Unpacking Stories
Oftentimes the most inspiring stories are the ones that surround us. These are the ones of our parents, friends, neighbors, or maybe even an acquaintance. From changing careers to growing up in the midst of a war, and everything in between. Each week Mel will ‘unpack’ her guests’ stories, their path, and the pivotal moments in their lives!
info_outline
To All The Trips We Missed | The Stories of Our Travels with Shannon Talley and Nasreen Hussain
05/10/2021
To All The Trips We Missed | The Stories of Our Travels with Shannon Talley and Nasreen Hussain
Let’s get this party started! For this final episode of season two I wanted to do something a little different and talk about travel stories. I sat down with two of my great friends, Shannon and Nasreen to talk all things travel from: food, getting proposed to by strangers, spontaneous tattoos, and spending time in an elephant sanctuary -- just to name a few. While we can’t wait to have our passports stamped once again, we’re excited to take a trip down memory lane recalling our memorable travel experiences. So sit back, and enjoy the episode! I’m also happy to announce that there will be a season 3 of this podcast! (TW/CW: Planes and flight discussed 26:02 - 36:42) 🎙🎮Shannon: 🍪Nasreen: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/19036868
info_outline
Pain and Perspective | The Story of Enzo Domingo
05/03/2021
Pain and Perspective | The Story of Enzo Domingo
This week’s storyteller is Enzo Domingo! Enzo dives into his journey of personal growth, life lessons, heartbreak, and finding comedy through it all… literally. We chat about his transition through majors in school, the ambition he had jumping into video production, and how he landed a job as a Studio Director before graduation. As many hopeless romantics do, he made a pivot from New Jersey to Virginia for both love and his career and takes us through that time in his life and what he’s up to now! From improv classes to virtual comedy shows, Enzo talks about a superstition he has about comedy and his love life. So, grab a drink and get ready for a fun time! I wanted to take a moment and wish a huge congratulations to Reé. I had her on last season- the episode called Under Construction. We had a chance to hear her story and she spoke about the process of releasing her first single, which she recently did! Her FIRST SINGLE is called R.A.B and I'm so proud and beyond excited for her! Check it out, I’ll have it in the description below. 🎤 Enzo Domingo: 🎶 R.A.B by Reé: Under Construction- Unpacking Stories Season One, Episode Seven: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/18932282
info_outline
Mind and Body Balance | The Story of Registered Dietitian, Business Owner, and Podcaster Toni Marinucci
04/26/2021
Mind and Body Balance | The Story of Registered Dietitian, Business Owner, and Podcaster Toni Marinucci
Hello and welcome to another episode of Unpacking Stories! I’m so stoked to introduce this week’s storyteller **drumroll please** Toni Marinucci! Toni is a fellow podcaster of the Tips With Toni Podcast, Registered Dietitian, Health and Wellness coach whose passion is to help people live happier and healthier lives. Toni takes us through some of the happiest moments growing up on Long Island to recalling some of her darkest moments with her relationship with food. We dive into her process of slowing down, becoming introspective, and getting honest with herself about navigating her relationships with food and partners. Going through her career from graduating as a Registered Dietitian and working many jobs thereafter, life has always brought out her leadership skills and she had the realization she wanted to work for herself to help others and share her message. Drawing from her own experiences, she became the founder of Tips With Toni which has led to much success like achieving one of her dreams and conquering her fears of stepping onto a TEDx Talk stage! (TW/CW: Eating Disorders, Weight, and Body Image) 🍎 Toni Marinucci: Once Upon A Diet | TEDx Lakeland University: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/18842336
info_outline
Home Is Where The Heart Is | The Story of Ogulcan Sahin
04/19/2021
Home Is Where The Heart Is | The Story of Ogulcan Sahin
Hello friends and welcome back to another episode of Unpacking Stories! From enjoying Kafta and kicking a soccer ball in the streets of Istanbul, Turkey to venturing to the US, today’s storyteller Ogulcan is taking us through his journey. He recalls the special realization he had the moment he received his diploma. He talks about moving to the US alone at age 22 and the tough conversations he had with his friends and family before coming to New York City. We discuss his explorations of Miami and San Diego as well as making ends meet in America. We also chat about taking the time to enjoy the little moments in life, and reflecting on life’s lessons. 🗺 Ogulcan Sahin: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/18685256
