Crazy Amazing Humans

Featuring crazy amazing guests with crazy amazing stories--encouraging and uplifting content designed to inspire and motivate you to expand your own sense of purpose and maximize your potential.

EP 49: Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Muhammad Walk Into a Bar… with Rev. Dave Carpenter 04/02/2025

EP 49: Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Muhammad Walk Into a Bar… with Rev. Dave Carpenter What if the path to healing our divided world isn’t found in power or politics—but in realizing that we belong to each other? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Crazy Amazing Humans Podcast, we sit down with Rev. David Carpenter, senior pastor of Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, to explore how faith, inclusivity, and a radical sense of interconnectedness can heal our divided world. Reverend Carpenter is a deeply compassionate and forward-thinking leader who has been reshaping the conversation around faith. With an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a current doctoral thesis in progress at Duke Divinity School, Rev. Carpenter brings deep theological insight and global perspective. From the philosophy of Ubuntu to confronting Christian nationalism, and from spiritual deconstruction to climate change and biblical stewardship, this conversation is a must-listen for seekers, believers, and changemakers alike. Together with hosts Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim, Rev. Carpenter explores what it truly means to live out the gospel in today’s world—and why it's more radical, inclusive, and revolutionary than often portrayed. Highlights from the Episode: Faith as Relationship, Not Religion: Rev. Carpenter shares his transformative spiritual journey that began with a hillside moment in high school and ultimately led him from pre-med at Tufts to a life in ministry. The Decline in Church Attendance: Why millennials and Gen Z are leaving organized religion, and why the Church must take responsibility for becoming judgmental, hypocritical, and out of touch. What is Ubuntu & Imago Dei? We take a deep dive into Rev. Carpenter’s thesis on Ubuntu, a South African philosophy meaning “I am because we are,” and how Archbishop Desmond Tutu infused it with Christian theology through the lens of Imago Dei—the belief that each of us is made in the image of God. The Dangers of Christian Nationalism: A candid conversation on how political movements have co-opted Christian identity, often in contradiction to the teachings of Jesus. Interfaith Harmony: Rev. Carpenter reflects on the beauty of shared values across major religions and how faith leaders like Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and the Buddha might just walk out of a bar as best friends. What the Bible Really Says About Climate Change and Environmental Care: A new (and ancient!) understanding of humanity’s relationship with the environment—how serving the garden, not dominating it, reflects God's love for all creation. Ubuntu in Action Today: What would it mean if we all truly believed we were interconnected? Why should we create inclusive communities of faith in a modern, multicultural world? How could that shift politics, climate action, religion, and relationships? Practical Ways to Live More Meaningfully—whether you’re religious or not! Follow us on Instagram @crazyamazinghumans.com /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/35980440

EP 48: From Music Mogul to Justice Warrior; Jason Flom Rocks the Criminal Justice System 02/19/2025

EP 48: From Music Mogul to Justice Warrior; Jason Flom Rocks the Criminal Justice System We’re in the studio with Jason Flom, a legendary music industry executive, criminal justice advocate, and podcast host who has shaped the careers of global superstars while fighting to free the wrongfully convicted. Flom is the founder and CEO of Lava Records, former Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records, Virgin Records, and Capitol Music Group. He is a true music industry legend who has launched the careers of many Grammy-winning artists. Some of the acts he’s worked with include Katy Perry, Lorde, Kid Rock, Greta Van Fleet, Tori Amos, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jessie J, Hootie & The Blowfish, Skid Row, Collective Soul, Stone Temple Pilots and Matchbox Twenty. Beyond Jason Flom’s influence in the entertainment industry, Flom is a leading voice in criminal justice reform. As founder of , which encompasses a record label, music publishing, and a fast-growing podcast company, Flom hosts the Webby Awards-honored series on the Lava for Good platform. Jason has interviewed and raised international awareness for the cases of hundreds of innocent men and women imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit, many facing death sentences. Jason also hosts , a podcast that spotlights today's social justice leaders and change-makers to uncover the most powerful actions we can take together to inspire meaningful reform and equal justice. A founding board member of The Innocence Project, Jason Flom works relentlessly to change laws, support exonerees, and shed light on systemic injustices. He has been honored as a Billboard Change Agent and awarded the City of Hope’s Ambassador Award, the Spirit of Life Award, and the Correctional Association of New York Social Justice Award. In 2024, Jason married Khaliah Ali (Muhammed Ali’s daughter) and together they continue to tirelessly advocate for the wrongfully convicted. Much of Jason's current work includes working with elected officials and policymakers, activist groups, celebrities, and other philanthropists to reform the inequities in the criminal legal system. This has made him a globally recognized leader in criminal justice reform. Through his work with the Innocence Project, Lava For Good and as the host of the podcast Wrongful Conviction, Jason Flom has changed lives, challenged broken systems, and inspired real reform. His story is a powerful reminder that one person can make an extraordinary impact. Tune in now to hear Jason’s inspiring journey, jaw-dropping cases, and why second chances matter. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/35345700

