Swan Dive

Hosted by Ron Rothberg and Stu Sheldon

Business Entrepreneurship Careers EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

112

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Swan Dive Podcast celebrates people who pivoted to chase their dreams: artists, entrepreneurs, musical legends like George Clinton, Olympic gold medalists, Africa’s first black female neurosurgeon, journalists, formerly incarcerated persons and every day people from all walks of life ... share what drove them to find the courage to chase their dream. Hosts and lifelong friends, Stuart Sheldon and Ron Rothberg, launched Swan Dive in 2020 as Ron prepared for his own swan dive. After an illustrious 25-year media sales career he returned to his passion - content creation. Stu leapt from Wall Street to the arts three decades ago and never looked back. They approach each guest's dive through these distinct lenses, aiming to reveal something precious and inspiring. Follow now on Apple Podcasts ... or wherever you listen to podcasts. Share your Swan Dive story with us and we may feature you. Find us @stuart_sheldon and ronrothberg@comcast.net.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 22, 2026Episode 151 hr 4 min

Ashaari Pope - "Music is My GPS" - From Paint Store to R&B Star

“I just know that there’s something reserved with my name on it, and nothing can stop me from getting to it.” — Ashaari, R&B Artist — Miami New Times shouted out Ashaari as one of “7 South Florida R&B Artists to Watch in 2024,” describing her music as, “a lustrous soundscape that transports the listener to her vantage point. Whether she’s admiring an attractive woman or tucked away on a romantic getaway, her music can easily become the soundtrack of your next rendezvous.” Sensual, emotional and straight forward, Ashaari’s art drips with desire and the complicated emotional and sensual landscape in her body, heart & mind. “I just want to show people that it’s all about building a better relationship with the human condition within all of us,” she says. Ashaari was on track to be a star basketball player in high school until music grabbed her. She never looked back. After years paying the bills working for Sherwin Williams Paints, she quit to pursue music full time in her early twenties. “What makes me proud of the work that we put out is the fact that everything is self-produced, engineered, written and recorded from scratch in my 2-bedroom apartment. Nothing gets better than naturally doing what you love in the comfort of your home.” Collaboration is foundational to her artistry, and on many of her songs she writes the lyrics while others compose. “Music is more than art to me, it’s my GPS.” Born Ashaari Pope, she changed her stage name not long ago from P90 and P90Pope to Ashaari. She says P90 represented her immature teenage self, whereas Ashaari reflects a more mature and authentic artist. “Ashaari is open to everything…,” says our latest guest excitedly. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/49lvi7sX6PjJVzxc7wkfsG Social media - @notashaari Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

August 4, 2026Episode 1459 min

Josh T Franco - Dance in Museums - Multi-Talented West Texas Artist Becomes US Latinx Art Forum Director

Josh T. Franco is an artist and art historian from West Texas who believes that art history is made by hand. Cultured Magazine included this creative powerhouse in their 2026 list of 12 Art-World Tastemakers We’re Most Excited About . Franco actually wears four creative hats: artist, art historian, curator and new Exec Dir of US Latinx Art Forum . He grew up immersed in the ever-evolving wonderland his grandfather created in his backyard in Marfa, TX, full of eclectic found objects, sculptures and whimsical installations. Franco’s current exhibition, Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard , celebrates the foundational role of yards in shaping contemporary art in America. His forthcoming book, Marfa, Marfa: Rasquachismo and Minimalism in Far West Texas , examines minimalism and the aesthetics that artist Donald Judd brought to Marfa … and how these intersect with "rasquachismo," the sensibility of the oppressed in working class Chicano communities. “I am an artist with an art history PhD. My practice investigates the mechanisms by which knowledge moves intergenerationally,” says. Franco. He’s been an art historian with the Smithsonian for over ten years, interacting with some of the most treasured documents ever produced by artists across time. “I believe that every work of art is also a work of art history, because every work of art carries the past.” As the new Executive Director of US Latinx Art Forum, Franco is committed to celebrating and promoting art by US inhabitants of Latinx descent and their communities to foster equity and growth, and support its practitioners. Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

June 16, 202646 min

John Medina - "The Cure Complex" - Formerly Addicted & Incarcerated, Now Working to Rehabilitate the Prison System

