Stories We Haven't Shared®

Shanti Joy Gold
  • 5.0 (21)
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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. 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, military veteran status, socioeconomic background, and more. Learn more about Shanti Joy Gold and Stories We Haven't Shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

  1. Living in the In-Between: Dr. Melissa Bird on Discovering Her Native Heritage, Coming Out, and Running for Congress

    Jun 18

    Living in the In-Between: Dr. Melissa Bird on Discovering Her Native Heritage, Coming Out, and Running for Congress

    Dr. Melissa Bird (she/her) has spent her life navigating spaces where she was told not to ask questions, not to speak too loudly, or not to fully be herself. Fresh off a run for Congress in Oregon's 4th District, the nationally-recognized speaker, policy strategist, and advocate reflects on discovering her Native heritage in her 30s and reconnecting with her roots as a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, growing up in the shadow of her father's suicide, coming out as bisexual in Utah, and learning to embrace the "liminal spaces" where she never quite fit. She shares how healing childhood trauma and listening to what she calls "the push" led her to advocacy work, earning a PhD, teaching, writing, and ultimately launching her campaign for Congress. Along the way, Dr. Bird offers a powerful reminder that courage isn't the absence of fear — it's the willingness to disrupt the narrative, speak the truth even when your voice shakes, and trust that life's most meaningful chapters rarely unfold the way you planned. Dr. Melissa Bird is a proud Native woman, nationally recognized keynote speaker, policy strategist, grassroots politician, lay preacher, feminist, and author. An unapologetic advocate for working people, she has spent her career championing abused and neglected children, homeless youth, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare access. She holds a master's degree and PhD in social work. 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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Dr. Bird and Shanti at the campfire: Hearing Dr. Bird's grandfather's adorable and insightful response to her coming out, and his reminder that sexual identity exists on a continuum.Confronting the reality that even today, in 2026, a simple gesture of affection doesn't feel safe for many LGBTQ+ people (me included).Exploring colonization and Native religious practices that were illegal until 1978, and the deep negative impact that’s often felt through lost connection.Recounting a funny, loving exchange with her husband before a Brandi Carlile concert that highlights persistent misunderstandings about bisexuality.Reflecting on the role of trauma, and how to give voice to it while holding ourselves with compassion and love.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com    LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MELISSA BIRD Work with Dr. Bird! Instagram Facebook YouTube Buy Dr. Bird’s books Recommended reading: "The Discovery of America," Native Peoples and US History CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    41 min
  2. Tibor Spitz on Surviving the Holocaust, Hiding 200 Days Underground, and Choosing Kindness Over Hatred

    May 21

    Tibor Spitz on Surviving the Holocaust, Hiding 200 Days Underground, and Choosing Kindness Over Hatred

    At 96 years old, Tibor Spitz (he/him), a Holocaust survivor, scientist, inventor, artist, and speaker, shares a story that is almost impossible to comprehend – and somehow even more extraordinary because of the remarkable life philosophy that emerged from it. Tibor discusses surviving as a Jewish boy in Slovakia during World War II, including years in hiding with his family to escape deportation to Nazi death camps, during which every moment could have been his last. That journey ultimately led them to more than 200 days underground in a tiny, makeshift shelter, where they nearly starved, carefully whispered to avoid detection, and slept pressed tightly against one another in freezing conditions. He reflects on the guiding voice that helped him survive and why he chose to release hatred and let go of ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable brutality, we always have choices about how we respond, and how we can honor the extraordinary gift of being human through curiosity, strength, kindness, and gratitude. After surviving the Holocaust, Tibor Spitz became a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering, specializing in glass science and technology - and publishing multiple patents. He also developed essential hardware in the emerging digital technology space. For the last 28 years, he has dedicated himself to being a full-time artist and motivational 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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Tibor and Shanti at the campfire: Recounting how releasing hatred led him to befriend and help the daughter of a man connected to Nazi atrocities after the war.Reflecting on how losing five years of formal education during the Holocaust showed Tibor how to think in images, shaping his rare ability to thrive as both a scientist and artist.Exploring his unforgettable philosophy: don’t cry over spilled milk…bring a cat!Sharing his career advice for keeping your mind fresh by shifting between different types of thinking.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com    LEARN MORE ABOUT TIBOR SPITZ PBS Documentary Song of Survivors feat. Tibor Tibor's Song: All is Changing, We are Witness, We are Life Article About Tibor’s Story Tibor Documentary Facebook CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    50 min
  3. From Hidden to Seen: Jules and Brian Heron Reflect on Jules’ Experience as a Trans Human, Before and After Transition

