Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

It is an honor to introduce Lek Chailert, an award-winning conservationist, who has spent the last 20+ years working tirelessly to improve the condition and promote the welfare of elephants in her native Thailand and throughout Asia. In 2005 she was named "Hero of Asia" by Time Magazine and in 2010, was honored by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation. Not only has her work been documented by National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, CNN and the BBC, she is also the focus of the moving documentary, "Love and Bananas: An Elephant Story." This is a fascinating conversation with an absolutely remarkable woman!

She's baaack! And we couldn't be more excited. Actress/comedienne Julie Halston holds a special place in the Conversations with Creative Women universe. This marks her 4th appearance and for good reason. Julie's got a lot going on, including her latest role: Rita Marshall, the tough producer in the Broadway-bound production of "Tootsie," the musical based on the classic 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman. You won't want to miss our conversation with this very funny, talented creative woman!

"It's impossible to be Iranian and not political." Artist Shiva Ahmadi shares her personal story of growing up in Tehran during the Revolution and Iran-Iraq War. She talks openly about leaving her parents to come to the States, where she has lived and worked since 2003. This is a riveting, captivating and emotional conversation you won't want to miss.

Meet award winning scholar, historian, author, artist Nell Painter, the Edwards Professor of American History, Emerita at Princeton University. Her acclaimed works of history include, "Standing at Armageddon," "Sojourner Truth, "and the New York Times bestseller, "The History of White People." But her most recent book is all about second chapters. Old in "Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over," chronicles Nell's return to the classroom as an undergrad to study painting, following her retirement from Princeton. Needless to say, we cover a lot of territory in this conversation with such an accomplished, fascinating, creative woman.

Direct from Australia - filmmaker Sue Thomson. She began her professional career working on Public Television in Melbourne and then went out on her own, writing and directing several documentaries. The most recent - THE COMING BACK OUT BALL. This film follows a group of older LGBTI folks who are invited to attend a ball celebrating age, gender and sexuality identity. It is a heart-warming, honest and moving look at their lives. Join us for a conversation with this creative woman from "Down Under."

Singer/songwriter/actress/activist - all describe Margo Seibert. She began her acting career in Washington, D.C. made the move to NYC in 2010 where she was cast as Adrian in the Broadway musical ROCKY; originated the role of Jane in Broadway's first a cappella musical IN TRANSIT and starred in the world premier of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY. Then there's Margo's solo album, "77th Street" which features original songs that incorporate eclectic rock and folk influences. Once again, lots to talk about with this multi-talented guest.

Patricia Harman spent most of the 60s and 70s living in rural communes in Washington State, Connecticut, Minnesota and West Virginia where she and her husband, along with a group of like-minded friends bought a farm. It was there, by accident, that she attended her first home birth. That had quite an impact; she became an RN, the first step in getting certified as a nurse-midwife, a career that has lasted more than 30 years. She subsequently re-invented herself, and became a best selling author. Patricia's written a pair of memoirs, historical/contemporary fiction and a children's book. Lots to talk about??? You bet!

Abby Epstein's career has been a rich and rewarding one. It began in 1992 in Chicago when she formed her own theatrical company. She directed several plays there before moving to New York to work on "Rent" and "The Vagina Monologues." Then in 2004 she moved into film and 3 years later formed a partnership with Rikki Lake. They've made several documentaries together including the award-winning, "The Business of Being Born." Their latest collaboration - "Weed The People." It explores the use of cannabis for children diagnosed with cancer. Lots to talk about with this accomplished socially conscious and creative woman.

Jessica Leonard's worked in some of New York's most storied restaurants: Daniel, 11 Madison Park, the James Beard House, but it was her love of chocolate that inspired her to go out on her own. In February, 2018, she opened Miss Maude's Bar of Chocolates in her home state of Virginia. The name refers to Virginia native Miss Maude who came of age in the Roaring 20s and left home for the big city, to among other pursuits, find the world's best chocolates. Jessica's added her brand to that list. Find out more in our mouth-watering conversation with this enthusiastic, adventurous entrepreneur.