The Serious Power of Humor: Gina Barreca on Connection, Confidence & Conversation | EP 310

The Serious Power of Humor: Gina Barreca on Connection, Confidence & Conversation | EP 310

In this episode of Mavs Coffee Clarity, Denise sits down with acclaimed author, speaker, cultural critic, and University of Connecticut professor Gina Barreca for a conversation that is equal parts insightful, hilarious, and deeply human. (Her Linkedin describes her best: Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Connecticut; Feminist; Humorist; Best-selling author; Speaker. Troublemaker<< LOL, yes true!) Together, they explore why humor is far more than entertainment, it's a powerful tool for building relationships, navigating difficult conversations, diffusing tension, and helping people feel seen. Gina shares stories from her groundbreaking work on women and humor, her experiences as one of the first women at Dartmouth College, and the life lessons she learned growing up in a big Italian family. Grab your coffee and join us for a candid conversation about finding your voice, embracing your individuality, and why laughter may be the shortest distance between two people. ========= "If we lose creativity, we lose humor." - Gina Barreca Key Beans: * If we lose creativity, we lose everything there is. Creativity grows when you use it. * Authenticity is more powerful than perfection. * Laughter is the closest you can get to someone without hugging them. Humor opens doors.  ========= More About Gina Here: Psychology Today Blog: Gina Barreca LinkedIn: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/202512/the-glorious-year-of-yeah-thats-not-gonna-happen https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-barreca/ ========= Learn more about Denise and her advisory consulting firm Drive Media here:  denisedigrigoli.com [http://denisedigrigoli.com]  And her newest branch of Drive Media - D3 DiGrigoli | Exhibits | Events | Experiences D3digrigoli.com [https://d3digrigoli.com/] If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’re a regular, welcome back! This is where I talk with fascinating people, entrepreneurs, creatives, movers, makers, and MAVericks, who’ve turned challenges into silver linings and learned to laugh along the way. It’s real talk, no fluff, no edits. Just business and life hacks, the real beans, served with humor and heart. Short episodes (27, 36, or 45 minutes max) because we’ve got lives to live and dreams to chase! Thanks for FOLLOWING, LIKING, and SHARING, it helps us reach more MAVigators like you! STAY CONNECTED 🎯  Denise DiGrgioli on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisedigrigoli/] 📸 Instagram: @MavsCoffeeClarity [https://www.instagram.com/mavscoffeeclarity/] 📘 Facebook: @Mav’s Coffee Clarity with Denise [https://www.facebook.com/mavscoffeeclarity] 📰 Subscribe to the Clarity Brew newsletter & Substack: mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com [http://mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com]

Harold Mintz: The Art of Reinvention, Leadership & Choosing Joy | EP 309

☕ Harold Mintz: The Art of Reinvention, Leadership & Choosing Joy In this heartfelt and often witty episode of MAV's Coffee Clarity, Denise sits down with Harold Mintz for a conversation about reinvention, leadership, creativity, and living life with intention. After decades in the experiential marketing and trade show industry, Harold embraced an unexpected second act as an actor, proving that curiosity and growth have no expiration date. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from leading sales teams, building meaningful relationships, taking smart risks, and finding purpose through service to others. The conversation explores Harold's nationally recognized kidney donation story, the importance of authentic human connection, and why some of life's greatest opportunities begin with a simple conversation. From Hollywood stories and trade show adventures to mustaches, kindness, and talking to strangers, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and perspective. "Something I wanna say, I'm gonna say it now. Something I wanna do, I'm gonna do it now." — Harold Mintz ☕ Key Beans • Reinvention has no age limit. • Human connection remains our greatest superpower. • Choose joy over fear. • Curiosity creates opportunity. • Small acts of kindness can change lives. ========= Find Harold Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-mintz-97628983/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-mintz-97628983/]  ========= If you're building, leading, creating, reinventing, or simply figuring out what's next, this conversation is for you. ABOUT MAV'S COFFEE CLARITY If you're new here, welcome. If you're a regular, welcome back. MAV's Coffee Clarity is where Denise DiGrigoli sits down with entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and MAVericks who have turned challenges into silver linings and learned to laugh along the way. No scripts. No edits. Just real conversations, practical wisdom, and a few life and business lessons served with humor and heart. Because we've all got places to go, people to meet, and dreams worth chasing. Thanks for the Follow, Leaving a Reivew and Staying Connected 🌐 Learn more + explore workshops & events: www.DeniseDiGrigoli.com [https://www.denisedigrigoli.com] 📸 Instagram: @MavsCoffeeClarity [https://www.instagram.com/mavscoffeeclarity/] 📘 Facebook: Mav’s Coffee Clarity with Denise [https://www.facebook.com/mavscoffeeclarity] 📰 Subscribe to the Clarity Brew newsletter & Substack: mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com [http://mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com] #MavsCoffeeClarityWithDenise #MoveForward

