Best Interviews by Alissa Podcasts (2025)

1
[S5E1] Alissa Sammarco: Poetry of Unsettled Domesticity 52:32

24d ago52:32

52:32

Learn more about Alissa and her work at https://alissasammarco.com/

1
[S4E7] Amanda Hayden: Poetry of Social Perspective 57:48

12M ago57:48

57:48

Career educator and author Amanda Hayden describes the effect of travel on her writing, her use of instinct and metaphor, and the role feminism plays in her work.

1
[S4E6] Sandra Rivers-Gill: Poetry of Flowing Instinct 58:21

1y ago58:21

58:21

Sandra Rivers-Gill talks about her newest poetry collection "As We Cover Ourselves with Light," the trappings of performance, and her innate drive to support the community at large.

1
[S4E5] Barbara Marie Minney: Poetry of Tangled Faith 52:57

1y ago52:57

52:57

Award-winning transgender author Barbara Marie Minney talks about her newest poetry collections, her complicated relationship with God, and the personal forces that ignited her poetic Renaissance. Learn more about Barbara at: https://www.barbaramarieminneypoetry.com/

1
[S4E4] John Dorsey: Poetry of Prolific Time Fragments 53:24

1y ago53:24

53:24

Wildly prolific author and screenwriter John Dorsey discusses his pragmatic approaches to writing, his view of the Ohio community, and how the writing drive changes in the face of existential uncertainty. Learn more about John at: https://rustytruck.wordpress.com/category/john-dorsey/

1
[S4E3] Jeremy Jusek: Poetry of Fevered Imagination 1:15:45

1y ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Podcast host Jeremy Jusek gets a taste of his own medicine when Ohio beat poet laureate Sandra Feen conducts a brilliant interview of her own. Visit Jeremy's website here: www.jeremyjusek.com.

1
[S4E2] Calil Cage: Poetry of Seeded Imagination 1:04:38

1+ y ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Calil Cage, a.k.a. Just C.O.S., is a performance poet and founder fo The Sparrow's Fortune that talks about wanderlust & finding his home in Cleveland, finding purpose in the poetry community, and his appreciation for lineage.

1
[S4E1] Stephanie Kendrick: Poetry of United Purpose 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

Poet laureate of Athens Stephanie Kendrick discusses her social and community work, the recurring themes in her writing, and the ethical concerns surrounding real-life representations.

1
100: How to Form Habits for Health + An Announcement! 27:20

1+ y ago27:20

27:20

Prepare for a journey into an intriguing world where habits take center stage. This milestone 100th episode of Olive You Whole comes with a promise of transformation, as we navigate through the fascinating science behind habits, their formation and breaking. Get ready to discover the science behind habits and how they can create positive changes in…

1
099: Parenting Neurodivergent Children Plus Using Neurofeedback to Help with ADHD with Alissa Lozinski 31:28

1+ y ago31:28

31:28

Our journey in the world of ADHD began when our daughters were diagnosed with the disorder. Alissa Lozinski, a dear friend who has been through the same journey, joins me as we peel back the layers of our experiences parenting neurodivergent children. In our candid conversation, we uncover the initial struggle of diagnosis, the maze of sensory issu…

1
098: Finding the Appropriate Postpartum and Pregnancy Workouts with Brooke Cates of The Bloom Method 36:20

1+ y ago36:20

36:20

Do you fear exercise during pregnancy because of concerns around diastasis recti or pelvic floor issues? Imagine if we could redefine the fitness rule book for pregnant women. What if a woman's autonomy, power, and strength could be fostered and celebrated, rather than limited, during such a transformative time? That's exactly what Brooke Cates, fo…

1
Is Your Student Praise Actually Effective? A Vulnerable, Explicit Approach to Behavior with Gina Venancio 45:16

1+ y ago45:16

45:16

This week on "Extra Curricular," teacher and classroom management coach Gina Venancio shares her journey from crying in a supply closet, overwhelmed by student behavior, to discovering what was missing from her classroom: behavior science. Gina's advice in this episode has the power to completely transform your classroom, especially if you are deal…

1
097: Get Kids Cooking with Erin Fletter of Sticky Fingers Cooking 38:40

1+ y ago38:40

38:40

Are picky eaters a challenge in your household? You'll find solace knowing that cooking can be a powerful tool to overcome this hurdle. Be ready to revolutionize your kids’ perspective on food as renowned food enthusiast and co-creator of Sticky Fingers Cooking, Erin Fletter, joins us in this enticing discussion that talks about not just cooking, b…

1
096: Saving the Planet with Recycled Leather with Luz Zambrano of CASUPO 26:50

1+ y ago26:50

26:50

Say hello to Luz Zambrano, the innovative mind behind the sustainable leather brand, CASUPO. Our conversation will take you on a journey from Luz's early days in industrial design, all the way to her spearheading her own brand, showing how millions of cow hides can be saved from going to waste annually. We've got insights into her experiences with …

