Shaping Our Story

Louise A Krikorian
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  • 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.

  1. Aug 5

    The Secret to Doing What You Love | Laurie Zaleski Part 3

    Season 2, Episode 10 The Secret to Doing What You Love  | Laurie Zaleski Part 3 Recorded: June 18, 2026 Released: August 5, 2026 Length: Minutes 19 Seconds 42 In the final episode of this three-part conversation, Laurie Zaleski, founder of the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing, New Jersey, shares her extraordinary journey of rescuing more than 750 animals, turning unimaginable childhood hardship into a life of compassion, and why she's now adapting her bestselling memoir into a feature film. Laurie discusses: ✔︎ Why Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals is being developed into a movie ✔︎  The challenges of writing a screenplay for the first time ✔︎  How kindness can change lives—for both people and animals ✔︎  The power of community, volunteers, and unconditional love ✔︎  The inspiring stories behind rescued animals including Adele, Honey, Jack Frost, Puppy, Caesar, and many more ✔︎  Why children are at the heart of her mission to teach empathy and compassion The advice she gives anyone searching for purpose: "Be true to yourself and do something you absolutely love." From abandoned dogs and rescued roosters to horses, donkeys, chickens, alpacas, and even an emu, Laurie has created what many visitors call "heaven on earth for animals." Her story is one of resilience, hope, generosity, and the belief that every life deserves a second chance. If you love inspirational true stories, animal rescue, personal growth, documentaries, memoirs, and podcasts about purpose and perseverance, this episode is for you. If this episode inspired you, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Your support helps us bring more stories of courage, kindness, and purpose to the world. 💻 LEARN MORE about our guest ⚪️ Website funnyfarmrescue.org ⚪️ Facebook @funnyfarmrescue ⚪️ Instagram @funnyfarmrescue ⚪️ Youtube @funnyfarmrescue Purchase Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals anywhere books are sold. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/funny-farm-laurie-zaleski/1138461965?ean=9781250858436 💡ABOUT US  On Shaping Our Story, you’ll hear ordinary people tell extraordinary stories that can change how you see your own life through lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning documentary filmmaker, PBS contributing producer, and On Set teacher. #entrepreneur #businessleadership  #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #situated #kellyclarkson #lesleystahl #CBSnews #People #resilience #authenticity #humor #animalwelfare #purpose #kindness #FunnyFarmRescue  🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ⚪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ ⚪️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian 🏆 LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS  Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, and Simon Sinek  🎙️ PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/  🎙️ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu  🎙️ Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE  🎙️ Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M ℹ️  Information ◽️ Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A Krikorian  ◽️ Editor: George C Davison  ◽️ Years Active: 2025  ◽️ Episodes: 20 ◽️ Rating: Clean  ◽️ Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com  ◽️ Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify ◽️ Available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseKrikorian

    The Secret to Doing What You Love | Laurie Zaleski Part 3

  2. Jul 22

    How Do You Find Your Purpose After Life Falls Apart? | Laurie Zaleski Part 2

    Season 2, Episode 9 How Do You Find Your Purpose After Life Falls Apart? | Laurie Zaleski Part 2 Recorded: June 18, 2026 Released: July 22, 2026 Length: Minutes 22 Seconds 12 Shaping Our Story, where ordinary people tell extraordinary stories that can change how you see your own life. Laurie Zaleski talks about finding purpose at her home with 750 animals. She lives on 30 acres that she calls the Funny Farm Rescue.  Here’s the secret to her success of turning pain into purpose. In this episode, you'll learn how one woman transformed childhood hardship into a world-renowned animal sanctuary, inspired hundreds of volunteers, found purpose through service, and proved that humor, compassion, resilience, and perseverance can change lives—one act of kindness at a time. 🔥 What You’ll Discover in This Episode How Laurie’s resilience helped her find purpose by serving something bigger than herself. Why humor and perseverance—not perfection—is the key to long-term success. How kindness transforms both people and animals. How she built a community of volunteers who genuinely want to help her and her animals. Why her greatest hardship became her greatest strength. How mentors, family values, and simple life lessons can shape lasting leadership. Why surrounding herself with authentic and positive people makes resilience possible. How giving back without expecting anything in return creates an extraordinary legacy. How she didn't have money or perfect circumstances to make a difference. How one person’s compassion, gratitude, and persistence can change lives. 👍 If you liked this true story about finding purpose Please like, comment, and share this episode to help us grow our community of people like you. 💻 LEARN MORE about our guest ⚪️ Website funnyfarmrescue.org ⚪️ Facebook @funnyfarmrescue ⚪️ Instagram @funnyfarmrescue ⚪️ Youtube @funnyfarmrescue Find Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals wherever books are sold.  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/funny-farm-laurie-zaleski/1138461965?ean=9781250858436 💡ABOUT US  On Shaping Our Story, you’ll hear ordinary people tell extraordinary stories that can change how you see your own life through lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning documentary filmmaker, PBS contributing producer and On Set teacher.  #entrepreneur #businessleadership  #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #situated #kellyclarkson #lesleystahl #CBSnews #People #resilience #authenticity #humor #animalwelfare #purpose #kindness #FunnyFarmRescue  🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ⚪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ ⚪️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian 🏆 LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS  Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, and Simon Sinek  🎙️ PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/  🎙️ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu  🎙️ Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE  🎙️ Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M ℹ️ Information ◽️ Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A. Krikorian ◽️ Editor: George C. Davison ◽️ Years Active: 2025 ◽️ Episodes: 19 ◽️ Rating: Clean ◽️ Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com ◽️ Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify ◽️ Available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseKrikorian.

