LZ Granderson famed for a "Hero for Living Life Openly." Becoming a father at the age of 22, his work as a minister in the church, coming out as queer, and last year publicly disclosing he had been living with HIV. He creates amazing content across platforms as a journalist, to change the conversation about politics, sports, and culture.

In this episode Kelley and JZ discuss lessons in authenticity, breaking barriers, “coming out” for his son’s integrity, marriage, practicing the Exodus program to “pray the gay away,” spirituality, living with HIV, and of course, basketball.

TED Talk: “The myth of the gay agenda” Nearly 2 million views https://www.ted.com/talks/lz_granderson_the_myth_of_the_gay_agenda

The LZ Granderson Show: https://thelzgrandersonshow.org/

Instagram: LZ Granderson

Los Angeles Times columnist: https://www.latimes.com/people/lz-granderson

In this episode Sr. Nancy talks about her mission work as a transgender advocate. She has a magnanimous gift of holding space with an open heart and an open mind. She encourages us to do the same and teaches us how. Sr. Nancy was a former high school teacher of Kelley’s. She saw something in her that she didn't see in herself and set the foundation for her life's work in social justice.

Sister Nancy Corcoran was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire but raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. After graduating from Regis College (Weston, Massachusetts), she taught as a lay apostle at St. Joseph’s School (Waipahu, Oahu) with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet from 1966 to 1969. Sister Nancy entered the novitiate of the St. Louis province in 1970.

Sister Nancy taught in St. Louis at St. Agnes and Holy Name grade schools (1971-77) and at the Consortium of Broome County Catholic Schools in Binghamton, New York. From 1979 to 1982, she served as the director of Volunteer Services at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis.

She then headed south and established the Lowndes County Catholic Centers in Hayneville and in Gordonsville, Alabama (1982-1988). From 1988 to 1989, she was asked to set up the Excel Literacy Program in Okolona, Mississippi.

Sister Nancy graduated from Harvard Divinity School with a master’s in theological studies. In 1991, she began chaplaincy ministry at Regina Dominican High School (Wilmette, Illinois) and then at Regis College, her alma mater. While she was in Boston caring for her mother, Sister Nancy created grass/roots: Women’s Spirituality Center, which she directed until 2007 when she became the Catholic chaplain at Wellesley College. During her tenure at the college, she also accepted the position of provincial councilor for the St. Louis province (2008-14).

Throughout a two-year sabbatical (2015-17), Sister Nancy explored ministry with transgender, gender expansive and intersex humans. Today, she joyfully ministers with LGBTQIA+ communities in the metro St. Louis area.

Study has also blessed Sister Nancy's life at University of Hawaii, St. Louis University, Martin Center (now University), the Mexican American Cultural Center, Boston College, the Institute of Black Catholic Studies and Dar al Islam. She is grateful to have chosen to be a Sister of St. Joseph over 50 years ago.

TransParent envisions a world that honors and affirms the naturally occurring transgender experience. Our mission is to bring compassionate support to parents and caregivers navigating complex issues faced by their gender-expansive children of any age.

Resource for families: https://transparentusa.org/

In this episode, Kate and Kelley discuss her lifelong career in journalism and the phenomenal mental health stories she covers. Kate’s been a long time SHERO of Kitley’s as an advocate for mental health, using her national platform to educate and shine light on stories that often go unnoticed and untold. Usually, Kate is the one interviewing Kelley, as a regular contributor on her show, NBC News Daily. It was a dream come true for her to interview Kate Snow!

Kate has a vested interest in telling these stories as she lost her father-in-law to suicide in 2010. We discuss how she keeps his memory alive, recognizing depressive symptoms of a loved one, acknowledging, it’s okay to ask if someone may be having thoughts of suicide, and how to talk to kids about losing a loved one to suicide.

In her free time, Kate sings in a band! Check out her music on Spotify. You can catch her anchoring Monday- Friday, 2-4pm ET on NBC News Now anywhere you stream.

Follow Kate on @tvkatesnow on all social platforms for more inspiration.

