Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths.

Deanna Brown
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. is where personal stories meet the realities that rarely make it into public conversation. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the experiences, turning points, and lessons that shape leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Together, they uncover not only the human journey, but also the untold truths within industries like technology, healthcare, science, sports, and business. Through thoughtful conversations and genuine curiosity, they challenge assumptions, spark new perspectives, and reveal the insights that often stay behind closed doors. If you're curious about what drives meaningful work, resilient people, and lasting impact, you're in the right place.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    What if Mental Health Started With Prevention with Dr. Shivam Dubey

    What if we taught people how to understand their mental health before they reached a crisis? Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Dr. Shivam Dubey, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and founder of Mighty Champions, to challenge a mental healthcare model that too often begins after someone is already struggling. Drawing from his experience treating patients, Shivam shares why he believes self-awareness and mental health education should begin much earlier. From patients arriving in emergency rooms believing they’re having heart attacks only to discover they’re experiencing panic attacks, to the core beliefs we develop throughout our lives, he asks: What could we be teaching people before they reach a breaking point? The conversation explores stress and the body, the beliefs and identities we carry, physician burnout and moral injury, and Shivam’s vision for bringing preventive mental health education into communities around the world. In This EpisodeMoving mental healthcare from treatment toward preventionHow stress can manifest physicallySelf-awareness as a foundational mental health skillHow core beliefs shape the way we see ourselvesWhy our thoughts and experiences are not our identityMoral injury and physician burnoutShivam’s vision for preventive mental health educationResourcesMighty Champions Program: https://www.mightychampions.org/#team Know Thyself Assessment: https://knowthyself-test.vercel.app/ Fellowship in Preventive Mental Health Education - Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ-cxNOmPD98Vkpd9FDmY9PsgEBUdZZa47TAhLkFou94L4Kg/viewform 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success- the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ 💌 Connect with Jeffery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette “Halo Balance” Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: ZMYZZ0ZYVA5QJIKN ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  2. Aug 18

    Building What Science Couldn't See with Han Cao

    Han Cao arrived in the United States for graduate school with $50 in his pocket and little experience speaking conversational English. He learned by immersion, watching CNN during the day and Johnny Carson at night, teaching biology labs, and eventually stepping far outside his own discipline. That willingness to enter unfamiliar rooms became a defining part of his career. A molecular biologist by training, Han found himself working alongside electrical engineers, physicists, computer scientists, and other disciplines at Princeton. At those intersections, new ideas emerged. He went on to found Bionano Genomics and develop technology that allowed researchers to map the genome in ways that previously weren't possible. Today, Han is Co-Founder, President and CEO of Dimension Genomics, where he is taking on another challenge: understanding changes within individual cells, including extrachromosomal circular DNA (ecDNA) associated with aggressive cancers, cancer relapse, and drug resistance. In this episode: How Han learned English through immersionWhy crossing disciplines can lead to unexpected breakthroughsThe technology behind mapping the human genomeWhy ecDNA matters in cancer researchStarting over after building and losing control of a companyWhy “junk in, junk out” takes on new meaning when AI enters medicineThe role immigrants play in science, entrepreneurship, and innovation About Han Cao, Ph.D. Han Cao, Ph.D. is Co-Founder, President and CEO of Dimension Genomics Inc., where he is developing technology to better understand somatic genomic changes and their role in disease. He previously founded Bionano Genomics and helped pioneer genome-mapping technology using nanofluidics. Connect with Han / Dimension Genomics https://dimensiongen.com/ 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success - the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ 💌 Connect with Jeffery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette “Halo Balance” Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: CV4ZSVSKTX55EDDE ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  3. Aug 11

    The Seven-Month Bet That Changed Biotech with Andrew Bradbury

    What does it take to bet everything on an idea no one can prove will work? In this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths., Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with scientist and entrepreneur Andrew Bradbury. Andrew shares what it was like studying under Nobel Laureate César Milstein, launching Specifica, surviving seven months without a paycheck, trusting instinct when the data wasn't yet available, and challenging the biotech industry's assumptions about artificial intelligence. From scientific breakthroughs to startup leadership, this conversation explores the resilience, curiosity, and calculated risks behind meaningful innovation. In This Episode• Building a biotech startup from the ground up • Betting an entire company on an unproven idea • Surviving seven months without a paycheck • Challenging the AI hype in biotech • The leadership lesson that came after selling his company About Andrew BradburyAndrew Bradbury is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Specifica. A Cambridge-trained scientist who studied under Nobel Laureate César Milstein, he has spent more than 30 years advancing antibody discovery technologies and has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications. Connect with AndrewSpecifica: https://www.specifica.bio/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew--bradbury/ 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success—the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ 💌 Connect with Jeffery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Guest: Andrew Bradbury Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: SIS9RNTFYTH5E3KF ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

