Guest Overview Imagine being assigned female at birth, growing up feeling isolated at school, having your sexuality weaponized against you at age 12, by so-called friends, and coming out and identifying as pan-sexual at age 19, well this was the beginning of this week’s guest, Sav Rodgers’ life.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode as Sav recounts the challenges he’s faced and had to overcome. Sav is a shining example of resilience in the face of ignorance and bigotry, strength of character, with an indomitable spirit to survive.  With it being Pride month this interview could not be more timely. For anyone with children that are gender fluid, nonbinary, or genderqueer, Sav’s interview is a must-listen. Sav is now an award-winning writer and director, currently in the final stages of post-production with his first feature, called Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary about how 1990’s Rom-Com Chasing Amy, directed by Kevin Smith and starring Ben Affleck, provided him with a depiction of fluid sexuality that helped Sav live his authentic self as pansexual, embracing the tagline of the movie“It’s Not who you love, but how” Following his 2017 Ted talk, where Sav described the impact of Chasing Amy, he tweeted it and Kevin Smith, the director connected with Sav and is now collaborating with Sav on Chasing Chasing Amy. Sav and I go onto discuss the challenges we still face in the media with the limited casting of trans people in shows and films, and how the media reinforces LGBTQ bias and the need for changes in how sexuality is depicted in education. Sav’s life story, so far, is evidence of manifesting the life you want to live, and how serendipity opens doors and opportunities. Sav has expanded my understanding of sexuality and inspired me to learn more. I hope you enjoy the optimism and energy of Sav Rodgers. Social Links WebsiteLinkedIn Twitter InstagramFacebookYoutube Links in the show Transgender resource Modern Vintage Gamer Chasing AmyKevin Smith Disclosure Soap Dish OutfestGirls5evaCoda Trick Redefining Realness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview Imagine being born with Cerebral Palsy, to Palestinian immigrant parents, growing up being the only disabled Muslim in a Christian New Jersey town. Yet, blessed with her father's comic genes, her mother’s driving ambition, hard work ethic, and large family support network, Maysoon Zayid is an inspiring example of what is possible when self-limiting beliefs are cast asunder. Maysoon Zayid has blazed a trail through life as a writer, actor, stand-up comedian, educator, and activist. In 2014 her TED Talk 'I have 99 problems, Palsy is just one' went viral. In this broad-ranging interview, we cover, Maysoon’s early life experiences, setting her sights age 5 on being an actor in US soap opera, General Hospital, the defining moment of her childhood, aged 12, dancing on Broadway, on route to becoming a standup comedian. Maysoon provides an enlightening perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, discusses being a female Muslim comedian, post 9/11 and what changed under the Trump administration, and how things have changed in recent months. And of course, we discuss comedy, her inspirations, and her successful annual Arab American Comedy Festival. I think you will find this wide-ranging conversation inspiring, uplifting, and educational. Social Links Maysoon’s Website FacebookTwitter InstagramYoutubeLinks in the show Gotham Comedy Club Richard Pryor Comic Strip Mitch Hedberg Carol BurnettTiffany HaddishMo’Nique Aquafina Dave Chappel 8.48Jim BelushiMartin Short Riverdance Arab American Comedy Festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Okay folks this week, it's just a solo episode. I'm often asked about why I started this podcast and what it takes to keep going. We have to week, month after month now, two and a half years into this, I thought I would take some time just to step back and reflect on it and answer those questions as to what led to starting this podcast and carrying on.For most of my life, I've worked in advertising and been very interested in the power of curiosity as a characteristic, but also in the power and value of networks. And thirdly, I've always been interested in the concept of serendipity and what it is and the role it plays in people's lives. So when I started thinking about the podcast back in 2013, I did nothing about it. Two years later, I did something about it and created The Impossible Network and recorded a couple of episodes, and then did nothing with it. Procrastination really kicked in. I'll come and talk a bit about procrastination in more detail and the value it has, but it wasn't until 2018 when I really sat down and thought, what I want this podcast to be about? And that's when I really stepped back and thought about, networks, serendipity, and curiosity. It was a convergence of these three things that led to launching the Impossible Network.I had a simple thought, what if I interview three people that I know, two of them being clients, and asked them about their life journey, ask them about the impact of their upbringing, the role of curiosity in their life, their attitude to risk, their perception