The Interview Episodes
323
Sept. 29, 2026
Interview #36: Julieta Duvall : Exploring how self-awareness and resilience can transform parenting and education
Summary DONE In this episode, Julieta Duvall shares her journey with Rick Barron, from unschooling to becoming a children's advocate, and explores how self-awareness and resilience can transform parenting and education. We discuss the impact of grief, AI's role in education, and the importance of reconnecting with basics and creativity. Chapters DONE 00:00 Introduction to Julieta Duvall and her journey 02:03 Challenges and lessons in self-directed education 04:11 Grief and e...
316
Sept. 10, 2026
Interview #35 Amy Wong: Why Anger Feels Normal Now
Summary Amy Wong and Rick Barron explore the impact of emotional contagion, social media, and societal exposure to negativity. They discuss how awareness, curiosity, and intentional communication can help us navigate and influence our emotional environment for better well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to emotional contagion and societal impact 02:01 Amy Wong's background and mission to help humanity 03:53 The influence of constant exposure to negativity 06:52 The mirror exposure effect a...
307
Aug. 13, 2026
Interview #34 Rick Barron: What's Life Trying to Teach You? | A wisdom conversation
Summary I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Skip Lineberg, host of the podcast: The Main Thing. Content below is courtesy of Skip Lineberg. Rick Barron has lived several remarkable chapters. He served our country during the Vietnam era. Then, Rick helped manufacture the original Apple Macintosh. He spent 42 years working for technology leaders including Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, Motorola, Symantec and Intel. Today, he is a fellow podcaster whose curiosity and love...
306
Aug. 12, 2026
Interview #33 Darya Katkavets: From Belarus to California: A Journey of Cultural Discovery
Summary In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Darya Katkavets, who shares her journey of immigrating from Belarus to the United States, exploring cultural differences, adaptation challenges, and insights into cross-cultural communication. Discover how curiosity, empathy, and understanding can bridge cultural gaps and foster stronger international relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Daria's Journey from Belarus to the US 01:01 Initial Impressions and Cultural Shock 02:12 Motivation...
304
Aug. 6, 2026
Interview #32 Kristina Townsend: Open Hearts, Minds, Doors, and Wallets
Summary In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Kristina Townsend. Kristina shares her unique journey through sports, international travel, and social impact, illustrating how sports can foster understanding and reduce extremism. Discover insights on leadership, cultural differences, and the power of curiosity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kristina Townsend and her journey 02:00 The meaning behind 'Running Unicorns' and sports as a bridge 05:54 The Ohio State-Michigan riva...
296
July 7, 2026
Interview #31 Mariah Bonner: From Baltimore to Buenos Aires - Her Musical Journey
Summary In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Mariah Bonner. A former ballet dancer, movie actress, writer, and now international singer. Join us as Mariah Bonner shares her inspiring journey of moving from the U.S. to Argentina, mastering new languages, and launching a music career in a new cultural landscape. Discover her insights on adaptation, perseverance, and pursuing passions abroad. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mariah Bonner's Journey 05:59 The Art of Writing and Docum...
266
March 31, 2026
Interview #30 Skip Lineberg: Unlocking Wisdom in a World of Too Much Information
Summary Explore the profound differences between knowledge and wisdom with Skip Leinberg, host of The Main Thing podcast. Discover how wisdom guides us through life's challenges, the importance of civil discourse, and practical tools like wisdom cards to enhance personal growth. Supporting Links 1. Skip Lineberg [LinkedIn] 2. Skip Lineberg [podcast] 3. Skip Lineberg [YouTube] 4. Skip Linebe...
265
March 26, 2026
Interview #29 Jenny Chan: Pacific Atrocities Education - Uncovering the Pacific War's Hidden Stories
In this episode, Rick Barron speaks with Jenny Chan, the co-founder of Pacific Atrocities Education, a nonprofit dedicated to uncovering and preserving the often-overlooked narratives of the Pacific War during World War II. Jenny shares her personal journey that led her to establish the organization, the importance of documenting survivor stories, and the challenges faced in educating the public about these historical events. The conversation delves into the impact of historical trauma on cur...
262
March 17, 2026
Interview #28 Nikki Corbett: Courage and Community - Speaking the Unspoken
Summary In this episode of 'That's Life, I Swear,' host Rick Barron speaks with Nikki Corbett, the host of 'The Scarlet Edit,' a podcast that delves into the complexities of infidelity, divorce, and the gray areas of modern relationships. Nikki shares her journey into podcasting, the importance of speaking openly about taboo topics, and the profound impact these conversations have on both guests and listeners. The discussion highlights the significance of courage, community, and the power o...
261
March 12, 2026
Interview #27 Dr. Theresa Lyons: Redefining Autism - A New Perspective
Summary In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Theresa Lyons shares her journey from being a scientist to an advocate for children with autism. She challenges the traditional views of autism as a lifelong condition, emphasizing the potential for improvement through functional medicine and understanding the root causes of symptoms. Dr. Lyons discusses the importance of communication between parents and children, the role of grandparents in the diagnosis process, and the emotional challenges fa...
