Shaping Our Story

Louise A Krikorian
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DOCUMENTARY

Introducing a new interview podcast hosted by award-winning PBS TV and documentary film producer, Louise Krikorian. Backstory: Why start a podcast called Shaping Our Story? When I was in college, my mentor, Dr. Maurice Elias, talked about human behavior in his Psychology 101 class. I liked this because I had always listened to family, friends, and co-workers' stories about their struggles and successes.  As a teacher, I encouraged my students to ​find their purpose and thrive. Over the years of producing for NPR, AFN Radio Europe, and PBS TV, I've interviewed world renowned musicians, artists, filmmakers, and scientists who have realized their true talent. Shaping Our Story is a community of entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives who have become exemplary leaders and want to motivate others to realize their gifts and succeed. Please follow us here and on the Shaping Our Story FaceBook page or watch our videos on YouTube. Share which leader’s success story and questions you’d like to hear.

Episodes

  1. TOP TWO at Shaping Our Story with Louise Krikorian & Tian Liu Tigertail Asian Film Festival

    4D AGO · BONUS

    TOP TWO at Shaping Our Story with Louise Krikorian & Tian Liu Tigertail Asian Film Festival

    Top Two at Shaping Our Story—the short podcast where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and the stories shaping their lives and communities. 🎙️ In this short episode, we spotlight the Tigertail Asian Film Festival in the Tampa Bay Area, founded by filmmaker Tian Liu of Tigertail Pictures. This vibrant festival celebrates Asian and Florida cinema, independent filmmakers, and cultural storytelling, bringing together artists, audiences, and creative voices from across Florida and beyond. We explore how film festivals like Tigertail create space for Asian, Asian-American and Florida stories, elevate emerging filmmakers, and strengthen cultural connection through the power of storytelling. ✨ In this episode: • The passion behind launching the Tigertail Asian Film Festival • How film festivals support independent filmmakers and Asian cinema • Why storytelling is essential for culture, identity, and community • The purpose that drives creators to share meaningful stories If you love film festivals, Asian cinema, filmmaking, leadership, creativity, and storytelling, this conversation will inspire you to pursue your own passion and purpose. 🎬 Experience Tian Liu’s vision and discover the energy of the Tigertail Asian Film Festival, where filmmakers and audiences come together to celebrate culture, creativity, and powerful stories. Thank you for joining Top Two Questions at Shaping Our Story—where passion shapes our stories, and purpose gives them meaning. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, creators, and visionaries. Connect with our guest Website http://www.ttaff.org/ Instagram @tigertail.asian.filmfestival Film Tampa Bay podcast    / @filmtampabay8418  Episode 56 Tian Liu Special thanks to  Cary Showalter and Wren Beers at ShowTech Studios https://showtechsolutions.com/ TOP TWO Editor georgedavison.com Follow us https://www.facebook.com/louise.krikorian/ https://www.facebook.com/LAKrikorianProductions/ https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian   Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com   Information Questions reflect Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). https://angeladuckworth.com/.

    8 min
  2. Maurice Elias Transforms Education

    MAR 4

    Maurice Elias Transforms Education

    Show Notes Recorded 02/13/2026 MIN 37 SEC 35 Released Date 03/04/2026 Episode #10 Maurice Elias Transforms Education  Shaping Our Story shares exemplary leaders’ success to inspire you to thrive.  In this episode of Shaping Our Story, Louise Krikorian sits down with Dr. Maurice J. Elias, professor of psychology at Rutgers University and a leading voice in social-emotional learning (SEL). Together, they explore how purpose, character development, and emotional intelligence transform schools and lives. Dr. Elias shares why inspiration matters more than punishment, how helping students discover their strengths can change behavior, and why building SEL skills is essential for long-term success. Whether you're an educator, parent, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will inspire you to build skills, nurture purpose, and create environments where everyone can thrive. If this episode resonates with you, follow, share, and help spread the impact of SEL 👉 Follow, comment, and share to inspire others. Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from her years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and researching Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/. Connect with our guest online Links Rutgers.ed melias@psych.rutgers.edu edutopia.org https://psych.rutgers.edu/ssse-certificate/brick-by-brick www.secdlab.org https://www.youtube.com/live/m-dTuNCEEUg?si=TBZ3GOkC3NuX-H9M Follow us https://www.facebook.com/louise.krikorian/ https://www.facebook.com/LAKrikorianProductions/ https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from her years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and researching Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/.  HashTags #RutgersUniversity #MauriceElias #SEL #AngelaDuckworth #Edutopia #EducationLeadership Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 10 Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    38 min
  3. Jeffrey Multer The Florida Orchestra Concertmaster