EP 47: WE LOVE L.A. w/ Roger Fishman and Ken Carlson 01/28/2025

EP 47: WE LOVE L.A. w/ Roger Fishman and Ken Carlson A conversation between our hosts, Katrina and Jefferson, and guests, Roger Fishman and Ken Carlson, about experiencing the recent devastating Los Angeles wildfires. It is difficult to find the words to describe the unimaginable devastation affecting so many and beyond heartbreaking to see all of the different communities affected by the many wildfires. Our hearts go out to all of those dealing with this tragedy. Yet, even in the face of such immense challenges, we are reminded of the incredible stories of hope, resilience, and humanity. From the heroic efforts of first responders to neighbors stepping in to support one another, and the tireless work of organizations providing aid, these acts of kindness shine brightly amid the darkness. One such organization is World Central Kitchen who we highlighted in Episode 30 with Maxwell Eaton. Other groups include American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, FEMA, Walt Disney Company, NFL, to name a few. In this impromptu conversation, we are joined by a previous Crazy Amazing guest, Roger Fishman. Roger tragically lost his home and everything in it during the Palisades Fire. Despite this profound loss, he offers powerful insights about the strength of kindness, compassion, and hope—true forces of nature that sustain us in difficult times. There are many families in our Crazy Amazing Humans community that have lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades Fire. Also, living in north Santa Monica, Katrina and her family were on Evacuation Warning for the duration as well as one block from the Mandatory Evacuation zone. Since most neighbors had evacuated, Ken Carlson had to fend off looters roaming the neighborhood. It was both comforting and disturbing to see the National Guard come in to help secure the area. Comforting because we felt more secure and disturbing because we really needed them. Though the flames may seem all-consuming, they cannot break the human spirit. We are inspired by all those who have stepped forward to help rebuild, to offer comfort, and to remind us that we are never alone. To those lending a hand or supporting others in any way during this time, we are deeply grateful. Stay safe, stay hopeful, and let's remember that we are all in this together. Subscribe to the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our website, or wherever you tune in. Go find us, hit subscribe, and you’ll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Follow us on Instagram for uplifting updates, behind-the-scenes content, and inspiration, and stay connected with our latest episodes. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/35041665

EP 46: Fighting Hunger, Changing Lives; Navyn Salem and Edesia 11/13/2024

EP 46: Fighting Hunger, Changing Lives; Navyn Salem and Edesia It’s unimaginable, but each year about 45 million children worldwide suffer from severe malnutrition — that’s nearly one in three children under the age of five. Thankfully, there is hope! We’re thrilled to introduce our guest, Navyn Salem, founder and CEO of Edesia. Edesia, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit, is on a mission to tackle this global crisis, having already saved over 25 million lives in more than 65 countries. Her journey began with a powerful realization while watching 60 Minutes, where she saw firsthand the devastating effects of malnutrition—a preventable condition that affects millions of children worldwide. Inspired by her father’s Tanzanian heritage and the knowledge that so many children’s lives could be saved, Navyn set out to create an organization that could make a tangible difference. Partnering with major organizations like UNICEF, USAID/USDA, World Food Programme (WFP), Global Child Nutrition Foundation, CORE Group, Navyn navigated manufacturing and logistics while raising the necessary funds to scale Edesia’s efforts. Edesia focused on creating life-saving products designed for areas where children are at severe risk. Their Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), like Plumpy'Nut, are peanut-based pastes fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. These treatments are revolutionary in malnutrition relief: they don’t require refrigeration, water, or cooking, making them accessible for distribution in even the most remote and conflict-affected areas. Edesia’s workforce is as diverse as the communities they serve, including former refugees from 26 countries, adding a unique depth and resilience to the organization. Their shared commitment underscores Edesia’s role in empowering communities while fighting malnutrition. Navyn’s visionary approach has redefined the conventional models of humanitarian aid, creating Edesia as a social enterprise and focusing on impactful, sustainable solutions that can adapt to today’s challenges. Feel the hope and inspiration as Navyn’s journey proves that each of us has the power to contribute to a healthier, more equitable world. Subscribe to the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on , , , our , or wherever you tune in. Go find us, hit subscribe, and you’ll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Follow us on for uplifting updates, behind-the-scenes content, and inspiration, and stay connected with our latest episodes. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/33920482