    How Do You Find Your Purpose After Life Falls Apart? | Laurie Zaleski Part 2

  3. Jul 8

    Laurie Zaleski Funny Farm Rescue Part 1

    Season 2, Episode 8 Laurie Zaleski Funny Farm Rescue Part 1 Recorded: June 18, 2026 Released: July 8, 2026 Length: Minutes 17 Seconds 12 Welcome to Shaping Our Story, where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and perseverance to help you build a meaning life. Today, Laurie Zaleski shares how she turned one of life's most difficult challenges into a journey of purpose, resilience, and hope. Discover how she found the strength to rebuild her life after a life-changing event—and not just survive, but truly thrive. Listen to this inspiring episode of Shaping Our Story and be reminded that even life's hardest moments can lead to a meaningful new beginning. 🔥 What You’ll Discover in This Episode How Laurie Zaleski transformed childhood adversity into a life dedicated to rescuing animals and helping others.Why resilience, perseverance, and purpose are essential for overcoming life's biggest challenges.How Funny Farm Rescue grew from one family's compassion into a sanctuary for more than 750 rescued animals.The powerful leadership lessons that come from serving others with kindness and empathy.How animals can provide healing, unconditional love, and emotional support for people of all ages.Why small acts of compassion can create lasting change in your community.The inspiring influence of Laurie's mother and the values that shaped her life's mission.How to find purpose by turning personal struggles into opportunities to make a difference.Behind-the-scenes stories from Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals.Why hope, grit, and generosity can change both human and animal lives. 👍 If this inspired you Please like, comment, and share to help others build meaningful connections and live with purpose.  Find Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals wherever books are sold.  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/funny-farm-laurie-zaleski/1138461965?ean=9781250858436 💻 LEARN MORE about our guest FunnyFarmRescue ⚪️ Website funnyfarmrescue.org ⚪️ Facebook @funnyfarmrescue ⚪️ Instagram @funnyfarmrescue ⚪️ Youtube @funnyfarmrescue 💡ABOUT US  On Shaping Our Story, inspiring leaders share lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance to help build a meaningful life. Real people. Real stories. Real strategies to help you thrive. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning storyteller, educator, and filmmaker, this podcast brings you powerful insights from inspiring voices across industries. #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businesslessons #businessleadership #founders #founderstory #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #situated #kellyclarkson #lesleystahl #CBSnews #People   🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ⚪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ ⚪️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian 🏆 LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS  Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, and Simon Sinek  🎙️ PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/  🎙️ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu  🎙️ Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE  🎙️ Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M ℹ️ Information ◽️ Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A. Krikorian ◽️ Editor: George C. Davison ◽️ Years Active: 2025 ◽️ Episodes: 18 ◽️ Rating: Clean ◽️ Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com ◽️ Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify ◽️ Available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseKrikorian

    Laurie Zaleski Funny Farm Rescue Part 1

  4. Jun 24 ·  Bonus

    BONUS Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie Illustrator Watercolor Artist

