Rad People I Know

Reem Borrows From the River to the Sea: Humanzing Freedom

Val Hunting — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:00:00 -0400

My guest in this episode is the wonderful Reem Borrows, https://www.reemborrows.com/ the author of the excellent book: From the River to the Sea: Humanizing Freedom. Reem is a Palestinian Christian (yes, they exist) and this book was written prior to the most recent conflict in the Middle East. Her book is a fresh and compassionate writing on the Israeli-Palestinian plight. It is a call for empathy as a guiding principle to engage in meaningful dialogue on this contentious issue.

Maria Treadaway and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

Val Hunting — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400

For our next episode, we talk to the amazing Maria Treadaway from NZ. (I know so many rad people from NZ!) Maria has been involved in multiple legs of the Clipper Round the World Yacht race. The Clipper Race is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other.

With no previous sailing experience necessary, amateurs can sign up for the intensive training programme, and be part of a record-breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. The route is divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings. You can choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select one or multiple legs.

We talk to Maria about her experience which is fascinating. Also, if you, like me are tired of hearing my voice, Maria has a lovely voice, well spoken, eloquent and features more heavily than myself. I'm in awe of her Radness!

Alex Rotas Starts a Very Different Conversation About Ageing and Athleticism

Val Hunting — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:45:00 -0400

What does ageing mean these days? We kick off Season 2 with a fantastic episode with the wonderful Alex Rotas who photographs athletes very late in life, some still competing in their 90’s! As she says on her website: “Hi, I’m Alex. I hope that my images remind us all of what’s possible as we age and force us to think again about our attitudes towards ageing.” It started when Alex was looking for older athletes online and found……nothing. She decided that she was going to start documenting these competitive men and women, bought a camera in 2011 and has never looked back.

Dr. Cheryl Camm - Classical Composer and Nearly Daily Leaper Pt. 2

Val Hunting — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:45:00 -0400

The last 2 episodes of Season 1 are really 2 old friends catching up. I met Cheryl when I started my Master's program in New Zealand. We were the only 2 women studying composition and we were both "foreigners". She proceeded me by 1 year and became a mentor to me. We bonded over our shared status and similar sense of humour. While I abandoned music as a paid profession, Cheryl has gone on to make a living in composition and conducting. For those in my network that know Cheryl, I hope you enjoy these 2 episodes.

Dr. Cheryl Camm - Classical Composer and Nearly Daily Leaper Pt. 1

Val Hunting — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 08:30:00 -0400

Work Life Integration with Michelle and Pete

Val Hunting — Wed, 01 May 2024 06:30:00 -0400

We are all familiar with "work life balance" but what exactly is work life integration? For those of us that are fortunate enough not to be tied to an office, it's a fantastic way to ensure you are working effectively, living adventurously while protecting mental health. Peter Goes and Michelle Harvey are the inspirational team behind CMC, Australia's leading ERP and Business Transformation experts. https://cmcaust.com/

They way they approach running and operating their business has been inspirational to many. Personally they are the most generous people on earth. Extremely rad indeed.

Steven Hanney of Cenris and the album Warm the Winter

Val Hunting — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:30:00 -0400

Pleased and proud to have my nephew on the next 2 episodes of the podcast. We talk about his journey through the first 2 albums and play some of the standout tracks.

Check out his band Cenris here:

https://www.facebook.com/Cenris

https://www.instagram.com/cenrisofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/@cenrisofficial1272

https://cenris.bandcamp.com/

Steven Hanney of Cenris talks about the debut album Autumn Moon

Val Hunting — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:30:00 -0400

Pleased and proud to have my nephew on the next 2 episodes of the podcast. We talk about his journey through the first 2 albums and play some of the standout tracks.

Check out his band Cenris here:

https://www.facebook.com/Cenris

https://www.instagram.com/cenrisofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/@cenrisofficial1272

https://cenris.bandcamp.com/

Angie Tumlinson Trades Soup and Sandwiches for Self Transformation

Val Hunting — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:30:00 -0400

Meet Angie Tumlinson, thought leader and CEO of Elevate You Institute. Angie is a childhood friend that has been on a journey of significant change. She traded hard work for a rewarding business by helping others bring transformative success in the pursuit of their goals. We talk about how we both challenged the messaging and restrictions of our upbringing to live a more expressive version of ourselves.

I also host Angie's podcast, Elevated Insights which you can find on all podcast platforms.

Robert Haynes-Peterson and the Accidental Life of Luxury Journalism

Val Hunting — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0400

I have known Robert Haynes-Peterson since my freshman year in college when we both played in the Whitman College Renaissance Consort, an amateur musical group led by the Astronomy Professor, Kate Bracher. We confidently played recorders, sackbuts and crumhorns frequently in tune. Robert graduated with degrees in Geology and Anthropology but quickly moved to NYC in 1998 when anyone with a pulse could get a job. He started writing and editing for magazines (Collector figurines and teddy bears), moving to lingerie and then finally to luxury freelance writing. This has taken him all over the world, to many exciting places, meeting and interviewing many celebrities and having rad experiences along the way.

Gina Brown Abandons A Sensible Life in Exchange for Creative Fulfilment

Val Hunting — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:30:00 -0400

This is a story about what many of us WANT to do but lack the courage to do it. Meet the extremely rad Gina Brown who changed from a steady pay-check in some boring profession to full fledged creative anarchy. Late in life. Just before COVID. She is a stand up comedian, actress and daily dancer. Check out some of her work here and enjoy her infectious laughter as she tells her story.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10832295/

Dr. Susan Pickett and the Tale of "Missing" Women Classical Composers Pt. 2

Val Hunting — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0400

We continue our fascinating discussion with Dr. Susan Pickett.