1
095: Traditional Publishing with Kara Leonino, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Tyndale House Publishers 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

Unlock the mysteries of the traditional publishing process with me, and my guest, the shrewd and insightful acquisitions editor at Tyndale, Kara Leonino. With Kara's expert navigation, we traverse the elaborate terrain of traditional publishing, shining light on the convoluted legalese, contract negotiations, and the pivotal role of agents througho…

1
094: How to Write a Book and Get it Published 23:33

1+ y ago23:33

23:33

Have you ever been captivated by a compelling book and wondered how the author did it? This week, let me take you behind the scenes of the writing and publishing process. With experiences ranging from my first cookbook 'Prep Cook Freeze' to my latest non-fiction project, I'll share how I identified my book's audience as well as planned and structur…

1
Working with Your Special Education Team to Support All Students with Dawn Ellis 37:18

1+ y ago37:18

37:18

If you're a general education teacher trying to navigate supporting students with IEPs, you're going to want to listen to this episode. Dawn breaks Special Education down, from what all the terminology means, to how to work with the Special Education Team, to communication strategies with families, and so much more. Dawn has some great advice for s…

1
093: Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing with Magician Taylor Hughes 46:14

1+ y ago46:14

46:14

Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the complex world of publishing a book? Join us for an insightful conversation with Taylor Hughes, an author, magician, and keynote speaker. Taylor takes us on a captivating journey from the highs and lows of self-publishing to the exhilarating realm of traditional publishing. His unique perspective and exper…

1
092: How Do You Find a Literary Agent? With Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary Group 31:07

1+ y ago31:07

31:07

Are you intrigued by the publishing world but unsure how to navigate it? Today, I’m having an amazing conversation with my literary agent, Keely Boeving, and she offers a candid insight into the complex process of publishing a book. We discuss everything from crafting a compelling book proposal to procuring the right literary agent. If traditional …

1
How to Craft a Welcoming Learning Experience for Every Learner with Bryson Tarbet 36:08

1+ y ago36:08

36:08

In this episode of the Extra Curricular Podcast, Bryson talks to us about how to keep our lessons engaging and relevant for students, even when it feels like we can't keep up with what's trending. He gives simple ways to boost student engagement, and shares how we can learn and improve our teaching craft by connecting with other teachers online. He…

1
091: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma with Sarah Buino of Head/Heart Therapy, Inc. 43:31

1+ y ago43:31

43:31

Ever wonder how the wounds of your ancestors can shape your life? Therapy titan and founder of Head Heart Therapy Incorporated, Sarah Buino, joins me to unravel the mystery of generational trauma. We explore the notion that trauma isn't something that merely happens to you; it's an internal upheaval that can echo through generations. Sarah's insigh…

1
090: Healthy Meal Plan Ideas with Christi Flaherty of Healthy Happy Real 32:12

1+ y ago32:12

32:12

Unlock the secrets of transformative meal planning with our special guest, holistic nutritionist and private chef, Christi Flaherty. Prepare to have your perception of meal prepping redefined as you gain valuable insights into Christi’s innovative, component-based approach that focuses on prepped proteins, veggies, and sauces. This method is not ju…

1
The Massive Mistake We've Been Making in Reading Instruction with Heidi Jane 40:52

1+ y ago40:52

40:52

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.comBy Interviews by Alissa & Megan of PopPD

1
089: Reconnection with our Ecosystem with Page Faye of RegenCircle 32:57

1+ y ago32:57

32:57

How often do we stop to consider our relationship with the food we consume and its impact on our planet? This conversation with the insightful Page Faye will leave you pondering this very question. We delve into the world of regenerative agriculture and holistic health, dissecting the intricate links between soil health, environmental sustainabilit…

1
088: Improving Soil Health with Bio-Stimulant Concentrate Made from Green Algae with Merideth Garrigan of EnSoil Algae 45:26

1+ y ago45:26

45:26

Ready to learn about the transformative power of algae in soil health? We promise you a captivating journey with Merideth Garrigan – the force behind EnSoil Algae partner recruitment and field support. Her story begins with a rich Mississippi garden all the way to her advocacy for water and life protection in Charleston. Merideth reveals her unique…

1
Actionable Ways to Bring JOY and Light Back to Your Teaching Days with La Maestra Loca 52:35

1+ y ago52:35

52:35

Megan and I both text each other after recording this episode to say, "That was SO good!" If you're a teacher who is looking to bring joy back into the classroom for both yourself and your students, you MUST listen to this episode with Annabelle. She drops strategy after strategy in this episode with tangible ways to bring that spark back through f…

