The Uplifters

In a week where election results have left many Americans feeling the depths of our divisions, Susan McPherson's wisdom about authentic connection feels more vital than ever. As communities across the country grapple with political polarization and social isolation, her message about breaking out of our "hermetically sealed bubbles" and connecting across differences offers a path forward - not jus...

From a tiny Chinese village without electricity to launching a $100 million home décor empire, Jenny Jing Zhu 's story is a masterclass in turning limited resources into limitless possibilities. As the founder and chairwoman of Lush Decor Home , Jenny transformed herself from a hotel maid in Beijing to a powerhouse entrepreneur in America, while learning english alongside the toddler she was carin...

In the 1970s, Melanie Cohen's dad had a PhD in chemical engineering and applied physics, doing innovative work in clean fuels. He was also dealing drugs to fund his addictions and lavish lifestyle. His addiction to drugs and money was a continuation of his father's addiction to gambling. This inherited tendency toward an insatiable desire for "more" led to Melanie's food addiction, which we joked...

It’s pretty scary to put yourself out there in a world that can feel really divided, but  Lovisa Brown , the Executive Director of  Extreme Kids and Crew , is proving that we find our way back to one another not through layering on our protective masks, but by taking them off. A nod or smile acknowledges our shared humanity, moments of honesty when we admit that we don’t know all the answers help...

Every episode of this podcast is special, but this one is extra, extra special. Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to the wizard behind my own dreams coming true. As we close on our dream house (today!), I'm acutely aware this wouldn't be possible without our guest's expertise. While I understand human behavior, the stock market was Greek to me (the non-Greek in my marriage). Enter Veronica Karas...

What were you doing at 26? I was just barely figuring out how to adult. But, Taylor Scott is revolutionizing food access in Richmond, Virginia. What started as a simple desire to share excess tomatoes from her hydroponic garden has blossomed into RVA Community Fridges , a network of 14 community fridges serving food apartheid communities. Taylor's infectious enthusiasm and "delusionally optimistic...

Kerry Brodie is impatient. When she saw a problem and realized the existing solutions could take years or decades to create change, she created a whole new system: one that would have immediate and lasting impact for generations. As the founder of Emma's Torch , she's created a launchpad for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking. Through culinary education, ESL classes, and job pla...

It can seem almost impossible to escape homelessness, but with the support of her community, LaKeshia Hodge broke a generational cycle. Now, she’s dedicating her life to helping others do the same. Her journey is a testament to the power of community and the ripple effect of love. As co-founder of the Struggle of Love Foundation , Lucky LaKeshia has spent over two decades uplifting her Denver comm...

When you think of powerhouse executives in the marketing world, you might imagine sharp suits and even sharper elbows. But Gail Tifford shatters those stereotypes, proving that true leadership comes from authenticity, vulnerability, and a deep sense of purpose. In this episode, Gail takes us on a journey from her early days at Unilever to her transformative roles at Weight Watchers and beyond. She...

As a mother of four, including a child with a disability, Alma Schneider has experienced her fair share of challenges. Yet, rather than letting those trials weigh her down, she's learned to lean into her passions, set healthy boundaries, and uplift those around her. Alma describes herself as a "recovering 'I'm supposed to do everything' person". Ummmm…. I can relate. How about you? Through therapy...

In this week’s episode, you’ll meet Alison Mariella Désir . Author, TV host, community organizer, activist, and running enthusiast - Alison wears many hats, all in service of creating more inclusive spaces in the world of athletics and beyond. From founding Harlem Run to championing diversity in the running industry, Alison's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and going the distan...

When Susan R. Pryde was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver, she could have been forgiven for retreating in fear. Instead, she dove headfirst into reclaiming her health and her joy - and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. Sue's story is one of triumph over adversity, of finding purpose and possibility in the midst of crisis. Facing down a dire prognosis, she embarked o...

Meet Cher Hale, an inspiring force of nature who's rewriting the rules of public relations and her own life story. As the founder of Ginkgo PR , Cher is on a mission to create a more equitable media landscape by amplifying the voices of underrepresented authors and entrepreneurs. But her journey to this purpose wasn't a straight line - it was a winding path of self-discovery, loss, and ultimately,...

