Stories We Haven't Shared℠, hosted by Shanti Joy Gold, helps underrepresented / marginalized individuals navigate the extra layers of complexity they encounter within the career landscape. Whether you're seeking guidance in your career, or you’re an ally looking to deepen your understanding, this podcast offers a space for learning and connection. As a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Shanti Joy Gold understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders in their careers. Every other week, you'll hear stories from individuals who have navigated their careers from the margins - and the allies who support them. Guests share their experiences with and insights on the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, physical ability, age and military veteran status. Learn more about Shanti Joy Gold and Stories We Haven't Shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Lisa Hurley Creates Spaces to Exhale: A Black, Neurodivergent Woman’s Path from Burnout to Breakthrough
Season 1 · Episode 22
Thursday, June 12, 2025 • Duration 45:00
In this episode, Shanti welcomes Lisa Hurley (she/her), a Black, Caribbean-born woman in her mid-50s with autism and ADHD — who shares her journey as an award-winning activist, writer, podcaster and community builder. Lisa powerfully describes a shocking discriminatory incident on a bus that reveals not only the harm of overt racism, but also the quieter betrayals of silence, gaslighting and complicity. She offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in workplaces that are rarely designed with them in mind, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and isolated. Lisa shares how the compounded stresses of racism, neurodivergence and overwork led her to extreme burnout — and how that moment created a calling to create spaces for deep rest and healing. She offers an inspiring dialogue on reclaiming humanity and kindness, challenging hustle culture, practicing self-care and choosing a gentler way of living.
Lisa Hurley is a 3x Anthem Award-winning activist, writer, and podcaster. She is the author of Space To Exhale, host of Space To Exhale: the Podcast, and the Founder of The Great Exhale: the Community. A powerful voice, she has been recognized as one of the Top 10 anti-discrimination activists worldwide. Her words have been quoted in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Adweek and more.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Other stories shared by Lisa and Shanti at the campfire:
Hearing Lisa talk about the extra hurt inflicted by gaslighting, saying - “If you're okay with me being harmed, that means that you would probably be okay harming me yourself.”
Exploring how validation and support are not just about policies — they require cultural shifts in how we listen, believe and adapt to others’ lived realities.
Brainstorming and laughing about the possibilities of a creative TV collaboration called Breakdown-ish, focused on the career burnout most of us have experienced.
Discussing how small, joyful rituals - like dancing - can offer an emotional reset in high-pressure work environments – and create a positive ripple effect.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me to share key takeaways!
More Wisdom from Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad): A Grateful Ad Man’s Journey and How Vietnam Changed Everything
Season 1 · Episode 21
Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 45:28
In this episode, Shanti welcomes back her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), as her first repeat guest. The conversation delves into new stories and layers, including the chaotic promotional advertising event that could have derailed his career (but didn’t), the engagement he walked away from (and the draft notice that followed), his struggles as a new Army recruit - and how near-death experiences in Vietnam shifted his entire worldview. These stories highlight Rondavid’s evolution from a self-centered, hotshot, young ad guy/musician to a fatalist with a deep appreciation for life. He discusses the impact of gratitude, how fatalism helped him live with less stress (but also led to some missed opportunities early on) - and his realization that trusting yourself and taking chances leads to the greatest happiness. Expect laughter, warm father-daughter moments, wisdom - and a roadmap to limiting “I should’ve” moments.
Rondavid Gold is a retired ad guy who spent 50 years as a copywriter, partner and CEO providing advertising, marketing, branding and PR for clients. He’s a Veteran, published author and active musician. Due to his many interests, a dedicated exercise routine (initiated by his wife) and multiple philanthropic/volunteer efforts, he’s one heck of a busy retired guy.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Other stories shared by Rondavid and Shanti at the campfire:
Recounting a bold call to Yamaha Keyboards, proving that bold moves can open unexpected doors.
Sharing Rondavid’s unexpected, heart-warming song choice - the song he wrote for Shanti - as the one he’d preserve at all costs for future generations.