    Apr 16

    From Hidden to Seen: Jules and Brian Heron Reflect on Jules’ Experience as a Trans Human, Before and After Transition

    Jules (they/them), founder of Hair for Humans, and their father, Brian (he/him), a pastor, reflect on Jules’ experience growing up as a transgender person, before and after transitioning. Brian recalls early moments, like strong resistance to wearing dresses, and a persistent feeling that something about Jules wasn’t fully visible. Jules also shares the in-between years – marked by anxiety, disconnection, and charting unknown territory – before finding a way to reconnect with their body and feel at home in themselves, a shift that ultimately changed everything. Brian reflects on how his work in the ministry mirrors Jules’ work behind the chair as a hairstylist, both centered on listening deeply and creating safe spaces for people to discover how to show up in the world authentically. Together, they explore how support – through the coming out journey and beyond – wasn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up with trust, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside each other. Jules Heron is the founder of Hair for Humans, providing hair services to people who struggle to feel seen or heard in the hair industry. They are passionate about creating transformational short haircuts and teaching their craft to others via group and individual classes. Brian Heron is a minister, author, pilgrimager, and proud father of a trans human. In his semi-retirement, he blogs and is working on a book that explores the intersection of religion and culture – both lessons and thoughts on what’s ahead. He joyfully plays guitar and writes music. 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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling, and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Jules, Brian, and Shanti: Reflecting on a Home Depot moment that heightened Jules’ awareness of being newly perceived as a white male — and the “obligation to be one of the good guys” that came with it.Choosing values over moment-to-moment feelings to make business decisions with greater clarity and alignment.Recognizing that strong reactions often reflect internal fears, and choosing self-awareness and conversation as a path to deeper understanding.Highlighting the power and skill of listening without judgment, creating space for people to feel seen and discover who they are.Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Check out all episodes at storieswehaventshared.com. CONNECT WITH JULES HERON Work with Jules! Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook CONNECT WITH BRIAN HERON Brian Work & Blog Facebook Buy Brian’s Book CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Spotify playlist Work with Shanti!

    47 min
  4. Sue Wicks on Coming Out in the WNBA, LGBTQ+ Progress, and the Power of the Outsider Experience

    Mar 19

    Sue Wicks on Coming Out in the WNBA, LGBTQ+ Progress, and the Power of the Outsider Experience

    Sue Wicks (she/her) is a New York Liberty WNBA All-Star from the league’s inaugural season and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports who became the first active WNBA player to come out publicly in 2002 and was recently inducted into the LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame. In this conversation, she reflects on building a career in women’s basketball before professional opportunities truly existed, playing for years overseas before the formation of the WNBA created a path to return home and compete in the United States. Sue also shares what it meant to come out publicly — an opportunity she welcomed — at a time when visibility carried real personal and professional risk. Along the way, she reflects on growing up feeling like an outsider and how that perspective shaped her views on leadership, gender, and representation in sports. Today, she sees that outsider lens as a strength — one that allows people to see, build, and sustain things others might miss. Sue Wicks is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Rutgers women’s basketball history, a former New York Liberty WNBA All-Star who played in the league’s inaugural season, and a Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Today, she farms oysters and kelp on Long Island as the founder of Violet Cove Oyster Company, a sustainable aquaculture venture. 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. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Sue and Shanti at the campfire: Remembering the newspaper clipping about Rutgers winning a women’s championship that convinced her she would play there — even before she’d seen women’s basketball at that level.Admitting that even after decades of success in professional basketball, she still sometimes shrinks herself in certain environments after a lifetime of self-regulation.Reflecting on how her focus later in her career shifted from individual performance to leadership and ambassadorship in women’s sports.Observing that women often develop a unique skillset because they’re constantly asked to unpack and explain their thinking in ways men often aren’t.Explaining why oyster farming became a new chapter after her professional basketball career — and why working on the water feels freeing, with no gender roles.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com    CONNECT WITH SUE WICKS Violet Cove Oyster Co. Instagram CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    46 min
  5. Navigating Poverty, a Parent's Mental Illness, and Housing Insecurity: Caren Lissner on Creativity, Resilience, and Choosing to Share Her Story

