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
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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.
Bill Carmody Shines Light on Being the Proud Father of a Trans Kid, Fierce Ally and Believer in Enoughness
Season 1 · Episode 12
Thursday, January 23, 2025 • Duration 41:16
In this episode, Shanti interviews Bill Carmody (he/him), a cisgender, heterosexual, white man of privilege and proud father of trans daughter, Violet. Bill discusses the story of Violet coming out as transgender, sharing tender moments and highlighting the importance of unconditional love, patience and grace for everyone involved. Bill explains the powerful impact of Positive Intelligence® / mental fitness - and the access it offers to clear-headedness, calm, curiosity and empathy even in the face of stressful situations. He speaks about his allyship journey, including recognizing his own privilege, amplifying marginalized voices and doing the work it takes to continuously learn how to advocate for those who are underrepresented. He also shares the opportunity to “acknowledge the enoughness in each one of us” as a doorway to showing up fully - and fully accepting others.
Bill Carmody's purpose is to eradicate scarcity and help every person tap into their infinite abundance. He accomplishes his mission through public speaking, training and executive coaching. He additionally offers VIP Days for those who wish to go deep in a single day.
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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Exploring the “tale of two parents” as Bill and his wife navigated different paths to processing and accepting Violet as transgender
Sharing Bill’s parental advice to Violet about a right way / wrong way to interact with others during big changes, and the importance of meeting them halfway with patience
Stepping in as an ally when you feel called to act - even if you don’t have all the answers: “I don't know that I'm going to say the right thing, but I know that something needs to be said“
What it Feels Like to Hide and Discovering Strength in Vulnerability with Shanti Joy Gold and Mary Tess Rooney
Season 1 · Episode 11
Thursday, January 9, 2025 • Duration 43:20
In today’s episode, host Mary Tess Rooney (she/her) turns the tables and interviews Shanti Joy Gold (she/her). Shanti shares more about her journey, including the early days of her relationship working at the same company with her now-wife - before there were societal shifts in LGBTQ+ acceptance. She discusses the tightrope of balancing her personal and professional life while experiencing the exhaustion and isolation of hiding her relationship in order to maintain a sense of professional safety. Mary Tess and Shanti also reflect on the first 10 episodes of the podcast, discussing key moments from the wide-ranging and deeply-personal stories shared by underrepresented guests and allies. Mary Tess and Shanti express gratitude for the vulnerability with which the guests have shared in order to use their stories in service of others - transforming the systemic challenges that marginalized people often face into opportunities for hope, healing, evolution, connection and empowerment.
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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Mary Tess Rooney is a teacher, healer, professional coach, retreat leader, speaker and perpetual student. As a 25-year corporate warrior, her executive presence combined with her coaching and Shamanic Reiki healing gifts, uniquely qualifies her to empower others to share their Heart Value and align with what lights them up.
Remembering the “do we want to keep going?” conversation that Shanti and her now-wife revisited throughout their early days as they assessed the career risks associated with their relationship
Exploring the opportunity to ask deeper questions and share our stories more freely to foster deeper connection with people in our lives
Explaining the experience of constantly “filtering” and “scanning” conversations / situations to engage with colleagues while trying to avoid suspicion - and the exhaustion of it all
A Veteran Comes Home - Brett D’Alessandro’s Recovery, Growth and Dedication to the Underserved
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, December 26, 2024 • Duration 34:14
In this episode, Brett D'Alessandro (he/him) shares his journey from active military service as a Marine in Afghanistan to founding Backpacks for Life - a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless and at-risk veterans. Drawing from his own difficult reintegration into civilian life after a tough deployment, Brett’s work with veterans is rooted in establishing trust and making them feel human again. He shares about his struggles with alcohol addiction - and how a chance encounter with a homeless veteran helped him find his purpose and open the door to recovery. He emphasizes that seeking help when struggling is a sign of strength, and shares a wide range of available therapeutic approaches. He expresses gratitude for the clarity, strength and resilience he gained from overcoming hardships, and how - while he’s still human - it has made him a better person in every aspect of his life.
Brett D’Alessandro is the Founder of Backpacks for Life, a nonprofit that supports homeless and at-risk veterans. He also owns Golden Door Dispensary, where he focuses on innovation and exceptional service in the cannabis industry. His career is shaped by a commitment to giving back and creating meaningful solutions for underserved communities.