Queering Leadership with Liz Cruz: Accessing Our Humanity and Disrupting the Status Quo
Season 1 · Episode 20
Thursday, May 15, 2025 • Duration 45:03
In this episode, Shanti interviews Liz Cruz (they/them/she/her), a genderqueer, femme, healer, witch, white anti-racist and critic of capitalism. Liz talks about factors that played into her career, including her relentless work ethic - rooted in growing up in an entrepreneurial family - as well as the divide between her vibrant queer community life and the more constrained corporate spaces, where she never felt fully seen. She then confronts a tumultuous period that pushes her to her limits and leads her to step away from corporate and toward her dream of being a queer leadership coach. As she takes this leap, she learns important lessons about grief and letting go - and emerges with a sense of freedom, strength and alignment. Liz shares that “the time is always right to center our own humanity,” reminding us that the path to thriving can be found in reconnecting to our unique needs and values - and disrupting status quo narratives.
Liz Cruz is a queer leadership coach, facilitator and consultant. She’s been in leadership development for over 15 years - and works across the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors. In addition to 1:1 coaching, she co-founded the Queer Leadership Lab with other amazing practitioners, offering a dedicated space for queer folks to work on leadership development.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Other stories shared by Liz and Shanti at the campfire:
Discussing how highly-challenging "crucible" experiences are often where we realize our most profound growth, laying the groundwork for the next, truer chapter.
Listening to Liz’s thoughtful discussion of the words we use to define our intersectionality - exploring the layers of meaning and the power of language for disruption.
Leila Sawan’s Remarkable Journey as a Trans Arab Refugee - and Her Dedication to Making the Path Easier for Others
Season 1 · Episode 19
Thursday, May 1, 2025 • Duration 35:18
In this conversation, Shanti interviews Leila Sawan (she/her), a trans Arab refugee and activist. Despite being highly qualified, Leila was repeatedly passed over for roles early in her career due to her intersectionality - leading her to take exploitative jobs simply to survive. She reveals the struggles trans individuals face in some countries to obtain medical resources needed to transition. She also highlights the insensitivity many trans employees face in the workplace. Determined to help others avoid the same hardships, Leila immerses in grassroots activism and perseveres in her career. She earns a role as Executive Director of the Trans-IT Foundation, which empowers the trans community through certifications, scholarships and job opportunities in the tech sector. Leila reminds us that now - more than ever - is an important time to come together, “not only as a queer community…not only as a trans community…as just humans.”
Leila Sawan is the Executive Director of the Trans-IT Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering trans and nonbinary individuals across Latin America through a certification program that enables participants to unlock new career opportunities and achieve greater professional growth. Leila also has a bachelor's degree in software engineering and a background researching artificial intelligence.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Other stories shared by Leila and Shanti at the campfire:
Hearing Leila’s advice for those feeling hopeless in their careers, encouraging them to navigate immediate challenges while continuing to keep their dreams in sight.
Sharon Hurley Hall: a Black Citizen of the World Shares Insights on Anti-Racism and Honoring the Humanity in Others
Season 1 · Episode 18
Thursday, April 17, 2025 • Duration 40:30
In this episode, Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her) - a Black, British-born, Caribbean-Raised woman - shares stories about her own experiences with racism living in different parts of the world. She discusses her journey over time to unpack the hurt and find the words to speak about it with power and impact. Sharon chooses to not allow anger and pain to define her - and refuses to inflict the same pain on others. Instead, she journeys towards purpose-driven work, empowering others through learning experiences anchored in awareness and action. The conversation highlights examples of workplace discrimination, as Sharon offers important takeaways on how to sensitively and effectively support those who face it. Sharon ultimately offers a hopeful outlook on the power of community and collective action and “a world where everyone's humanity is valued.”
Sharon Hurley Hall is an author, educator and anti-racism activist who is on a mission to help create a world where everyone can thrive. Her work includes Sharon's Anti-Racism Newsletter, the SHHARE anti-racism community, support for introverts - and various courses based on over three decades of experience with writing and educating.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Hearing Sharon describe how we’re all like drops of water, and the hope that we will eventually form “a mighty river washing away all these inequalities that we hate.”
Discussing that allyship is not about perfectionism: we have the opportunity to own and learn from our mistakes and ask how we can make things right.
Filmmaker / Activist Nick Beaulieu Finds Hope and Beauty in the Difficult Search for Racial and Political Common Ground
Season 1 · Episode 17
Thursday, April 3, 2025 • Duration 40:40
In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Beaulieu (he/him) discusses his documentary “My Omaha,” and his decade-plus journey to understand the “tale of two cities” - the clear racial inequity he sees in Omaha versus a city presenting itself as a great place to live. The discussion centers around mounting frictions in Nick’s relationship with his father - with his Dad’s pro-Trump conservatism standing in direct opposition to Nick’s ever-deepening racial justice work. Nick’s Dad’s cancer diagnosis brings them back together to have difficult, honest, face-to-face conversations - ultimately allowing them to access empathy and find some common ground. Nick discusses his anti-racism journey, with a focus on time spent in Omaha’s Black community and lessons learned. He speaks about complicated and potentially-divisive topics with openness and thoughtfulness, offering a hopeful bridge to reconnecting to each other’s humanity in today’s often-divided world.