    Season 2, Episode 7 BONUS  Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie Illustrator Watercolor Artist 🐝 Recorded: 4/16/26, 6/16/26 Released: 6/24/26 Length:  4 minutes 20 seconds Welcome to this special BONUS episode of Shaping Our Story with renowned watercolor illustrator and children's book artist Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie. Shaping Our Story episode is where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and perseverance to help you thrive. This episode is also meant to inspire publishers to find Marielle in Paris. Whether you're an artist, illustrator, author, educator, parent, or lover of children's literature, you'll enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of a celebrated watercolor artist. In this delightful conversation, Jeanne shares the story behind Marielle in Paris, a charming children's book created with author Maxine Rose Schur. Inspired by Jeanne's artwork, the story follows a talented little mouse dressmaker who travels throughout Paris in search of inspiration, encountering iconic Parisian landmarks, fashion, creativity, and adventure along the way. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode  • The inspiration behind Marielle in Paris • Her stunning watercolor illustration process • Creating art inspired by Paris and French culture • Collaborating with children's book authors • The journey of publishing illustrated children's books • Why readers continue to search for this beloved out-of-print title 👍 If this inspired you  Please like, comment, and share to help others build meaningful connections and live with purpose.  💻 LEARN MORE about our guest  ·       Website www.jeannedesaintemarie.com ·       Instagram @justjeanneb ·       Facebook @justjeanneb ·       YouTube: Illustrations of Jeanne de Sainte Marie https://youtu.be/mxbTdVJ4kH4?si=eeJEQ1be7ro4y824 ·       Library-arts.org: profile https://literary-arts.org/bio/jeanne-b-de-sainte-marie/ ·       School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/story/best-of-apps-enhanced-books-september-2013 💡ABOUT US  On Shaping Our Story, inspiring leaders share lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance. Real people. Real stories. Real strategies to help you thrive. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning storyteller, educator, and filmmaker, this podcast brings you powerful insights from inspiring voices across industries. #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businesslessons #businessleadership ##founders #founderstories #founderstory #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #jeannebdesaintemarie #awordsabird #FrancoAmerican #illustrator #watercolor #children’sbookauthor #maxineroseschur #marielleinparis 🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY  ⚪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/  ⚪️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian  🏆 LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, and Simon Sinek 🎙️ PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/  🎙️ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu  🎙️ Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE  🎙️ Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M  ℹ️  Information ◽️ Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A Krikorian  ◽️ Editor: Patrick McMullen  ◽️ Years Active: 2025  ◽️ Episodes: 17 ◽️ Rating: Clean  ◽️ Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com  ◽️ Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2550358/episodes/19396065-bonus-jeanne-b-de-sainte-marie-illustrator-watercolor-artist/edit ◽️ Available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseKrikorian

    BONUS Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie Illustrator Watercolor Artist

  5. Jun 10

    Bill Lowe News Anchor, Airshow Announcer

    Season 2 Episode 6 Bill Lowe News Anchor, Airshow Announcer  Recorded: 4/23/26  Released: 6/10/26  Length: 27 Minutes 09 Seconds We hope you enjoy this episode with the birds singing near Bill's front porch! Welcome to Shaping Our Story with host Louise Krikorian—where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and perseverance to help you thrive.  Because every story shapes who we become. What does it take to keep reinventing yourself over eight decades? In this episode of Shaping Our Story, I talk with broadcaster, air show announcer, veteran, entrepreneur, and storyteller Bill Lowe about building a life around passion, purpose, and perseverance. Bill shares how a high school radio internship launched a 40+ year broadcasting career, why failure taught him humility, how he became one half of North America’s first husband-and-wife air show announcing team, and why the secret to staying inspired is simple: keep moving forward. From military service and radio newsrooms to air shows, entrepreneurship, and YouTube, Bill reflects on finding your voice, embracing change, and continuing to grow at every stage of life. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How to find and develop your authentic voice  • Why failure can become your greatest teacher  • The power of repetition and continuous improvement  • What broadcasting taught Bill about storytelling and leadership  • Why staying forward-focused matters at every age 👍 If this inspired you, please like, comment, and share this episode to help others build meaningful connections and live with purpose.  💻 LEARN MORE about our guest  Custom Lighted Diecasts YouTube address: https://www.youtube.com/@BillLoweCustomLighted Custom Lighted Diecasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLightedDiecasts/ Bill Lowe’s Personal FB page: https://www.facebook.com/lowespage/ Midstate Miata Club YouTube address: https://www.youtube.com/@MidstateMiataClubofNewYork/videos Edgerton Model Railroad Club Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066528042399# 💡ABOUT US  On Shaping Our Story, inspiring leaders share lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance. Real people. Real stories. Real strategies to help you thrive. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning storyteller, educator, and filmmaker, this podcast brings you powerful insights from inspiring voices across industries. #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businesslessons #businessleadership ##founders #founderstories #founderstory #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #billlowe #newsanchor #airshowannouncer # CustomLightedDiecasts # EdgertonModelRailroadClub # MidstateMiataClub #Podcast #Storytelling #Broadcasting #VeteranStories #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #AirShows #Radio #LifeLessons #ShapingOurStory 🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY  ⚪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/  ⚪️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian  🏆 LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, and Simon Sinek  🎙️ PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/  🎙️ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu  🎙️ Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE  🎙️ Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M  ℹ️ Information  ◽️ Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A. Krikorian  ◽️ Editor: George C. Davison  ◽️ Years Active: 2025  ◽️ Episodes: 16  ◽️ Rating: Clean  ◽️ Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com  ◽️ Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2550358/episodes/19116729-bill-lowe-news-anchor-airshow-announcer ◽️ Available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseKrikorian SOS Questions are based on Dr. Angela Duckworth’s evidence-based research and book GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (Scribner, 2016) and Angela Duckworth & Kelly Corrigan Tell Me More, Season 4 Episode 1 (PBS, 10/04/2022) https://pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb?source=social