    FEB 25

    Jeffrey Multer The Florida Orchestra Concertmaster

    Show Notes Recorded 02/08/2026 33 MIN 40 SEC Released 02/25/2026 Episode 9 Jeffrey Multer The Florida Orchestra Concertmaster This is Shaping Our Story where exemplary leaders talk about their success to help you thrive. 🎙️ Shaping Our Story: Jeffrey Multer on Leadership, Legacy & Life as a Concertmaster  What does it take to lead from the first chair of a major symphony orchestra? In this episode of Shaping Our Story, host Louise Krikorian sits down with Jeffrey Multer, Concertmaster of The Florida Orchestra since 2006. From starting violin at age five to studying at The Juilliard School — where his grandparents first met — Jeffrey shares his journey of carrying forward a rich family musical legacy while mentoring the next generation of musicians. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The true role and responsibilities of a concertmasterBehind-the-scenes insights into a professional symphony orchestraThe discipline, mindset, and leadership required to thrive as a musicianLessons in passion, purpose, perseverance, and legacyHow mentorship shapes future generations of artists Whether you’re a classical music lover, an aspiring musician, or a leader seeking inspiration, this conversation offers rare insight into artistry, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. 🎧 Subscribe to Shaping Our Story for more conversations with exemplary leaders sharing ideas to help you thrive. #JeffreyMulter #Concertmaster #TheFloridaOrchestra #ClassicalMusic #ShapingOurStory #Leadership #Violinist #OrchestraLife #ArtsEducation #PassionPurposePerseverance #MelRobbins #AngelaDuckworth #Grit #Juilliard #MusicalLegacy #MusicMentor #PalladiumChamberSeries #StrazCenterTampa #VisitTampaBay LINKS https://floridaorchestra.org/ https://mypalladium.org/palladium-chamber-series/ https://www.strazcenter.org Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian

    34 min
  4. Cher Hubsher Influencer

    FEB 18

    Cher Hubsher Influencer

    Show Notes Recorded 02/06/2026 26 MIN 45 SEC Released 02/18/2026 Cher Hubsher on Passion, Perseverance & Reinventing Yourself | Brava & Business What does it take to reinvent yourself while staying true to who you are? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Cher Hubsher — reality TV personality, entrepreneur, and co-author — best known for her appearances on the hit series sMothered. Cher opens up about her journey of exploring new interests, taking control of her life, and fearlessly pursuing her dreams. From navigating motherhood and marriage in the public eye to building her brand beyond television, Cher shares how passion paired with perseverance can create lasting success. Her consistent drive to grow, evolve, and embrace new opportunities proves that reinvention isn’t luck — it’s mindset. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to confidently pivot into new passionsThe mindset behind long-term successBuilding resilience in business and lifeBalancing family, ambition, and authenticityTurning visibility into opportunity Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a reality TV fan, or someone ready to take control of your next chapter, this conversation will leave you motivated to follow your own dreams. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share if you’re ready to turn passion into purpose. #CherHubsher #EntrepreneurMindset #RealityTV #WomenInBusiness #PersonalGrowth #BravoTV #PodcastInterview Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian

