Episodes

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about transforming trauma into powerful storytelling that can change the world. In our latest episode, award-winning journalist, advocate and author Mellissa Fung shares the extraordinary journey from life-threatening hostage situations in Afghanistan to co-writing The Last Mandarin, a New York Times bestselling novel inspired by global issues. Discover how her experiences navigating danger and grief fuel her passion to shed light on forgotten st...

In this episode of Zest for More, we talk with actor, writer, and speaker Darius Wallace about the unexpected path that led him from a shy, struggling kid in Flint, Michigan to powerful stage performances as Frederick Douglass. Darius shares how theater gave him confidence, how meditation helped him discover his voice, and why honesty, vulnerability, and joy are essential parts of a meaningful life. He also reflects on using his acting and coaching work to help others find their own voice and st...

In our latest Zest for More podcast episode, we chat with @ Shari Rosen, a health + wellness devotee, event designer extraordinaire and the accidental producer of a new musical, “Sound of America,” timed to celebrate the 250th in Philadelphia. She shares how she found joy after burnout, why she thrives in event planning and healthcare, and how her life-long love of theatre inspires her to craft moments on stage to foster connection. This is a ‘must-watch’ for all communicators out there, mind-...

Need a little magic in your life? In this Zest for More episode, we sat down with @Dr. Jonathan Chen who lives at the intersection of medicine, technology and . .. drum roll: magic. By day, Chen is the Stanford Director for Medical Education and AI, shaping how future physicians integrate tech with medicine. By night (and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonc101x), he’s a master magician. But magic is not just entertainment for Jonathan; it works as a deliberate framework to coach doctors,...

Best-selling author @Charlene Li encourages leaders to see AI as a tool to amplify human qualities like curiosity, empathy, and joy—not just efficiency. In our latest Zest for More podcast, we delve into Li’s newest book, “Winning with AI” she highlights how AI can free us from boring tasks, giving us more time for creativity and meaningful work. Imagine your team thriving, not just surviving, because technology is taking care of the mundane. The key? Think long-term, be honest about AI's limi...

In this episode, we sit down with former Gourmet magazine chef Ian Knauer to explore his inspiring transition from a high-stress Wall Street career to how he and his wife are creating a soulful, slower pace of life at the Roots to River Farm. Ian shares how he and his family transformed a sudden career setback into a flourishing community hub centered on sustainable farming, world-class cooking classes, and the simple joy of a shared meal. Listeners will discover how to recognize your own "luc...

In this episode, seasoned leadership coach and former CEO Alison Godfrey explores the profound isolation often felt at the executive level and why the relentless climb up the corporate ladder can lead to a disconnect from one's true identity. You’ll discover how to move beyond the "archaeology" of the past to build an architectural bridge toward your future, using self-regulation and body awareness to navigate high-pressure environments without losing your zest. Coach Alison shares how to inte...

In this episode, former Associated Press White House correspondent Ben Feller shares how he traded the high-pressure world of presidential reporting for a more grounded, fulfilling life as a strategic consultant and author. He explains how a simple question from his young son, Sam, inspired a children’s book and completely reframed his understanding of "big problems versus little problems" in both business and parenting. Through a candid discussion on vulnerability and identity, Ben offers seaso...

What does a well-respected lawyer have in common with a 19th-century novelist and a thousand-piece Lego set? As it turns out, quite a lot. In this episode of Zest for More, hosts Alison Woo and Gwynne Oosterbaan sit down with Paul Savidge, a true "Renaissance man" who has spent his career navigating the complex world of healthcare law while simultaneously cultivating a rich "passion list." If you’ve ever felt like your identity is too wrapped up in your job title, Paul’s story is a masterclass...

Hosts Alison Woo and Gwynne Oosterbaan welcome listeners to Season One of the Zest for More: Finding Joy Beyond Your Job podcast. They provide an overview of some of the season's first set of guests.