of fear and failure, and what's really fueled them and spurred them on to achieve what they would personally make their impossible, possible. But the key thing in these interviews is really to ask them who they recommend that I interview next, leaving the guests that we interviewed down to serendipity. And that has resulted in me interviewing over 90 guests now and rising some of the most extraordinary, unexpected people; people I would never, otherwise encountered or be connected with, and who now form part of the Impossible Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview Alan Digweed aka Tweedy The Clown is this week's guest. In this fascinating interview, we discuss Alan’s early life and the serendipitous moment he announced to his parents his intention to build his career in clowning. Alan explains the appeal of clowning, the influence, and inspiration of clowning genius du Laurel and Hardy, as well as the great like Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Harry Langdon. He explains how he made his start pre-internet days at British Summer Holiday camp Butlins before pursuing opportunities in Circus to hone his craft and refine his clown character.  Alan describes how everyone has a clown character, aligned to our inner child, why the core characteristics tend to be based on different personalities, and why all good clowning is based on solving problems.We discuss how Alan met American clown genius Bill Irwin at the famous Grimaldi Church service in London to honor the king of clowns Joseph Grimaldi where clowns attend in full costume. This encounter led him to develop his skills through one on one sessions with Bill.  Alan explains the impact of the pandemic on his work and how he pivoted to creating a children's show online and the different experiences of not having a live audience. We also discuss how his performance will have to evolve while social distancing remains in place. We also discuss the evolution of a circus and clowning such as Archaos and Avner the Eccentric and Typeface.Finally, we cover where Alan thinks he will be in 2030 and all the quick-fire questions. I hope you will be uplifted by the joy, optimism, deeply thoughtful Tweedy The Clown.Social Links Website Twitter InstagramFacebook Youtube Links in Show Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton Harry LangdonNorman WisdomLaurel and HardyGiffords Circus Butlins Cirque Du Soleil Bill Irwin Grimaldi Church ServiceBenny HillJohnny HutchArchaos Jim Rose Circus TypefaceChaplin Dictator Speech All Quiet on the Home Front Mandelorian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah A. Abdallah, polymath, innovator, and founder of New York-based bespoke Architecture & Design Studio - Functional Creative Design, is this week's guest.In part two we deep dive into Sarah’s journey prior to starting her design studio Functional Creative Design, working with Rockwell Group, Tony Chi & Associates, Perkins and Eastman, and Grand Hotels, and her vision and focus which led her to start her studio.Sarah describes her desire to add an additional layer to design and space planning. She discusses the importance of listening, fusing all input, using her functional skills and knowledge base, to meet a client's vision.We discuss sustainability in the industry, the need to take a 360 view, the impact of Covid, and the battle that many firms have to stay in business.   Sarah explains her principles underpinning Functional Creative Design, how design will change in a post-Covid world, the power and value of our connectivity, how intimacy can be created through technology, physical spaces that incorporate the outdoors indoors, and the need to deliver improved accessibility and social justice, across all socio-economic groups. Anyone considering leaving their corporate job, Sarah’s story will provide inspiration of what is possible when you reimagine and add value to a category.Social Links Functional Creative Design LinkedIn Twitter InstagramLinks in the show Naomi LevineParsons School of Design NYUClubhouseRockwell GroupPerkins and EastmanTony Chi AssociatesTo Good To GoChef Chloe Bill Dowzer Back The NeighborhoodRobin Sharma - Monk Who Sold His FerrariNew York State of MindBridgerton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah A. Abdallah, polymath, innovator, and founder of New York-based bespoke Architecture & Design Studio - Functional Creative Design, is this week's guest.In this two-parter we spend the first hour exploring Sarah’s experience of being born a bi-racial child to Egyptian immigrant parents, growing up in New York, with two younger siblings.  Immersing her in a culture that nurtured her natural curiosity, her parents instilled in her the foundational values of human kindness, the importance of education, and respect and understanding of other faiths. Sarah discusses how she developed an appreciation and love of the environment, her deep spirituality, questioning conventional wisdom, and rejecting parental pressures to conform.    