EP 45: How Women In Prison Are Finding Healing & Hope Through Restorative Art 09/25/2024

EP 45: How Women In Prison Are Finding Healing & Hope Through Restorative Art Did you know that women are the fastest-growing population in prison? Ever wondered why? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into this critical issue and more with Martha Ackerman and Stephanie Segel, the founders of Create: New Beginnings. This transformative program harnesses the power of artistic expression to help incarcerated women confront the challenges that led them behind bars. The impact of Create: New Beginnings is profound. Participants can even have their sentences reduced through their engagement in this life-changing initiative, affiliated with Prison Fellowship. As Martha and Stephanie share inspiring stories of adversity, vulnerability, and healing, we are reminded that everyone has the potential to create a new beginning. Through a series of restorative, art-based workshops, women explore themes of shame, self-doubt, empathy, and forgiveness in a supportive, faith-based environment. By engaging in painting and other creative arts, these women delve into core issues of identity and purpose, reimagining their futures with newfound hope. Since 2019, Create: New Beginnings has engaged over 140 volunteers and Prison Fellowship staff, serving more than 2,400 women across 20 states, from Alaska to Florida. With 50 active workshops reaching over 800 women each week, they are also partnering with the Salvation Army in 10 of their Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Don’t miss this powerful conversation! Subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes and be inspired by extraordinary journeys of resilience and hope. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on , , , or wherever you listen. Hit subscribe to get notified about new episodes, and please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to join our newsletter for exclusive updates, and follow us on Instagram for inspirational content between episodes! /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/33202362

EP 44: Super Dads vs Toxic Dads - What’s the Difference? 06/12/2024

EP 43: Neuroscience-Backed Tools to Boost Your Mental Health with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 05/09/2024

EP 43: Neuroscience-Backed Tools to Boost Your Mental Health with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) If you or anyone you love needs a pick-me-up or has ever experienced a mental health challenge, then this podcast is for you. In highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month, our guests Brenda Sarai Zuniga and Elizabeth Stephens from NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) share their expertise and lived experiences to give us helpful tools to navigate any journey. Press play to find ways to not only survive, but thrive! You'll learn about NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and how can they help anyone struggling and it’s free! Brenda Sarai Zuniga speaks about “Ending the Silence” campaign. Elizabeth Stephens explains how NAMI helps you feel seen and heard. We discuss the stigma of mental illness in Latino communities. The tools to boost your mental health include finding a supportive community and the Hug Yourself Technique that activates your mammalian caregiving system. How to set your circadian rhythm by walking and getting outside everyday. Using Solfeggio Frequencies that tap into different brain waves. The EFT Emotional Freedom Technique. Somatic Hip Exercises and stretching for trauma release. Worry journaling where you write down your concerns on paper. Breathing and getting in your body. All kinds of ways you can feel better now. Jefferson Denim is also interviewed about his work with NAMI and how to feel seen and heard. NAMI’s 8 week life skills class. He talks about getting out of your head and into your body with physical exercise. His tool of using a Thought Challenge technique to examine your negative thoughts gives you power over harmful thoughts. He outlines Radical Self-Acceptance which can help you create a well of self-esteem. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you’ll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/31206322

EP 42: How Jake “Body by Jake®” Steinfeld Turned Harrison Ford Into a Ripped Indiana Jones and More! 04/17/2024

EP 42: How Jake “Body by Jake®” Steinfeld Turned Harrison Ford Into a Ripped Indiana Jones and More! We can’t wait for you to meet our guest, Jake “Body by Jake®” Steinfeld, a guiding light for health & wellness in lifestyle, sports, and entertainment for over four decades. Fueled by his "Don't Quit" mindset, Jake will motivate you, inspire you and have you laughing throughout our entire conversation. Jake has trained a myriad of well-known clients including Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Bette Midler, Madonna and many, many more and has the stories to show for it! Jake was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Chairman of the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports® in 2006 and served until 2011. Named Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils® in 2012, Jake brought his "DON'T QUIT!" attitude to the national stage following his belief that “academics and fitness go hand in hand.” Through the cooperation of public and private partnerships he has created DON'T QUIT! Fitness Centers which are awarded to underserved elementary and middle schools in every state in the USA. Jake's life journey has led to some fascinating stories from acting in films such as Eddie Murphy's "Coming To America" to founding Major League Lacrosse®, the first pro Lacrosse league. We think you'll be inspired through Jake's positive energy to say "Don't Quit" as you aspire to be your best self. Be sure to follow the Crazy Amazing Humans podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, our or wherever you listen. Go find us, hit subscribe, and then you’ll be notified about our latest Crazy Amazing Humans podcast episode. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be the first to know about a new episode. Follow us on Instagram for inspirational and informative content between podcasts! /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/30866438