    27 min
  5. Pete Caldera Journalism & Jazz

    FEB 11

    Pete Caldera Journalism & Jazz

    🎶 Pete Caldera — jazz vocalist, Yankees beat writer, and interpreter of Frank Sinatra–style standards — shares a remarkable journey shaped by music, mentorship, and purpose. In this episode, Pete reflects on discovering the Great American Songbook, growing up immersed in Sinatra, opera, and classic American music, and finding his voice later in life through live performance. From spontaneous piano-bar moments with the legendary Kitty Daniels at Donatello Italian Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, to performing classic Sinatra arrangements at the iconic Carnegie Club in New York City, Pete’s story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and honoring musical legacy. Pete also discusses: Writing for the Bergen Record / NorthJersey.com while traveling with the New York YankeesThe influence of mentors including Kitty Daniels, Stan Rubin, and vocal coach John MacePerforming with big bands and authentic Sinatra-era arrangementsWhat it truly means to “owe the audience a good performance”Lessons learned from live music, journalism, and creative riskSinging on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after running the NYC MarathonWhy timeless music still matters todayThis conversation is about more than jazz — it’s about finding purpose, saying yes to opportunity, and carrying forward the legacy of artists who came before us. 🎤 Perfect for fans of Frank Sinatra, jazz standards, live music, storytelling, and inspiring creative journeys. https://www.petecaldera.com/ https://www.thejazzloft.org/ Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian

    37 min
  6. Nancy May Food Podcaster

    FEB 4

    Nancy May Food Podcaster

    Show Notes Recorded 01/26/2026 31 MIN Released 02/04/2026 Episode 6 Nancy May Food Podcaster This is Shaping Our Story where I talk with exemplary leaders about their success to inspire others to thrive. This week's guest is award-winning leader and podcaster Nancy May, who shares how kindness drives corporate governance, elder care leadership, and the meaningful stories that begin at the dinner table. Please like, subscribe, comment, and share to inspire others. Connect with our guest online Podcast: Family Tree, Food & Stories Book:  My Family Tree, Food & Stories Facebook Group @FamilyTreeFoodStories Instagram Stories @FamilyTreeFoodStories Follow us https://www.facebook.com/louise.krikorian/ https://www.facebook.com/LAKrikorianProductions/ https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from her years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and researching Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/. Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 6 Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    31 min
  7. Whitney James Jazz Singer

    JAN 28

    Whitney James Jazz Singer

    Show Notes Recorded 01/22/2026 14 MIN 55 SEC Released 01/28/2026 Episode 5 Whitney James Jazz Singer This is Shaping Our Story where I talk with exemplary leaders about their success to inspire others to thrive. Today, our guest, Whitney James, is a jazz vocalist celebrated for soulful storytelling, polished musicianship, and deeply expressive performances that connect instantly with audiences. She’s also a full professor teaching commercial music at Dallas College in Texas, and she’s a DJ, jewelry designer, a shoe lover, and proud dog mom   Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from her years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and researching Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/.   Connect with our guest online Website http://www.whitneyjames.com/   FB https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyJamesSings/   IG Whitney James (@whitneyjamesjazz) https://www.instagram.com/whitneyjamesjazz/?hl=en   Follow FB Louise Alice FB LA Krikorian Productions, LLC FB Shaping Our Story LinkedIn Louise A Krikorian YouTube Channel Louise Krikorian   Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 5 Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    15 min
  8. Kimberli Cummings Pottery

    JAN 21

    Kimberli Cummings Pottery

    Show Notes Recorded 01/16/2026 15 MIN 35 SEC Released 01/21/2026 Episode 4 Kimberli Cummings Pottery This is Shaping Our Story where we talk to exemplary leaders about their success to inspire others to thrive. Today, our guest, Kimberli Cummings, is an accomplished ceramic artist whose work has been shaped by renowned mentors and international exhibitions. She is a very proud founding member of the Tampa Tour De Clay. She just retired after 19 years of successful shows and continues to work tirelessly creating more custom work, but her passion for pottery didn’t begin until she was in her thirties after she was acting in Los Angelas and working with Jane Fonda and Jane Seymour.  Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from her years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and researching Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016). For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/. Connect with our guest online https://kimberlipottery.com/ Links WEDU Arts Plus Kimberli Pottery https://www.pbs.org/video/1026-kimberli-cummings-e38cen/   Tour de Clay https://tampatourdeclay.com/   Stageworks Theatre https://stageworkstheatre.org/   Pearl’s Instagram #pearlthesquirrel2023 Acting Class with Mary Rachel Dudley and Eugenie Bondurant https://www.facebook.com/Station12Studio?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=xOhqPxE989SFOtKM&share_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252Fshare%252F17q27JXCsT%252F%253Fmibextid%253DwwXIfr&checkpoint_src=any#   Follow Us FB Louise Alice FB LA Krikorian Productions, LLC FB Shaping Our Story LinkedIn Louise A Krikorian YouTube Channel Louise Krikorian   Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 4 Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    16 min
  9. Paul Wilborn Palladium Theater