Sarah recounts overcoming the limitations of dyslexia, how her childhood curiosity of after-school clubs helped shape her into the thought leader and Entrepreneur she is today, and her prolific educational journey through psychology, art therapy, higher education, and interior design. Sarah also discusses how serendipity led her, at 21, a First Generation Muslim Egyptian American to live with the then 70-year-old, iconic lawyer, Jewish civil rights activist, and philanthropic fundraiser for NYU, Naomi Levine. In part two we deep dive into Sarah’s journey prior to starting her design studio Functional Creative Design, working with Rockwell Group, Tony Chi & Associates, Perkins and Eastman, and Grand Hotels, and her vision and focus which lead her to start her studio.For anyone with children, hearing Sarah’s journey and experience will provide valuable insights into encouraging young children’s curiosity and appreciation of other cultures and backgrounds and the value of education. In part two Sarah describes the experience of working with Tony Chi Associates, Rockwell Group, Perkins and Eastman, and Grand Hotels and her desire to add an additional layer to design and space planning. She discusses the importance of listening, fusing all input, using functional skills and knowledge base to meet a client's vision.We discuss sustainability in the industry, the need to take a 360 view of sustainability, the impact of Covid, and the battle that many firms have to stay in business.   Sarah explains her principles underpinning Functional Creative Design, how design will change in a post-Covid world, and how intimacy can be created through technology, physical spaces that incorporate the outdoors indoors, and the need to deliver improved accessibility across socio-economic groups. Social Links Functional Creative Design LinkedIn Twitter InstagramLinks in the show Naomi LevineParsons School of Design NYUClubhouseRockwell GroupPerkins and EastmanTony Chi AssociatesToo Good To GoChef Chloe  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview This week we welcome Mother and daughter team Barbara Anderson and Jackie Graham's, Founders of Art on the Ave, a New York based social impact initiative that spotlights the work of under-represented artists and turns storefronts into exhibition spaces and streets into open air galleries. In the first part of this interview we ask Barbara about Jackie as a child and explore with Jackie the impact of her mother and father on her life and career direction in art and work ethic. Jackie discusses her international upbringing and its influence on her sense of self and feeling of being a global citizen. We discuss how Jackie’s character and organizational skills were evident at an early age and how curiosity was cultivated. Jackie discusses education and her focus on art business and how a serendipitous summer internship opened her eyes to the value of accessibility to the arts and how that ultimately prepared her for the work she and Barbara are now doing with Art on the Avenue. We talk about the role of art in teaching children about socio cultural moments in history. Then we dive into their work with Art on the Ave, launching it as a response to the pandemic, the shuttered stores, barren windows and deserted neighborhoods in New York’s upper west side, with the aim of supporting local artists and bringing life back to the streets. Turning New York's Columbus Avenue's empty storefronts into a gallery space, Art on the Ave has reimagined street art and democratizes art spaces and community art access. Their second exhibition launches in the West Village and runs from April 15th through May.  After over 150 submissions to their latest exhibition, their curated works will be displayed along Bleecker Street, Christopher Street and Hudson Street, creating what Barbara calls the West Village wander.Through organizations like Art on the Ave are reimagining the role of art in communities, its impact on what a neighborhood is, while creating new commercial opportunities for artists. If you want to learn more we have added links to Art on the Ave in the show notes. But for now be engaged, entertain and educated by the marvelous mother and daughter team of Barbara Anderson and Jackie Graham Social Links Art on the Ave InstagramTwitter Links in the show A Prayer for Owen MeanyA Little Life The Outsiders SE HiltonIt’s A Sin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest OverviewThis week's guest is Kellie Lauth - a woman on a mission to re-engineer education and prepare children for the world of 2030, and mobilize a workforce capable of tackling the complex problems we are sure to face when the calendar turns to 2030.In this extended episode, we cover Kellie’s upbringing, developing a hard work ethic at an early age, the guiding influence of her mother and father in developing her foundational life values during what she describes as a magical childhood.Kellie describes how her mother and father nurtured and cultivated her curiosity and exposed her to the realities of social inequity at a young age.We explore her education experience, her focus on science and math, and the lack of gender diversity that drove her desire and intentionality to help young girls and underrepresented students through education and access.Kellie discusses her willingness to lean into discomfort and confront failure, following the path of education and the serendipity