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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Navigating the specific challenges he faced after returning home from war - “They train you how to go to Afghanistan and how to survive, but they don't tell you how to leave.”
Discussing how words matter - and how communicating with kindness and empathy can change outcomes and create positive results
Realizing that, at times, we can all become jaded in our work - and the importance of having the presence of mind to catch ourselves and reconnect to our purpose
Ruth Rathblott Unhides Her Physical Disability, Opening a Path to Connection and Purpose
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, December 12, 2024 • Duration 44:17
In this episode, Ruth Rathblott (she/her) shares her story of finding the courage to reveal her limb difference after the exhaustion and loneliness of hiding it for 25 years. She reveals the deep relief that comes from vulnerably letting others in, embracing her true self - and experiencing the power of connection and community. She also emerges with a mission to help leaders transform cultures so their employees can unhide, thrive and belong. Ruth offers practical steps to catch the ways in which we each may be building walls in an attempt to fit in and avoid judgment - and the empowering choices we can make to emerge into our full truth and potential.
Ruth Rathblott is a disability specialist and inclusion expert who empowers leaders to foster an inclusive and diverse culture of unhiding in order to unleash untapped potential and ignite innovation. She is a bestselling author who has published two books, including this year’s “Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work.”She is also a TEDx and inspirational speaker.
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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Understanding the importance role leaders play in creating spaces for employees to feel safe to unhide - and the opportunity to model this behavior by being vulnerable and prioritizing connection
Expanding the view of what we may be hiding - including neurodiversity, relationship status, financial situation, education level, trauma, family background, health, difficult family relationships and more….
Looking at the ways that hiding limits our presence in the moment, leads other people to make assumptions about our behavior - and may create a limited view of our ability to make a contribution
Living Intentionally and Creating Safe Spaces: How Justin Ayars is Transforming Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community
Season 1 · Episode 8
Thursday, November 28, 2024 • Duration 34:56
In this episode, Justin Ayars (he/him), shares his journey to starting equalityMD, an LGBTQ+ telehealth platform that enables marginalized patients to enjoy affordable, affirming care in safe digital spaces - and become the superheroes of their own healthcare stories. Justin - a white, cisgender, gay man - has a story that starts in a showbiz family as the godson of Liberace...and gets more interesting from there. His eclectic professional journey brings him to an intersection of LGBTQ+ circles, where he consistently hears the question: “Where can I find a doctor who makes me feel safe?” Justin goes on to share a deeply-personal and shocking experience of discrimination he encountered in a medical setting - as well as statistics about the healthcare disparities that lead many people in the LGBTQ+ community to avoid health care altogether. Justin’s knowledge and experiences inspire him to mission-driven action, powerfully illustrating the impact of living deliberately and authentically.
Justin Ayars is a former healthcare trial lawyer turned healthtech entrepreneur. As the Founder of equalityMD, he is working to transform how the LGBTQ+ community perceives and receives healthcare - offering a telehealth platform that affordably connects them with culturally competent providers for all of their mental, physical and prescription healthcare needs.
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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Examining our own intersectionality of identities - and how these different parts of ourselves can complement each other and lead to our fullest potential
Demonstrating why “your network is really your net worth” and the importance of building trust and social capital over time
Amy Bobchek’s Road to Allyship, Deep Curiosity and Discovering Her Inner Rock Star
Season 1 · Episode 7
Thursday, November 14, 2024 • Duration 35:51
In this episode, Amy Bobchek (she/her) joins the campfire in allyship with her friend, Shanti, and with “a whole bunch of people I've never met…I just want everybody to have a good [life]." Through the lens of a cisgender, white, heterosexual woman, Amy explores the meaning of allyship and its impact. She shares personal stories that illuminate the isolation some people face in the workplace due to their identity and the importance of proactively stepping in to support them when needed. She discusses how crucial it is to create environments where people can show up fully as themselves. Amy also shares a pivotal coaching experience that opened her up to approaching life through a deeply-curious lens, which transformed her career and directly contributed to her success.
Amy Bobchek is a former media sales leader who is currently Senior VP of New Business for Blackbaud's Workplace Culture and Compliance Training Division. She co-founded and helps run the non-profit BENEFIT, a coalition of musicians and community leaders committed to raising funds and awareness for charities supporting children in need.
