HarmonyTALK – Details, episodes & analysis

How many ceilings can one woman break?

Pat Mitchell stopped counting.

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau sits down with a true original. A woman who did not just rise through the ranks of media, she reshaped them.

Pat Mitchell is a serial ceiling smasher. The first female president of PBS and CNN. The first woman to own and host a nationally syndicated daily talk show. And long before the titles, she was a young woman willing to risk everything to build a life that did not yet exist.

She marched for civil rights. Reported from war zones. Told stories no one else would touch. And when the industry said women’s voices did not matter, she made them impossible to ignore.

But what makes this conversation unforgettable is what comes after the accolades.

Pat speaks candidly about the decisions behind the moments. The instincts she learned to trust. And the responsibility she feels to lift other women as she climbs.

This is a conversation about leadership, yes. But also about courage, mentorship, and the quiet, persistent work of changing what is possible.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: 

https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Von on Hustle, Reinvention and Building Something Real

What does it take to bet on yourself when there’s no backup plan?

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto sits down with Chef Ryan Von Smith, known as Chef Von, a self-taught chef whose journey spans Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and Macau.

After leaving Scranton, Pennsylvania, in search of something bigger, Chef Von worked his way from the door - as a bouncer - at Tao Asian Bistro into high-pressure kitchens across the country. When COVID shut everything down, he returned home and started cooking out of his mom’s kitchen, turning a moment of uncertainty into Chef Von & Mom, a restaurant rooted in family, community and bold flavor.

Since then, he has stepped back onto the global stage, placing third at the World Master Chefs Competition, winning the 2024 World Rice Championship, and appearing on Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef.

This conversation is about more than food. It’s about risk, resilience, reinvention and the confidence to build something real, twice.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: 

https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress, singer, and producer Gabrielle Ruiz joins the HarmonyTALK podcast to share her inspiring journey from growing up in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to performing on Broadway and starring in hit television shows.

Raised in Edinburg, Texas, Gabrielle discovered her passion for the performing arts through public school arts education, while navigating life as a proud Mexican American artist. On HarmonyTALK, she talks openly about moving to New York City, facing rejection, and building resilience as a working performer.

Gabrielle’s career includes Broadway productions such as In the Heights, Evita, and If Then, as well as her breakout television role as Valencia Perez on Crazy Ex Girlfriend, which she landed after being recommended by Lin Manuel Miranda. She currently voices T’Lyn on Star Trek Lower Decks and is producing new musical work, including The Randy Andys, a post-modern Broadway style musical revue.

In this episode, Gabrielle also discusses arts education advocacy, mentoring young performers, and what it means to build a sustainable creative career.

HarmonyTALK showcases inspiring conversations with Dreamers and Doers who have turned their dreams into reality, often against great odds.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: 

https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL defensive tackle Marc Spindler joins HarmonyTALK Podcast to share his powerful journey after retiring from the Detroit Lions. In this episode, Marc opens up about identity loss, resilience and finding purpose beyond football, including the life philosophy he teaches his children: Staying Healthy, Hungry, and Humble. A must-listen for athletes, sports fans, and anyone navigating life after a major transition.

As HarmonyTALK continues its mission of sharing stories from Dreamers and Doers navigating life’s toughest pivots, Marc’s journey stands as a masterclass in resilience, identity transition, and personal growth. He reflects on walking out of the locker room for the final time, the silence that replaced the stadium noise, and the humbling process of embracing new roles as a husband, father and man beyond the game. Listen now and discover what it truly means to tackle life after the game ends.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Greg Frigoletto: 

https://www.instagram.com/gjfrig7/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are here, and at HarmonyTALK, that means it’s time to hit pause, look back, and smile a little.

This special holiday episode is our end-of-year highlight reel- a celebration of the dreamers, doers, and big ideas that shaped our conversations throughout 2025. Hosted by Lisa Champeau, Greg Frigoletto, and Todd Stephens, this episode revisits some unforgettable moments and the people behind them.

We hear from guests who followed curiosity instead of certainty. Who chased bold ideas. Who found purpose in unexpected places. From a lifelong camp dream turned into a thriving reality, to a young scientist tackling microplastics, to powerful reflections on creativity, courage, and staying curious, each story reminds us why we love these conversations so much.

This episode isn’t about perfection or tidy endings. It’s about momentum. About what happens when people say yes to possibility, lean into the process, and keep showing up for what excites them.

As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a brand-new year, we’re grateful for our guests, our listeners, and the stories that connect us all. We hope this holiday special leaves you inspired, energized, and ready for whatever comes next.

Happy holidays from all of us at HarmonyTALK—and here’s to more dreamers and doers in 2026.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the rich history of jazz with Loren Schoenberg, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, conductor, and senior scholar at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. In this HarmonyTALK episode, Loren chats with host Lisa Champeau about his experiences performing with jazz legends, his work preserving American jazz history, and his journey as a respected educator at institutions like Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. 

If you’ve ever had an interest in the inside look at the career of a multi-faceted musician, this episode uncovers the stories, sounds, and cultural impact of jazz music and offers unique insights into Loren's career, dedication, and passion for the genre.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: 

https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on this captivating episode of HarmonyTALK Podcast hosted by Lisa Champeau as we delve into the fascinating world of "Lover's Eyes" with Nan and David Skier, a remarkable couple from Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. David, a retired ophthalmologist, and his wife Nan have spent the past two decades amassing an extraordinary collection of these unique and historical artworks.

Lover's Eyes are miniature portraits featuring disembodied eyes, meticulously painted on ivory and often surrounded by intricate frames. Originating in Europe around the 1800s, these intimate pieces were typically commissioned to commemorate a secret love or a deep, personal bond, often with the identity of the sitter remaining a mystery.

In this episode, Nan and David share the story behind their collection, which began with David's professional fascination with the human eye and evolved into a passionate quest to preserve these delicate mementos of affection and intrigue. With around 100 pieces in their possession, discover how these tiny works of art have become a bridge between the past and the present, and how the Skiers' dedication has brought to light a little-known yet profoundly touching aspect of art history. 

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the unusual, this episode is for you. Nan and David Skier will discuss their journey, their collection, and the timeless allure of Lover's Eyes.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list  

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stephens engages with Tyus Williams, a passionate environmental scientist and educator. Tyus shares his journey from a childhood fascination with wildlife to pursuing a PhD in environmental science. He discusses the complexities of domestic cats as invasive species and emphasizes the importance of understanding human-wildlife interactions. Tyus also opens up about his experiences as a neurodivergent individual navigating social connections and the significance of science communication in making science accessible to all. 

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Todd Stephens: 

https://www.instagram.com/workinman1/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Emily Bright delves into the nuances of storytelling and poetry, exploring how everyday experiences can inspire creative expression. It highlights beauty found in the mundane and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our daily interactions. Emily also discusses the multifaceted identity of motherhood, emphasizing that becoming a mother does not erase one's previous self. She highlights the importance of maintaining one's aspirations and relationships while navigating the challenges of parenting.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: 

https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Eckstein, an award-winning writer, illustrator, and cartoonist, discusses his latest book, 'Footnotes from the World's Greatest Museums.' He shares his motivation for delving into museums and highlights the diverse range of museums featured in the book. Bob emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the book, catering to a wide audience beyond art lovers. He also talks about the power of art to move and inspire, sharing personal experiences from his visits to museums. Bob reflects on his career as a cartoonist and the challenges he faced, as well as his passion for writing and teaching.

FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast

Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast 

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast   

https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ 

Follow Host, Lisa Champeau: 

https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/ 

Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.