Nick Beaulieu is an independent filmmaker who serves in the roles of writer, director, producer and cinematographer. He also works in advertising sales. His film, “My Omaha” is set against the backdrop of Omaha's deep racial divide and growing Black Lives Matter movement - as Nick navigates the complexities of family conflict, political and racial discord - and the difficult search for common ground.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
“Shared experiences change the world” - exploring activist Leo Louis II’s belief that, especially in today’s digital world, connecting in person can reduce animosity and deepen understanding.
An Asian Immigrant’s Journey: Sandy Kusano Joyfully Reclaims Her Story, Trading Her Dream Job For Her Dream Life
Season 1 · Episode 16
Thursday, March 20, 2025 • Duration 42:32
In this conversation, Sandy Kusano (she/her) shares her journey as an Asian immigrant and third-culture kid. Sandy discusses the challenges of assimilation and navigating conflicting East/West cultural expectations. She shares how her efforts to fit and feel safe in various contexts - whether at home, work, or in social settings - lead her to unconsciously downplay her Japanese/Korean identity. As an outsider, she is taught to keep her head down and work extra hard in order to prove her worth. She reflects on how this constant striving and balancing of two identities ultimately leads to exhaustion and an internal sense of living a lie. Sandy transforms her burnout into inspiration, using it as fuel to rewrite her story, trust the wisdom in her heart, reclaim her authenticity and joy - and inspire others to do the same.
Sandy Kusano is a human potential coach dedicated to cultivating joy as a superpower - empowering individuals to become conscious leaders who inspire positive change. She co-hosts the Spilling Our Tea podcast, where she explores the diversity of Asian female experiences, amplifying stories that challenge traditional career narratives.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Letting go of the feeling that we need to be different people in different spaces - or code switching - as a path to showing up fully and thriving.
Understanding that challenging moments are an opportunity to learn and experience our most profound growth.
Emphasizing the importance of celebrating every moment - whether big or small - and how we can activate joy in our lives.
Indigo Avisov’s Roadmap to Impact: Building Self-Trust, Celebrating Small Steps and Creating Courageously
Season 1 · Episode 15
Thursday, March 6, 2025 • Duration 37:01
In this episode, Shanti sits down with Indigo Avisov (they/them) - a white, trans, non-binary, first-generation college student of Slavic lineage whose family came to the US after being in POW camps during WWII. Indigo shares personal stories about the ways in which the cross-section of influences in their life shape their deep spirituality and understanding of self. They highlight the powerful role of kindness, joy, and love as exemplified by their grandmother - even in the face of deep hardships. Indigo shares takeaways about the importance of self-trust, taking baby steps and leaning into creativity to support success in all areas of life. To illustrate the power of these tools, they share examples from their successful career in tech leadership, where they build cultures of trust, risk-taking, and collaboration - allowing innovation to thrive and enabling everyone’s unique contributions to be celebrated.
Indigo is a DEI Practitioner and a Purpose Coach/Guide who has spent the last 18 years in the tech sector. With a commitment to “all things people,” they are dedicated to empowering others to align their work with their core values and contribute their unique perspectives and skills - so that we can fuel innovation and a better world.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Embracing one’s unique flavor in the “soup of life”
Exploring how many underrepresented professionals experience corporate cultures that stifle authenticity - and recognizing the power of reconnecting to our intuition
Realizing that the creative energy we all possess is not just about painting or writing poetry - it’s also generating new ideas and solving problems in spaces where we feel safe
Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad) Returns from Vietnam With an Unshakable Belief in Fate - A Story of Optimism, Presence and Gratitude
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, February 20, 2025 • Duration 44:25
In this episode, Shanti gratefully chats with her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him). Their conversation centers around multiple stories during his time on active duty in the Vietnam War that took unexpected twists - and ultimately saved his life. These experiences shaped Rondavid’s understanding that fate plays a powerful role and determines our path. This fatalism - coupled with optimism - freed him to accept what life had in store, let go of control of outcomes, take risks, be present in the moment, do his best - and enjoy the ride. He shares tales and lessons from his career in advertising, including the wisdom that allowed him to remain grounded as he successfully navigated career lows and highs. Shanti and her Dad, as per usual, share philosophical musings, laughter, love, warm memories of times spent together - and an appreciation of the importance of humor and gratitude.