info_outline
"Weathering" Life | The Story of Meteorologist Addison Green
04/12/2021
"Weathering" Life | The Story of Meteorologist Addison Green
Welcome back to Unpacking Stories! Did you know that if you are a storm-chaser and you see a tornado, you reward yourself with a steak dinner? Well this week’s storyteller is Meteorologist Addison Green. Addison talks about the time he saw not one, not two, but thirteen tornadoes in Kansas. If you love weather, or hearing about weather phenomena from someone who has experienced them firsthand, you need to hear Addison's story! Addison takes us through his journey being raised by two educators, making the pivot from computer science to meteorology and talks about the opportunity he had to be a Weather Producer in NYC. Addison shares how he deals with online negativity to the classic “get mad at the weatherman," dives into his time working at CBS “The Early Show” and the long drives from Albany to NYC he did while working two jobs and completing his internship. He takes us through his experience reporting outside in Snow Storms, Storm Chasing, the nerve-wrecking experience of driving away from a tornado, and the aftermath of some devastating storms and why certain hurricane names will never be used again. (TW/CW: Mental health and Seasonal Depression discussed) ☔️⛅️ Addison Green: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/18676058
info_outline
Where I Am, Where I've Been, Where I'm going | The Story of Aashna
04/05/2021
Where I Am, Where I've Been, Where I'm going | The Story of Aashna
Welcome back, friends!!! I hope you are all doing well and having an amazing week. This week's storyteller is Aashna. Aashna dives into her journey growing up in India, having the privilege to attend boarding school in Singapore, and going to college in the US. She shares her experience majoring in Psychology and Theater and tells us about the time she directed a play about psychological torture for her thesis and the color psychology behind the production. Aashna shares her journey with grief and we dive into the realities of finding a therapist you connect with. Aashna gives tips about how to search for a therapist or counselor, and shares her goals of becoming a Diversity Consultant. She is a light in this world and I’m so grateful to have this chance to sit and unpack her journey- Thank you, Aashna!(TW/CW: Blood, Suicide discussed) Mental Health organizations: www.mhanational.org www.nami.org Sites to find a therapist: www.psychologytoday.com www.betterhelp.com www.talkspace.com www.thriveworks.com A free & confidential hotline for people in crisis: Text SILENCE to 741741 🧠❤️ Aashna: [email protected] 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/18546218
info_outline
Unpacking Stories Season Two | Trailer
03/31/2021
Unpacking Stories Season Two | Trailer
Welcome back to Season Two of Unpacking Stories! Oftentimes the most inspiring stories are the ones that surround us. From finding a home in a new country, becoming your own boss, storm chasing, overcoming life’s challenges, and sometimes scary travel experiences. Each week Mel will ‘unpack’ her guests’ stories, their path, and the pivotal moments in their lives! 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/18517469
info_outline
Under Construction | The Story of Producer, Singer and Actress Desiree Vazquez (Reé Of Lyte)
01/11/2021
Under Construction | The Story of Producer, Singer and Actress Desiree Vazquez (Reé Of Lyte)
Happy Monday, friends! This week’s storyteller is Desiree Vazquez, a queen of many talents. She takes us through her life: from growing up in the Bronx, to venturing out on her own in California. Desiree shares the struggles and successes of her journey as a producer, singer, and actress. Desiree talks about growing up quickly, toxic relationships, re-discovering herself, her craft, and finding inner-peace through it all. She is truly a Reé Of Lyte! Thank you so much for all of your support throughout the first collection of stories. We look forward to bringing you Collection Two very soon. In the meantime, catch up with past episodes on both podcast & YouTube! (TW/CW: Abuse discussed) 🎶Desiree Vazquez: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/17392772
info_outline
Gratifying Life Experiences | The Story of Shannon Talley
01/04/2021
Gratifying Life Experiences | The Story of Shannon Talley