How I Smuggled George Clooney into a War Zone 02/28/2024

Can Humans "Coexist" ? A Jew, a Catholic, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Humanist, a Buddhist, and a Protestant walk into a podcast… 01/08/2024

EP 39: Lisa McKnight - The Boss Behind Barbie; The Movie, the Brand, Mattel & Motherhood! 10/10/2023

EP 39: Lisa McKnight - The Boss Behind Barbie; The Movie, the Brand, Mattel & Motherhood! We’re beyond excited to share this exclusive and candid interview with the ultimate girl boss of the ultimate girl brand, Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel. Recently, Forbes recognized Lisa McKnight as one of the top brand marketers in the world for 2023 and after listening to this podcast, you’ll know why! While at the helm of the Barbie brand, Lisa and her team have led the charge in making Barbie more relevant than ever, especially with the record-breaking Barbie movie ranking as THE highest-grossing domestic film release in 2023. In this interview Lisa puts us “in the pink” with her extensive knowledge garnered from over 25 years at Mattel. She has been recognized as a driving force in transforming the Barbie brand into the most diverse and inclusive doll line on the market while overseeing the evolution of the Barbie movie from inception to the silver screen. You may already know that the Barbie movie has garnered over 1.4 billion dollars at the Worldwide Box Office and Barbie’s director, Greta Gerwig, is now the first woman ever to independently helm a billion dollar movie. But what you may NOT know is the tremendous behind-the-scenes effort it took to bring the film’s top-shelf creatives together, the details of the film’s 5-year timeline, the many homages throughout the film, the truth about the Kens’ fate, and other juicy controversies and collaborations. In this conversation, you’ll also discover the many philanthropic efforts at Mattel with which Lisa is involved, including The Future of Pink is Green, Barbie Loves the Ocean and Save the Children. She also shares from her heart something that all working mothers can relate to – the tricky and ongoing balancing act of career and family life. We are sure you’ll enjoy this uplifting and insightful conversation. Pink attire optional. Be sure to follow us on and also subscribe to our version of the podcast that you’ll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We’re always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing! Thanks for being a vital part of our Crazy Amazing Humans Community. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/28282223

EP 38: Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell - Icon for Democracy and Leadership 09/05/2023

EP 38: Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell - Icon for Democracy and Leadership Our guest is The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada. Kim is a powerhouse whose life has been a life of firsts: from the age of 16 when she became the first female student body president at Prince of Wales Secondary School, to the first female president for her freshman class at University of British Columbia, to holding elected office at all three levels of Canadian government and then becoming Canada’s first (and only) female Prime Minister in 1993. Clearly, Kim has spent much of her life breaking barriers for women. She was the first woman to serve as Canada’s Minister of Justice and Minister of National Defence, as well as the first woman to serve as Minister of Defence of a NATO member country. Ms. Campbell served as the Canadian Consul General in Los Angeles, taught at the Harvard Kennedy School and is a member of the International Women’s Forum, a global organization of women of significant and diverse achievement, and served as its global president (2003-2005). She was inducted into the IWF Hall of Fame in 2008. Kim Campbell is also a founding member of the Club de Madrid, now the largest international forum of former heads of government and state who work to promote democratic values. After serving as Acting President (2002), Secretary General (2004-2006), Vice President and a member of the Board (2007- 2011), she returned to the Board in 2019. Among her involvement in international organizations focused on democracy and security issues, Kim Campbell chaired the Steering Committee for the World Movement for Democracy in Washington, D.C. from 2008-2015, and is a Trustee of the International Center for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) at King’s College, London. Ms. Campbell became an international leader of leaders as Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders (1999-2003) and is currently a member and Chair Emerita. The Council’s membership is composed of women who hold, or have held, the office of President or Prime Minister. Ms. Campbell’s most notable achievement in recent years has been the design and launch of a ground-breaking leadership program for undergraduates at the University of Alberta: The Peter Lougheed Leadership College. She served as its Founding Principal from 2014-2018. In 2016 Kim Campbell was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to serve as Chairperson of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments, a role she has reprised three times since, most recently in spring 2021. In 2021, Ms. Campbell joined the board of Toronto-based Glen Gould Foundation (glengould.ca) and the advisory board of The Vancouver Anti-Corruption Institute. VACI is a project of The International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (ICCLR), which was created during Ms. Campbell’s tenure as Minister of Justice. Also in 2021, Ms. Campbell accepted an invitation to become a fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of arts, manufactures and commerce (thersa.org), which was founded in 1754 in England. Additionally, Ms. Campbell received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the International Leadership Association (ILA), for her significant contributions to the understanding and practice of effective leadership which has had an exceptional impact internationally. Kim Campbell lives with her husband - pianist, actor, playwright, composer and producer Hershey Felder - in Florence, Italy. Join us as Kim Campbell speaks candidly on issues related to leadership, international politics, democratization, climate change, gender, Canadian/American relations and much more. By discovering how someone else has learned important life lessons from lived experiences, many times we can then apply these insights to our lives and unlock our own hidden potentials. Be sure to follow us on and also subscribe to our version of the podcast so that you’ll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We’re always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing! /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/27948777

