The Passionistas Project Podcast

Pop Culture Passionistas
  • 5.0 (20)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Interviews with strong, empowered and passionate women, to help inspire others to pursue dreams, overcome obstacles and take charge of their own destinies.

  1. OCT 29

    Why Normalizing Equality Is Everyone’s Job – Margaret Cho & Selene Luna in Conversation

    In this Passionistas in Focus replay, legendary comedian and activist Margaret Cho joins our special guest host Selene Luna — actress (Mayans M.C., Disney’s Coco), producer, and disability rights advocate — for a powerful conversation about why normalizing equality is everyone’s job. Together, they explore the intersection of comedy and activism, the importance of mentorship and representation, and what it means to keep fighting for inclusion in today’s world. With humor, honesty, and heart, Margaret and Selene remind us that equality isn’t a trend — it’s a shared responsibility that begins with empathy, awareness, and the courage to speak up. Learn more about Margaret Cho. Learn more about Selene Luna. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. ON THIS EPISODE: • Introduction by Amy and Nancy Harrington and background on the Passionistas Persist Humanitarian Award • Guest host Selene Luna introduces Margaret Cho and reflects on their friendship and shared commitment to activism • Margaret’s gratitude for being recognized and her belief that activism is everyone’s responsibility • How Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, and Rosie O’Donnell mentored her early career • The importance of support and community among women in comedy • Growing up in the “Generation Analog” era — creativity before the internet • How entertainment has evolved to become more inclusive and representative • A candid conversation about intersectional feminism and inclusion for women of color and people with disabilities • The emotional toll and necessity of activism in everyday life • Reflections on anti-Asian violence, systemic racism, and the cycles of prejudice in America • Margaret’s upbringing around activism through her parents’ gay bookstore and witnessing the AIDS crisis • Her views on cancel culture and how it challenges comedians to become more intentional and artful • A lighter moment discussing her rescue dog Lucia and partnership with Michelson Found Animals • The inspiration behind her “Fresh Off the Bloat” tour and performing in a post-pandemic world • Closing reflections on the future of equality, inclusion, and creative expression We used ⁠⁠Circle⁠⁠ to build your membership. We used ⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠ for your podcast needs We used ⁠⁠Opus⁠⁠ to pull video clips for you. Note: We get an affiliate fee if you use the links above (at no additional cost to you.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  2. OCT 15

    Passionistas in Focus: The Indomitable Spirit of Dr. Jane Goodall — Her Final Message of Hope

    In this special Passionistas in Focus replay episode, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall (April 3, 1934– October 1, 2025) — world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and humanitarian whose groundbreaking research forever changed our understanding of the relationship between humans and animals. Originally recorded in 2021, this heartfelt conversation with The Passionistas Project Podcast co-hosts Amy and Nancy Harrington reveals Dr. Goodall’s profound insights on animal intelligence, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and the power of hope and storytelling to inspire global change. Hear how Dr. Goodall followed her childhood dream of studying wild chimpanzees in Africa, founded the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots youth movement, and continues to inspire generations to take compassionate action for people, animals, and the planet. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or discovering her story for the first time, this episode is a tribute to one of the greatest voices for peace and sustainability in modern history. Learn more about Jane Goodall. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. ON THIS EPISODE [0:00] Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall and her global impact [4:30] Childhood Dreams and Maternal Encouragement [9:10] Redefining Science with Empathy [13:50] Lessons from the Chimpanzees [18:30] Women’s Equality and the Wings of Humanity [23:20] Founding Roots & Shoots [28:45] Hope for the Future [34:00] Community-Led Conservation in Africa [40:10] Storytelling as a Tool for Change [45:00] Reflections on Legacy We used ⁠Circle⁠ to build your membership. We used ⁠Descript⁠ for your podcast needs We used ⁠Opus⁠ to pull video clips for you. Note: We get an affiliate fee if you use the links above (at no additional cost to you.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  3. OCT 8

    Finding Your Diamonds with Liz Svatek

    In this inspiring conversation, Liz Svatek — powerhouse transformation coach, bestselling author, and host of the Liz Svatek Show — talks with Amy and Nancy Harrington about living boldly in the Warrior Woman Era. Liz shares her journey of hitting the wall at 49, healing her past, embracing her legacy, and empowering women to find their own diamonds. From battling infertility towriting a deeply honest book, Liz opens up about transformation, storytelling, and the power of community. FREE Download: Empowered Woman’s Playbook Learn more about Liz. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. Read the Show Notes. We used Circle to build your membership. We used Descript for your podcast needs We used Opus to pull video clips for you. Note: We get an affiliate fee if you use the links above (at no additional cost to you.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  4. SEP 24