John Medina's short film, The Cure Complex , explores the epidemic of drug addiction in prison and the systemic failures that perpetuate Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the prison system. "Recovery is an industry, and industries need customers. Rehabs don't succeed when people move on, they succeed when people stay," says Medina, whose own journey through addiction and incarceration motivated him to be an agent of change. His film highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of substance use — including trauma, poverty and isolation. Nationally, approximately 58% of the US prison population has active SUD. In California, where Medina's film is based, it's 65%. Yet, treatment behind bars is limited, inconsistent and often deadly. Only 15% of those assessed as needing help actually receive it. "True recovery isn’t about quitting something, it’s about building something,” says Medina. By investing in people, not just prescriptions, we can build more humane and effective pathways to healing addiction and staying clean, so that people can move onto meaningful and productive lives. Sadly, the current system, through ineffective , "evidence-based" practices, actually keeps people dependent on substances from which Big Pharma extracts enormous profit. Medina's raw and touching film uncovers how these profit-driven systems trap individuals in cycles of dependency through fear and control instead of empowering them to rebuild their lives. The film champions new and humane healing models that prioritize promoting self worth and purpose to manifest healing and dignity. Medina is a proud Film Ambassador with Represent Justice , and The Cure Complex was selected to be one of five Represent Justice films streamed on Tubi to 100 million viewers. Watch The Cure Complex here! Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

May 26, 2026Episode 1352 min

Kent Mendoza "Million Dollar Cage" - Child Tried as an Adult and Imprisoned Now Advocates for Better Juvenile Justice

Los Angeles County has the largest juvenile justice system in the country, and for too long, black and brown youth in LA have been shuttled into a system that favors cages over care. Represent Justice Ambassador, Kent Mendoza , was one of those young people, and now works to make sure our kids wonʼt face a similar fate. “A Million Dollar Cage,” produced by Kent, follows his journey as he fights to transform L.A. County’s youth justice system and create alternatives to incarceration. In collaboration with Represent Justice, his film is now streaming on Tubi to over 100 million viewers. Kent was born in Mexico but migrated to LA at the age of six, where his mother hoped to find a better life for her young children. Kent loved drawing and had a very creative mind but could not speak English and struggled in school. His father was absent and, an early age, Kent was exposed to gangs, drugs, and violence. He joined a gang at the age of fourteen and was incarcerated at fifteen, serving time in a probation camp. At seventeen, Kent was tried as an adult and faced a life sentence. He was instead sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice where he served 5 years incarcerated. Since his release, Kent has become a tireless community organizer and activist, artist, writer, speaker, and youth mentor. He was selected as an Ambassador with Represent Justice and, in addition to "Million Dollar Cage," he made the short film, "Chasing the Mexican Dream," connecting to his Mexican roots while exploring the creativity that comes with telling a story through animation. Along with filmmaking, Kent is the Director of Policy at the Anti-Recidivism Coalition . Watch Kent's TUBI film here ! Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

May 12, 2026Episode 1259 min

The Truth Behind The Mask - NaJei (GiGi) Webster - The Trials of Reentry After Life in a Cinder Block Cell

NaJei (GiGi) Webster wrote and directed the short-film, The Truth Behind The Mask - The Harsh Realities of Reentry, now streaming to 100 million viewers on Tubi . Based on her own incarceration story, The Truth Behind the Mask is one of five films presented by Represent Justice that feature lived experiences that delve into themes of reentry after prison, youth justice, alternatives to incarceration, and the criminalization of trauma. After serving nearly a decade in prison, GiGi is passionate to help the women she left behind, using her story to reveal the hidden struggles of reentry that go far beyond securing employment and stable housing; everyday tasks often taken for granted become obstacles, from navigating paperwork, shopping at the grocery store or even using household technology. There's also family and friend dynamics that may have shifted uncomfortably after so much tine away. The Truth Behind The Mask challenges audiences to remove judgment and embrace empathy for people in reentry. “The one thing I want the world to know about me is that I am NOT who they said I was. And that I really am valuable. And I really do have a voice,” says Gigi, who now spends her spare time mentoring youth and sharing the wisdom she’s acquired from her formative journey. “There’s more to what you see when you encounter someone who’s been incarcerated,” she says. Shortly after coming home, GiGi accepted the challenge of getting custody of her younger brother to help him find stability in life. He recently graduated high school, something GiGi is extremely proud of. She continues to help educate her community on legislation and how to advocate for themselves, while seeking different ways to support the people still behind bars. In April, 2024 she was selected by Represent Justice to be an Ambassador, their flagship fellowship program that equips formerly incarcerated leaders, activists and advocates with the creative and technical skills to produce, message test, and nationally distribute short films, for systemic change. In August 2025, GiGi graduated from the RJ Ambassador program as a film maker. The Truth Behind the Mask is her first film, and she hopes to make more. On April 1, 2026, she was hired as Represent Justice’s Film & Series Coordinator, proof that her life is a shining example of trauma to triumph. Film Trailer Watch her film on Tubi here! Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

April 15, 2026Episode 1156 min

Emil Pinnock - "Each One Teach One" - Falsely Accused to Film Industry Powerhouse