EP 37: Nikki Mark and the TM23 Foundation - Healing Hearts from the Inside Out 05/09/2023

EP 36: Got Kidney? We Got You Covered; Elisa & Michael Schenkman of GOFARR Kidney Fund & Mary Beth Barry of UCLA CORE Kidney 03/09/2023

EP 36: Got Kidney? We Got You Covered; Elisa & Michael Schenkman of GOFARR Kidney Fund & Mary Beth Barry of UCLA CORE Kidney Hey Crazy Amazing Humans! As you know, one of our biggest goals is to always provide helpful and practical information for your life. With that in mind, here are some startling facts: -Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. -Kidney disease is known as a “silent killer” and it is very hard to detect until it is almost too late, unless you get checked regularly. -Kidney disease can happen at any stage of life - from teens and young adults, to older adults, to even babies and young children. March is National Kidney Month so what better time to talk about what our kidneys do for us, how to be proactive with our kidney health, and highlight the efforts of those who are making an impact in helping individuals and their families who are dealing with kidney-related health issues. The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2023 to be the year of “Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the Unexpected, Supporting the Vulnerable!” We certainly agree! Join us as Elisa & Michael Schenkman of the GOFARR Kidney Fund at Children’s Hospital L.A. and Mary Beth Barry from the CORE Kidney Health Program at UCLA share their invaluable knowledge and stories of courage, perseverance and hope. Our lively conversation will give you a deeper understanding of what your kidneys do, what signs to look for and how to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. Listen as we share important information that could save your life and the lives of those you love. Be sure to follow us on and also subscribe to our version of the podcast so that you’ll know about this episode as well as the many Crazy Amazing Humans featured in all of our episodes. We’re always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU ARE Crazy Amazing! Please review the podcast as we love to hear what you think. Thanks for being a vital part of our Crazy Amazing Humans Community. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/26172657

EP 35: Grammy-Winning Composer Ricky Kej On Music, the Environment, and the “World as One Family” 02/01/2023

EP 35: Grammy-Winning Composer Ricky Kej On Music, the Environment, and the “World as One Family” Being musicians, Crazy Amazing Humans hosts Katrina and Jefferson are always ready to celebrate the artistic gifts of others. In this episode they feature Ricky Kej, a 2x Grammy Award winner, U.S. Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020 and an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist. Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries. He serves as the UNESCO MGIEP “Global Ambassador for Kindness”, UNCCD “Land Ambassador”, UNICEF “Celebrity Supporter” & Ambassador for “Earth Day Network.” Ricky has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary ‘Wild Karnataka’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough. He serves as the UNESCO “Global Ambassador for Kindness,” UNCCD “Land Ambassador”, UNICEF “Celebrity Supporter” and Ambassador for the Earth Day Network. In addition to his music success, he has been recognized for his tireless work in creating awareness for environmental issues. Ricky is nominated again this year for a Grammy and we speak with him remotely from his home studio in India. His most recent Grammy Award was last year for the album Divine Tides, a collaboration with Stewart Copeland of The Police (his Grammy acceptance speech with Copeland from 2022 addressed the importance of the environment and went viral. You’ll hear that in the podcast as well.) Ricky’s awards include the United Nations “Global Humanitarian Artist” award and is conferred with the title “Youth Icon of India”. ‘Real Leaders’, a Signatory to the United Nations named Ricky Kej as one of the 100 Real Leaders who ‘Inspire the Future’. The House of Commons, Parliament of Canada awarded Ricky for his “Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement”. His vast repertoire of work includes 16 studio albums released internationally, over 3500 commercials and 4 feature films, including the natural history documentary ‘Wild Karnataka’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough. You’ll want to listen to this absolutely brilliant talent because he’s walking the walk of taking actions for the environment, both large and small, that make a huge difference. In our conversation, Ricky provides insights and ideas that will resonate and empower you to see how you can use your unique talents and abilities to make a difference, too. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/25793574

