Motherhood doesn’t just add a title—it rewires identity, reshapes priorities, and reorients how we move through the world. In this intimate episode, we sit down with Sue Ann, a longtime friend and former colleague, to explore how stepping into “mama” transformed her career path, her sense of self, and her approach to parenting. From a smooth pregnancy that pivoted at 37 weeks to a breech baby and a planned C-section, Sue Ann shares how fear gave way to acceptance—and how small, intentional c...
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Motherhood doesn’t just add a title—it rewires identity, reshapes priorities, and reorients how we move through the world. In this intimate episode, we sit down with Sue Ann, a longtime friend and former colleague, to explore how stepping into “mama” transformed her career path, her sense of self, and her approach to parenting. From a smooth pregnancy that pivoted at 37 weeks to a breech baby and a planned C-section, Sue Ann shares how fear gave way to acceptance—and how small, intentional c...
Motherhood doesn’t just add a title—it rewires identity, reshapes priorities, and reorients how we move through the world. In this intimate episode, we sit down with Sue Ann, a longtime friend and former colleague, to explore how stepping into “mama” transformed her career path, her sense of self, and her approach to parenting. From a smooth pregnancy that pivoted at 37 weeks to a breech baby and a planned C-section, Sue Ann shares how fear gave way to acceptance—and how small, intentional c...
What if support didn’t steer your life—but lit the way forward? In this episode, we sit down with Shailendra Aswal, coach and Chief Navigating Officer at My Life Kompass, to explore the lighthouse as a metaphor for personal growth: a steady beam, an early warning, and a safe harbor to regroup before heading back out to sea. Rather than taking the wheel, we discuss how great coaching fosters clarity and safety—so you can navigate your own waters with confidence. We unpack transformation from ...
What if masculinity isn’t innate—but taught? And what happens when we start to unlearn it? In this episode, we sit down with TJ—a queer, trans, Middle Eastern-Armenian man and recovering academic—to explore how masculinity is shaped by culture, race, faith, and family. From drag king stages to circles of men of color who welcomed him without question, TJ shares how rare affirmations helped him understand his identity. We trace these moments to broader systems: patriarchy as a colonial expor...
What happens when we approach life with genuine curiosity? How might our lives transform if we questioned not just the world around us, but our own deepest assumptions about who we are? Anupama Giri joins host Brian Hooks for a profound exploration of curiosity as a fundamental life force. Drawing from her childhood in Varanasi (one of the world's most ancient cities) where she witnessed life and death ceremonies happening side by side, she shares how early questions about existence shaped h...
Ten episodes in, and What Makes Us has blossomed into a tapestry of human experiences I never could have imagined when starting this journey. This special reflection episode breaks from our usual format to explore what I've learned from conversations with people who've shaped my life in various ways. The podcast began as a way to reconnect with what I loved most about my years in higher education – witnessing growth through stories. After leaving that world and moving to Bangalore, I missed ...
In the 10th episode of "What Makes Us," host Brian Hooks sits down with his mother, Karen Hooks, for a deeply personal conversation about life's winding paths. Karen's story is a rich tapestry of experiences: starting work at 15, navigating diverse careers, facing discrimination, attending the UN Conference on Women in China, and ultimately dedicating herself to serving veterans at the VA Hospital. Through every transition, her unwavering commitment to be in service with others shines t...
Ever wondered about the difference between change and transformation? While change is external, transformation is a profound internal shift that redefines who you are. Mastering it can unlock the life you truly desire. Leadership coach Preethi Subramanian, who transitioned from chartered accountant to IT security professional to leadership coach, and moved between India, Switzerland, and Singapore, discovered that transformation isn't an event, but a culmination of consciously navigated trans...
Feeling a persistent inner pull toward something different, even amidst external success? Join us for an insightful conversation with Executive Leadership Coach Gusti Clark about the power of personal and professional evolution. Gusti's seemingly diverse career in nonprofit, tech, HR, biotech, government, and entrepreneurship reveals a purposeful journey guided by intuition and a mission to help others navigate major life transitions. "I've come to realize that all those things together have ...
In this episode of What Makes Us..., Dr. Alvin Sturdivant, Vice President of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Portland, guides a profound exploration into the evolving journey of meaning-making, rooted in our connections to family, faith, community, and history. He recounts how his grandmother instilled an early understanding of self-defined purpose, a foundation strengthened by his Pentecostal spirituality, providing enduring resilience. Dr. Sturdivant emphasizes...
What does real friendship look like in today's world? Not the sitcom version where everyone lives in the same apartment building, but the authentic connections that sustain us through distance, life changes, and the passage of time. In this deeply personal conversation, I sit down with my friend Annie to explore our decade-long friendship journey and what it reveals about human connection. From our first meeting in graduate school (where Annie found my "likability annoying") to navigating fr...
In this episode of What Makes Us..., Ashok Kumar Prabhakar — a seasoned leader, strategic advisor, mentor, and speaker—shares his remarkable journey toward continuous reinvention, lasting impact, and the pursuit of a meaningful legacy. "You need to push yourself and keep rediscovering yourself. And the rediscovery will lead to something greater in life." Connect with Ashok Kumar Prabhakar... Pash@unlockingpotential.in To learn more about Ashok: https://unlockingpotential.in/ https://www.linke...
In this episode of What Makes Us..., Virginia Ibrahim-Olin shares with us the significance of Taking Risks in her life and how it has shaped her sense of self, family and career. "Listen to yourself and try to trust yourself, if you are not ready to let your friends help." Send us a text Thank you for listening to What Makes Us... Make sure to like us or subscribe to the podcast. If you really like us, please send our podcast to at least 1 friend who you think would enjoy it! If you would l...
In this episode of What Makes Us..., Utsav Mamoria shares with us how intentionality has shaped his journey and coming to understand the importance of doing what you love with intention. "Because I intentionally chosen to do this, I am seeing the value of how it is shaping me as a person. So while your intention shapes the choice, the choice in turn shapes you." To learn more about Utsav and his projects: The 6% Club: https://www.thesixpercent.club/ - Go from Idea to Launch in 45 DaysPod...
In this episode of What Makes Us..., Dr. Joy Hoffman shares a part of her journey as a Korean adoptee raised in a different cultural community and learning about herself through her work with college students. "I'm going to get this job and support LGBT students, just under the radar." Send us a text Thank you for listening to What Makes Us... Make sure to like us or subscribe to the podcast. If you really like us, please send our podcast to friend who think would enjoy it! If ...
In this first episode of What Makes Us, Raja Bhattar shares with us their journey of storytelling. As they are finishing their first book "Queering Constellations," Raja and Brian explore how they have become who they are. "I don't just have to do what is told around me. I can have my own moral compass." Check out Raja's Author Page: Check out Raja's book here - Queering Constellations: Mapping This Journey Called Life Send us a text Thank you for listening to What Makes Us... Make sure to...
Motherhood doesn’t just add a title—it rewires identity, reshapes priorities, and reorients how we move through the world. In this intimate episode, we sit down with Sue Ann, a longtime friend and former colleague, to explore how stepping into “mama” transformed her career path, her sense of self, and her approach to parenting. From a smooth pregnancy that pivoted at 37 weeks to a breech baby and a planned C-section, Sue Ann shares how fear gave way to acceptance—and how small, intentional c...
