Straight to Why

Amanda Hindlian
  • 5.0 (12)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Conversations and insights uncovering the "why" behind the people, companies, and ideas transforming our world.

  1. Episode 13: Straight to Why with Peter DiStefano on Music, Reinvention, and Recovery featuring Dr. Cali Estes

    MAY 8

    Episode 13: Straight to Why with Peter DiStefano on Music, Reinvention, and Recovery featuring Dr. Cali Estes

    Amanda sits down with Peter DiStefano—founding member of Porno for Pyros, touring guitarist for the Psychedelic Furs, and acclaimed composer and producer—for a deeply personal conversation on creativity, addiction, recovery, and reinvention. From performing at Woodstock ’94 to composing for film and television, Pete reflects on a career shaped by improvisation, resilience, and a lifelong connection to music. Together, they explore the role of creativity in survival, the realities of addiction and long-term sobriety, and why recovery requires more than treatment alone. Joined by addiction specialist Dr. Cali Estes, the conversation also examines the shortcomings of today’s recovery system, the importance of community and purpose, and how music, storytelling, and service can help transform pain into healing.

    41 min
  2. Episode 12: Straight to Why with Genna Terranova on Storytelling, Streaming, and the Future of Entertainment

    MAY 2

    Episode 12: Straight to Why with Genna Terranova on Storytelling, Streaming, and the Future of Entertainment

    Amanda sits down with Genna Terranova, a seasoned entertainment leader with experience spanning the Tribeca Film Festival, Prime Video, and Amazon MGM Studios, for a conversation on storytelling, scale, and the evolving intersection of technology and entertainment. Drawing on more than fifteen years across film, theater, and streaming, Genna shares her perspective on what it takes to build and grow content platforms without losing what makes them special. Together, they explore the challenges of scaling creative work, the tension between data and intuition, and how audience behavior is shifting in an era of endless choice. The conversation also examines the role of AI in content discovery, the enduring importance of human curation, and why originality remains rooted in human experience. A thoughtful discussion on leadership, creativity, and the future of storytelling.

    50 min
  3. Episode 11: Straight to Why with Korn Ferry's Alan Guarino on Leadership and Defining Greatness

    APR 16

    Episode 11: Straight to Why with Korn Ferry's Alan Guarino on Leadership and Defining Greatness

    Amanda sits down with Alan Guarino, Vice Chairman of Korn Ferry and author of Greatness Code, for a compelling conversation on leadership, performance, and what it takes to unlock human potential in today’s high-pressure environment. Drawing on decades advising CEOs and boards, Alan argues that we are facing a “crisis in leadership” as the pace, complexity, and globalization of business push leaders beyond their capacity. Together, they explore why emotional intelligence is becoming more critical in the age of AI, the hidden cost of disengaged teams, and the difference between adequate and truly great leadership. The conversation also unpacks Alan’s “5Qs” framework—stamina, courage, resilience, persistence, and passion—alongside the role of social capital in sustaining performance, and how individuals can define and pursue greatness on their own terms.

    39 min
  4. Episode 10: Straight to Why with Melissa Medina on Venture, Entrepreneurship, and Building Miami's Tech Ecosystem

    APR 1

    Episode 10: Straight to Why with Melissa Medina on Venture, Entrepreneurship, and Building Miami's Tech Ecosystem

    Amanda sits down with Melissa Medina, co-founder and CEO of eMerge Americas and partner at Medina Ventures, for a conversation on the rise of Miami as a global tech and entrepreneurial hub. Drawing on her experience building companies and convening leaders across industries, Melissa shares how frustration with leaving South Florida—and a deep commitment to the region—led her to help shape its growing innovation ecosystem. Together, they explore the forces driving Miami’s transformation, from talent migration and capital flows to the role of community and convening in building momentum. The conversation also touches on the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of supporting entrepreneurs, and how values like integrity and long-term commitment are shaping the city’s future as a destination for business and innovation.

    35 min
  5. Episode 9: Straight to Why with Raymond Rodriguez-Torres on Pediatric Cancer, Grief, and Faith

    MAR 20

    Episode 9: Straight to Why with Raymond Rodriguez-Torres on Pediatric Cancer, Grief, and Faith

    Amanda sits down with Raymond Rodriguez-Torres, accomplished executive, bestselling author, and founder of the Live Like Bella Foundation, for a deeply moving conversation on pediatric cancer, faith, resilience, and purpose born from profound loss. Sharing the story of his daughter Bella’s six-year battle with stage-four cancer, Raymond reflects on fatherhood, grief, and the moments of hope that shaped his life’s mission. Together, they explore how tragedy can inspire service, the role of faith in navigating uncertainty, and the power of community in supporting families facing unimaginable diagnoses. The conversation also highlights the global impact of the Live Like Bella movement—funding research, providing direct assistance to patients, and offering “one more shot on goal” to families searching for options and strength.

    47 min
  6. Episode 8: Straight to Why with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine's Dr. James Gordon

    MAR 10

    Episode 8: Straight to Why with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine's Dr. James Gordon

    Amanda sits down with Dr. James S. Gordon, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and author of Transformation: The Path to Hope and Healing, for a powerful conversation on trauma, resilience, and the science behind mind-body healing. Drawing on decades of work with trauma survivors—from war zones to disaster sites—Dr. Gordon explains how chronic stress shapes both the brain and body, and why simple practices can help restore balance. Together, they explore the biology of stress, the role of community in healing, and practical tools such as meditation that can calm the nervous system and build resilience. The conversation also touches on trauma recovery, the promise and caution of psychedelic therapies, and how individuals can transform overwhelming experiences into growth and hope.

    37 min
  7. Episode 7: Straight to Why with Tesser Capital's Jenna Bussman-Wise

    FEB 28

    Episode 7: Straight to Why with Tesser Capital's Jenna Bussman-Wise

    Amanda sits down with Jenna Bussman-Wise, founder of Tesser Capital, for a thoughtful conversation on rethinking capital, impact, and the future of wealth management. With more than two decades of experience advising institutions and family offices, Jenna challenges the traditional model—arguing that investment capital, philanthropy, and impact should not operate in silos, but work together to reflect what clients truly value. Together, they explore values-aligned investing, the hidden contradictions within portfolios, and how a more integrated approach can drive both returns and real-world impact. The conversation also touches on the growing influence of women in shaping capital allocation, the barriers they still face, and why intentional, purpose-driven investing is becoming central to the next generation of wealth.

    36 min
  8. Episode 6: Straight to Why with Design Legend Alfredo Paredes

    FEB 7

    Episode 6: Straight to Why with Design Legend Alfredo Paredes

    Amanda sits down with Alfredo Paredes—founder of Alfredo Paredes Studio and former Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren—for a personal conversation on creativity, timeless design, and building a four-decade career at the highest level of the industry. Reflecting on more than 30 years shaping Ralph Lauren’s visual world, including the creation of iconic spaces like The Polo Bar, Alfredo shares the experiences that formed his aesthetic and the philosophy that guides his work today. Together, they explore why great design begins with listening, the importance of preserving the soul of historic homes, and why timeless environments always outlast trends. The conversation also touches on well-being through space, new creative projects, and how Alfredo now defines success, legacy, and home at this stage of his life.

    36 min
See All (13)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Conversations and insights uncovering the "why" behind the people, companies, and ideas transforming our world.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Hindlian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Straight to Why

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