Rare Conversations

Ep 38 - Parasite: Almost a Decade of Stalking

Stalking doesn't begin with violence.  It begins with blurred boundaries. Now imagine it's someone you met at work.  In this episode of Rare Conversations, a brief workplace connection spirals into nearly ten years of harassment. Through a dissociated re-telling with an intentional AI narration, Parasite explores obsession, narcissistic injury, digital surveillance and the psychological toll of prolonged stalking.  Less than a year of knowing someone. Almost a decade of trying to escape them.

Ep 37 - Leading With Empathy and Grit - a Chat With Sustainable Homewares Entrepreneur, Wiebke Katsoudas

In this episode, I speak with Wiebke Katsoudas, founder of By Native - a collective of explorers, artisans and creatives who produce high quality home textiles and accessories. In Wiebke's words: "I think an object is only as beautiful as the environment in which it’s made. That's why By Native guarantees quality - not only in the products we make, but also in the lives of the artisans we work with.” Wiebke works closely with small social enterprises to ensure that every individual involved in the manufacturing process of her goods is treated with respect, works in a safe environment and receives a fair wage." Instagram: bynative_home

Ep 36 - The Inspiration Behind the Book that Sold over 15 Million Copies. Meet the Legendary Horse Whisperer Buck Brannaman.

In this episode I speak with the legendary Buck Brannaman. The inspiration behind the No. 1 New York Times best selling novel The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans (which sold over 15 million copies). Buck was also the equine technical advisor &  body double for Robert Redford in the subsequent & much-loved Hollywood adaptation of the same name. For over 30 years, Buck has been working with horses and their owners and today he is one of the world’s leading practitioners of handling horses based on classical concepts from the California vaquero tradition; working with the horse's nature, using an understanding of how horses think and communicate, to train the horse to accept humans, and work confidently & responsively with them. He works to make the animal feel safe & secure around humans so that the horse and rider can achieve a true union.  Buck travels most of the year doing horsemanship clinics in the United States, Europe, Australia & New Zealand. When not on the road, he lives with his wife Mary and their horses in Sheridan, Wyoming. To experience one of Buck's legendary training clinics, check the dates here: www.brannaman.com [http://www.brannaman.com] Extensive online horse training videos with Buck here at his new channel: www.thebuckchannel.com [http://www.thebuckchannel.com]

Ep 35. An Insight into the Heart of the French Perfume Industry with Alain Ferro, Director of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery

Mr Alain Ferro, is the director of the Grasse Institute of Perfumery (GIP), located just north of the French Riviera. Mr Ferro has been director of this training school for the past 35 years. The art and science of perfume creation is a fascinating and complex world that is very much protected.  Since 2018, the skills related to the perfume in Grasse - that being, the cultivation of perfume plants, the knowledge and processing of natural raw materials, and the art of perfume composition became inscribed by UNESCO on their Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Scent has the power to evoke feelings of love, happiness, lust, sensuality, peace, energy. The list can go on. It can create strong positive stimuli for your moods and the emotions you feel.  Our previous experiences also have a very strong impact on how we experience scent. www.grasse-perfumery.com [http://www.grasse-perfumery.com] - Grasse Institute of Perfumery Instagram: @gipgrasse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrasseInstituteofPerfumery/

Ep 34 - Behind The Scenes with Show Caller & Technical Director Hayden Russ

In this episode I speak with Hayden Russ - a "Swiss army knife" of the event industry.  Originally from New Zealand, Hayden grew up with a love of musical theatre, and from a young age worked behind the scenes on various productions. Hayden then went on to spend time working in the UK before landing in the United Arab Emirates.  He now co-owns a tech rental company, show calls and covers technical production on events across the country .  Despite a hectic schedule during the peak event season, Hayden retains an optimistic attitude and is always pitching in to help his colleagues deliver outstanding events with a high level of productivity. Connect with Hayden here:  www.ihire.ae [http://www.ihire.ae] - IT & AV equipment rental covering the United Arab Emirates Follow Leoni Milano at IG: @leonimilano