Episodes

How many ceilings can one woman break? Pat Mitchell stopped counting. In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau sits down with a true original. A woman who did not just rise through the ranks of media, she reshaped them. Pat Mitchell is a serial ceiling smasher. The first female president of PBS and CNN. The first woman to own and host a nationally syndicated daily talk show. And long before the titles, she was a young woman willing to risk everything to build a life that did not ...

Chef Von on Hustle, Reinvention and Building Something Real What does it take to bet on yourself when there’s no backup plan? In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto sits down with Chef Ryan Von Smith, known as Chef Von, a self-taught chef whose journey spans Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and Macau. After leaving Scranton, Pennsylvania, in search of something bigger, Chef Von worked his way from the door - as a bouncer - at Tao Asian Bistro into high-pressure kitchens acro...

Beyond the Tank: When the Real Entrepreneurial Journey Begins Many entrepreneurs dream of appearing on Shark Tank. But what happens after the cameras turn off? In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau sits down with Scranton native and inventor Kim Meckwood, founder of Click & Carry, the simple but ingenious device designed to make carrying grocery bags, paint cans, sports equipment, and everyday loads dramatically easier. Kim’s idea began with a familiar frustration. While ha...

What happens when the people you are studying ask you to stand beside them instead? In this powerful episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau interviews Judy Frater, a Pennsylvania-born Fulbright Scholar, Ashoka Fellow, design educator, author and founder of India’s first design school for traditional textile artisans. After moving to Kutch, India, more than 30 years ago, Judy’s academic research took an unexpected turn when an artisan asked her a life-altering question:”Instead of study...

How do you choreograph change when life shifts beneath your feet? On this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto sits down with internationally acclaimed choreographer, creative director, educator and podcast host Cherice Barton to explore what it means to move through evolving seasons with grace, humor, and purpose. With a career spanning Broadway, Cirque, television, ballet and global immersive productions, Cherice understands discipline, scale and creative leadership. At home, she...

Jeff Braverman joins HarmonyTALK to reflect on 30 years of leadership at Camp Nesher and the unexpected decisions that helped shape one of its most meaningful legacies. What began as a dream to create a vibrant summer camp experience centered on community and faith took an unexpected turn when he was approached by a parent who asked if their wheelchair-bound child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy could be accommodated and welcomed at camp. Braverman’s decision to move forward would become ...

How do you scale a bold idea into a movement? In this HarmonyTALK podcast episode, host Lisa Champeau interviews Dakota Kate Isaacs, the first U.S. employee at DECIEM and former Director of DECIEM USA. Dakota helped grow The Ordinary into one of the most disruptive beauty brands in the world, expanding to more than 2,500 retail locations across North America. She discusses scaling disruption, working alongside founder Brandon Truaxe, executive producing the documentary The Abnormal Beauty ...

Valentine’s Day may be about romance, but it can also highlight just how exhausting modern dating has become. On this special HarmonyTALK episode, host Greg Frigoletto welcomes professional matchmaker Rachel Brown, founder of Jewish Matchmaking NYC, for a candid conversation about why real connection goes far beyond swiping right. Rachel shares how she discovered her gift for matchmaking at just 12 years old, why she sees this work as a calling, and what dating apps simply can’t capture about...

This episode of HarmonyTALK pulls back the curtain on the music industry through the eyes of one of its most trusted and respected behind-the-scenes figures. Jim Della Croce has spent more than four decades shaping careers, protecting legacies, and advocating fiercely for artists whose music has defined generations. From the Pocono Mountains to Nashville’s Music Row and Hollywood’s platinum-record celebrations, Jim’s journey proves that you don’t have to be on stage to leave a lasting mark on...

What happens when confidence, compassion, and coding collide? On this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto sits down with Jacqueline Means, Miss Caribbean 2025, STEM advocate, and founder of the Girls Empowerment STEM Initiative, to explore how one young woman turned purpose into power. From earning national and international pageant titles to inspiring underprivileged girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, Jacqueline shares her journey, her mantra “...

Actress, singer, and producer Gabrielle Ruiz joins the HarmonyTALK podcast to share her inspiring journey from growing up in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to performing on Broadway and starring in hit television shows. Raised in Edinburg, Texas, Gabrielle discovered her passion for the performing arts through public school arts education, while navigating life as a proud Mexican American artist. On HarmonyTALK, she talks openly about moving to New York City, facing rejection, and building re...

Former NFL defensive tackle Marc Spindler joins HarmonyTALK Podcast to share his powerful journey after retiring from the Detroit Lions. In this episode, Marc opens up about identity loss, resilience and finding purpose beyond football, including the life philosophy he teaches his children: Staying Healthy, Hungry, and Humble. A must-listen for athletes, sports fans, and anyone navigating life after a major transition. As HarmonyTALK continues its mission of sharing stories from Dreamers and ...

