The RuggedAngel Cast

No. 075: Heather Conroy - Unpacking Autism: Advocacy, Awareness, and Artistic Journeys

Original Air Date: Jun 3, 2017 “Teaching the skills necessary to live in this world that doesn’t adapt to an autistic person, while also teaching them it’s ok to just be you.” - Heather Conroy Social Worker, Autism Specialist, Karaoke Enthusiast In this episode, host Kahmeela welcomes autism specialist Heather Conroy for an enlightening discussion about her journey and work in the field of autism advocacy. Heather shares her experiences growing up in rural Pennsylvania and how her path led her to specialize in autism support. We delve into her role at Evolve Coaching [https://www.evolve-coaching.org/], where she assists young adults in navigating college and life challenges, emphasizing self-advocacy and social skills.

No. 134: Gabrielle Walsh - Unveiling Authenticity Through Art and Advocacy

"I want my daughter to know that she can also pursue herdreams." - Gabrielle Walsh [https://www.instagram.com/igabriellewalsh/?hl=en] (Actress, Mental Health Advocate, Authentic Spirit)   This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I am excited to welcome actress Gabrielle Walsh, known for her roles in The Vampire Diaries, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, and NBC's drama series Found. Gabrielle opens up about hercharacter Lacey Quinn, a passionate advocate for those who have experienced trauma, and how her own journey mirrors Lacey’s resilience and determination. Our conversation dives deep into the impact of Found and the complexities of portraying a character with such profound emotional depth.Gabrielle shares her path to acting, her commitment to mental health advocacy, and the vital importance of self-love and body positivity. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that highlights Gabrielle'svibrant personality, her insights on the acting industry, and her dreams for the future.

No. 055 RE-RELEASE: Marta Mazzoni - Embracing Adventure and Authenticity

Original Air Date: Aug 3, 2016 "I've always just been me." - Marta Mazzoni Podcast Queen, Theater Nerd, Michael McDonald Fan This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I am thrilled to welcome Marta Mazzoni, the creative force behind the popular podcast, Marta on the Move. Marta shares her journey from her roots in Pittsburgh to becoming a podcast queen with a penchant for adventure and storytelling. We dive into her experiences with solo travel, including a transformative trip to Sicily that sparked her love for exploration and self-discovery. Our conversation touches on Marta's passion for immersive theater, her family's food service business, and her love for music. We also discuss her unique self-care routine, which includes yoga and sensory deprivation floats, and her aspirations to learn sailing and work on a winery.Marta's vibrant personality and zest for life shine through as we chat about her eclectic tastes in music and her philosophy on living life to the fullest. Visit Marta on the Move [https://www.martaonthemove.com/] Follow Marta on Twitter [https://x.com/icantfindmarta] Visit RuggedAngel Productions [www.ruggedangel.com]Follow The RuggedAngel on Twitter [https://x.com/The_RuggedAngel]

No. 054 RE-RELEASE: Kate Hansen - Crafting Art from Chaos and Collaboration

Original Air Date: Aug 3, 2016 "I wanna feel extreme, in some way." - Kate Hansen (Machinima Artist, Consumer of Vaporwave, Snarky Country Gal) This week on The RuggedAngel Cast, I chat with the fascinating Kate Hansen, a multidisciplinary artist with a penchant for the eclectic and unusual. We dive into Kate's journey from a rural upbringing outside Pittsburgh to her vibrant life in the city, where she explores a unique artistic practice that defies easy categorization. Kate shares her experiences with the art collective Dad Pranks, where spontaneous collaboration and a playful approach to post-Internet aesthetics take center stage. We touch on her love for malls as public spaces, her experimental use of video game engines for creative storytelling, and her passion for learning new artistic techniques. Kate also opens up about the challenges and joys of being an artist, the importance of feeling extreme emotions throughart, and her dreams of exploring new horizons in her personal practice. Join us for an engaging conversation that covers everything from Kate's musical influences to her thoughts on the evolving art scene in Pittsburgh.

No. 133: Sarah Raughley - Black Heroines and Historical Reckoning

This week, I am thrilled to welcome Sarah Raughley, a talented author whose journey from fan fiction to published novels is nothing short of inspiring. Sarah joins me to discuss her path as a writer, the influences that have shaped her storytelling, and the powerful themes in her upcoming book, "The Queen's Spade." Our conversation uncovers Sara's early passion for storytelling, her love for role-playing games, and the significance of representation in literature, especially for Black women. We delve into the historical backdrop of her work, the emotional challenges of exploring complex identities, and the vital role of reclaiming narratives. Sarah passionately advocates for more Black stories in literature, highlighting the empowerment that comes from seeing oneself as a hero. "The Queen's Spade," set for release on January 14, 2025, is a riveting historical thriller inspired by true events. Visit Sara Raleigh's Website [https://sarahraughley.com/] Order "The Queen's Spade [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-queens-spade-sarah-raughley/1145348076;jsessionid=CD30DBEDD08239DA40E1E41D6B542680.prodny_store02-atgap18?ean=9780063344389&st=AFF&2sid=HarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC_7310909_NA&sourceId=AFFHarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC]"