For Your Listening Pleasure

Hosted by Mallory Waxman

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100

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

In conversation with interesting and diverse professionals to discuss how their backgrounds shaped them into the people, they are today. Guests speak on a broad range of topics, including religion, culture, race, ethnicity, disability, and generational issues.

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60 recent

May 7, 202651 min

Marissa Isang - From Chicago Newsrooms to AI: The Power of Telling the Right Story

Marissa Isang is an Emmy-nominated storyteller whose career has taken her from Chicago newsrooms to the forefront of AI and tech communication.Born and raised in Chicago, Marissa reflects on how the city shaped her understanding of family, resilience, and curiosity. We talk about the feeling of Chicago, navigating life between Bronzeville, the suburbs, and Rockford, and why the city never really leaves you.We also dive into her journey through television news, producing live broadcasts, covering iconic Chicago moments like the Cubs' World Series run, and earning Emmy nominations for her storytelling. Then we explore her transition into the tech world, where she now helps make AI understandable, accessible, and human.This conversation is about evolution, curiosity, storytelling, and learning how to navigate a rapidly changing world without losing sight of who you are.Episode Highlights:• Why “Chicago is a feeling.”• Breaking into television news and sports broadcasting• Covering Chance the Rapper and the Cubs World Series• Transitioning from journalism into tech and AI• Making artificial intelligence understandable for everyone• Ethical AI and why representation matters• The power of curiosity in storytellingEpisode Resources:Marissa's LinkedInMarissa's Instagram AccountLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasureClick here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

April 13, 202655 min

Jacynth Bassett - Challenging the Narrative on Aging, Relevance, and Power

Jacynth Bassett is redefining what it means to age and challenging a system that profits from our fear of it. As the founder of Ageism Is Never in Style, she’s built a global movement dedicated to dismantling age bias and reshaping how we think about identity, beauty, and worth at every stage of life. What started as a deeply personal observation, watching her mother become increasingly invisible in spaces like fashion, has evolved into a powerful platform spanning community, consulting, and cultural change.In this conversation, we unpack how ageism shows up everywhere, from the workplace to healthcare to the way we see ourselves in the mirror, and why women, in particular, are never considered the “right” age. We get into the concept of age confidence, the impact of social media and the anti-aging industry, and how internalized bias shapes our decisions more than we realize. Jacynth also breaks down why generational division is often manufactured, how these narratives are reinforced from childhood, and what it actually takes to unlearn them. This episode is about identity, power, and perception, but more than anything, it’s about reclaiming the right to exist fully, confidently, and unapologetically at every age.Jacynth BassettLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasureClick here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

March 25, 20261 hr 1 min

From Capitol Hill to Clarity: Luke Corbett's Political Awakening

Luke Corbett grew up in St. Louis in a conservative, values-driven household, eventually finding his way to Washington, D.C., where he worked on Capitol Hill at the center of American politics.But what makes Luke’s story so compelling isn’t just where he started; it’s how his perspective evolved. From working inside the system to questioning it, from navigating his identity as a gay man within conservative spaces to witnessing pivotal moments in recent history firsthand, Luke’s journey is one of reckoning, growth, and ultimately, choosing to think independently.In this conversation, we talk about what it’s really like behind the scenes on Capitol Hill, the tension between personal values and political environments, and the moments that force you to reevaluate everything you thought you knew. We also get into where the country is today, why so many people feel disconnected from politics, and what it means to step away and rebuild a life rooted in purpose, stability, and truth.This is a conversation about identity, courage, and what happens when you decide to see things for yourself.Connect with Luke on InstagramLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasureClick here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

March 3, 202646 min

Melissa Forman - The Voice That Wakes Up Chicago on 93.9 Lite FM

Melissa Forman is a Chicago radio icon, television personality, and the kind of storyteller who has spent decades keeping an entire city company on its drive to work. Because Melissa’s career isn’t just about radio. It’s about what it takes to build a lane in a male-dominated industry, to go from being expected to be the “sidekick” to becoming the one driving the show, and to do it with warmth, humor, and that rare ability to make listeners feel like they’re talking to a friend.We’re getting into her early days growing up, finding her voice, and the moment she heard a woman on morning radio and thought, that’s it… that’s what I’m meant to do. We talk about the behind-the-scenes grind people don’t see, the power of learning every button and every board so no one can ever tell you you don’t belong in the main seat, and what it’s like to hold space for a city when listeners call in with their funniest stories… and their heaviest ones.Link to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasureClick here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

September 24, 202532 min

The LIGHTER Project: Turning Grief into Action for Mental Health Awareness

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and today I am honored to welcome Melani and Lenny Lighter to the podcast. In February 2023, their family was forever changed when their beloved daughter and sister, Lauren, died by suicide. In her memory, and in honor of the millions of lives lost each year, they created LIGHTER, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for mental health.Currently, they are leading the "Light in the Dark" fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Lauren Lighter Fund. This fund directly supports NAMI Chicago, a local mental health organization, as well as the Douglas Mobile Outreach Program, expanding access to resources and care.At its heart, LIGHTER is a candle project designed to bring light and comfort into people’s homes while honoring those who have struggled in darkness. Since its launch in August 2023, LIGHTER has raised over $1 million for mental health foundations in both Montreal and Chicago, offering communities not only resources but also awareness, compassion, and hope.This episode serves as a reminder that we are all fighting battles that are unseen. I hope you find strength in Melani and Lenny’s story, and if you’re able, please consider supporting the Light in the Dark fundraiser with a donation.Episode Resources:Lighter CandlesLight in the Dark FundraiserLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

