Mikhail Fiksel The Tony award winning sound designer, composer and dj, a luminary in the world of storytelling, sonic craft, and cutting-edge theater productions. Mikhail will make you hear. In this episode, Mikail talks about finding his unique voice in the world of storytelling and theater, the significance of maintaining his artistic identity while collaborating with others, and the importance of discovering one's own voice in creative work. The conversation also delves into the broader impact of voice in the world and Mikhail's aspirations for his legacy in voice and storytelling. A little more about Mikhail… Mikhail Fiksel is a Tony award-winning sound designer, composer, and DJ who has worked with theaters worldwide, including The Public Theatre, BAM, The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, and more. He has earned accolades such as 9 Joseph Jefferson Awards, 3 Lucille Lortel Awards, and a 2022 Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Play. Mikhail is a pioneer in audio storytelling through podcasts and scores films, making him the go-to choice for helping stories find their sound. He has a deep understanding of sonic craft and cutting-edge theater productions, establishing himself as a luminary in the world of storytelling. Additionally, Mikhail is a professor at Columbia College, where he guides the next generation of theater professionals in finding their own voices. Beyond theater, Mikhail is actively involved in the field of audioplays and scripted audio podcasts. He collaborates with Make-Believe Association and has recently released the acclaimed 12-episode audio drama series called "Lake Song." Mikhail work in this realm has been recognized and selected as an Official Selection of Tribeca Audio Premiers. With a diverse background in music, DJing, and composition, Mikhail creativity transcends traditional boundaries. He has composed scores for independent feature films, created custom mash-ups and remixes, and performed at various events and venues, including the New York Marathon and Lollapalooza. Mikhail multifaceted career continues to influence various artistic disciplines, including theater, dance, film, and music.  

Anne K Ream She is the founder of the Voices and Faces Project, a global storytelling project and testimonial writing program for survivors of gender based violence and other human rights violations. She is also the author of "Lived Through This," a critically praised narrative and photographic memoir of a global journey spent listening to survivors gender-based violence. Anne helps people survive. In this episode,  we discuss Anne’s personal philosophy, diverse talents and career trajectory, feminism's role in her work, finding one's unique voice, empowering survivors, the transformative power of talk and being heard, the intersection of darkness and beauty, the importance of finding one's voice, and the future aspirations of expanding impact. A little more about Anne… Anne, a writer, activist, and founder of The Voices and Faces Project, has dedicated her life to creating spaces where survivors of gender-based violence can have their voices heard and honored. Her book, "Lived Through This," chronicles her multi-year, multi-country journey listening to survivors' stories, which led to the establishment of her institute. The Voices and Faces Project, soon to be known as the Center for Story and Witness, aims to transform societal consciousness on issues of gender-based violence. Anne's work includes teaching the award-winning workshop "The Stories We Tell" alongside Clifton R. Spargo. In addition to her advocacy work, Anne has served on multiple boards, including Art Works for Change and RAINN. She is the founding Co-Chair of World Without Exploitation and Board Chair for Justice for Migrant Women. Her efforts have earned her prestigious awards, such as End Violence Against Women International's Visionary Award and Soroptimist International's "Women Making a Difference" Award. Anne's belief in the power of storytelling to effect change is evident in her writing and contributions to publications like the Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, and the Washington Post. She also explores the intersection of music, gender, and social justice as a regular contributor to New City Chicago. Anne's philosophy revolves around giving voice to the unheard and challenging societal injustices. As a passionate advocate for survivors and a believer in the transformative power of storytelling, Anne's legacy in voice, activism, and advocacy is both deep and wide. Her work continues to expand, and she strives to reach even more people with her voice, potentially leaving a lasting impact on a broader scale.

Sandra Alfaro  The President of DDB Chicago, formerly the managing partner of 305 Worldwide (co-founded with Pitbull!), also the managing director of Wing, and the multicultural leader at Grey. When named she was the youngest ever named to AdAge’s Women to Watch list. Sandra will make you represent. In this episode, we dive into Sandra Alfaro's personal philosophy, career journey, the evolution of her unique voice within the advertising industry, her role in nurturing talent and advocating for multiculturalism, how different forms of art inspire her, the concept of bringing "your whole self" to work, her future aspirations, and ultimately, flip the script as she gets to question us about our views on helping brands find their voice. A little more about Sandra… Sandra Alfaro is a powerhouse in the creative marketing industry, serving as the president of DDB Chicago. Her impressive career includes notable roles such as managing partner of 305 Worldwide, which she co-founded alongside Pitbull, as well as managing director of Wing and multicultural leader at Grey. Her groundbreaking work in transitioning marketing from translation-focused strategies to genuine multicultural approaches led to her recognition on AdAge’s Women to Watch list. Sandra became the youngest honoree to date, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the industry. In addition to her professional endeavors, Sandra launched her own venture, the Power and Grace Consultancy. Through this consultancy, she nurtures talent and emphasizes the importance of finding one's unique voice in the field. Sandra's passion for empowering individuals to discover their voices has been a driving force throughout her career. Beyond her professional achievements, Sandra embraces a multifaceted life. She is a devoted mother, finding joy and inspiration in her role. Sandra is an avid reader, immersing herself in literature to fuel her creativity. She also holds a deep appreciation for the arts and theater, recognizing the power of diverse voices in shaping cultural narratives. Sandra Alfaro's career is marked by remarkable achievements and a commitment to championing voices. As the president of DDB Chicago and a catalyst for change, she continues to shape the industry and empower others to find their unique perspectives.