Rondavid Gold is a retired ad guy who spent 50 years as a copywriter, partner and CEO providing advertising, marketing, branding and PR for clients. He’s a Veteran, published author and active musician. Due to his many interests, a dedicated exercise routine (initiated by his wife) and multiple philanthropic/volunteer efforts, he’s one heck of a busy retired guy.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Reviewing the coin-toss moment upon leaving the Army that led Rondavid to New York, where he embarked on the next chapter of his advertising career…and met Shanti’s Mom.
Exploring a moment of career complacency - and how he caught himself and got back on track to self-realization.
Natalia Sandor Steps Up to the Mic: A Gen Z Perspective on Coming Out, Connection and Impact
Season 1 · Episode 13
Thursday, February 6, 2025 • Duration 38:40
In this episode, Shanti welcomes her friend Natalia Sandor (she/her) - a white, cisgender woman and the first Gen Z podcast guest. Natalia speaks candidly about her coming out story and the reasons she is ready to share it more publicly now. Shanti and Natalia explore their generational differences and the ways in which they impacted - and didn’t impact - their coming out experiences. The discussion highlights the challenges many marginalized individuals face at work, including the pressure to conceal aspects of their identity for fear of judgment or rejection. Natalia explores the difficulty of separating her sexuality from her professional self, emphasizing that queerness is not just about who you love but an integral part of how you engage with the world. She encourages others to share more of their unfiltered selves at work, creating the opportunity for more connection, satisfaction and impact.
Natalia Sandor works in/with startups with a focus on innovation, ideation and supporting impact-driven social entrepreneurship. She founded Sand Bars Handcrafted at age 18, selling to over 30 locations throughout Long Island. She is currently lending her gifts to a VC-backed technology startup, Arbor, and an innovation/entrepreneurship ideaHUb at Hofstra University.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Creating safe spaces at work requires open channels of communication and, most importantly, people who step up and set the tone by sharing vulnerably.
Discussing that, more than anything (including age), people’s coming-out experiences are influenced by the specific events, people and environments that shaped them.
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Stories We Haven't Shared®, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Remembering how taking charge of his career gave him creative freedom, reignited his purpose and led to rewarding, memorable moments.
Telling a short, punny Dad joke (of course).
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Sharing the advice to get support before you hit the wall, since practicing at low-stakes moments prepares us for bigger challenges.
Recognizing when it’s time to move on from toxic work environments in order to preserve our well-being and help align with our true purpose.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Learning about Leila’s and her cousin’s road trip in Turkey to secure hormones from pharmacies in the hopes of distributing them for free to others who couldn’t access them.
Exploring how the current anti-DEI, anti-Trans sentiments are leading to lack of responsiveness from previously-engaged corporate business partners.
Discussing how Leila accepting an admin role eventually leads to her promotion to Executive Director, showing that sometimes small career steps lead to big opportunities.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Recounting when Sharon’s college roommate said, “I don’t think of you as Black at all. I think of you as white,” and how a young Sharon was caught off guard and struggled to process the hurt.
Exploring the nuances of allyship, including opportunities for it to unfold in simple, powerful, non-confrontational ways.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast & find me to share your key takeaways!
Coming to conversations with an open mind and honesty for a true exchange of dialogue versus clinging tightly to preconceived ideas as a path to connection.
Seeking and continuing to educate ourselves - versus finding concrete answers - can be liberating as we explore complex, deep-rooted, societal issues.
Looking for opportunities in our careers to celebrate accomplishments, be more patient - and creatively collaborate with others.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Exploring the narrative that finding our purpose will lead to joy - and concluding that it’s actually the other way around: in finding joy, we discover our purpose.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Leaning into fear builds resilience, confidence and a sense of accomplishment that can be repeated and sustained
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Sharing Rondavid’s career advice: go for it! We all have the power to make choices, try new paths and adjust if needed as we move toward happiness.
Telling a joke - as only Shanti’s Dad can :)
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Exploring how we all have things we’re hesitant to reveal - and how this awareness can help us show up with more curiosity, openness and empathy.
Understanding how the unhealed parts of past experiences can cause underrepresented people to project fear of judgment onto current/future situations and relationships.
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