EP 34 - Safety and Awareness Now! Jeff Wohler and Human Trafficking Survivor Keelin Washington 01/18/2023

EP 34 - Safety and Awareness Now! Jeff Wohler and Human Trafficking Survivor Keelin Washington We're starting off the year with some helpful information and reminders with regards to safety for ourselves and our loved ones that you won’t want to miss! January also happens to be Human Trafficking Awareness Month so in this episode, we are featuring Keelin Washington and Jeff Wohler, experts in both of those fields. Keelin Washington, a human trafficking survivor, is a Program Facilitator on multiple anti-human trafficking programs including support groups and the kNOw More program, an awareness curriculum for middle and high school aged youth. She is also the Survivor Advocate and Mental Health Coach at Generate Hope, a safe house that provides healing and a real way out. As an expert in the field, Keelin has spoken at Shared Hope International, The Washington Times podcast, Debx/Amplified Voices among many more. Her dynamic work includes creating training videos and developing curriculum for organizations working with survivors, designing reintegration programming for survivors, including therapy, court advocacy. Jeff Wohler is a lawyer, has an extensive background in law enforcement and was a former Special Agent with the US Treasury Department where he worked on organized crime and complex financial investigations. In his current role as President and CEO of the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, he has created a robust Human Trafficking awareness training program that contains six separate segments and all of these training modules are available for free through their website at Jeff is the recipient of the 2021 ASTORS Platinum Award for Excellence in Public Safety and Community Enrichment sponsored by American Security Today, along with the 2022 Hope Rising award for the Foundations work. In this episode we are certain you’ll learn surprising new things about the subjects of safety and human trafficking. You will also be immensely inspired by the work that Jeff Wohler and Keelin Washington are doing to make a difference and create hope out of darkness. Don’t forget to make sure you’re following us on and also subscribe to our version of the podcast so that you’ll know about this episode as well as the many crazy amazing humans featured in all of our episodes. We’re always here to remind you that any gesture of kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because YOU are Crazy Amazing! Thanks for being part of the Crazy Amazing Humans community. We appreciate you! /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/25641642

EP 34 - Safety and Awareness Now! Jeff Wohler and Human Trafficking Survivor Keelin Washington 01/18/2023

EP 33: Wrapped for You, 2022- The Gift of Crazy Amazing Humans! 12/19/2022

EP 32: The Carlson Halloween Spooktacular: Behind-the-Scenes with Katrina and Ken 10/19/2022

EP 31: How to Empower Girls! Shero’s Rise with Sonali Perera Bridges 08/29/2022

EP 30: Maxwell Eaton: Behind-the-Scenes with World Central Kitchen Serving Refugees at the Ukraine-Poland Border 07/25/2022

EP 29: Jamie Montgomery - Visionary Entrepreneur Transforming Philanthropy 06/27/2022

EP 29: Jamie Montgomery - Visionary Entrepreneur Transforming Philanthropy In this episode we take you inside The Montgomery Summit presented by March Capital, a premier tech conference. Katrina interviews Jamie Montgomery, the founder and host of the summit. Jamie is a successful businessman who Co-Founded and is Managing Partner of March Capital. Previously, he was the Founder and CEO of Montgomery & Co., an L.A.-based investment bank where he advised and mentored over 500 companies, financed over 200 companies, and took approximately 40 companies public. In addition to his business acumen, Jamie is also a wonderfully passionate and forward-thinking philanthropist. Jamie has provided leadership to a myriad of charitable causes both personally and through his companies. Because of his passion for encouraging education, Jamie also supports programs for innovation and entrepreneurship at many schools and universities. Some of the many organizations that have benefitted from Jamie’s efforts are (but not limited to) the following: UC San Diego, Claremont McKenna College; USC, Stanford and Chapman University, Westmark School, Brentwood School, St. Matthews School, the Boy Scouts of America, as well as efforts to help homeless populations with feeding programs, housing and inoculation efforts. In addition, Jamie was involved with ways to help rebuild businesses that have been harmed by Covid and other related factors...and much more. Jamie Montgomery authentically helps create community and connection everywhere he goes and in all that he does in a positive and inclusive way. He not only leads on a large scale, he rolls up his sleeves doing one-on-one work for various organizations so he can better understand them. It is our hope that you’ll be inspired by Jamie Montgomery’s unique perspectives and then be motivated to incorporate this entrepreneurial spirit in your own life. Jamie reminds us that, as lifelong learners, we can always discover new ways to utilize our gifts to make a difference for good! /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/23553362