Emil Pinnock is an accomplished film director, producer, and writer who has been active in the film industry for over 20 years. Raised in Harlem, Emil launched his film career as a child on the PBS television program Reading Rainbow. His many major motion picture credits include Beloved (Oprah Winfrey) and Gridiron Gang starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. But the pivotal moment in Emil's life occurred in 2001, on his 19th birthday, when he and his friends were pulled over in Queens, New York, and wrongly arrested for possession of a firearm. This harrowing experience imprinted in this gentle, well-educated young man the dark underbelly of racial injustice ... and became the basis of his breakthrough, award-winning television series, "Up North." That project launched an illustrious career in television and film that continues to flourish to this day. Emil has been tapped to write an original story about The Negro Baseball Leagues (Blackball) produced by Abigail Disney’s Level Forward; and the origin story of legendary entrepreneur Daymond John (Shark Tank, FUBU) Emil lives by the motto, "Each one teach one" and has dedicated much of his professional life to helping others. His non-profit, Unleashing Giants, has served thousands of kids from underrepresented communities across the nation, offering an 8-week film program on the film industry via hands-on training, mentorship, and global distribution. Emil also sits on the board of Represent Justice . At its core, Represent Justice uses the power of storytelling to engage audiences in reimagining the legal system … and creating real demand for change. Swan Dive featured the CEO of Represent Justice, Daniel Forkkio, in an extraordinary 2024 episode. Represent Justice just inked a major deal with Tubi , the streaming network with 100 million viewers. Emil was instrumental in securing the Tubi partnership which will feature five magnificent short films made by formerly-incarcerated people and produced by Represent Justice. Over the next few episodes, Swan Dive will feature these filmmakers and discover how they are surviving our system of injustice. We are honored to kick off and celebrate these important voices with the magnificent voice of Emil Pinnock. Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

March 11, 2026Episode 101 hr 4 min

Artie Ahier - "Endurance" - From Hospitality Host to Arctic Adventurer

Artie Ahier developed a fascination with all things polar after reading Endurance at age 13. The harrowing story of Shackleton’s Antarctic misadventure so gripped young Artie that he spent his whole life dreaming of one day experiencing that desolate, people-less land. Raised in his family’s restaurant in a small New Brunswick town on Canada's Restigouche River, Artie always found happiness in nature on the water. His family didn't travel much, so his original seed of exploring the big world was sown in his best friend's living room reading National Geographic . By a series of happy accidents, Artie made his way into the hospitality business and married a chef. Their life became one big, glorious adventure. Together, they skippered motor yachts through Florida and the Caribbean, ran hotels and a luxury guest Ranch in the remote Big Bend of Texas and opened an award-winning restaurant on Vancouver Island, where Artie has lived since 2000. Their restaurant, SoBo (Sophisticated Bohemian) was named a Zagat top 100 restaurant in Canada in 2007. For Artie, the theme was always the same, take great care of the guests and show them what natural treasures abound ... whether serving "grassroots gourmet" cuisine or leading bird, bat and nature walks. Artie's life took a hard turn when he woke up at 50 and realized he just wasn't happy. His marriage had run its course and the restaurant business had burned him out. "I have a love of isolation in nature. The ocean and coastline of the world is my mistress," he mused. This pull toward nature and the water brought him back to skippering boats on whale, bear and bird watching tours in British Columbia, as he said goodbye to his marriage and the restaurant world. Then a phone call took him back to his childhood dream - an opportunity to guide nature tours and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) expeditions in Antarctica. Artie didn't think twice. In 2017, just past fifty, he made his fantasy reality and joined the expedition leadership with renowned expedition cruise company Quark . Artie has been guiding in the pristine waters of the Arctic and Antarctica ever since. He spent over 200 days in the Arctic this past year, reveling as he shares his passion for the outdoors with others, helping them (including your host Stu and his family) better understand his favorite mystical frozen wilderness landscape. Artie is ecstatic to now live a life surrounded by nature on an almost daily basis. When not chasing birds he can be found on his SUP, listening to music and enjoying great food and wine, but not generally at the same time. Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

February 10, 2026Episode 942 min

Dawn Feinberg - "Dawn Patrol - More Than Just Yoga" - Professional Dancer Turns Severe Injury into Miami's Top Yoga Studio

Dawn Feinberg is founder of AHANA Yoga , voted the "Best Yoga Studio" in Miami three times by the Miami New Times . She has practiced Ahana Flow and Ashtanga yoga for over 25 years and taught for well over a decade. Prior to practicing yoga, Dawn was an elite professional dancer in NY with a big future head of her, until a severely ruptured Achilles tendon ended her dance career and forced her to take a hard look at her dreams and life goals. As a licensed movement therapist, she brings deep knowledgable about the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, making her classes hugely popular. She is also trained in traditional Indian Kirtan music and plays the harmonium in many of her classes, inciting energy that starts slow and gentle, then builds in intensity, tempo, and volume, before dropping back into stillness. Ahana means “light of day,” and Dawn brings radiance, music, wisdom, energy and humor into every yoga space she enters. She dispels the mythology about the peacefulness of yoga and the strength of the yoga body. And gets super real about her extraordinary family life story: overcoming addiction, a maternal grandmother who was a thirteen year old prostitute when she gave birth to Dawn's mother and much more. Strap in for a super fun, high energy episode. About Ahana Yoga Videos of Dawn teaching Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