    JAN 14

    Paul Wilborn Palladium Theater

    Recorded 01/09/2026 38 MIN Released 01/14/2026 Episode 3 Paul Wilborn Palladium Theater This is Shaping Our Story where we talk to exemplary leaders about their success. Today, our guest, Paul Wilborn, is a journalist, author, and musician who was chosen for the Paul Hansel Award for journalism and was a Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan. He also received the 2019 gold medal from the Florida Book Awards for his short story collection, Cigar City. For more than 40 years, Paul has reflected on his Tampa roots. As the Executive Director of the Palladium Theatre, he organizes shows with his wife, Hunger Games’ actor, Eugenie Bondurant and musicians like Duke Ellington jazz bassist, John Lamb. Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/. Connect Paul Wilborn www.wilbornwrites.com Palladium Theater https://mypalladium.org/ Name a Seat video https://mypalladium.org/name-a-seat/ Kitty Daniels with Majid Shabazz Jazz Legends Documentary trailer https://youtu.be/t10ey_T2UpY?si=moJhf8yYW019UFIn Kitty Daniels Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/6lkdJI6thMNmCp9FCrnOGd Kitty Daniels Website https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian Follow us on: FB Louise Alice FB LA Krikorian Productions, LLC FB Shaping Our Story Instagram Louise Krikorian Contact us by leaving a comment on YouTube Channel Louise Krikorian Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 3 Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    38 min
  10. Dalia Colon Multimedia Journalist

    JAN 7

    Dalia Colon Multimedia Journalist

    YouTube Link to this interview. https://youtu.be/vKEiYojpNIc To learn more about Dalia Colon visit thezestpodcast.com (@thezestpodcast) wedu.org/artsplus (@wedupbs) daliacolon@gmail.com (@daliacolon) Find The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook wherever books are sold. Show Notes Ruby the dog playing behind Dalia was okay! Chickens and roosters in Ybor City have been grandfathered in Resources Key West Arts & Historical Society Q&A DSS | Telling Florida's Food Stories with Dalia Colón KWAHS1949 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cuhivCvJqw FORUM: The Magazine of Florida Humanities https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/forum_magazine/ WEDU Arts Plus Kimberli Cummings https://www.pbs.org/video/1026-kimberli-cummings-e38cen/ WEDU Arts Plus Kitty Daniels https://www.pbs.org/video/1103-kitty-daniels-jsj93y/ WUSF The Zest Podcast with The Splendid Table’s host Francis Lam https://www.facebook.com/TheZestPodcast/posts/1315235727270451/ WEDU America’s Test Kitchen Live Event with Julia & Bridget https://www.wedu.org/blogs/station-news/americans-test-kitchen-2025-live-event/  The Commodore https://www.facebook.com/events/811-e-7th-ave-tampa-fl-united-states-florida-33602/salud-and-happy-days-with-guest-storyteller-dalia-colon/676052848166352/?locale=is_IS Columbia Restaurant https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/   Shout out to Mel Robbins and Angela Duckworth talking about “Purpose”. Mel Robbins: How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=SVJYUiK2d29scKuE