In this episode, Anthony shares his experience, strength, and hope as a man with 16 years in addiction recovery. He’s dedicated his life to traveling around the country to talk to young people about mental health, addiction recovery, and the power of owning your story. On May 17th, 2020, Anthony lost his 17 year old son Gavyn, to an accidental drug overdose. He shares his pain through grief and loss of losing a child as well as his commitment to carrying out his mission in Gavyn’s honor. Just three months ago, Anthony, his fiance Nadine, and their 21 month old son Aidyn, moved form Wisconsin to Florida to fulfill some of their life long dreams and a desire to continue evolving. He wants everyone to know:

* You’re not alone.

* You’re allowed to ask for help.

* You matter.

Anthony Alvarado is a speaker, coach, and founder who has spent over a decade helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead change. As the co-founder of RISE TOGETHER, his youth-driven work has reached over 300,000 students and adults across 25+ states — combining peer-led education, storytelling, and research to spark real impact. Through his coaching and facilitation work, Anthony helps leaders, creatives, and changemakers reconnect with their purpose, release burnout, and reset the story they're living in. Whether on stage or in small group circles, his mission remains the same: to create spaces where healing, leadership, and hope can grow.

https://www.anthonyalvarado.com/

https://weallrisetogether.org/about-us/

In this episode, Kelley catches Jen in the thick of her newly launched book, "Proof of Life' tour, which just hit #1 on Amazon's New Release list. (Also Author of 'On Being Human') In this episode, Jen candidly and hilariously talks about rejecting society's timeline pressures, shame, disappointment and wanting more, quieting our inner as*hole, grief, and so much more!

Jen Pastiloff travels the world with her unique workshop “On Being Human,” a hybrid of yoga related movement, writing, sharing out loud, letting the snot fly, and the occasional dance party. Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, calls Jen “a conduit of awakenings.” Jen has been featured on Good Morning America, New York Magazine, Health Magazine, CBS News and more for her unique style of teaching, which she has taught to thousands of women in sold-out workshops all over the world. Bring a journal, and open heart and the willingness to grow open and stronger for her workshops.

Jen Pastiloff travels the world with her unique workshop “On Being Human,” a hybrid of yoga related movement, writing, sharing out loud, letting the snot fly, and the occasional dance party. Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, calls Jen “a conduit of awakenings.” Jen has been featured on Good Morning America, New York Magazine, Health Magazine, CBS News and more for her unique style of teaching, which she has taught to thousands of women in sold-out workshops all over the world. Bring a journal, and open heart and the willingness to grow open and stronger for her workshops.

Jen Pastiloff website: https://jenniferpastiloff.com TEDx Ojai: 'Nothing You Do is Wrong'

Purchase 'Proof of Life' https://www.amazon.com/Proof-Life-Love-Looking-Permission/dp/0593474074

In this episode, Danielle Robay and Kitley have an immediate connection through their Chicago roots and dove right in. They discuss career, the importance of mentors, relationships, therapy, and her newest endeavor as host of Reese’s Book Club Hello Sunshine podcast, ‘Bookmarked.’ You will feel inspired beyond measure to make your dreams happen, without permission from anyone!

Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume. Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted + compelling interview style. Dubbed the Queen of Questions she also added founder to her resume with her best selling card game "Question Everything." Named a “game changer” by Forbes, Danielle is best recognized as host and co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) of Bookmarked from Hello Sunshine, as well as the host of the podcast QUESTION EVERYTHING, and E!’s While You Were Streaming. Just like her mentor Larry King, Danielle has interviewed Hollywood icons, Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural thought leaders. She’s spent over 8,000 hours in professional, elevated conversation—gathering wisdom the way some people collect concert tees: with intention, style, a little humor, and a story behind each one. She is also a proud Gloria Steinem Endowed Fellow in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies, a distinction that reflects her commitment to storytelling that challenges, connects, and empowers. Her mission? To help us live better by learning through each other’s stories. Website: https://www.daniellerobay.com/ Purchase "Question Everything" Card Game: https://questioneverythingshop.com/

The fourth episode of ‘The Bear’ released this week and Kelley Kitley goes on location with Chris Zucchero, the son of the Original Mr. Beef. ‘The Bear’ which has won four Emmy Awards is based on his story. Christopher Storer, Screenwriter, director, and producer of ‘The Bear’ is a childhood friend. Zucchero holds nothing back in this interview and shares his experience, strength, and hope with addiction.