November 25, 2025Episode 81 hr 2 min

Barry Krutchik - "That's a Good Question" - Legendary Hollywood Interviewer Writes a Book of Classic Conversations

Barry Krutchik is an legendary Hollywood and pop culture journalist who has conducted over 2000 celebrity interviews across music, film & television over the past 40 years, capturing raw, unscripted moments — from Bob Hope to The Beastie Boys, Santana to Stevie Wonder, Jerry Seinfeld to Jay Z, Mick Jagger, Keanu Reaves, Dave Chappelle, Celine Dion ... basically, the biggest stars EVER! Whether backstage or behind the camera, Barry’s authenticity & quick humor helped high-profile stars feel at home, resulting in raw, unscripted moments. Barry makes things fun! After a decade, he stopped doing interviews in 2002. “By the third time you're interviewing Peter Frampton, it might be time to try something else” he jokes, a surreal realization, considering that twelve-year-old Barry would’ve never believed he’d even meet Frampton. So, he launched Krutchie Entertainment and, using his vast trove of celebrity contacts, began booking talent and producing high-impact media events for the Grammys, MTV, BET, FOX, Cirque du Soleil, and more. Over the decades, as technology, public relations and the world of entertainment changed radically, Barry's professional opportunities also changed. He was no longer a hungry young journalist but a seasoned gentleman in an industry looking for youth and diversity. Then, Covid destroyed his live events business overnight. Terrified, Barry had to reinvent himself. This journeyman is now activating his extraordinary content. He has a new book coming out, Classic Conversations: ‘90s Hip Hop and R&B featuring his intimate, one-of-a-kind moments and quotes with hip hop and R&B royalty. Each interview includes entertaining commentary that only Barry has the ability to provide. In addition, Barry recently returned to interviewing with a one-on-one sit down with Lady Gaga . And, he has new projects in the pipeline harnessing his treasure trove of celebrity content 💎 Hear clips from one of your favorite artists in this episode or @classicconversationsbk as Barry digitizes his archive. Welcome to Swan Dive 🎤 Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com

October 14, 2025Episode 756 min

Kimberly & Jason Ocana - "Planting New Roots" - Firefighter & Corporate Exec start Plant Medicine Retreat Center

The devastating 2022 hurricane that destroyed their Florida home was the last straw in a chain of traumas for Jason and Kimberly Ocana. A paramedic/firefighter for nearly 15 years, Jason loved being of service, but the work's constant physical and emotional challenges and the added rigors of being a first responder during COVID were taking a serious toll on his body and soul. After 17 years in corporate leadership, Kimberly had “achieved personal success.” But, in reality, she felt totally burnt out physically and emotionally, suffering chronic sickness, anxiety, and depression. On top of all this, both their young children faced major health issues. In this shared state of crisis, two weeks after the loss of their home, Kimberly asked Jason a simple but profound question, “What can we do to make you happy?” In a moment of clarity and courage, he answered, “move to Costa Rica,” a place he loved and a return to tranquility and deep nature. She was more than ready to make the pivot together. Thus was born Ananda Lodge Costa Rica , a plant medicine retreat center birthed in their collective commitment to save their own lives and make a positive impact in the world. From this point forward they would focus on healing trauma and helping others find their way to wholeness and peace. Ananda operates on the understanding that each individual, regardless of their background, has encountered various forms of trauma, whether big or small. This work is deeply personal. Kimberly survived sexual abuse while Jason carries the weight that only those on the front lines can know. Together, they made a choice to heal and transform themselves and others with the support of sacred plant medicine in a totally beautiful, safe, intimate and healing environment. Jason is particularly drawn to providing support for first-responders, veterans, healthcare workers and others who have dedicated their lives to serving others; Ananda is one of the few retreat centers with programs dedicates to these heroes. Kimberly knows the toll sexual abuse takes on the body and spirit and has created retreats for women that address these specific issues and more. One of their 2025 retreat guests said it best, "If you’re feeling the call to do real inner work, to shed what’s not yours, and to reconnect with who you really are ... Ananda is where you want to be." https://anandalodgecr.com/ Have a Swan Dive to share? Text us! We are always looking for Swan Dive Stories to share so hit us up, send an e mail to Ron: Ron@artbikesjax.com or Stu: Stuart@stuartsheldon.com