Dr. Susan Pickett and the Tale of "Missing" Women Classical Composers Pt. 1

Val Hunting — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Where are all the women classical composers? It’s easy to think that they don’t exist, but of course, that isn’t the case. Ask any music student and they may only be able to identify a handful of classical women composers.

Meet Dr. Susan Pickett, one of my music professors from Whitman College. Dr. Pickett is a remarkable violinist, accomplished musicologist and gifted professor, with an impressive background that includes degrees from Occidental College and Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.

As a violinist, Dr. Pickett has studied with some of the most respected names in the field, including John Browning Sr., Franco Gulli, and James Barber. She is also an avid musicologist and has dedicated years of research to uncovering the lives and works of underrepresented women composers. You will hear some of these astonishing works on this podcast. One particular work worth mentioning is the Piano Quintet No. 1, by Louise Farrenc, which is a worthy equal to Schumann’s Trout Quintet. Dr. Pickett single-handedly uncovered this work!Where are all the women classical composers? It’s easy to think that they don’t exist, but of course, that isn’t the case. Ask any music student and they may only be able to identify a handful of classical women composers.

Vodka Diplomacy: And Other Adventures and Lessons in the New Russia Part 2

Val Hunting — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Part 2 of Phaedra's journey.

Vodka Diplomacy: And Other Adventures and Lessons in the New Russia Part 1

Val Hunting — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Step back in time to 1994, Moscow - a moment in history that was both uncertain and full of potential. The Soviet Union had collapsed, and the future was wide open. In the midst of this tumultuous time, Phaedra Fisher, a young woman armed with a top-notch education, raw enthusiasm, and unwavering optimism set out to make a difference.

This young woman's journey is an inspiring and fascinating tale of courage, determination, and hard work. Her story is chronicled in "Vodka Diplomacy," a gripping memoir that takes you on a journey through the early days of the post-Soviet era.

As a graduate of Russian language and economics, this young woman found herself in a unique position of influence at a time when these skills were highly valued. With a thirst for adventure and a mission to make a difference, she dove headfirst into the thick of things, taking on the challenges and uncertainties of a rapidly-changing world.

In "Vodka Diplomacy," you'll follow her journey as she navigates the complex landscape of Russian culture, politics, and business, learning to balance her idealism with the realities of the world around her.

This memoir is a powerful reminder that every generation of university graduates believes they can change the world - and some actually attempt to do it. It's a story of hope, determination, and ultimately being able to discern what can (and cannot) actually be achieved by one person in the face of centuries of tradition. So come along for the ride, as we journey back to 1994 Moscow and experience the raw energy and a story of one person's experience during a significant moment in history that would change the world forever.

The Dr. Invisiablo Years of a band called Wretched Skinny

Val Hunting — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:15:00 -0400

Get ready for another thrilling episode of our podcast, as we continue our exploration of one of New Zealand's most exciting yet forgotten bands from the early 2000s - Wretched Skinny. In this episode, we follow their journey across the Tasman to Australia under their new name, Dr. Invisablo.

This unique and powerful group created a sound that was simply impossible to ignore. They were loud, thunderous, and energetic, with a style that blended rock, punk, and dirty in a way that was completely their own.

Join us as we delve deeper into the musical journey of Dr. Invisablo, and explore the stories behind their unforgettable music. From the challenges they faced in conquering Australia, to their unique experiences as a band, we uncover it all in this episode.

We take you on a journey through their history, playing some of their most iconic tracks and discussing the unique experiences that come with being a rock band. To be wedded to music and each other, is an old tale but always a fascinating one.

Wretched Skinny, or Dr. Invisablo as they were known in Australia, may have flown under the radar, but their music and legacy live on. We're excited to share their story with you, and to introduce their unforgettable sound to a new generation of music lovers.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we take you on a journey through the incredible music and unique experiences of Dr. Invisablo. It's a delightful telling of a unique experience of the common rock band story, and one that you won't want to miss!

A Band Called Wretched Skinny

Val Hunting — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Get ready for an electrifying episode of my new podcast as I sit down with two legends of the underground music scene in New Zealand/Australia - Robbie Bloomfield and Derek Richards! These two musicians were 2/3 of the iconic band Wretched Skinny, which were part of a formidable musical scene in the late 90s and early 2000s.

In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane and explore the humble beginnings of Wretched Skinny, from their roots in New Plymouth to their rise to fame in the gritty underground scene of Wellington. We delve into each individual's musical journey and how they eventually came together to create a sound that was hard, raw, and grimy - a true reflection of the times.

Join us as we listen to three of Wretched Skinny's classic tracks - "6 Miles High", "The Burger King", and "Roachcola" - and relive the magic of their music. We also discuss the changing face of music during that period, as the internet started to have a significant impact on the industry. We discuss the challenges faced by rock music in New Zealand during that time, and how Wretched Skinny overcame those obstacles to become a force to be reckoned with.

In true rock and roll fashion, we discuss the highs and lows of life on the road and the frank reality of drugs and the rock and roll lifestyle.

Sadly, Wretched Skinny's music is not available on any mainstream streaming services, as they were one of the many excellent bands lost in the shift from CDs to streaming. However, you can still find selected tracks here on RadPeopleIknow, so be sure to check them out and relive the magic of Wretched Skinny.

Ultimately, this episode is a testament to the special bond shared by these two musicians over decades of playing together. It's a story that every band can relate to, but it's also unique in its own way. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be blown away by the incredible talent of Robbie Bloomfield and Derek Richards, and the unforgettable music of Wretched Skinny.