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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
Witnessing her mom fiercely stand up for others - and how it shaped Amy’s views on what it means to be an ally
Discussing Amy’s supportive feedback when Shanti shared her coming-out-at-work stories - and the central role it played in inspiring Stories We Haven’t Shared
Examining gender bias and double standards in the workplace
Sharing stories of an epic jam session and Amy’s unapologetic dislike of dad jokes
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the 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!
Breaking Down Walls and Welcoming the Sunshine with Farrah Hudson-Brown
Season 1 · Episode 6
Thursday, October 31, 2024 • Duration 33:35
In this episode, Farrah Hudson-Brown (she/her) discusses her career as a Black, heterosexual, cisgender woman in the predominantly white, male-dominated sales industry. She recounts a time when she worked on a sales team led by Shanti - and a memorable 1:1 meeting during which Shanti challenged Farrah to examine an observed pattern of shifting from openness to defensiveness. Farrah’s introspection following this conversation uncovered an awareness of fears related to her racial identity and feeling “different” in corporate settings, which led her to adopt a likable, team-player persona in order to feel safe. Frustration and resentment followed. Farah ultimately found inspiration in her Faith and her mother's advice to express her true self - returning to work with renewed commitment to showing up authentically, openly and powerfully.
Farrah Hudson-Brown has worked 20+ years in sales consulting in various industries, ranging from telecommunications, software and education. She is currently spending cherished time as the mom of two truly-adorable young sons. She is also focusing on early childhood development with a specific interest in Black male education.
Accelerating success by tapping intuitively into one’s best self - and not looking externally for motivation and validation
Shifting from being transactional at work to looking for opportunities to inspire others and add flavor
Experiencing microaggressions and how they reinforce feelings of being different and unseen
Accessing self-love and being untethered to make a positive impact
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and more about allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at
Fearing Less: Eduardo Placer's Journey from Playing a Part to Repairing the World
Season 1 · Episode 5
Thursday, October 17, 2024 • Duration 41:37
In today’s episode, Eduardo Placer (he/him), a cisgender gay/queer man who is the proud descendant of refugees/immigrants, shares his journey to becoming a Story Doula and international public speaking coach. Eduardo recounts personal stories from his childhood - including a pivotal 2nd grade story featuring Sammy the Seal - that highlight the impact of being misunderstood, feeling shame and living untruthfully. He talks about his path to coming out in the 1990s, the healing he experienced by embracing his own narrative - and how he now joyfully empowers others to do the same. As a professionally-trained actor who suffers from self-described showtune-itis, he also randomly breaks out into song.
Eduardo Placer is the Founder of Fearless Communicators, helping game-changing leaders become more clear, connected and courageous communicators: “I think it's not about eliminating fear, but building a powerful relationship with it and allowing it to be our teacher….”
Exploring the dynamics of language and how it powerfully informs who we are in the world
Understanding the intolerance of femininity in the male culture and how it differs from homophobia
Recognizing when we are in a position of privilege - and the importance of standing in solidarity with our gender-expansive and trans communities
Overreaching and over-performing to compensate for how others may perceive us as outsiders
Choosing joy and love as a revolution
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and more about allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
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!
Recognizing that numbers matter with underrepresentation, pausing to do the math in the room - and stepping in on others’ behalf if you determine their voices may be drowned out
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!
Sharing anecdotes about not “getting away with things” - and the humorous moments in Mary Tess’s and Shanti’s lives that offered this awareness
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the 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!
Connecting with other like-minded people is an important part of navigating through challenging times
Understanding that success isn’t about perfection - it’s about the important lessons we can only learn when things don’t go as planned
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the 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!
Examining the momentum of both hiding and unhiding
Thank you for listening! Check out all the 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!
Choosing to embrace the uncomfortable as an avenue to achieving transformative growth and impact
Looking at an example of how being a white, cisgender male can open doors professionally - but may not prevent LGBTQ+ bias
Exploring how music can “...uplift the soul and speak to the height of what the human condition can attain - if only we stay curious and look up”
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the 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!
CONNECT WITH FARRAH HUDSON-BROWN Farrah is currently juggling two small boys. If you’d like to connect with her, please let me know and I’ll be glad to make the introduction.