EP 29: Jamie Montgomery - Visionary Entrepreneur Transforming Philanthropy 06/27/2022

EP 28: Calling All Parents--We Got You! Get the Best Parenting Tips, Tricks, Advice and Hacks with Shirin Yadegar of L.A. Mom Magazine 05/01/2022

EP 27: How You Can Live with Obstacles while Living Your Best Life with Rebecca Alexander: Extreme Athlete and Disability Rights Advocate w/ Deaf-Blindness 04/11/2022

EP 27: How You Can Live with Obstacles while Living Your Best Life with Rebecca Alexander: Extreme Athlete and Disability Rights Advocate w/ Deaf-Blindness Rebecca Alexander inspires, empowers and entertains us with hilarious anecdotes; candid insights and expert advice that will help you overcome any obstacle and encourage you to live life to its fullest in this lively conversation with Katrina Carlson and Jefferson Denim. Rebecca is the perfect guest with whom we celebrate “National Month of Hope” because she brings that and much more in this podcast! This episode is also completely closed captioned on Crazy Amazing Humans' Youtube channel. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome rendering her almost completely deaf and blind, Rebecca has written the best-selling book Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found which is currently in development to be made into a major motion picture and received an Indie Book Award. She was also honored as one of the MS Society’s Books For A Better Life. She recently narrated the PBS American Master’s biopic documentary “Becoming Helen Keller” and her TEDx talk entitled “H.E.L.P. - Humanity’s Essence, Living Proof,” has been critically acclaimed. Rebecca has been featured on many TV shows such as The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and ESPN, as well as numerous publications including People, Cosmopolitan and Shape. Rebecca has been honored with prestigious awards for her advocacy work, presented for TEDx, and has been the keynote speaker for many esteemed companies and organizations. She has been honored with prestigious awards for her advocacy such as The American Foundation for the Blind Helen Keller Achievement Award, Disability Rights Advocate Eagle Award, Future Vision Foundation Luminary Award, The Foundation Fighting Blindness Hope and Spirit Award, Strike Out USH, No Limits for Deaf Children Spirit of Leadership Award, University of Michigan Bicentennial Alumni Award, JWI Woman To Watch, Center for Hearing and Communication - Irving Berelson President’s Award. Among her many extraordinary feats, Rebecca participated in the 600-mile AIDS Lifecycle ride, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, swam from Alcatraz to shore in the San Francisco Bay, and competed in the Civilian Military Combine (CMC) races. Rebecca has a thriving psychotherapy practice with two masters’ degrees from Columbia University in Clinical Social Work and Public Health. She works with individuals, couples, and groups, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, eating disorders, and disability. Rebecca received post-graduate training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy at the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia and received her psychodynamic psychotherapy training from the American Institute for Psychoanalysis. Rebecca is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and also communicates in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language. Rebecca currently serves on the boards of Usher Syndrome Society, Usher Syndrome Coalition, No Limits for Deaf Children, Disability Rights Advocates, Kresge Hearing Research Institute at the University of Michigan Department of Otolaryngology. As we celebrate the National Month Of Hope, always remember that we can be the source of hope for others. Every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because you are Crazy Amazing! And we, at Crazy Amazing Humans, are in your corner, we’re rooting for you, and really appreciate you as part of our community. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/22751966

EP 26: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Sheryl WuDunn; How Empowering Women Empowers Us All, Kristof Farms, and the Helper’s High 03/05/2022