The holidays are here, and at HarmonyTALK, that means it’s time to hit pause, look back, and smile a little. This special holiday episode is our end-of-year highlight reel- a celebration of the dreamers, doers, and big ideas that shaped our conversations throughout 2025. Hosted by Lisa Champeau, Greg Frigoletto, and Todd Stephens, this episode revisits some unforgettable moments and the people behind them. We hear from guests who followed curiosity instead of certainty. Who chased bold ideas. ...

Dive into the rich history of jazz with Loren Schoenberg, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, conductor, and senior scholar at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. In this HarmonyTALK episode, Loren chats with host Lisa Champeau about his experiences performing with jazz legends, his work preserving American jazz history, and his journey as a respected educator at institutions like Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. If you’ve ever had an interest in the inside look at the career of a m...

Join us on this captivating episode of HarmonyTALK Podcast hosted by Lisa Champeau as we delve into the fascinating world of "Lover's Eyes" with Nan and David Skier, a remarkable couple from Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. David, a retired ophthalmologist, and his wife Nan have spent the past two decades amassing an extraordinary collection of these unique and historical artworks. Lover's Eyes are miniature portraits featuring disembodied eyes, meticulously painted on ivory and often surrounded by i...

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stephens engages with Tyus Williams, a passionate environmental scientist and educator. Tyus shares his journey from a childhood fascination with wildlife to pursuing a PhD in environmental science. He discusses the complexities of domestic cats as invasive species and emphasizes the importance of understanding human-wildlife interactions. Tyus also opens up about his experiences as a neurodivergent individual navigating social connections and the signif...

In this conversation, Emily Bright delves into the nuances of storytelling and poetry, exploring how everyday experiences can inspire creative expression. It highlights beauty found in the mundane and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our daily interactions. Emily also discusses the multifaceted identity of motherhood, emphasizing that becoming a mother does not erase one's previous self. She highlights the importance of maintaining one's aspirations and relationships while navigatin...

Bob Eckstein, an award-winning writer, illustrator, and cartoonist, discusses his latest book, 'Footnotes from the World's Greatest Museums.' He shares his motivation for delving into museums and highlights the diverse range of museums featured in the book. Bob emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the book, catering to a wide audience beyond art lovers. He also talks about the power of art to move and inspire, sharing personal experiences from his visits to museums. Bob reflects on his career ...

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Todd Stephens interviews Kim Stevens, a visionary leader in real estate, who shares her journey from childhood memories at Lake Wallenpaupack to her unique leadership philosophy of 'structure with a healthy dose of magic.' Kim discusses the influence of her entrepreneurial family, the challenges she faced in the real estate market, and her personal hero's journey through adversity, including a battle with cancer. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, m...

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, we sit down with Gene Monahan, the legendary New York Yankees athletic trainer who dedicated over 50 years of his career to Major League Baseball. From his early days as a young dreamer with a passion for baseball, Gene's journey led him to the pinnacle of professional sports, helping world-class athletes perform at their best. As the Yankees’ head athletic trainer for four decades, join us as we explore Gene’s inspiring path to becoming an integral part of a cha...

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Todd Stephens interviews Ella Parlor, a marketing expert with a rich background in the beverage industry. Ella shares her journey from humble beginnings in the service industry to becoming a successful consultant and author. The conversation delves into the complexities of alcohol marketing, the importance of compliance, and the duality of celebrating success while facing personal challenges. Ella emphasizes the significance of service, preparation, and the ...

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto interviews singer-songwriter Izze Stein, who shares her journey from childhood music classes to her recent international tour promoting her debut album, 'Questions.' Izze discusses her musical influences, the importance of performance, and how her experiences in New York City shaped her artistry. She emphasizes the healing power of music and her desire to connect with audiences on a personal level. Izze also offers advice for aspiring musician...

We were truly honored to join Congregation Beth Israel in celebrating their 175th Anniversary with a powerful panel discussion—From Surviving to Thriving: Small Town Jewish Life in America! Moderated by past HarmonyTALK guest Skip Vichness, the event was an inspiring testament to history in the making. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.faceboo...

Everyone has a dream. For many young boys, the dream is to become a major league baseball player. Years back, this was especially true for a little boy growing up in Tacoma, Washington. Harmony Talk is honored to share the story of the journey of legendary third baseman, Ron Cey. Known to many as “the Penguin”, Ron played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball. Although best known for covering the “hot corner” for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ron also played for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. ...