Stories We Haven't Shared®

Tibor Spitz on Surviving the Holocaust, Hiding 200 Days Underground, and Choosing Kindness Over Hatred

At 96 years old, Tibor Spitz (he/him), a Holocaust survivor, scientist, inventor, artist, and speaker, shares a story that is almost impossible to comprehend – and somehow even more extraordinary because of the remarkable life philosophy that emerged from it. Tibor discusses surviving as a Jewish boy in Slovakia during World War II, including years in hiding with his family to escape deportation to Nazi death camps, during which every moment could have been his last. That journey ultimately led them to more than 200 days underground in a tiny, makeshift shelter, where they nearly starved, carefully whispered to avoid detection, and slept pressed tightly against one another in freezing conditions. He reflects on the guiding voice that helped him survive and why he chose to release hatred and let go of ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable brutality, we always have choices about how we respond, and how we can honor the extraordinary gift of being human through curiosity, strength, kindness, and gratitude. After surviving the Holocaust, Tibor Spitz became a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering, specializing in glass science and technology - and publishing multiple patents. He also developed essential hardware in the emerging digital technology space. For the last 28 years, he has dedicated himself to being a full-time artist and motivational speaker. Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here [https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/] to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Tibor and Shanti at the campfire: * Recounting how releasing hatred led him to befriend and help the daughter of a man connected to Nazi atrocities after the war. * Reflecting on how losing five years of formal education during the Holocaust showed Tibor how to think in images, shaping his rare ability to thrive as both a scientist and artist. * Exploring his unforgettable philosophy: don’t cry over spilled milk…bring a cat! * Sharing his career advice for keeping your mind fresh by shifting between different types of thinking. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com [http://storieswehaventshared.com/]    LEARN MORE ABOUT TIBOR SPITZ PBS Documentary Song of Survivors feat. Tibor [https://www.pbs.org/show/we-remember-songs-survivors/]Tibor's Song: All is Changing, We are Witness, We are Life [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrHwAJTLco]Article About Tibor’s Story [https://aish.com/hiding-from-nazis/]Tibor Documentary [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGD-ZwcTPF0]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tibor.spitz.52] CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-joy-gold/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shantijoygold]Podcast Spotify playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nvjJfdr83Jp9Z4kzskDDy?si=9b4c7991616646ca]Book a Free Discovery Call [https://shantijoygold.com/book-a-discovery-session/]Work with Shanti! [https://shantijoygold.com/work-with-shanti/]

From Hidden to Seen: Jules and Brian Heron Reflect on Jules’ Experience as a Trans Human, Before and After Transition

Jules (they/them), founder of Hair for Humans, and their father, Brian (he/him), a pastor, reflect on Jules’ experience growing up as a transgender person, before and after transitioning. Brian recalls early moments, like strong resistance to wearing dresses, and a persistent feeling that something about Jules wasn’t fully visible. Jules also shares the in-between years – marked by anxiety, disconnection, and charting unknown territory – before finding a way to reconnect with their body and feel at home in themselves, a shift that ultimately changed everything. Brian reflects on how his work in the ministry mirrors Jules’ work behind the chair as a hairstylist, both centered on listening deeply and creating safe spaces for people to discover how to show up in the world authentically. Together, they explore how support – through the coming out journey and beyond – wasn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up with trust, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside each other. Jules Heron is the founder of Hair for Humans, providing hair services to people who struggle to feel seen or heard in the hair industry. They are passionate about creating transformational short haircuts and teaching their craft to others via group and individual classes. Brian Heron is a minister, author, pilgrimager, and proud father of a trans human. In his semi-retirement, he blogs and is working on a book that explores the intersection of religion and culture – both lessons and thoughts on what’s ahead. He joyfully plays guitar and writes music. Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here [https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/] to get clarity on where you’re excelling, and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Jules, Brian, and Shanti: * Reflecting on a Home Depot moment that heightened Jules’ awareness of being newly perceived as a white male — and the “obligation to be one of the good guys” that came with it. * Choosing values over moment-to-moment feelings to make business decisions with greater clarity and alignment. * Recognizing that strong reactions often reflect internal fears, and choosing self-awareness and conversation as a path to deeper understanding. * Highlighting the power and skill of listening without judgment, creating space for people to feel seen and discover who they are. Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Check out all episodes at storieswehaventshared.com [http://storieswehaventshared.com/]. CONNECT WITH JULES HERON Work with Jules! [https://www.hairforhumans.com/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hairforhumans/]TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@hairforhumans?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@hairforhumans] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063725643472] CONNECT WITH BRIAN HERON Brian Work & Blog [http://www.pedalpilgrim.com]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/brian.heron.73]Buy Brian’s Book [https://www.amazon.com/Alone-000-Mile-Search-Belonging/dp/1943190054] CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-joy-gold/]Spotify playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nvjJfdr83Jp9Z4kzskDDy?si=9b4c7991616646ca]Work with Shanti! [https://shantijoygold.com/work-with-shanti/]