    Feb 19

    Navigating Poverty, a Parent's Mental Illness, and Housing Insecurity: Caren Lissner on Creativity, Resilience, and Choosing to Share Her Story

    In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with her freshman-year roommate, Caren Lissner (she/her) — a news editor, reporter, essayist, and published novelist. Caren recently began sharing how housing insecurity and financial instability shaped her upbringing, including periods of living out of her car during college summers without anyone knowing. Caren shares what it was like to grow up navigating poverty alongside a parent’s mental illness, and how hiding those realities became a necessary way to cope. The conversation explores themes of outsiderhood, resilience, creativity, and the pressure to hustle quietly in an effort to break the cycle of instability. Caren reflects on how she never let go of her dreams, leaning into creativity as a way to heal herself and support others — and how determination and persistence shaped a path that finally felt like her own. Caren Lissner is a news editor and reporter who currently writes for local news websites. Her humorous and serious essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Her first novel, Carrie Pilby — an independent coming-of-age comedy-drama — was adapted into a feature film. She is currently working on a memoir, How We Became Homeless, which chronicles downward mobility from the 1980s to today. 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. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Caren and Shanti at the campfire: Reflecting on the gradual unraveling of stability — from living modestly in a suburb to her mom’s mental illness quietly taking its toll over time.Sharing how publishing her Pennsylvania Gazette essay created space for others with similar financial insecurity to reach out and feel seen.Describing how Caren worked her way out of poverty one job at a time, squirreling away money and continuing to take small steps toward supporting herself and her family.Offering her belief that everyone’s story matters, and that telling it can help someone else feel less alone.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com    CONNECT WITH CAREN Read Caren’s Work Penn Gazette Essay "Close Your Eyes" Buy Carrie Pilby - The Book Watch Carrie Pilby - The Movie Instagram CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    42 min
  6. Queer, Nonbinary, and Autistic: Felix Sutherland on Self-Discovery, Self-Trust, and Moving From Exhaustion to Freedom

    Jan 15

    Queer, Nonbinary, and Autistic: Felix Sutherland on Self-Discovery, Self-Trust, and Moving From Exhaustion to Freedom

    In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Felix Sutherland (they/them), a white, queer, nonbinary, autistic coach whose work is shaped by their lived experience. Felix shares their stories of self-recognition around identity and neurodivergence - along with the relief, grief, and clarity that surfaced as they began to understand and share themselves more fully. The conversation explores allyship, including the advice to stay present and engaged when discomfort arises. Felix discusses themes of masking, workplace safety, and the emotional labor required to navigate systems not designed with neurodivergent or nonbinary people in mind. They also reflect on how overcompensating through perfectionism and overachievement leads to deep exhaustion, and how cultivating self-trust supports a shift toward work that is aligned, joyful, and sustainable. Felix Sutherland helps high-masking and late-/un-diagnosed autistic and ADHD folks sort through the identity crises that come with understanding your brain for the first time in adulthood. They offer coworking sessions, 1:1 coaching - and more - to help people build more joyful relationships with themselves and others. 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. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Felix and Shanti at the campfire: Recounting the range of reactions Felix experienced after sharing their pronouns at work, from support to subtle resistance.Sharing how an unexpected layoff disrupted ideas of safety at work and, in the end, offered a sense of freedom.Exploring what the words “queer” and “nonbinary” mean to Felix - and their experience of how others within the LGBTQIA+ community relate to the languageLearning about Felix’s passion for roller derby and what the sport is actually about (hint: not throwing elbows).Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared podcast at storieswehaventshared.com    CONNECT WITH FELIX Work with Felix! Instagram Facebook Mailing List Coworking CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    42 min
  7. Ally Sunberg Embraces the Messiness: An LGBTQ+ Leader on Coming Out, Authenticity, and Allyship