    Bill Lowe News Anchor, Airshow Announcer

  6. May 27

    Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie Illustrator Watercolor Artist 🐝

    Season 2, Episode 5  Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie Illustrator Watercolor Artist 🐝  Recorded: 4/16/26 Released: 5/27/26 Length: 23 Minutes Welcome to Shaping Our Story with host Louise Krikorian—where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and perseverance to help you thrive.  Louise Krikorian talks with Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie, an award-winning Franco American artist, author, illustrator, and designer whose creative work spans watercolor painting, animation, children’s books, magazines, and exhibitions. Louise highlights Jeanne’s themes of family, nature, and resilience, noting her book, which was adapted as an app, A Words A Bird and her artistic journey from her family’s French roots to Michigan and back to France. Jeanne reflects on her background, including studying at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and meeting her husband while working in automotive design in France. Jeanne reveals her underlying reasons for a lifelong passion for art and storytelling. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode  ·       How creativity and perseverance can shape a lifelong artistic career.  ·       Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie’s journey from studying art in Paris to working internationally as an illustrator, designer, and author.  ·       The importance of storytelling, imagination, and nature in children’s literature and visual art.  ·       How cultural experiences in France and the United States influenced Jeanne's creative voice.  ·       Insights into balancing professional design work with personal artistic passion.  ·       The value of resilience, reinvention, and following one’s purpose through different stages of life.  ·       How art can connect family, memory, and emotional expression across generations. 👍 If this inspired you  Please like, comment, and share to help others build meaningful connections and live with purpose.  💻 LEARN MORE about our guest  ·       Website www.jeannedesaintemarie.com ·       Instagram @justjeanneb ·       Facebook @justjeanneb ·       YouTube: Illustrations of Jeanne de Sainte Marie https://youtu.be/mxbTdVJ4kH4?si=eeJEQ1be7ro4y824 ·       Library-arts.org: profile https://literary-arts.org/bio/jeanne-b-de-sainte-marie/ ·       School Library Journal https://www.slj.com/story/best-of-apps-enhanced-books-september-2013 💡ABOUT US  On Shaping Our Story, inspiring leaders share lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance. Real people. Real stories. Real strategies to help you thrive. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning storyteller, educator, and filmmaker, this podcast brings you powerful insights from inspiring voices across industries. #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businesslessons #businessleadership ##founders #founderstories #founderstory #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #jeannebdesaintemarie #awordsabird #FrancoAmerican #illustrator #watercolor #children’sbookauthor 🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY  ⚪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/  ⚪️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/  ⚪️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian  🏆 LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, and Simon Sinek 🎙️ PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/  🎙️ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu  🎙️ Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE  🎙️ Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M  ℹ️  Information ◽️ Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A Krikorian  ◽️ Editor: Patrick McMullen  ◽️ Years Active: 2025  ◽️ Episodes: 15 ◽️ Rating: Clean  ◽️ Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com  ◽️ Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify ◽️ Available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LouiseKrikorian