Hey Uplifters, Dr. Marcia Morgan is a force of nature who has dedicated her life to giving women a voice in some of the toughest environments imaginable. From pioneering as one of the first female law enforcement officers in the 1970s to advocating for incarcerated women, Marcia has faced down challenges with grace, grit, and an unshakeable commitment to justice. In this episode, Marcia takes us o...

Today you’ll meet Daisy Auger-Dominguez. Born in New York City but raised in the Dominican Republic, Daisy's journey took her from feeling like an outsider in American high school to becoming a trailblazer in workplace diversity and inclusion. With stints at powerhouse companies like Moody's, Google, and Disney under her belt, Daisy now shares her hard-won wisdom on creating more inclusive workpla...

Hey Uplifters, May I ask for your help with something, right quick? I super love The Uplifters Podcast and all of the amazing stories we’ve featured. I want to make it even better for you, though - so I need your help! I've created a quick survey to understand what you love and what you'd like to hear more about. Please click here to help shape the future of The Uplifters Podcast. In this week's e...

In this week's episode, you’ll meet Eliza Factor, an artist and author whose life took an unexpected turn when her first child, Felix, was born with significant disabilities. What began as a challenging and often isolating experience blossomed into a beautiful journey of discovery, innovation, and community-building. Eliza's story begins in 2003 when she contracted chicken pox during pregnancy. Wh...

When I was 46 years old, my young husband died suddenly from a heart attack. He died in my arms, and I couldn't save him.  This tragedy put my life on a different trajectory...one that could've spelled disaster for my own life for years to come. I wanted to cry in a corner, being catatonic and not interacting with the world. Actually, I did for several months after his passing.  I had a business t...

This week, you’ll meet Maysoon Zayid: comedian, bestselling author, and self-proclaimed "lost Kardashian" who's turning pain into laughter and shaking up the world's expectations of disability. With the wit of a standup comic and the wisdom of a sage, Maysoon introduces us to her latest creation - the graphic novel " Shiny Misfits " - and shows us how to shine in a world that often tries to dim ou...

Shelley Zalis is a force of nature who refuses to play by anyone else's rules. As the founder of The Female Quotient and a pioneering researcher, Shelley has made it her mission to rewrite the playbook for women in business. From transforming online research when everyone said it couldn't be done, to creating the "Girls' Lounge" at male-dominated conferences, Shelley's career is a masterclass in f...

When Sarah Krasley was a little girl growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she witnessed the collapse of the local steel industry and the devastating impact it had on her community. Hundreds of thousands of people, including members of her own family, lost their jobs seemingly overnight when the factories closed down. That experience planted a seed that would eventually blossom into her life's wo...

From a young age, Emily Bailey was immersed in the world of human behavior thanks to her emergency room physician father. While most kids got bedtime stories, Emily got psychology journals to read with her dad. This early exposure and a complicated relationship with her mother sparked her curiosity about what makes people tick and set her on a path to becoming a therapist specializing in OCD and a...

Cleyvis Natera hasn’t always been the author of a critically acclaimed novel. She always knew she wanted to be, and she was certain she had what it took, but big jobs and big paychecks kept distracting her, and the big break she was looking for kept eluding her. Her son’s life-threatening illness triggered an awakening that propelled her to reclaim her passion for writing. I always knew I wanted t...

Cleyvis Natera hasn’t always been the author of a critically acclaimed novel. She always knew she wanted to be, and she was certain she had what it took, but big jobs and big paychecks kept distracting her, and the big break she was looking for kept eluding her. Her son’s life-threatening illness triggered an awakening that propelled her to reclaim her passion for writing. I always knew I wanted t...

In business, and life, everything is figureoutbable and every story can be rewritten. You can make progress each day with your biggest goals if you lean on your confidence, tenacity, resources and networks. Have you ever felt the exhilarating rush of taking a leap into the unknown? Jennifer Maanavi certainly has. In the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast, the CEO and founder of Physique 57 ta...