Sue Wicks on Coming Out in the WNBA, LGBTQ+ Progress, and the Power of the Outsider Experience

Sue Wicks (she/her) is a New York Liberty WNBA All-Star from the league’s inaugural season and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports who became the first active WNBA player to come out publicly in 2002 and was recently inducted into the LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame. In this conversation, she reflects on building a career in women’s basketball before professional opportunities truly existed, playing for years overseas before the formation of the WNBA created a path to return home and compete in the United States. Sue also shares what it meant to come out publicly — an opportunity she welcomed — at a time when visibility carried real personal and professional risk. Along the way, she reflects on growing up feeling like an outsider and how that perspective shaped her views on leadership, gender, and representation in sports. Today, she sees that outsider lens as a strength — one that allows people to see, build, and sustain things others might miss. Sue Wicks is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Rutgers women’s basketball history, a former New York Liberty WNBA All-Star who played in the league’s inaugural season, and a Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Today, she farms oysters and kelp on Long Island as the founder of Violet Cove Oyster Company, a sustainable aquaculture venture. Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here [https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/] to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Sue and Shanti at the campfire: * Remembering the newspaper clipping about Rutgers winning a women’s championship that convinced her she would play there — even before she’d seen women’s basketball at that level. * Admitting that even after decades of success in professional basketball, she still sometimes shrinks herself in certain environments after a lifetime of self-regulation. * Reflecting on how her focus later in her career shifted from individual performance to leadership and ambassadorship in women’s sports. * Observing that women often develop a unique skillset because they’re constantly asked to unpack and explain their thinking in ways men often aren’t. * Explaining why oyster farming became a new chapter after her professional basketball career — and why working on the water feels freeing, with no gender roles. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com [http://storieswehaventshared.com/]    CONNECT WITH SUE WICKS Violet Cove Oyster Co. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/violetcoveoysterco/] CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-joy-gold/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shantijoygold]Podcast Spotify playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nvjJfdr83Jp9Z4kzskDDy?si=9b4c7991616646ca]Book a Free Discovery Call [https://shantijoygold.com/book-a-discovery-session/]Work with Shanti! [https://shantijoygold.com/work-with-shanti/]

Navigating Poverty, a Parent's Mental Illness, and Housing Insecurity: Caren Lissner on Creativity, Resilience, and Choosing to Share Her Story

