The Someone To Tell It To Podcast

This bonus episode is a live recording from our spring event, the SouthCentral PA Premiere of the documentary Friends & Neighbors. It is not necessary to have watched the documentary, however, it does add to the richness of the conversation. If you haven't watched the documentary yet or would like to rewatch it click on the links below. AMAZON | APPLE | PBS

In this bonus episode of Season 8 of the Someone To Tell It To Podcast, Michael, Tom, and Angie discuss the themes and learnings taken from the recently concluded season.

Brice Sanders has dedicated his life to service. First in the United States Marine Corps and active deployment to war zones, then as the pilot of Marine One and Marine Two, the helicopters that fly the President and Vice President of the United States, and now as the Director of Flight Operations for the helicopters that provide emergency transport for patients of the Penn State Hershey (Pennsylva...

Heather Hockenberry has a strong passion for teaching, training, and coaching. She is deeply passionate about optimizing individual and organizational performance. She loves to guide executives and teams to reach their full potential, through her unique approach and unwavering commitment to their success. Heather values listening as the top skill to ensure that trust is built, connections are deep...

Sandi Smith is one of Someone To Tell It To’s trained compassionate listeners. We can attest that she is a tremendous example of one who embodies the values and virtues of what good, intentional, and compassionate listening is all about. Sandi lives out those values throughout every aspect of her life. Most publicly, she founded, along with her husband Tom, Sandi’s Breads, offering a thoughtfully...

Over the past thirty years, Benjamin Wagner has worked at the intersection of media and technology as an award-winning journalist and documentarian. In May, Benjamin’s new documentary, Friends & Neighbors, premieres nationwide. The film weaves together moments from his own life and career with the broader social forces around us, asking what’s broken, what it costs us, and what real healing co...

In this Women’s History Month, Pennsylvania State Senator Patty Kim made history when she was the first Asian-American woman to be elected to the upper chamber of the state legislature, in November 2025. She talks about her inspiration to be a public servant and the issues that motivate her to make Pennsylvanians' lives better. In the course of the conversation she also talks about her natural int...

What if one of the most important parts of our health isn’t physical or mental—but social? In this episode, we’re joined by Kasley Killam, Harvard-trained social scientist, two-time TED speaker, and author of The Art and Science of Connection. Kasley is a globally recognized expert on social health—the dimension of well-being rooted in meaningful relationships, community, and belonging. Kasley sha...

Ed Miller discovered Someone to Tell It To during a challenging leadership stretch and found it incredibly helpful and refreshingly human. A recent transplant to New York City, Ed also dabbles in acting and writing, and believes good conversations and a hearty laugh can change everything — and he’s always up for both. In this episode, we have a thoughtful and laugh-filled conversation in which we...

Jael K.D.L.V. Chambers grew up in urban communities–rich with vibrant culture, but also rife with challenges. Those communities inspired in him a passion for celebrating the unique beauty of those cultures, along with an equal passion to uplift and transform those communities to be their very best. He is guided by the principles of his faith which teaches him that all of us want to be accepted, al...

Her purpose in life is “to help people see their best so that they can be their best!”. Una Martone, President & CEO of Leadership Harrisburg Area, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is committed to mentoring others to be servant leaders. Her passion for finding the best in others makes her a respected and sought-after community leader herself. She also has a passion for her family and shares storie...

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 t...

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...

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. As an artist, Alex knows that art saves lives, and wants...

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...

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...

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 bridg...

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...

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 transform...

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, s...

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 p...

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 th...

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.