July 15, 202554 min

Dr. Ishnella Azad - Surviving, Rebuilding and Creating Generational Wealth

Dr. Ishnella Azad, known simply as Ish, is a psychiatrist-turned-real estate mogul who has lived multiple lives in one. From medicine to commercial real estate to data centers, her journey is fueled by a singular mission: to empower everyday people, especially women, with the tools to build generational wealth and lasting freedom.In this episode, Dr. Azad shares how surviving personal trauma, including a life-altering MRSA infection and amputation, led her to transform her pain into purpose. We talk about trauma, identity, financial literacy, and why she believes economic empowerment is the most powerful form of healing.Her story is raw, bold, and incredibly inspiring, and her message is clear: no matter what life throws at you, just get up.Episode Resources:Dr. Azad's LinkedIn5Rivers CRE WebsiteLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

May 20, 202558 min

Eddie Pate - How to Lead with Inclusion and Build a Culture of Belonging

Eddie Pate is a powerhouse in the world of inclusion, diversity, and equity with over 24 years of experience at global giants like Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon. Eddie is also the founder of Eddie Pate Speaking and Consulting and co-authored Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: A Guide to Building a Culture of Belonging.From growing up in a multiracial family as an "Army youth" to experiencing discrimination firsthand, Eddie shares the pivotal moments that fueled his passion for diversity and inclusion. He discusses how his upbringing shaped his understanding of belonging, his journey from aspiring NFL player to leading DE&I initiatives at some of the world’s biggest companies, and the critical importance of making workplaces truly inclusive, not just diverse.Throughout the conversation, Eddie emphasizes the need for leaders to champion equity through intentional actions and spending their privilege to elevate others. He also unpacks the difference between simply having "a seat at the table" and truly feeling included, exploring how businesses thrive when they prioritize both diversity and belonging.Episode Highlights:Eddie's childhood in a multiracial family and its influence on his passion for DE&IHis journey from aspiring NFL athlete to diversity leader at Microsoft, Starbucks, and AmazonWhy inclusion should always come before diversity and equity in workplace initiativesPractical steps leaders can take to create cultures of belonging and fairnessThe power of "spending your privilege" and intentional leadership in driving changeEddie's reflections on building equitable organizations and the future of workplace inclusionResources Mentioned:Eddie Pate Speaking and Consulting Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: A Guide to Building a Culture of Belonging Connect with Eddie Pate on LinkedInLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

March 5, 202537 min

Tammy Demos - The Science and Story Behind KLEOS+KLEA

Tammy Demos founded KLEOS+KLEA, a groundbreaking skincare brand that takes clean beauty to an entirely new level. With over two decades in the skincare industry, Tammy has been a pioneer in natural, non-toxic skincare, long before "clean beauty" became a movement.In this episode, Tammy shares her incredible journey, from launching multiple skincare brands to creating a product line designed first and foremost for herself—one that completely transformed her skin. She opens up about her deep connection to nature, the science behind her 100% plant-based, preservative-free formulations, and how her own skin struggles led her to redefine beauty from the inside out.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the endless skincare options on the market or wondered if natural ingredients can make a difference, this conversation is for you. Get ready to hear about the power of plants, the future of skincare, and why less is often more when it comes to what we put on our skin.Episode Resources:KLEOS+KLEA WebsiteKLEOS+KLEA InstagramLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

February 27, 202541 min

Jon Bostock - Leadership, Disruption, and The Elephant’s Dilemma

Jon Bostock is the new CEO of Kodak Alaris. With an impressive career spanning leadership roles at GE, Big Ass Fans, and Truman’s, Jon has built a reputation for driving innovation and sustainable business growth. At Big Ass Fans, he led a successful company restructuring and sale, and later, he founded Truman’s to revolutionize the cleaning industry with a focus on reducing waste.In this episode, we explore Jon’s book The Elephant’s Dilemma, focusing on key moments of inspiration, the power of innovation, and the critical role diversity plays in shaping successful companies.Episode Resources:The Elephant's DilemmaLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

February 6, 202544 min

Bill Hayes - Wandering Through Insomniac City: Grief, Love, and New Beginnings

Welcome to For Your Listening Pleasure. In this episode, I sit down with writer and photographer Bill Hayes, whose memoir Insomniac City profoundly impacted me during a pivotal moment in my life. Bill shares his journey of love, loss, and new beginnings—from losing his longtime partner, Steve, to later falling in love with renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks.We explore the healing power of nighttime walks, music, and photography and the creative process behind adapting Insomniac City into a screenplay. With five books and a stunning photography collection, Bill’s reflections on resilience, creativity, and embracing change are as moving as they are inspiring. Episode Resources:Bill HayesLink to purchase:FYLPxTracee Badway Merch CollaborationFYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration*suggestion is to size upDownload this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure  Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

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