1
087: Reclaiming Feminism for Christianity and the Harms of Purity Culture with Meghan Tschanz 53:45

1+ y ago53:45

53:45

Discover the enlightening journey of Meghan Tschanz, the author of 'Women Rising: Learning to Listen, Reclaiming Our Voice'. Meghan takes us from her conservative evangelical upbringing to her eye-opening World Race mission trip experiences, which exposed the harsh reality of global oppression of women. Get ready to hear stories of patriarchal stan…

1
[S3E14] Poets Against Racism & Hate USA 1:15:23

1+ y ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Today's chat is with Debbie Allen and Patricia Thrushart, the co-founders of PARH USA. We discuss their group's origins, personal convictions, and the vitally important Underground Railroad project they're engaged with in conjunction with the OPA. Please visit the organization's website at https://poetsagainstracism-usa.org/…

1
086: Sacred Simplicity and Minimalism with a Family 34:24

1+ y ago34:24

34:24

Can minimalism be a radical act of self-definition, freeing us from the shackles of consumerism? That’s what we’re exploring in today's episode. Join my husband Chaz and me as we share our personal journey from a life cluttered with possessions to a purposefully minimalist lifestyle. We’re laying bare our pre-college life, dominated by consumerism,…

1
085: Reiki and Christianity | Reiki Healing with Reiki Master Rebecca Petrick of Happy Place Healing 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

Ever wondered about the mysteries of Reiki? Come join us for a meaningful conversation with Rebecca Petrick, a certified Reiki master from Happy Place Healing, who promises to demystify this ancient practice of energy healing. Be prepared to have your preconceptions challenged as Rebecca explains how Reiki, unlike a religion, serves as an alternati…

1
[S3E13] Siaara Freeman: Poetry of Animated Legend 59:37

1+ y ago59:37

59:37

Double city laureate and author of 'Urbanshee,' Siaara Freeman details the underpinnings of the repetition in her work, why dark humor is such an important part of her life, her love of animation, and the underpinnings of the repetition in her work. Check out 'Urbanshee' from Button Poetry here: https://buttonpoetry.com/product/urbanshee/…

1
084: Reclaim your Power and Find Your Purpose with Lauren Krasnodembski of Mind Muscle Motivator 27:08

1+ y ago27:08

27:08

Like many of you, I was once caught in the trappings of a life that seemed picture-perfect on the outside but left me yearning for something more. That's when I met Lauren Krasnodembski, the creator of the Mind Muscle Motivator, who sparked a shift within me. Our candid chat will take you on a journey of self-discovery as we dissect the intricacies…

1
083: Healing Ella's Food Intolerances and Hives with Ella Fausel 19:40

2y ago19:40

19:40

What happens when food becomes the enemy? When my daughter, Ella, broke out in hives at a family outing, we thought it was due to her aunt's dog, Dolly - but we were wrong. This was the start of a journey that took us from simply avoiding certain allergens to an in-depth exploration of gut health, diet, and supplements. We've navigated through a se…

1
[S3E12] Quartez Harris: Poetry of Unbridled Hope 52:58

2y ago52:58

52:58

Author and 2021 Ohio Poet of the Year Quartez Harris discusses the challenges involved with teaching in an impoverished school system, his award-winning collection 'We Made it to School Alive,' and his unique & informative perspectives on the creative process.

1
082: Nutrient-Dense Baby Food and How to Feed Our Kids with Joe Carr of Serenity Kids 36:03

2y ago36:03

36:03

Welcome to an enlightening episode as we unravel the conundrums of feeding children with Joe Carr, the co-founder of Serenity Kids. A company that’s created a ripple in the nutrition industry, Serenity Kids is recognized for its nutrient-packed baby food, toddler food, snacks, and toddler formula. As a doting parent himself, Joe, along with his wif…

1
081: Improving Indoor Air Quality in your Home by Detoxifying Your Home Plus the Best Air Purifier on the Market 26:34

2y ago26:34

26:34

Ever wondered why you're feeling under the weather despite staying indoors? Chances are, the culprit might be within your four walls! This episode is your one-stop destination for understanding the often-overlooked topic of indoor air quality. Packed with eye-opening facts and the impact of poor air quality on our health, this episode helps you rec…

1
[S3E11] Beth Mulcahy: Poetry of Solid Quicksand 45:07

2y ago45:07

45:07

Re-emergent writer, lawyer, and author Beth Mulcahy discusses the importance of healing through writing, her family history, and what it feels like to return to writing after decades.