    12/18/2025

    Ally Sunberg Embraces the Messiness: An LGBTQ+ Leader on Coming Out, Authenticity, and Allyship

    In this episode, Shanti (she/her) welcomes Ally Sunberg (she/her), a marketing leader and long-time LGBTQ+ workplace advocate. Ally shares her journey of embracing her bisexual identity and navigating what it means to show up authentically in her career. She unpacks the tension between how she naturally presents, her discomfort with traditional “femme” business attire norms, and the assumptions that often lead her into repeated coming-out moments - whether about her sexuality or the significant age difference with her wife. She reflects on formative career experiences - from early conversations about her identity to leading her company’s Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) - that shaped her confidence and her commitment to creating safer spaces for others. She explores how identity, family, and resilience intersect, and how embracing the dynamic “messy middle” has helped her grow as a leader and a person. Ally Sunberg is a corporate strategist and marketer who leads the development of innovation pipelines for consumer products - from early-stage ideation through feasibility and execution. She is a values-driven leader committed to inclusive leadership and creating space for others to thrive. Ally believes that insight and empathy are as essential as data and discipline. 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. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Ally and Shanti at the campfire: Reflecting on the ongoing “scanning” LGBTQ+ people navigate, and how her daughters inspire her to show up without hesitation.Recounting the emotional labor of repeated coming-out moments and how leading the Pride ERG helped her take control of her narrative.Exploring how marathon training teaches Ally to break life into small, manageable moments. Sharing the layered experience of being in a same-sex relationship with a significant age gap.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared poscast at storieswehaventshared.com    CONNECT WITH ALLY LinkedIn CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    37 min
  8. From Hiding to Impact: Chris Ruden on Disability, Ableism, and Building a World Without Limits Through Curiosity

    11/20/2025

    From Hiding to Impact: Chris Ruden on Disability, Ableism, and Building a World Without Limits Through Curiosity

    In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Chris Ruden (he/him) - keynote speaker, powerlifter, disability advocate, and competitor on The Rock’s Titan Games. Born with a limb difference and later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how he spent years perfecting the art of hiding - keeping his hand in his pocket, wearing a glove, and meticulously planning ways to blend in. He talks about the weight of ableism, both external and internal, and how unlearning it required facing layers of shame and self-protection he didn’t know he carried. What followed wasn’t a sudden transformation, but a steady reclamation - and the belief that difference itself can be a source of power. Chris also shares how curiosity - his own and others’ - opens the door to inclusion, connection, innovation, and unlocking the best version of ourselves. Chris Ruden is a transformational keynote speaker, change management expert, author, and disability inclusion advocate. He leverages his story of overcoming adversity to help organizations build trust and resilience - bringing his message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world. Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. 👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact. Other stories shared by Shanti and Chris at the campfire: Exploring how lasting change grows from small, winnable moments that build confidence - encouraging risk-taking and opening the door to possibilities.Recounting the middle-school moment when a classmate’s cruel taunting set off years of hiding and self-doubt.Discussing that habits are not identity - and the freedom that comes from knowing we can choose differently at any moment.Reflecting on a period of numbing that ended with a little girl’s unfiltered love - sparking a cascade that led Chris to share his disability publicly.Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Learn more about Stories We Haven’t Shared at storieswehaventshared.com    CONNECT WITH CHRIS Work With Chris! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Book - The Art of Changing Course Book - The Upper Hand CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD LinkedIn Instagram Podcast Spotify playlist Book a Free Discovery Call Work with Shanti!

    45 min
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5
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21 Ratings

About

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. 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, military veteran status, socioeconomic background, and more. Learn more about Shanti Joy Gold and Stories We Haven't Shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

Information

  • Creator
    Shanti Joy Gold
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shanti Joy Gold
  • Show Website
    Stories We Haven't Shared®