Edo Banach: Making an Impact in Healthcare and Community | EP 308

On this episode of Mavs Coffee Clarity, we sit down with Edo Banach, Partner and Co-Chair of the Healthcare Department at Foley Hoag, to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare law, policy, and leadership. With experience spanning both the public and private sectors, including serving as former CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Edo shares insights on navigating complex healthcare systems, driving policy change, and leading with purpose. He also discusses the true meaning of hospice care, breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the importance of dignity, compassion, and quality of life for patients and families. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Edo opens up about the personal side of success, speaking on the vital role his wife has played in supporting him throughout his journey and sharing why marrying her remains his greatest achievement. ========= "Make a local change." - Edo Banach Key Beans: * Healthcare is where policy meets people. * Get involved in your community. * Hospice is about dignity, not defeat. ========= Find Edo Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edo-banach-821b734/ Foley Hoag: https://foleyhoag.com/home/ ========= If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’re a regular, welcome back! This is where I talk with fascinating people, entrepreneurs, creatives, movers, makers, and MAVericks, who’ve turned challenges into silver linings and learned to laugh along the way. It’s real talk, no fluff, no edits. Just business and life hacks, the real beans, served with humor and heart. Short episodes (27, 36, or 45 minutes max) because we’ve got lives to live and dreams to chase! Thanks for FOLLOWING, LIKING, and SHARING, it helps us reach more MAVigators like you! STAY CONNECTED 🌐 Learn more + explore workshops & events: www.DeniseDiGrigoli.com [https://www.denisedigrigoli.com] 📸 Instagram: @MavsCoffeeClarity [https://www.instagram.com/mavscoffeeclarity/] 📘 Facebook: Mav’s Coffee Clarity with Denise [https://www.facebook.com/mavscoffeeclarity] 📰 Subscribe to the Clarity Brew newsletter & Substack: mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com [http://mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com] #MavsCoffeeClarityWithDenise #MoveForward

Dee Scott: The Power of Lifelong Learning & Adaptability | EP 307

This week on Mavs Coffee Clarity, we’re sitting down with the incredible Dee Scott, head of Legacy Sales, FIT Alum, and a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience spanning retail, sports, and global brand partnerships. From her start in merchandising to negotiating major deals at the NBA and leading strategy at NASCAR and Warner Bros. Discovery, Dee shares how she turned her passions into a powerful career. A special full-circle moment: both Dee and Mav are proud graduates of SUNY FIT, and proof that strong foundations and shared roots can lead to wildly different, but equally inspiring, paths. This conversation is packed with insight for anyone interested in career pivots, leadership, brand partnerships, or breaking into competitive industries. This is a story near and dear… and one you won’t want to miss it. ========= "Don’t ever not be a learner." - Dee Scott Key Beans: * Adaptability opens new opportunities. * Be a lifelong learner. * Strive to be the best in whatever you’re doing. ========= Find Dee Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-scott-710b68a/ ========= If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’re a regular, welcome back! This is where I talk with fascinating people, entrepreneurs, creatives, movers, makers, and MAVericks, who’ve turned challenges into silver linings and learned to laugh along the way. It’s real talk, no fluff, no edits. Just business and life hacks, the real beans, served with humor and heart. Short episodes (27, 36, or 45 minutes max) because we’ve got lives to live and dreams to chase! Thanks for FOLLOWING, LIKING, and SHARING, it helps us reach more MAVigators like you! STAY CONNECTED 🌐 Learn more + explore workshops & events: www.DeniseDiGrigoli.com [https://www.denisedigrigoli.com] 📸 Instagram: @MavsCoffeeClarity [https://www.instagram.com/mavscoffeeclarity/] 📘 Facebook: Mav’s Coffee Clarity with Denise [https://www.facebook.com/mavscoffeeclarity] 📰 Subscribe to the Clarity Brew newsletter & Substack: mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com [http://mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com] #MavsCoffeeClarityWithDenise #MoveForward

Ophira Edut: Timing, Energy & Alignment | EP 306

In this week’s episode of MAV’s Coffee Clarity, MAV sits down with Ophira Edut, one-half of the AstroTwins and a trusted intuitive advisor to founders, creatives, and executives, for a conversation that blends personal evolution with cosmic insight. Known by friends as “the oracle,” Ophira opens up about her journey into astrology, and her path to becoming a prolific author, including writing over 20 books and her national bestseller, The Astrology Advantage. This episode leaves you with a grounded but expansive perspective: that clarity isn’t always found in having all the answers, but in learning how to listen more deeply to yourself, your timing, and the direction that keeps calling you forward. ========= “It’s not an either or, it’s a both and.” - Ophira Edut Key Beans: * Your intuition is your greatest tool. * Your path doesn’t have to make sense at the start. * Energy influences outcomes. ========= Watch our Conversation here!===================== LISTEN Ophira and me, here on APPLE PODCAST Here we are on SPOTIFY: :========= If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’re a regular, welcome back! This is where I talk with fascinating people, entrepreneurs, creatives, movers, makers, and MAVericks, who’ve turned challenges into silver linings and learned to laugh along the way. It’s real talk, no fluff, no edits. Just business and life hacks, the real beans, served with humor and heart. Short episodes (27, 36, or 45 minutes max) because we’ve got lives to live and dreams to chase! Thanks for FOLLOWING, LIKING, and SHARING, it helps us reach more MAVigators like you! STAY CONNECTED ALL THINGS MAV/Denise DiGrigoli 🌐 Learn more + explore workshops & events: www.DeniseDiGrigoli.com [https://www.denisedigrigoli.com] 📸 Instagram: @MavsCoffeeClarity [https://www.instagram.com/mavscoffeeclarity/] 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MavsCoffeeClarity [https://www.youtube.com/@MavsCoffeeClarity] 📘 Facebook: Mav’s Coffee Clarity with Denise [https://www.facebook.com/mavscoffeeclarity] 📰 Subscribe to the Clarity Brew newsletter & Substack: mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com [http://mavscoffeeclarity.substack.com] FIND OPHIRA HERE: Website: https://astrostyle.com/ [https://astrostyle.com/] Instagram: @astrotwins [https://www.instagram.com/astrotwins/] Facebook: @The AstroTwins [https://www.facebook.com/AstroTwins] YouTube: Astro Twins Radio [https://www.youtube.com/@astrotwins-tv] #MavsCoffeeClarityWithDenise #MoveForward