    Jeanne B. de Sainte Marie Illustrator Watercolor Artist 🐝

  7. May 13

    Chuck Owen Jazz Composer

    Season 2 Episode 4 Recorded 4/10/26 Released 5/13/26 Length: 32 MIN 37 SEC Welcome to Shaping Our Story with host Louise Krikorian—where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and perseverance to help you thrive. Five-time Grammy-nominated jazz composer, bandleader, and former university professor Chuck Owen joins Louise Krikorian on Shaping Our Story for a powerful conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the lifelong pursuit of music. From composing music in high school to leading his acclaimed ensembles The Jazz Surge and ReSurgence, Chuck Owen reflects on the experiences that shaped his extraordinary career. He shares stories about teaching and mentoring students who later worked with legendary artists including Ray Charles, Paquito D’Rivera, Dolly Parton, and Stevie Wonder, while discussing the influence of musical icons such as Quincy Jones and Chick Corea. In this episode, Chuck opens up about the discipline required to create music every day, the vulnerability of being an artist, and why growth comes from taking creative risks. He also previews The Jazz Surge’s 30th Anniversary Florida Concert Tour in September 2026 and the recording of the ensemble’s upcoming 8th album featuring special guest artists. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Jazz composition and creativity Teaching and mentoring young musicians Working with legendary artists Inspiration from Quincy Jones and Chick Corea The importance of perseverance and daily discipline The creative process behind new music The Jazz Surge 30th Anniversary Tour and upcoming album 👍 If this inspired you: Like, comment, and share to help others build meaningful connections and live with purpose. 💻 LEARN MORE about our guest and his concert tour Website: www.chuckowen.com Facebook: @ChuckOwen7 Instagram: @ChuckOwen54 YouTube Channel: @chuckowen9628 6-24-2025 USF Oral Histories project https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/arts_culture_ohp/18/ 💡ABOUT US On Shaping Our Story, exemplary leaders share lessons in passion, purpose and perseverance. Real people. Real stories. Real strategies to help you thrive. Hosted by Louise Krikorian, award-winning storyteller, educator, and filmmaker, this podcast brings you powerful insights from inspiring voices across industries. #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businesslessons #businessleadership ##founders #founderstories #founderstory #angeladuckworth #grit #kellycorrigan #melrobbins #jeffberman #simonsinek #leadership #chuckowen #jazzsurge #resurgence #usf 🚀 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian 🏆  LIKE-MINDED COLLABORATORS   Kelly Corrigan, Mel Robbins, Jeff Berman, Simon Sinek PBS Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan Angela Duckworth Oct 4, 2022 https://www.pbs.org/video/angela-duckworth-k8wbgb/ The Mel Robbins Podcast How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance, Oct 13, 2025 https://youtu.be/rmW3Afu9npY?si=T9mdbxzI9TGxbtcu Jeff Berman | Masters of Scale Angela Duckworth on her new book, the limits of grit, and her advice to founders, May 16, 2024 https://youtu.be/19CS4L8v4TE Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast What Grit Really Teaches Us About Happiness with Professor Angela Duckworth, Feb 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/KAi2L_b1V2I?si=Lsf7YtcA5I4EcS4M Creator, Producer, Host: Louise A Krikorian Editor: George C Davison Years Active: 2025 Episodes: 14 Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.b

    Chuck Owen Jazz Composer

  8. Apr 29

    Belinda West Womack Vocalist

    Season 2 Episode 3 Belinda West Womack Vocalist Welcome to Shaping Our Story with host Louise Krikorian—where inspiring leaders share their passion, purpose, and perseverance to help you thrive. In this episode, we sit down with Belinda West Womack, a Tampa Bay jazz icon, who shares her extraordinary journey from Billboard-charting recording artist to Worship Chaplain. In this powerful episode of Shaping Our Story, she reflects on recording in Nashville with Kris Kristofferson’s Combine Music, her hit song “Seabiscuit in the Fifth,” and her lifelong passion for music, faith, and service. Raised in Augusta, Georgia during the civil rights era, Belinda began singing at just four years old and performing professionally by eleven. Her career spans decades in the music industry, including work with RCA-affiliated Panorama Records, before transitioning into a life of ministry, community impact, and spiritual leadership in Tampa, Florida. Now a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Belinda continues to inspire through jazz, gospel, and outreach—proving that purpose evolves, but passion endures. 🎤 In this episode: Billboard success & Nashville recording career Singing through adversity in the civil rights era Transition from music industry to ministry Faith, purpose, and serving the Tampa community Advice for pursuing passion with perseverance 👉 Connect with Belinda Womack:  Facebook: Belinda West Womack  Instagram: @BelindaSinger1  Clubhouse: Good Day Souls Womack Stageworks Theatre, Tampa, Fl https://stageworkstheatre.org/ #BelindaWomack #TampaBay #JazzSinger #BillboardArtist #FaithAndMusic #InspirationalStories #WomenInJazz #GospelMusic #TampaFlorida #ShapingOurStory #Perseverance #PurposeDrivenLife #AngelaDuckworth 👉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/. 👉Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/ShapingOurStory/ https://www.instagram.com/louisekrikorian/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisekrikorian/ https://www.youtube.com/user/louisekrikorian  Recorded in ShowTech Studios, Tampa, FL. Creator: Louise Krikorian Years Active: 2025 Season 1, 10 Episodes Season 2, 3 Episodes Total Episodes: 13 Length 24:11 Frequency: Updated biweekly Rating: Clean Hosted with Buzzsprout www.buzzsprout.com

    Belinda West Womack Vocalist
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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
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shaping Our Story
  • Show Website
    Shaping Our Story