    The Seven-Month Bet That Changed Biotech with Andrew Bradbury

  4. Aug 4

    What If It Isn’t Just Structural? with Brian Burzynski

    What if the root cause isn't what you think it is? In this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths., Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with Brian Burzynski, founder of Intelligent Threads and the Synergy Release Method (SRM). What began with a high school basketball injury turned into a 25-year journey studying body structure, movement, and recovery. Brian shares how that path led him to spend more than 15 years developing wearable technology designed to support structural alignment - and why curiosity has been the driving force behind everything he's built. Along the way, the conversation explores challenging assumptions, looking beyond symptoms, the role of structure, environment, and emotions in recovery, and why Brian believes asking better questions often lead to better outcomes. Whether you're an entrepreneur, healthcare practitioner, or simply curious about the human body, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on looking beyond the obvious. In This EpisodeWhy he spent 15 years developing Intelligent ThreadsThe story behind the Synergy Release Method (SRM)The lesson that changed how he viewed other healthcare practitionersWhy he believes healing often requires asking better questionsThe business philosophy behind helping people not need to come backAbout Brian BurzynskiBrian Burzynski, DPSc., SRM, is the founder of Intelligent Threads and the Synergy Release Method (SRM). Since 2000, he has helped clients improve body structure and function through SRM while developing wearable technology designed to support structural alignment. His philosophy is simple: help people recover, give them the tools to stay well, and empower them to rely less on ongoing treatment. Connect with Brian 🌐 Website: https://www.intelligentthreads.com/ 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths.Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success—the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with DeannaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ 💌 Connect with JefferyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ 🎙️ CreditsHosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette "Halo Balance" music licensed through Soundstripe. ⚖️ DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

    What If It Isn’t Just Structural? with Brian Burzynski

  5. Jul 28

    The Frequency of Alignment - with Dmitri Leonov

    What if wellness isn't about chasing symptoms, but helping your body return to balance? In this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths., Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis sit down with entrepreneur and The One Device CEO Dmitri Leonov to explore a different perspective on health, healing, and human potential. From the realities of building a hardware startup to the ideas of resonance, frequency, and alignment, Dimitri shares the philosophy that drives both his business and his life. Together, they discuss what it means to live in balance, why founders need resilience, and how curiosity can open the door to new ways of thinking. Whether you agree with every idea or simply enjoy exploring new perspectives, this conversation invites you to think differently about wellness and the future of human performance. In this episode, we discuss:Dmitri's entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned building The One DeviceWhy "hardware is hard" and what it took to bring the product to marketThe concepts of resonance, frequency, and balanceFinding alignment with your higher selfWhy a holistic approach to wellness mattersThe future of frequency-based technologies Dmitri Leonov is the CEO of The One Device and a serial entrepreneur focused on wellness technology and human potential. His mission is to help people achieve greater balance through frequency-based technologies, and his work has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, TechCrunch, Mashable, and VentureBeat. Connect with Dmitri Leonov 🌐 https://theonedevice.com/ 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths.Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, this podcast explores the stories behind success- the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ 💌 Connect with Jeffery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyddavis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-continuumpro/ 🎙️ Credits Hosts: Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis Editor: Krissi Burdette “Halo Balance” Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 4RKYC6TEZTPEDSBO ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  6. Jul 17

    Authenticity Starts with Knowing Who You Are | Cheldin Barlatt Rumer

    What does it really mean to be authentic - and how do you find your voice in a world that's constantly telling you who to be? In this episode of Authentic Conversations, Deanna Brown sits down with Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, CEO and Executive Producer of THIS IS IT NETWORK™, to explore the power of storytelling, personal branding, and the courage to stop whispering your wishes. Cheldin shares the philosophy behind her signature movement, SCREAM YOUR DREAM™, why authenticity begins with knowing who you are, and the three questions everyone should be able to answer: • Who are you? • What do you want? • Why do you deserve it? Together, Deanna and Cheldin discuss building your own stage instead of waiting for permission, using your voice with intention, the future of media and AI, and why genuine human connection will always matter. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, leader, or simply navigating your next chapter, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about authenticity - and inspire you to show up more boldly. About Cheldin Barlatt RumerCheldin is the CEO and Executive Producer of THIS IS IT NETWORK™, a global female and minority-owned digital streaming platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of remarkable women through educational entertainment. She is also the creator of the SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ movement, helping entrepreneurs, professionals, and students strengthen their personal brands, communicate with confidence, and share their stories with purpose. An immigrant from Sierra Leone, West Africa, former Division I athlete, adjunct professor, author, mother, and personal branding expert, Cheldin has dedicated her career to empowering women to stop whispering their wishes and boldly scream their dreams. Learn more about Cheldin and THIS IS IT NETWORK™: https://thisisittv.com/cheldin/ 🎧 Thank you for joining us for this episode of Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. Hosted by Deanna Brown, this podcast explores the stories behind success- the pivots, setbacks, reinventions, leadership lessons, and defining moments that rarely make the highlight reel. 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. 💬 Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a rating or review and share the episode with someone who would appreciate it. Your support helps more listeners discover these stories. 💌 Connect with Deanna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannabrowntoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannachristinebrown/ 🎙️ Credits Host: Deanna Brown Producer & Editor: Krissi Burdette Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: Q190WWWNTXUIA9JR ⚖️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, psychological, or other professional advice.