EP 26: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Sheryl WuDunn; How Empowering Women Empowers Us All, Kristof Farms, and the Helper’s High In honor of International Women’s Day, we have a very special guest, Sheryl WuDunn, who reminds us that women hold solutions to our world’s greatest challenges and that empowering women and girls is the most effective way to fight poverty and extremism. Selected as one of Newsweek’s “150 Women Who Shake the World” and listed as one of 60 notable members of the “League of Extraordinary Women,” WuDunn has helped raise awareness about the challenges facing women as well as models being a woman who makes an impact. Sheryl WuDunn is the first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize and is a best-selling co-author of “Half the Sky,” “Tightrope” and “A Path Appears” amongst other books. She also is one of a small handful of people who have worked at The New York Times both as an executive and journalist. Sheryl is a co-founder of FullSky Partners, a consulting firm focusing on double-bottom line ventures and was previously a VP at Goldman Sachs. In her inspirational best-selling book, “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” – written with her husband, Nicholas Kristof – WuDunn goes beyond simply exposing the devastating daily reality for so many of the world’s women, and uses the powerful book as a call to action for solutions. Thanks to the book’s popularity and global impact, it soon grew into a multi-platform digital media effort that now includes a highly popular documentary series on PBS, mobile games and an online social media game on Facebook. Sheryl has co-taught on China as part of a global affairs course at Yale University, and she frequently speaks about business and economic challenges facing China to a wide range of audiences. She discusses Chinese economic issues on major television and radio programs such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business News and NPR. She also was an esteemed guest at President Obama’s State Dinner at the White House for Chinese President Hu Jintao. She was elected this year to the Harvard University Board of Overseers. She is also a former member of the Board of Trustees at Princeton and Cornell. WuDunn has a BA from Cornell, an MPA from Princeton and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also helps run Kristof Farms, a vineyard and cider apple orchard in Oregon. Join us as Sheryl WuDunn demonstrates ways in which we can all take steps, both large and small, to impact our world for good. And as we celebrate our second year together, remember that every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. You have the power to create that every day because you are Crazy Amazing! And we, at Crazy Amazing Humans, are in your corner, we’re rooting for you, and really appreciate you as part of our community. /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/22350782

EP 25: Inspiring Solutions for Families Experiencing Homelessness: Christine Mirasy-Glasco and the Uplifting Upward Bound House 02/14/2022

EP 24: Sister Rose Pacatte: A Crazy Amazing Nun Embracing Humanity at the Crossroads of Media and the Margins 01/23/2022

EP 24: Sister Rose Pacatte: A Crazy Amazing Nun Embracing Humanity at the Crossroads of Media and the Margins If you love movies, want a deeper understanding of media - and have a cool Catholic nun explain it all - then this episode is for you! Sister Rose Pacatte, founder of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, opens our eyes to seeing our favorite media in a new light! She is an award-winning author, film journalist, well-regarded film reviewer and a “tomatometer-approved critic” on Rotten Tomatoes. Featured on Turner Classic Movies, Sister Rose shares what’s hot and what’s not with the Academy Awards and beyond! Sister Rose explores the crossroads of media literacy, humanity, and several controversial topics in this episode. Media literacy expert, Sister Rose, is a member of the Daughters of Saint Paul and founded the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles. She is an award-winning film journalist and author/co-author of 15 titles on film, film and Scripture, and media literacy education. Some of her books include Martin Sheen: Pilgrim on the Way and Lights, Camera, Faith!: A Movie Lectionary Guide to Scripture. Her educational journey is impressive. Sister Rose earned a Master of Education in media studies from the University of London’s Institute of Education and a doctorate in ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. Her doctoral project was an undergraduate film textbook entitled To Seek God's Face: Theological Approaches to Film. Sister Rose is a resident film critic for the St. Anthony Messenger and for the National Catholic Reporter. She reviews mainstream, independent, and faith-based titles. She also writes the blog “Sister Rose at the Movies” on the Patheos website. She has sat on ecumenical juries at the Berlin, Locarno, and Cannes film festivals, as well as on the SIGNIS independent jury in Venice. In 2015, she presented the inaugural “Redeemer” award at the Razzies parody award show. In 2016, Sister Rose hosted a series of classic films on Turner Classic Movies that were originally condemned by the National Legion of Decency. Remember to make listening to our podcast a “habit” (see what we did there?) by subscribing to our podcast and Instagram. Like, right now, do it! No, seriously, click on the link to subscribe–it’s free and it’s crazy amazing! And with every new subscription, an angel gets their wings! We really appreciate you, Crazy Amazing Humans, and we’re proud to call you part of our community. Remember that every small kindness has the potential to create a Crazy Amazing Human experience, one person at a time. We are in your corner, rooting for you and think YOU are Crazy Amazing, too! /episode/index/show/crazyamazinghumans/id/21868007

EP 23: Mallika Chopra: How to Keep It Together by Living with Intent This Holiday Season and Beyond! 11/14/2021

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