves audiences with a new sense of clarity and conviction about the need to align education with students—not just standards—so that they will thrive! In...

In this episode of DaliTalks Podcast , I chat with Luz Nazario, a dedicated teacher, about her career journey and professional growth. We explore: How she began her journey in teaching What a typical day in her life looks like The importance of fostering critical thinking in children Advice for parents supporting kids who aspire to become teachers 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by Luz’s journey!...

In this episode, Nury Castillo Crawford, owner of 1010 Publishing, speaks to us about her mission to encourage Latinos to write their own stories. As an immigrant from Peru, Nury’s own journey to publish a children’s book inspired her to create a publishing house when she was asked to change the character she had written—one that was a true reflection of herself, from her skin tone to her experien...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Bird (Democratic Party), who is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Oregon's 4th Congressional District in the 2026 election.  Melissa shares: Her lifelong love for politics, a topic that has always been a conversation at the dinner table in her household. Her important work supporting homeless LGBTQ youth, highlighting the challenges they...

In this episode, I sit down with holistic practitioner Candice Van Dertholen to explore the powerful work she’s doing to help people navigate life’s biggest transitions. Candice shares her journey, her approach to holistic healing, and the transformative impact her clients experience when they align their energy with the life they truly desire. We dive into: What it really means to be a holistic p...

In this episode, I sit down with Burcu Onaranel Erten , a Marketing & Branding Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and Certified Professional Life Coach. Burcu shares her inspiring journey of leaving the HR industry in Turkey to pursue her passion for coaching through NLP. We dive into: How her career transition began and what sparked the change What NLP coaching really is and how it can transform...

Are you leveraging your relationship with your child’s pediatrician? In this episode of DaliTalks, we’re joined by Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician with over 15 years of experience and a mom herself. Dr. Cook opens up about her journey into pediatrics, the lessons she’s learned from supporting families, and the powerful ways parents and pediatricians can collaborate to help children thrive. From n...

Welcome to the Careers Pathways Series on the DaliTalks Podcast!  Are you or your teen wondering which career path is the right one?  In this series, we explore the real stories behind career journeys —from the unexpected detours to the big wins. Every Friday at noon (ET), professionals share: ✅ Their school & career experiences (including the struggles and the triumphs) ✅ How they navigated...

Listening to someone’s story can uplift and give us strength. If you are in need of any of that, join me for this powerful event! In this episode, I speak with Nancy and Amy Harrington, creators of the Passionistas Project Virtual Summit 2025 Awakening Your Power event and the ones who spearheaded the writing of an anthology that can transform mindsets in powerful ways.  The Harrington sisters dis...

In this episode, I open up about the two resources I created to help parents and educators take real action against bullying: 📖 Confident, Bully-Proof Kids – a guide packed with confidence-building strategies, everyday scripts parents can use, and practical steps to help kids stand tall against bullying. It’s about giving your child the inner armor they need. 📖 Your Guide to Bullying Prevention...

A way to truly learn about a group of people is by learning about them directly from them. Heidy De La Cruz, host of the award winning podcast, The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants speaks to us about: The reason she created her podcast interviewing immigrants What she’s learned from speaking to her guests that shared their immigrant stories Her trip to the border to learn more about the im...

Guests: ✨ Elizabeth Sautter , MA, CCC-SLP – Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Author, and Parent Coach✨ Dali Rivera – Founder of the Diversity & Anti-Bullying Academy and Bullying Prevention Educator What really causes kids to bully? How can we help children regulate their emotions , build confidence , and stand up for others — especially when the world is telling them to “stay out of it...

TRIGGER WARNING!! This episode dives deep into trauma, identity, and truth. It’s not easy—but it’s necessary. Are you ready to listen and learn? Safrianna Lughna is a licensed trauma therapist turned transformational guide, and she helps visionary leaders break free from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing and perfectionism. Safrianna speaks on her realization of being in an intimate partner v...