    Owning Your Power and Setting Boundaries That Heal with Stephanie McAuliffe on Passionistas TV

    In this episode, sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, founders of the Passionistas Project, speak with Stephanie McAuliffe, a boundary strategist and international bestselling author. Stephanie shares her journey from 27 years on Wall Street to becoming a transformational energy healer. Discussing her difficult upbringing in a household marked by alcoholism and trauma, Stephanie explains her passion for boundaries and healing. She details her transition from corporate life to her current work, exploring the connections between her past experiences and her energy healing practice. Stephanie delves into the importance of setting boundaries, how it impacts personal growth, and the specific challenges high-performing women face. She also discusses her books “Message in the Bottle” and “The Impact of Silence,” and outlines her vision for the future of her work and for empowering women to live in their own truth. Learn more about Stephanie. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. Read the Show Notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  5. SEP 10

    Breaking Barriers: Cathelina Duvert on Writing, Healing, and Empowerment

    In this episode of the Passionistas Project, Amy and Nancy Harrington interview Cathelina Duvert, author of the debut novel 'The Box.' Inspired by her own experiences with depression, Duvert's novel delves into the journey of healing and self-discovery. The conversation explores Cathelina's passion for writing, her Haitian heritage, her career in publishing and teaching, and the extensive process of writing her book. Additionally, she discusses the importance of personal therapy, exercise, affirmations, and other techniques that helped her navigate through depression. Cathelina's insights aim to inspire and empower women to support each other and embrace their vulnerabilities. Learn more about Cathelina. Learn More about The Passionistas Project. Read the Show Notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  6. AUG 27

    Empowering Change: A Conversation with Philanthropist Catherine Curry-Williams

    In this episode of the Passionistas Project, sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington speak with Catherine Curry-Williams, founder of Shane’s Inspiration and co-founder of the She Angels Foundation. Williams shares her journey in championing inclusive play for children with disabilities and advocating for women-led organizations globally. The conversation delves into her passion for equity and inclusion, the development of universally accessible playgrounds, and the innovative collective giving model of the She Angels Foundation. Throughout the discussion, Williams emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and actively making a difference. Additionally, the episode touches on personal anecdotes, the challenges and triumphs faced by her organizations, and the profound impact of women supporting one another. Learn more about Cat. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. Read the Show Notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min

  7. AUG 12

    Step into Presence: Lea Appleton on the Transformative Power of Walking

    In this episode of the Passionistas Project, sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington talk with Lea Appleton, a Southern Californian who promotes the joys of mindful walking. Lea shares her journey from discovering hiking in Girl Scouts to falling in love with walking later in life. She discusses her transition from a career in higher education to coaching, and how she found solace and clarity in walking. Lea explains the concept of mindful walking, her experience with personal pilgrimages, and the impact of nature on mental health and wellbeing. She also details her efforts to incorporate this practice into group activities and her coaching, as well as future plans, including a new blog and book. The conversation highlights the transformative power of walking mindfully and Lea's hope for making life easier for women. Learn more about Lea. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. Read the Show Notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  8. JUL 30

    Maria McKee on Music, Advocacy, and Personal Transformation

    In this episode of the Passionista’s Project, sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington talk with singer-songwriter Maria McKee. As the former frontwoman of Lone Justice, Maria discusses her fearless, genre-spanning musical journey and her deep commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy, particularly trans rights. She shares her personal story of coming out as queer later in life and the profound connections she has formed with the trans community. Maria reflects on her tumultuous childhood, its impact on her creative endeavors, and her eventual transition from a band leader to a solo artist. She speaks candidly about dealing with fame, her advocacy work, and the importance of chosen family. The episode closes with Maria’s reflections on her future aspirations and a call to action for cultivating supportive communities. Find out more about Maria. Find out more about The Passionistas Project. Read the Show Notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
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About

Interviews with strong, empowered and passionate women, to help inspire others to pursue dreams, overcome obstacles and take charge of their own destinies.

Information

  • Creator
    Pop Culture Passionistas
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    626
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Passionistas Project Podcast