1
080: Use Epigenetics to Improve Your Health with Becca Roses of Mind Body Genes 31:25

2y ago31:25

31:25

Join us as we unravel nature's well-kept secrets with our special guest, Becca Roses, a certified epigenetics coach, who possesses the key to reading genetic blueprints. This episode also takes you on a journey through the maze of genetic blueprints for personalized health and hidden genetic discrepancies. We unravel various panels like the fat pan…

1
079: How to Replace Lies with the Truth and Youth Mental Health with Children’s Book Author Jenna Winship 37:09

2y ago37:09

37:09

What if you could read a children's book that resonates with adults and children alike, helping to navigate mental health struggles? This week, I was fortunate to sit down with Jenna Winship, a dear friend and author of such transformative children's books. Jenna's literature, deeply influenced by her own health and mental health journeys, offers a…

1
[S3E10] Paula J. Lambert: Poetry of Melting Prose 55:35

2y ago55:35

55:35

Lauded poetry and fiction author Paula J. Lambert describes how she discovered her poetic prowess while writing fiction, the importance of breathing, and her deep avian knowledge. Learn more about Paula's work, books, and publications on her website: https://paulajlambert.weebly.com/ And check out the OPA's other craft-focused podcast, Versecraft! …

1
078: Symptoms of Stress, Mindset Around Stress, and Stress Management Tips 29:06

2y ago29:06

29:06

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, but did you know it can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being? Today, we're taking a deep dive into the world of stress and how it affects our bodies. From understanding the World Health Organization's definition of stress to the startling fact that over one in five adults in the U…

1
077: Life Updates: How to Decide When to Switch Your Kids' School and Much More! 30:46

2y ago30:46

30:46

Switching schools for both of our kiddos has been an emotional rollercoaster, but one that ultimately led to discovering Owen's gifted and talented abilities. In today's episode, I open up about our family's journey in finding the right educational fit for our children, and the tough decisions that came with it. We dive into Denver Public Schools' …

1
[S3E9] Tim Cheeseman: Poetry of People as Place 50:41

2y ago50:41

50:41

Lima, Ohio laureate and career educator Tim Cheeseman discusses theatre's influences on how he visualizes his poems, how his close proximity to the Mennonite community has shaped his worldview, and his thoughts on educating & guiding new minds.

1
076: The Trouble with Birth Control plus Balancing Hormones with Blair Horton of Holistic Rendezvous 29:29

2y ago29:29

29:29

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to "do it all," only to find yourself exhausted and struggling with hormone imbalances? We sat down with Blair Horton, a women's health and hormone specialist, who helps us break down the complexities of balancing female hormones, revealing the impact of stress on hormone imbalance - from our education…

1
075: Building Habits with Scott Friedman of the Power of Progress Podcast 34:59

2y ago34:59

34:59

Struggling with sticking to your goals and maintaining good habits? You're not alone! Join us today as we chat with Scott Friedman, fitness motivational speaker, fitness coach, and host of the Power of Progress podcast. In our conversation, we'll dig deep into the world of habits, discover why it's so difficult to maintain them and learn how to set…

1
[S3E8] Raja Belle Freeman: Poetry of Evocative Volta 49:43

2y ago49:43

49:43

Multi-talented Cleveland-based performing artist Raja Belle Freeman talks about what it was like to receive an intensely creative high school education, her writing process, and the myriad of projects she's currently working on.

1
074: Seeking Wise Traditions and Ancestral Wisdom with Hilda Labrada Gore of Holistic Hilda 31:22

2y ago31:22

31:22

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Hilda Labrada Gore. She is the host and producer of the Wise Traditions podcast and the founder of Holistic Hilda. Hilda is not only a seasoned podcaster but also a certified health coach and an experiential anthropologist. Hilda's passion for exploring ancient health traditions has taken her o…

1
How to Address Student Behavior Without Compromising Your Wellbeing with Rebekah Poe 34:06

2y ago34:06

34:06

Rebekah gives us a pep talk in this episode to remind us that student behavior is not personal. She helps us reframe how we think about behavior to unlock the best way to address the behavior. You'll love her quick tips and tricks for developing relationships and responding to behavior with students at any age level, and she drops a few fun differe…

1
073: How and WHY to Reduce Plastic Usage in Your Home: Your Health Depends on It 25:12

2y ago25:12

25:12

It's a disturbing thought - the billions of microplastics that pollute our oceans can seep into the fish that inhabit them. And when we consume these fish, we are inadvertently also ingesting these harmful microplastics. It's a vicious cycle that has serious implications for both our health and the environment. As the world continues to grapple wit…

1
072: Our Connection to Animals and the Land with Kate Kavanaugh of Ground Work 38:26

2y ago38:26

38:26

The average margin for farmers and ranchers in the country is only one and a half percent, making it challenging to create a sustainable system. However, connecting with our food and having an understanding of the whole lifecycle of an animal can help us achieve food stability. In a conversation with Kate Kavanaugh, the owner of Ground Work Collect…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Interviews By Alissa Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen