The Whole Damn Pie
We’ve all felt the need to settle at one point or another. To settle for a “slice” of life when – whether we know it or not - we really want the whole pie. What is the whole pie? It’s health, fulfillment, that promotion, to make more money, to impact our community, to leave a lasting legacy, to live up to our own expectations and on and on. It’s different for everyone – and that’s the point. This is why The Vida Agency founder and president Amalia Martino brings you a series of fulfillment-focused conversations in “The Whole Damn Pie” podcast...
Tue, February 04, 2025
The Importance of Identity and Feeling Like You Belong
Ruchika Malhotra is a keynote speaker, inclusion strategist, and the bestselling author of Inclusion on Purpose—an intersectional approach to creating a culture of belonging at work. She is also the founder of the inclusion strategy practice CANDOR. Amalia and Ruchika chat about individuals being made up of a multitude of identities, battling the underestimations of others, and how western feminism hasn’t given us that promised liberation. They also discuss how Ruchika started her career in the “overwhelmingly white and overwhelmingly male” journalism industry and Ruchika shares her many experiences of having her name deliberately mispronounced or being ignored by coworkers due to the way she looks. Key Takeaways: The shame of a name: Ruchika explains how it took her “decades to reclaim agency and connection over my own name, which tells this beautiful story of a heritage and all this meaning and is so powerful.” Unravelling systems of oppression: Ruchika shares a sneak peek at her new book coming out fall 2025. She speaks to how humans are conditioned to believe in survival of the fittest and put self above community when we should be spreading the wealth and helping others grow alongside us. The Whole Damn Pie means: aspiring to a garden. For Ruchika, it’s looking after herself so she can replant seeds and give to others. Learn more about Ruchika and her book here: https://www.ruchika.co/
Tue, January 21, 2025
The Fight for Identity as an Asylee in the US
“When you’re a woman of color in leadership, why wouldn't you have an identity crisis when the standard for you, even in the position of power that you are in, is different from your white co-workers and colleagues. You have to spend time and emotional labor to advocate to people why you are even here in the first place.” Qurat Ul Ain is an immigrant, an asylum seeker, and a leader in the legal fight for women's rights across the country. Amalia and Qurat Ul Ain speak about feeling like you need to whitewash yourself, the many challenges and sacrifices you face as a refugee in the US, and having to hide parts of your personality or your beliefs and opinions to fit in or earn your visa. They also connect over Qurat Ul Ain’s work at Legal Voice , including operating on a shared leadership model and the shocking fact that crisis pregnancy centers aren’t protected by HIPAA. Key Takeaways: Feeling the need to show up as a “model brown person”: Qurat Ul Ain details her decade-long experience of fighting her case as a religious and a political asylee in the US. Her work with Legal Voice: In her “dream job” as Development & Communications Director, Qurat Ul Ain helps the immigrant community and people who speak English as a second language to understand their rights. The Whole Damn Pie means: being accepted and belonging somewhere. For Qurat Ul Ain, it’s being able to step out confidently, not being put in a box, and not having people ask, “So, where are you really from?”. Learn more about Legal Voice here: https://legalvoice.org/
Tue, January 07, 2025
Community, Collaboration and Giving Everything Your All
“When you have an opportunity to play a big role with young people in the community, you have to take that seriously. That's an honor. Everybody doesn't get to do that.” Jace ECAj is an activist, an emcee, and half of the hip hop soul duo Black Stax. He’s also a well known and inspiring leader in the community and, in his role as Director of Community and Artist Development at The Residency, he gets to teach young artists and help prepare them for their future. From being a great listener to showing up authentically and staying true to the things you believe in—Jace and Amalia chat about what this role entails. They also explore what hip hop means to Jace and how it’s shaped so many aspects of his life. Key Takeaways Being “Black and Alive”: Learn more about the motto Jace lives by and the meaning behind it. Being an Activist is a Compliment: Jace shares his experience of getting his “hands in the mud” and standing up for what he believes in. The Whole Damn Pie means: For Jace, it’s living life holistically and giving every individual aspect its fair share of attention. Learn more about the incredible work The Residency are doing here: https://www.theresidencyseattle.org/
Mon, December 23, 2024
Leading with Empathy and Authenticity
“It’s no longer acceptable for organizations to offer a one-size-fits-all approach.” Award-winning entrepreneur, workplace educator, and the Founder & CEO of Reimagine talent, Chelsea C. Williams helps employers provide a better workplace for multi-generational workers. She and Amalia share some workplace truths and Chelsea chats about why it’s important for leaders to see each unique individual, flexing to meet different generational needs, and the impact of employees demanding more from their employers than ever before. Amalia and Chelsea also connect over how they’ve incorporated the concept of having the whole damn pie into the focus of their own companies and the people who they work alongside to make a real difference in the world. Key Takeaways How the workforce is evolving: Learn more about how factors such as AI, generational shifts, and changing employee expectations are shaping the workplace. Tips on managing a fully remote company: Chelsea shares how they prioritize connection at Reimagine Talent. The Whole Damn Pie means: For Chelsea, it’s living life on her own terms and being authentic to herself in pursuit of what really matters. Learn more about Reimagine Talent here: https://www.reimaginetalentco.com/
Tue, December 10, 2024
A mission for shared prosperity, cultural representation, and impactful community work.
Colleen Echohawk A mission for shared prosperity, cultural representation, and impactful community work. Colleen Echohawk is a self-described aggressive optimist, incredible extrovert, and someone who sees the glass as not only half full, but overflowing with abundance. For her, the whole damn pie means having a lot of joy. Filling her life with beautiful dog walks, hanging with family and friends, singing karaoke, reading good books, and watching shows with her husband. Doesn’t seem too much to ask right? But she’s also a believer in shared prosperity and she’s not afraid to step up and do the scary things in life—whether that’s running for mayor of Seattle, building housing units for Seattle’s urban native homeless, or running a native retail business. Over the last two decades, Colleen has done all this and so much more as part of her commitment to helping marginalized populations and native prosperity. Key Takeaways: Native disparity: In King County, less than 1% of the population are native, yet they make up over 15% of the homeless population. Inspiring her kids: Colleen’s passionate about helping her children to understand truth, showing them that native people can be in office, and teaching them to not be afraid to take risks. Changing the native narrative: She’s CEO of Eighth Generation, a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand that is creating products by inspired natives, not native-inspired products. The Whole Pie means joy: Listen in for how Colleen achieves the whole damn pie. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you’re the first to know when we add new episodes. While you’re there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it. Eighth Generation Produced by Larj Media
Tue, November 19, 2024
Beyond Words: How Voice Shapes Identity
Nicole Gress, Founder of Undead Voice, is a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in gender-affirming care and a passionate believer that “voice is extremely tied to our sense of self.” They chat with Amalia about how voice transition is about more than sound—it's a profound journey of self-affirmation. One that actually helped them to identify their own gender fluidity. Now, Nicole uses their work to break down preconceived biases and societally constructed expectations of what a voice should sound like. Through this, they aim to empower trans individuals to find a voice they can use without nervousness or anxiety, and that affirms their identity. Nicole also advocates for greater inclusivity in organizations and communities, and speaks to employers, including Fortune 500 companies, on what they can be doing to make every employee feel more safe and seen. Key Takeaways: The Power of Voice: Learn why voice is a powerful means of exploring and expressing identity. Breaking Down Bias: Gain insights into how Nicole’s work empowers people to find a voice that affirms their identity and that doesn’t pigeonhole them into any societally constructed expectations. Gender Fluidity: Hear Nicole reflect on how voice training helped them to understand how fluid and multifaceted their own identity was and how much voice could be a tool of gender exploration. How Employers Can Support Trans People: Discover why more and more trans individuals are looking at what kind of gender affirming care employers offer when considering a job. The Whole Pie means balance: Listen in for how Nicole achieves the whole damn pie. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you’re the first to know when we add new episodes. While you’re there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it. Produced by Larj Media Undead Voice Transcript: WDP_NicoleGress_Transcript.pdf
Wed, November 13, 2024
Living Life Through Your Values
Alicia Chapman isn’t someone who takes the easy route. She started her career building institutions and infrastructure in post-conflict areas, like Afghanistan, Palestine, and Libya and she’s now Founder & CEO of Willamette Technical Fabricators — as well as being a mom to two under two. Alicia’s deeply committed to equity, sustainable practices, and creating an inclusive workplace culture. She’s also passionate about public advocacy and using her platform to make the world a better place. The biggest lessons she’s learnt along the way? Tune in to find out.
Tue, November 05, 2024
Letting Go of Perfection
As a mom of three, it’s fair to say Andryanna Gonko knows a thing (or 50) about juggling the demands of parenthood. In fact, she’s even founded a podcast all about it, aptly called The Juggle Is Real. It all started back in 2017 when Andryanna was diagnosed with burnout. The experience taught her that it’s actually ok to choose yourself. To break free from the constant demand of group chats, to create better work boundaries, and even to set aside 30 minutes in your day to do something that’s just for you. Because it turns out when you prioritize your own wellbeing, you can show up so much better for everyone else. And that might just be the secret to having the whole damn pie. We’ll let you decide.