of a tragic event made her more resolute to make the most of her opportunity in life.Her response was to build a STEM, problem-based learning system that integrated local business partnerships that created a pathway to employment for children.Kellie describes the more significant impact of the system on the children’s perspective on possibility and life transformation.Now scaling the system nationally, Kellie describes transforming from the inside out and investing in teachers to drive the transformation needed.Kellie discusses the imperative of now and how she’s forming partnerships with local and nationals organizations to help them leverage the Mindspark strategy. Finally, we discuss the importance of diversity, playfulness, and innovation.We finish with Kellie’s principles, her hard choices, her advice on confronting the impossible, and the other quick-fire questions.I think you’ll be uplifted, inspired, and energized by the gentle determination and disruptive spirit of Kellie Lauth.Social Links MindSpark LinkedIn Facebook Twitter InstagramLinks in the show CU Boulder Title one schools IBM Rutger Bergman Lupin Adam Grant  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview This week we interviewed the co-hosts of the podcast The Furious Curious - Charlie Quirk and Britton Rice. In the first 20 minutes of the interview, Chas and Brit explore the impact of their parents and upbringing on their values, cultivating curiosity and the life attributes that have prepared them for their life in advertising and for hosting a show that describes itself as a 'podcast that unpacks the weird and wonderful of modern cultural phenomena’Charlie discusses his fiendish focus on things that interest him, and how it prepared him for a career in strategy in advertising and branding,Brit discusses his dyslexia and how his commitment to working harder enabled him to navigate school, the importance of sport and music in building relationships and empathy.We cover a lot of ground here. We explore the serendipity of their first meeting and the resonating connection that's endured.. We explore what drew them to advertising and their favorite ads. They deconstruct the organizational structure of agencies and changing complexion of the business as well as discussing the evolving role of brand purpose. For any listeners to The Furious Curious, you will want to hear the genesis of the show and how the pair apply their intellectual rigor to delivering a weekly dose of cultural insight and entertainment in a highly engaging manner. We discuss the future of the show and whether a video version is something they have considered. The quick-fire questions also provide a deeper insight into what makes this podcast duo tick. I hope you are engaged, entertained, and enlightened by the wit and wisdom of Charlie Quirk and Britton Rice. Social Links Charlie’s Website Britton’s Website InstagramTwitter Links in the show Cheap Trick Surrender Ghost World Brian Eno Oblique Strategies CardsAtomic Habits James Clear Re-work book Ted LassoPepsi Crystal PepsiReebok Emmet Smith Mad Men Nike Instant Karma  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview This week we interview our first musician, Glasgow-based, Irish born, Fiddle player, teacher, and composer, Rowan C Leslie. ( shout out to Scott Duncan for recommending) Rowan began playing the fiddle when his mother joined him in learning to play at age seven. Rowan recounts the experience of growing up in a small village of Broughshane, Northern Ireland, his supportive parents encouraging his sporting, musical, and his academic pursuits. We discuss growing up with English parents, attending an integrated school in a country historically defined by its religious divide.  Rowan explains the draw to fiddle and traditional music, how it defined his sense of identity, the influential role of his charismatic musical mentor on his journey, and the abundant experience of building his musical network.  Rowan describes his educational experiences, the differences across the traditional music spectrum, the global cultural influence of Irish traditional music, and his traditional music influences.We discuss the resurgence of interest in traditional music, the impact of the pandemic on himself and other musicians, and expanding his teaching to a global network of students. Rowan describes creating his first album in lockdown, Escaping the Dawn, releasing a book called Contemporary Fiddle Tunes from The North East of Ireland, and his hopes of returning to touring in 2021. We get into the evolution of traditional music, the differences in classical and traditional, the impact of AI and technology on music, and the role of serendipity on his journey.    Rowan ends the interview playing a short excerpt of one of his tracks from his new album. I hope you enjoy this insight into the world of traditional music with Rowan C Leslie.Social Links Website Spotify Bandcamp Instagram FacebookLinks in ShowRiverdanceClannadMartin HayesBraid Driver Violins Frankie GavinLiz DochertySum41Elephant Sessions Contemporary Fiddle Tunes from The North East of IrelandWonderwall Soul Disney+Vikram Seth - An Equal Music   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.