Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Abby Ackerman - 4th Grade Podcaster

Creative girls usually grow up to be creative women and we're betting that's exactly what's in store for Abby Ackerman. The 4th grader has her own podcast, PW KIDS 11050, which includes the zip code of her Long Island, New York town. When Abby's not in school or interviewing, she enjoys cooking, playing sports, video games, reading, hanging with her friends and 'fighting' with her twin sister and younger brother. We guarantee you'll come away from this conversation, blown away by this engaging, funny, self-assured dynamo!

Whitney Bolster - Founder and CEO of Ampersand

Creativity is what Whitney Bolster's all about. She's the Founder and CEO of Ampersand, a female-led, mission-driven creative brand agency. And as such, Ampersand is, "defying the odds merely by existing and is dedicated to making space for more women to get involved in the industry. The female perspective is gaining on the world and we are here for it." Who could argue with that? Lots to talk about with mover and shaker Whitney Bolster!

Ruby Locknar - Actor, Technical Director, and Podcast Host

Barely in her 20s, Ruby Locknar has a lot of creative credits to her name. She's an actor, technical director, and podcast host. Her theater credits include a national tour with TheaterWorks USA, multiple recordings with Kristen Chenoweth and Alice Cooper, among others. Ruby's technical production work includes "Jim Caruso's Pajama Cast Party," and "Virtual Halston" with actress Julie Halston, for which she won a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Producer of a Virtual Program. We know you're going to really enjoy meeting this engaging, enthusiastic, classy lady!

Beth Lipman - Contemporary Artist

Beth Lipman is a contemporary artist who works in glass and is renowned for her sculptural compositions which, in her words, "explore aspects of material culture and deep time through still lives, site-specific installations and photographs." The recipient of numerous awards, Beth has exhibited her work at Manhattan's Museum of Art and Design, the Smithsonian, Milwaukee Art Museum and RISD Museum, to name just three. We know you'll really enjoy meeting this talented, creative, original artist.

Cheryl Giles - Licensed Clinical Psychologist

What does it mean to be Black and Buddhist in our today's world? Cheryl Giles, licensed clinical psychologist and Senior Lecturer on Pastoral Care and Counseling at Harvard Divinity School knows first hand. She's one of the editors of and contributors to "Black & Buddhist - What Buddhism Can Teach Us About Race, Resilience, Transformation and Freedom." It's the first anthology of writings by African/American Buddhists. Cheryl's personal story, "They Say The People Could Fly," is powerful, moving and inspiring. And...so is our candid conversation. 

Caren Zucker - Award-Winning Journalist, Director, Producer, & Author

Award-winning journalist, director, producer, author - all part of Caren Zucker's resume. As a producer for ABC's World News and Nightline, Caren has covered economic summits, presidential campaigns, the Olympics and so much more. She has now directed her first documentary, "In a Different Key,' a narrative history of autism. The project, which followed the PBS Newshour series, "Autism Now," was inspired by her son's diagnosis of the disease. Caren takes us on her personal journey in a conversation you can't afford to miss.

Angie Durrell - Violinist, Educator and Social Entrepreneur

Angie Durrell makes beautiful music and encourages others to do so too. The Ecuadorian-born violinist, educator and social entrepreneur is the Founder and Executive Director of INTEMPO, an inter-cultural organization whose goal is to make classical music and native instruments relevant, accessible and inclusive. Tune in to learn how and get to know this accomplished, passionate, creative woman!

Jennifer Trainer - Author, Chef, Museum Director

Talk about accomplished! Award-winning journalist Jennifer Trainer has written 19 books that have been translated into 10 languages. She's the chef/creator of "Jump and Kiss Me," an all-natural line of spicy foods. Jennifer also happens to be one of the co-founders of MASS MoCA, which in 2017, became the largest museum of contemporary art in the world. The transformation from a massive factory to storied museum in North Adams, Massachusetts, is the subject of the documentary, MUSEUM TOWN, which by the way, marks Jennifer's directing debut. She is currently the director of the Hancock Shaker Village Museum in Hancock, Mass. Needless to say there's plenty to talk about!

REVISIT Heather Booth - Organizer and Activist

For the last podcast of the year, we are revisiting our conversation with Heather Booth. Heather is a force to be reckoned with and that’s a very good thing! She is one of the country’s  leading strategists when it comes to progressive issue campaigns and driving issues in elections. Heather’s organizing and commitment to social justice began during the civil rights, anti-Vietnam War and women’s movements of the 1960s. She also started JANE, an underground abortion service in 1965 before Roe v Wade became law. We cover a lot of territory in this open, honest, impactful conversation with a compassionate, committed woman.

Rania Zayyat - Founder of Wonder Women of Wine

Promoting and supporting gender equality in the wine world. That's been the mission of Sommelier Rania Zayyat. A leader in the global wine industry, Rania is the founder of Wonder Women of Wine, a non-profit created to do just that. She's also the founder Be The Change, an equal opportunity initiative committed to changing the status quo through action and policy. Lots to talk about - so pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay and join us for a fascinating, eye opening and engaging conversation.