Mon, October 07, 2024
Introducing A Fine Mess
On this special episode, we’re featuring a conversation from A Fine Mess, the new podcast from our friends at Evoke Media that was recently named a “must-listen” by The Guardian and Apple Podcasts! On A Fine Mess, venture capitalist and philanthropist Sabrina Merage Naim interviews expert guests about the most thought-provoking topics of our time. On this show, understanding replaces assumptions and commonalities replace divides. Along the way, Sabrina helps listeners learn how to better approach difficult conversations and foster tolerance and inclusivity. In today’s episode, Sabrina speaks to psychologist, author, and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at Boonshoft School of Medicine Dr. Katherine Hertlein about the challenges of modern dating in 2024. Together, they examine what cultural expectations of relationships in media have done for our own relationships, and how technology plays a role in our existing partner-related anxieties. Listen to more episodes of A Fine Mess and follow the podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/tgng-Yvh?sid=twdp
Wed, August 21, 2024
Why the Traditional Approach to Money is Broken
Why the traditional approach to money is broken Dennis Williams, CEO of My Financial Therapist, invites us to break up with the American dream. And with startling facts like 50% of the population lives paycheck to paycheck, it’s not hard to understand why. Dennis believes the American Dream serves as an anchor to keep us in place, to make us want things that get us in debt. And, as a nation, we’re more in debt than ever. Yet, if we democratize finance and make it more accessible for everyone to understand (not just the wealthy), that might just be the secret to living a life on our own terms. Dennis certainly hopes so. Tune in to hear him chat to Amalia about all this and much more. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it.
Wed, August 07, 2024
The Interconnectedness of Self-Worth
Amalia chats to therapist Heather Lowrey about scarcity mindsets, self-worth, money as a means of control, and the importance of not comparing yourself to others.
Wed, July 24, 2024
Joy, Relationships, and the Art of Pivoting
Wife, mom of four, and owner of G6 Retail Renovation — wow does Sheree give Amalia a lesson in doing it all. Sheree has become a master at playing calendar jenga, managing work, being a mom, and volunteer projects (among other things we’re too exhausted to list). Amalia and Sheree touch on the expectation that moms are the superheroes in the home while also juggling their own careers. Listen in for Sheree’s tips on motherhood, work, and having the whole damn pie. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it.
Wed, July 10, 2024
Finding Harmony
Lindsay Torrico left an incredibly successful career in community development, grassroots mobilization, and public policy, advocating on the Hill in DC when she became disillusioned with the policy process and the politics. Now, as Senior VP of Bank Community Engagement at American Bankers Association & Executive Director of ABA Foundation she helps banks to put community at the front of their corporate social responsibility strategies. And she couldn’t be happier. The lesson she’s maintained through it all is one her grandmother taught her — to ensure she has harmony in all the roles she plays in her life, from professional to personal. Lindsay recognizes when all this is in alignment, that’s when she can really achieve fulfillment and success and have her own whole damn pie. Hit play for the full story. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it.
Wed, June 26, 2024
The Extraordinary Value of Mentorship
Murray Ross had an incredible career, from starting at the Congressional Budget Office to becoming Vice President in Kaiser Permanente's national government relations team today. But a common thread throughout is his willingness to support and mentor others — and Amalia admits she wouldn’t be where she is today without him. Tune in to hear more about the role of chance encounters and what having the whole damn pie means to him. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it.
Wed, June 12, 2024
Listening to Your Gut
For Kirsten, having her daughter was a turning point to live a healthier life. At 24, she was significantly obese and pre-diabetic with high blood pressure. To change this, Kirsten decided she needed to overcome the toxic diet culture and processed food lifestyle she was used to and truly learn what it means to live healthily. And she did it. Now, Kirsten’s a former chef to professional athletes and the founder of Mesa De Vida, a series of globally inspired natural ingredient starter sauces — as well as being a mom of two. Listen in to hear how Kirsten achieved all this (and more), along with her advice on staying true to who you are and feeling good in what you're doing. https://mesadevida.com/ @chefkirstensandoval @mesadevida
Wed, May 29, 2024
The Pursuit of Passion, Not Perfection
Isabelle’s is a story of resilience, ambition, and bravery. She’s the co-founder & CEO of Lupii, a plant-based food company. She launched Lupii just two months before the pandemic started and swiftly saw the world shut down in front of her eyes. So, it’s safe to say she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to the the twists and turns of business ownership and the lessons to be learned along the way. Isabelle and Amalia talk through some of these lessons, as well as Isabelle’s aim to live a life with no regrets and the importance of not letting the fear of failing stop you from taking risks. It’s one you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy listening, be sure to follow us so you're the first to know when we add new episodes. While you're there, please leave us a review — we’d really appreciate it.
Wed, May 15, 2024
Doing What Makes You Happy.
Ái Vuong tries to live a life outside of the system that society dictates, to describe herself with verbs not nouns, to have a community impact, and to embrace joy. Born in Vietnam, but raised in Texas, Ái has always wondered what life would have been like if she had stayed — and in her early 20s, she set off to discover the land of her parents. Ái’s been on quite the journey so far, but the biggest lesson? Allowing space in your life to be surprised. Ai is a Vietnamese-born, Texas-bred image-maker + educator. She is the co-founder of TAPI Story and Director of Creativity for School of Slow Media .
Trailer · Tue, May 14, 2024
Trailer Relaunch
Welcome to The Whole Damn Pie
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