Hey Friends! Sending so much love and light to you in this new year. This week's storyteller is Shannon Talley. She is the host and mastermind behind the Blerds and Nerds Podcast. She shares stories about growing up in NYC, the Disney ride that sparked a fear of elevators, her drive to always go after her goals, and what inspired her to start her first podcast. We talk about her career in TV production and technical directing. Shannon also tells us about the time she made a big mistake during a job interview for the Maury Show. She talks candidly about the times she has donated her eggs, why she did it and her experiences throughout that process. Shannon is very insightful and we find out about her secret talent… singing! Rate, review, subscribe, comment, like & all that jazz. Thanks so much! (TW/CW: The process of egg donation discussed) 🎮Shannon Talley: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/17377559
info_outline
Comida Es Mi Lenguaje De Amor | The Story of Chef and Entrepreneur Josue Chanduvi
12/28/2020
Comida Es Mi Lenguaje De Amor | The Story of Chef and Entrepreneur Josue Chanduvi
Happy New Year’s, friends! Today’s storyteller is Josue Chanduvi. Josue is the Chef and Owner of the restaurant “Grandma’s Spanish Kitchen.” He shares stories about his upbringing and some serendipitous encounters that led to life lessons beyond starting a business at 19. Josue talks about the time he had recurring dreams about his grandmother, which inspired him to open his own Candy Shop. Josue expresses the struggles and success of opening up his first restaurant inspired by the Cuban and Peruvian cuisine he grew up with (Grandma’s Spanish Kitchen was recently featured in Travel + Leisure “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021.” Huge congrats, Josue!🎉). Trust me you’ll be left hungry and inspired after this episode… A recipe for a great day! 👨🏽🍳 Josue Chanduvi: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/17285903
info_outline
Chicago vs. New York Pizza | The Story of Foodie and Sound Engineer Rani Mackevich
12/21/2020
Chicago vs. New York Pizza | The Story of Foodie and Sound Engineer Rani Mackevich
Today we have Bulls’ fan, Chicago-raised, Brooklyn-based foodie, Rani Mack! We chat growing up in Chicago, living in Israel, moving to NYC, and her journey as a sound engineer for various concerts. She shares her memorable NYC stories and we discuss pizza. Chicago or New York style pizza? You tell us! Please rate, review, subscribe, like and all that good stuff! Thanks so much and enjoy! 🎧Rani Mack: 🎙Social Media & Podcast Links: ✉️ Email me: 🎶 Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/17070680
info_outline
Surviving to Thriving | The Story of Daniel Offman
12/07/2020
Surviving to Thriving | The Story of Daniel Offman
Happy Monday! This week I sit down with my father, Daniel as he takes us through his journey growing up in El Salvador and the events that led him to leave during the country’s civil war. We dive into his life as a young man in the United States and Canada. We talk about struggles and achievements, and the people who played a pivotal role in his life. He even gives some amazing car maintenance tips everyone should know to save some coin! (TW/CW: War & Depression discussed) Social Media & Podcast Links: Email me: Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/17040092
info_outline
The Journey to Joy | The Story of Joyfully Chrissy Lee
11/30/2020
The Journey to Joy | The Story of Joyfully Chrissy Lee
Today’s storyteller is Christina! Christina is the inspiring and wonderful founder of ‘Being Joyfully You’ (An incredible group dedicated to spreading joy and connecting with one another!). We talk about: navigating motherhood at 21, marriage, divorce, maintaining joy in each season of life, and learning to forgive yourself. Please rate review and subscribe! (TW/CW: Body Image & Abortion discussed) Christina: Social Media & Podcast Links: Email me: Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/16991729
info_outline
Unpacking Stories | Intro
11/29/2020
Unpacking Stories | Intro
Welcome! This is the intro to Unpacking Stories and a few of the many reasons I was inspired to start this collection of stories. Many thanks to everyone who has given their time and energy to me and this podcast. I’m so grateful to all of you for taking the time to listen and watch! The first episode will be out tomorrow morning.
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/16985666
info_outline
Unpacking Stories | Trailer
11/24/2020
Unpacking Stories | Trailer
Oftentimes the most inspiring stories are the ones that surround us. These are the ones of our parents, friends, neighbors, or maybe even an acquaintance. From changing careers to growing up in the midst of a war, and everything in between. Each week Mel will ‘unpack’ her guests’ stories, their path, and the pivotal moments in their lives! Music by: GurtyBeats
/episode/index/show/unpackingstories/id/16931585