  7. Jun 30

    A Side of Sports No One Explains with Jori Davis & Julie Wojta

    A Side of Sports No One Explains What happens when the people meant to support athletes aren't always working from the athlete's perspective? Professional basketball players and WeVolv founders Jori Davis and Julie Wojta pull back the curtain on the realities of building a career in professional sports. From contract negotiations and career decisions to transparency, ownership, and advocacy, they share the challenges many athletes face long after the game begins. Drawing from years of playing professionally across Europe, Jori and Julie discuss how their own experiences inspired them to create WeVolv - a platform designed to give athletes greater access to information, stronger support systems, and more control over their careers. This conversation goes far beyond sports. It's about questioning broken systems, turning frustration into innovation, and building a better path for the next generation. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone passionate about creating meaningful change, this episode offers a thoughtful look at resilience, purpose, and what it means to advocate for yourself and others. Connect with Jori Davis & Julie Wojta🌐 WeVolv https://wevolv.ai/ Jori Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jori-davis-0a16a75a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joridavis32/Julie Wojta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wojta-50a17660/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliewojta/Follow Authentic Conversations with Deanna BrownSubscribe for more conversations with founders, leaders, creators, and changemakers sharing the stories behind their journeys. 🎙️ New episodes released regularly. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: Q190WWWNTXUIA9JR

  8. Jun 17

    Curiosity, growth, and embracing the unknown with Kyle Harris

    In this episode of Authentic Conversations, Deanna Brown sits down with Kyle Harris for a conversation about curiosity, leadership, and embracing the unexpected. From growing up overseas to leading innovative companies, Kyle shares how staying open to new experiences has shaped both his career and his perspective on life. Together, they explore leadership, entrepreneurship, navigating change, and the value of remaining curious in a world that's constantly evolving. Kyle also shares insights from his work at BrainLit and the surprising role light plays in our health, focus, recovery, and overall well-being. This conversation is a reminder that growth doesn't always follow a plan - and that some of life's greatest opportunities begin when we're willing to learn, adapt, and stay curious. About Kyle Harris Kyle Harris is the CEO of BrainLit, a company focused on creating healthier indoor environments through biocentric lighting. Throughout his career, he has worked across industries including aerospace, energy, technology, and startups, helping organizations navigate growth, innovation, and change.

  9. May 19

    The Power of Oatmeal Cookies with Tom Hartman

    Deanna Brown welcomes executive coach and former media sales executive Tom Hartman for a thoughtful conversation about authenticity, courage, leadership, and personal reinvention. After decades leading sales teams at companies including Condé Nast, American Express, Disney, and DoubleClick, Tom made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and rebuild his career around executive coaching and human development. Together, Deanna and Tom explore: What authenticity really means in leadership and lifeThe courage required to make meaningful changeFear, resistance, and personal growthHow service shapes leadershipDaily practices for staying grounded during stressThe importance of human connection in a divided worldThe conversation is reflective, practical, and deeply human - exactly the kind of dialogue Authentic Conversations was created to have. ABOUT THE GUEST Tom Hartman is an executive coach who helps leaders navigate growth, pressure, performance, and the human side of leadership. With a background spanning companies like Disney, Condé Nast, Google/DoubleClick, and other high-growth organizations, Tom brings both corporate experience and grounded perspective to the conversation. CONNECT WITH TOM Email: Tom@HartmanExecutiveCoaching.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hartman/ ABOUT THE PODCAST Authentic Conversations with Deanna Brown explores the real stories behind success, healing, leadership, creativity, and personal growth through honest, human conversations. INTERESTED IN BEING A GUEST? Have a story, perspective, or life experience that could spark meaningful conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Topics in this episode include leadership, stress management, grounding practices, executive coaching, movement, and personal resilience.

  • 9 Episodes

About

Authentic Conversations: Real Stories. Hidden Truths. is where personal stories meet the realities that rarely make it into public conversation. Hosted by Deanna Brown and Jeffery Davis, each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the experiences, turning points, and lessons that shape leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Together, they uncover not only the human journey, but also the untold truths within industries like technology, healthcare, science, sports, and business. Through thoughtful conversations and genuine curiosity, they challenge assumptions, spark new perspectives, and reveal the insights that often stay behind closed doors. If you're curious about what drives meaningful work, resilient people, and lasting impact, you're in the right place.

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