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.

Episodes

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Episode 5: Straight to Why with NewEdge Wealth's Cameron Dawson

    JAN 23

    Episode 5: Straight to Why with NewEdge Wealth's Cameron Dawson

    Amanda sits down with Cameron Dawson, Chief Investment Officer of NewEdge Wealth, for an educational, entertaining, and clear-eyed conversation on markets, macro uncertainty, and investment strategy in 2026 and beyond. Cameron breaks down why 2025’s market resilience surprised so many—and why earnings growth, not valuation expansion, drove returns. Together, they explore stretched equity multiples, AI optimism versus fundamentals, diversification after years of market concentration, and how investors should think about volatility, alternatives, and portfolio construction. Grounded in Cameron’s core philosophy—know what you own and why you own it—this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating markets in a rapidly changing economic environment.

    32 min
  7. Episode 4: Straight to Why with Dr. Roya Rastegar on the Iranian People’s Fight for Freedom

    JAN 18

    Episode 4: Straight to Why with Dr. Roya Rastegar on the Iranian People’s Fight for Freedom

    Podcast description: Amanda sits down with Dr. Roya Rastegar, an acclaimed scholar, curator, and filmmaker, for a timely and unflinching conversation on Iran’s present crisis and its possible future. Drawing on her background as a first-generation Iranian American and co-founder of the Iranian Diaspora Collective, Dr. Rastegar offers essential historical and cultural context for understanding the current uprising. Together, Amanda and Roya examine the protests sparked by the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, the scale of violence facing civilians, and why Iranians across generations are demanding an end to the Islamic Republic. The conversation also explores the role of the diaspora, the limits of sanctions, the debate around international intervention, and what a free Iran could mean for the region—and the world. This is a powerful episode on courage, misinformation, and the voices shaping Iran’s future.

    31 min
  8. Episode 3: Straight to Why with Baker Health's Dr. E

    JAN 11

    Episode 3: Straight to Why with Baker Health's Dr. E

    Amanda sits down with Dr. Iyad Baker (“Dr. E”), co-founder of Baker Health, for a practical, data-driven conversation on health, longevity, and the future of primary care. Together, they explore how a preventative, concierge-style model can reduce costs, limit unnecessary medical visits, and keep patients healthier for longer. They break down the real-world use of GLP-1s and peptides, discuss wearables and health data, and unpack what actually matters for longevity—from stress management and exercise to nutrition and mental health. The conversation also touches on pediatric and adult mental health, wellness trends worth keeping (and skipping), and why proactive, transparent care is reshaping how patients engage with their health in 2026 and beyond.

    36 min
  9. Episode 2: Straight to Why with Dr. Shelly Latte-Naor

    12/03/2025

    Episode 2: Straight to Why with Dr. Shelly Latte-Naor

    Amanda sits down with Dr. Shelly Latte-Naor, a double board-certified internist and nationally recognized expert in Hormone Replacement Therapy, for a clear, evidence-driven discussion on menopause, midlife care, and the future of HRT. Together, they break down why women’s health research has lagged for decades, what clinicians are learning now, and how new FDA guidance is reshaping access and confidence in treatment. They revisit misconceptions stemming from the early Women’s Health Initiative studies, unpack individual risk profiles and treatment routes, and explore how integrative care — from CBT to mindfulness — is helping women navigate symptoms that were long dismissed or endured in silence. The conversation also touches on workplace wellness, cultural stigma, and the grassroots movement pushing women’s midlife care into the spotlight.

    30 min
  10. Episode 1: Straight to Why with BlackRock's Samara Cohen

    11/14/2025

    Episode 1: Straight to Why with BlackRock's Samara Cohen

    Amanda sits down with Samara Cohen, Global Head of Market Development at BlackRock, for a fast-paced, insightful conversation to kick off the inaugural episode of Straight to Why. Together, they break down the forces reshaping global financial markets through Samara’s three key pillars—policy and regulation, technology, and investor confidence—and why each one matters now more than ever. They revisit lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, explore how ETFs and ETPs have transformed investor access, and discuss the evolving role of digital assets like Bitcoin. The conversation expands beyond markets into financial literacy, parenting in a digital-first world, and the power of peer mentorship.

    33 min
  • 10 Episodes

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
    10
  • Copyright
    © Straight to Why

You Might Also Like