    37 min
  11. Heather Kendall Elegant Shells Designs

    12/31/2025

    Heather Kendall Elegant Shells Designs

    Show Notes 12/31/2025 22 MIN Episode 1 - Heather Kendall Elegant Shells Designs Heather Kendall became a success seashell designer after a family vacation. Her love of collecting shells came from spending time on the beach when her younger brother was ill. She turned this passion into a thriving business. Some of Heather's most famous clients are entrepreneur Sara Blakely of SPANX and commentator Tucker Carlson. Episode transcript sample Louise Krikorian: What are, who are some of your most famous clients that? Heather Kendall: I'd say my two most famous clients are Tucker Carlson and Sara Blakely. LK: Did you know both of them? HK: I knew Sara very well. I grew up with her and, uh, am close with her mother and my sister's best friends with her brother and my mother's best friends with her mother still today. Yes. LK: And how did you meet Tucker? HK: Tucker I met through, uh, I've done a lot of work down in Boca Grande. It's an island south of me here in Florida. And, uh, I have mutual friends that knew him because he lived on the island and knew he was looking for a fireplace and said, oh, you have to have Heather Kendall. So that's how… LK: That's great. HK: My, my friend Sam Hobbs, he's also, um, he's also a shell artist and is from Delaware, but has lived down there with his family off and on. So grandmother’s or his mother's lived there for, for a very long time. And he creates shell pieces with only shells from Boca Grande that he finds, which is very unique. And I think they wanted him to do it. And then he said, oh no, I can't do it. You have to call Heather Kendall. Hosts & Guests: Louise Krikorian, Host & Heather Kendall, Guest Information Louise Krikorian’s outline of questions comes from years of researching the psychology of learning, motivating students, and Dr. Angela Duckworth’s work on Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. For more information on Dr. Angela Duckworth, you can visit https://angeladuckworth.com/. In this episode you will hear about Heather’s horse, Alan.  Please note that she sees him regularly and he has a number of loving care givers. Heather Kendall's email: heather@elegantshells.com.  Heather Kendall’s Elegant Shells Designs Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elegantshellsdesigns/?hl=en WEDU Arts Plus 517: Elegant Shells Clearwater designer Heather Kendal  Uses shells to create ocean-inspire home furnishings 05/26/2016: Rating NR https://www.pbs.org/video/wedu-arts-plus-517-elegant-shells/ Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 1 Rating: Clean Copyright @2025 Buzzsprout Provider Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    22 min

  12. 12/30/2025

    Shaping Our Story Announcement

    Louise Krikorian: This is Shaping Our Story where exemplary leaders reveal the shaping of their success story. I’m Louise Krikorian. I’ve been working on this podcast for ten years after studying the psychology of learning and how to motivate students. But even when I was thirteen years old, I remember wondering how some people found their purpose and became successful while others not so much. In two thousand fifteen, I set out to interview leaders to answer this question, but that led me to create an award winning documentary team, which also produced a  PBS TV episode about a great leader in music. Now, we’re ready to begin our podcast. Here’s a sneak peak from our first episode with Heather Kendall who makes sea shell designs for her business where I asked her about her most famous clients. Clip from first podcast interview recorded 12/23/25 Heather Kendall: I’d say my two most famous clients are Tucker Carlson and Sara Blakely. I knew Sara very well, grew up with her and ah, and close with her mother, and my sister is best friends with her brother, and my mother is best friends with her mother still today.  LK: And how did you meet Tucker? HK: Tucker I met through, I’ve done a lot of work down in Boca Grande. It’s an island south of me here in Florida. And, ah, I have mutual friends that knew him because he lived on the island and knew he was looking for a fireplace and said, “Oh you have to have Heather Kendall.” So that’s how. (Laughs) LK: That’s great. Please connect with us on the Shaping Our Story FaceBook page and share which leader’s success story you’d like to hear. Thanks for spending time with us. Come back and listen through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or watch our videos on YouTube. You can follow us on Facebook at Shaping Our Story.

    2 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Introducing a new interview podcast hosted by award-winning PBS TV and documentary film producer, Louise Krikorian. Backstory: Why start a podcast called Shaping Our Story? When I was in college, my mentor, Dr. Maurice Elias, talked about human behavior in his Psychology 101 class. I liked this because I had always listened to family, friends, and co-workers' stories about their struggles and successes.  As a teacher, I encouraged my students to ​find their purpose and thrive. Over the years of producing for NPR, AFN Radio Europe, and PBS TV, I've interviewed world renowned musicians, artists, filmmakers, and scientists who have realized their true talent. Shaping Our Story is a community of entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives who have become exemplary leaders and want to motivate others to realize their gifts and succeed. Please follow us here and on the Shaping Our Story FaceBook page or watch our videos on YouTube. Share which leader’s success story and questions you’d like to hear.

Information

  • Creator
    Louise A Krikorian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shaping Our Story
  • Show Website
    Shaping Our Story