Megan Stielstra The author of The Wrong Way to Save Your Life—winner of the 2017 Book of the Year Award from the Chicago Review of Books—as well as Everyone Remain Calm and Once I Was Cool. Also a professor, also an editor. Megan will make you feel.   In this episode... we explore the journey of finding one's unique voice in the realms of writing, performing, teaching, and editing, probing into themes of personal philosophy, transformation, vulnerability, inspiration, solitude vs. community, mentorship, legacy, and the anticipation of future works, all through the lens of our guest, Megan Stielstra.   A little more… Meet Megan Stielstra, an acclaimed writer, performer, professor, and editor. She's made quite the name for herself in the literary world with her three book collections— 'Everyone Remain Calm', 'Once I Was Cool', and 'The Wrong Way To Save Your Life'. Her journey began in local haunts like Webster's Wine Bar. There, she started her narrative arc, honing the skills to masterfully navigate both fiction and non-fiction genres. If you've ever cracked open one of her works, you'll notice she often dives deep into themes of vulnerability and personal philosophy. But her talents aren't confined to the page. Once a professor at Columbia, now gracing the halls of Northwestern, she's no stranger to the academic world. Her role in these institutions? She strives to strike a balance between the solitude of crafting words and the bustling community of inspired minds, encouraging others to discover their unique voice. Fast forward to today. Megan holds a pivotal role as an editor-at-large for Northwestern University Press. In this capacity, she's like a literary truffle hound, sniffingout new voices and providing them a platform to reach a broader audience. All the while, the literary world eagerly awaits her next offering. And knowing Megan, it'll be well worth the wait.

Amanda Delheimer  The Artistic Director of Second Story, a 20+ yr. bastion of live storytelling excellence, for Chicago, for America. Amanda will make you believe. In this episode... we ask Amanda Delheimer, the Artistic Director of 2nd Story, a variety of questions about her personal philosophy, the unique process of helping writer/performers find their voice, the importance of discovering one's own voice, and the goals and impact of 2nd Story. These discussions revolve around the theme of Voice and its significance in storytelling and community building. A little more about Amanda...  Amanda Delheimer is an exceptional individual who holds the position of Artistic Director at 2nd Story, an esteemed platform dedicated to live storytelling events. Her expertise lies in recognizing the profound impact of story and voice on personal agency, social justice, and community building. With a deep understanding of the art form, Amanda has cultivated a reputation as a luminary in the industry. As a director, Amanda has honed her craft through collaborations with writer/performers at 2nd Story. Through their unique process, she guides and empowers them to discover their authentic voices, creating powerful and captivating storytelling experiences. With an artistic sensibility akin to that of a painter or a chef, Amanda possesses the skill of recognizing that elusive "it" factor—the moment when a performer or a performance has truly found its essence. It goes beyond mere rehearsal time, encompassing an intuition and understanding of when to stop and let the magic unfold. Amanda's impact extends beyond the stage as she actively engages with organizations such as the Theater Communications Group. She has made significant contributions to their anti-racism work, sharing her insights on critical topics like "White Fragility and Social Location Theory" and "How to Break Down White Supremacy Culture" during their annual convening. Her dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident through her development of workshops like "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion—What does that mean for Presenters?" presented at the Michigan Presenters Conference in Detroit, MI. In her role as Artistic Director, Amanda has facilitated transformative trainings, workshops, and experiences for partners on both local and national levels. Her notable collaborators include prestigious entities such as Comcast NBC Universal, Motorola, Fifth/Third Bank, Skadden Arps, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, the Gender and Sexuality Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the National Able Network. Through these endeavors, Amanda strives to empower individuals to embrace their unique voices and share their stories with the world. Amanda's work encompasses the intersections of story, psychology, biases, and the human experience. Her scholarly and artistic approach brings together these elements, allowing her to leave a lasting impact on the world of storytelling and beyond.