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with her freshman-year roommate, Caren Lissner (she/her) — a news editor, reporter, essayist, and published novelist. Caren recently began sharing how housing insecurity and financial instability shaped her upbringing, including periods of living out of her car during college summers without anyone knowing. Caren shares what it was like to grow up navigating poverty alongside a parent’s mental illness, and how hiding those realities became a necessary way to cope. The conversation explores themes of outsiderhood, resilience, creativity, and the pressure to hustle quietly in an effort to break the cycle of instability. Caren reflects on how she never let go of her dreams, leaning into creativity as a way to heal herself and support others — and how determination and persistence shaped a path that finally felt like her own. Caren Lissner is a news editor and reporter who currently writes for local news websites. Her humorous and serious essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Her first novel, Carrie Pilby — an independent coming-of-age comedy-drama — was adapted into a feature film. She is currently working on a memoir, How We Became Homeless, which chronicles downward mobility from the 1980s to today. Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here [https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/] to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Caren and Shanti at the campfire: * Reflecting on the gradual unraveling of stability — from living modestly in a suburb to her mom’s mental illness quietly taking its toll over time. * Sharing how publishing her Pennsylvania Gazette essay created space for others with similar financial insecurity to reach out and feel seen. * Describing how Caren worked her way out of poverty one job at a time, squirreling away money and continuing to take small steps toward supporting herself and her family. * Offering her belief that everyone’s story matters, and that telling it can help someone else feel less alone. Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com [http://storieswehaventshared.com/]    CONNECT WITH CAREN Read Caren’s Work [https://carenlissner.com/]Penn Gazette Essay "Close Your Eyes" [https://thepenngazette.com/close-your-eyes/]Buy Carrie Pilby - The Book [https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Pilby-hilarious-charming-story/dp/0373210108/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504674635&sr=8-2&keywords=carrie+pilby]Watch Carrie Pilby - The Movie [https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Carrie_Pilby?hl=en_US&id=5LUQBDArKgY&utm_source=chatgpt.com]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carenlissner/?hl=en] CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-joy-gold/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shantijoygold]Podcast Spotify playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nvjJfdr83Jp9Z4kzskDDy?si=9b4c7991616646ca]Book a Free Discovery Call [https://shantijoygold.com/book-a-discovery-session/]Work with Shanti! [https://shantijoygold.com/work-with-shanti/]

Queer, Nonbinary, and Autistic: Felix Sutherland on Self-Discovery, Self-Trust, and Moving From Exhaustion to Freedom

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Felix Sutherland (they/them), a white, queer, nonbinary, autistic coach whose work is shaped by their lived experience. Felix shares their stories of self-recognition around identity and neurodivergence - along with the relief, grief, and clarity that surfaced as they began to understand and share themselves more fully. The conversation explores allyship, including the advice to stay present and engaged when discomfort arises. Felix discusses themes of masking, workplace safety, and the emotional labor required to navigate systems not designed with neurodivergent or nonbinary people in mind. They also reflect on how overcompensating through perfectionism and overachievement leads to deep exhaustion, and how cultivating self-trust supports a shift toward work that is aligned, joyful, and sustainable. Felix Sutherland helps high-masking and late-/un-diagnosed autistic and ADHD folks sort through the identity crises that come with understanding your brain for the first time in adulthood. They offer coworking sessions, 1:1 coaching - and more - to help people build more joyful relationships with themselves and others. Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here [https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/] to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Felix and Shanti at the campfire: * Recounting the range of reactions Felix experienced after sharing their pronouns at work, from support to subtle resistance. * Sharing how an unexpected layoff disrupted ideas of safety at work and, in the end, offered a sense of freedom. * Exploring what the words “queer” and “nonbinary” mean to Felix - and their experience of how others within the LGBTQIA+ community relate to the language * Learning about Felix’s passion for roller derby and what the sport is actually about (hint: not throwing elbows). Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared podcast at storieswehaventshared.com [http://storieswehaventshared.com/]    CONNECT WITH FELIX Work with Felix! [https://www.joyfuldivergence.com]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/joyfuldivergent/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/joyfuldivergent/]Mailing List [https://www.joyfuldivergence.com/mailinglist]Coworking [https://www.joyfuldivergence.com/coworking]CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanti-joy-gold/]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shantijoygold]Podcast Spotify playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nvjJfdr83Jp9Z4kzskDDy?si=9b4c7991616646ca]Book a Free Discovery Call [https://shantijoygold.com/book-a-discovery-session/]Work with Shanti! [https://shantijoygold.com/work-with-shanti/]