258
March 3, 2026
Interview #26 Chris Watson: Embracing Adventure as The Journey Calls
Summary In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Chris Watson, the creator and host of The Adventurers Diaries podcast. They discuss Chris's journey into podcasting, the philosophy behind his show, and the importance of adventure in personal growth. Chris shares insights on finding guests, creating authentic conversations, and the impact of his podcast on listeners. The conversation also touches on the significance of the 'pay it forward' segment, memorable episodes, and the human connection i...
249
Jan. 21, 2026
Interview #25 Tracy Pullman: Reinventing Yourself and The Power of Career Networking
In this episode, Tracy Pullman shares her transformative journey from being laid off to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of navigating uncertainty, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of networking. Tracy emphasizes the power of resilience and the need to treat oneself as a client in the freelancing world. She also highlights the role of AI in marketing and offers practical advice for those facing career transitions. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of R...
220
Oct. 15, 2025
Interview #24 Barb Demorest and Patti DeFreeuw - Knitted Knockers: A Stitch of Hope
In this episode of 'That's Life, I Swear,' host Rick Barron speaks with Barb Demorest and Patti DeFreeuw, the founders of the Knitted Knockers Organization. They share their personal journeys with breast cancer and how it led to the creation of a nonprofit that provides free, hand-knit breast prosthetics to women who have undergone mastectomies. The conversation explores the emotional impact of receiving a knitted knocker, the organization's growth to distributing over one...
219
Oct. 8, 2025
Interview #23 Andy Unruh - Revolutionizing Music: The Story of the Amazonica
Summary In this episode of 'That's Life, I Swear,' host Rick Barron speaks with Andy Unruh, the creator of the Amazonica, an innovative musical instrument designed to make music accessible to everyone. Andy shares his journey from a career in nuclear engineering to developing a unique instrument that allows people to play music without years of practice. The conversation delves into the challenges of design, the philosophy of failing fast, and the significance of user feedback. An...
216
Sept. 25, 2025
Interview #22 Cydian Kauffman - Day Zero & Navigating the Water Scarcity Challenge
Summary In this enlightening conversation, Rick Barron and Cydian Kauffman delve into the critical issue of water safety and the looming crisis of water scarcity, known as Day Zero. They explore the complex factors contributing to this crisis, including climate change, infrastructure challenges, and the importance of proactive measures such as water testing. Cydian shares insights from her experience in the water treatment industry, emphasizing the need for awareness and action to ensure safe...
215
Sept. 24, 2025
Interview #21 Ian Darley - Resilience on the Road: The 7,000 Mile Epic Journey
Summary In this discussion, Ian T Darley shares his experiences and challenges during his ambitious journey to walk 7,000 miles around the UK. He reflects on the physical and mental hurdles he faced, such as dealing with inadequate footwear, lack of water, and the emotional toll of being away from family. Ian emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience, drawing inspiration from his Olympian friend, Karen Dark. Despite setbacks, he remains determined to continue his journey, plann...
214
Sept. 23, 2025
Interview #20 Pam Sandrock - Embracing Life's Challenges
Summary In this episode of 'That's Life, I Swear,' host Rick Barron speaks with Pam Sandrock, creator of the No Knockouts podcast. They discuss Pam's journey through a life-altering cancer diagnosis, her philosophy of resilience, and the importance of sharing personal stories. Pam emphasizes the significance of embracing life's challenges, the therapeutic nature of creativity, and the value of building diverse relationships. The conversation highlights the power of mindset s...
212
Sept. 10, 2025
Interview #19 From Immigrant to Entrepreneur: Ashok Rajan's Story
In this enlightening conversation, Ashok Rajan shares his remarkable journey from India to the United States, highlighting the challenges he faced while pursuing his education and building a successful career. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and the dignity of every job, reflecting on how these experiences shaped his values as an entrepreneur and leader. Ashok also discusses the significance of hope and perseverance for future generations, encouraging them to embrace oppor...
210
Sept. 3, 2025
Interview #18 Bryanna Mehling - Navigating Life's Peaks
Summary In this enlightening conversation, Rick Barron speaks with Bryanna Mehling, founder and CEO of Bright Peak Consulting. Bryanna shares her journey from personal challenges to becoming a life and leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of communication, self-awareness, and relationship building in both personal and professional settings. The discussion explores the evolution of coaching techniques, the joy of witnessing client transformations, and the significance of prioriti...
208
Aug. 26, 2025
Interview #17 Lauren Van Duyn - The Mom-demic Diaries: Stories of Resilience
Summary In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Lauren Van Dyne, a recruitment manager and podcaster, about her experiences as a mother during the COVID pandemic. Lauren discusses her podcast, 'The Mom-demic Diaries,' which aims to provide a space for mothers to share their raw and unfiltered stories of parenting during such a challenging time. The conversation explores themes of connection, isolation, grief, and resilience, as well as the unique challenges faced by parents. Lauren emph...
200
July 16, 2025
Interview #16 Abi King - Breaking free from the chains of Alcohol Addiction
Summary In this episode, Rick Barron speaks with Abby King, a sobriety coach and host of the Sober Connection podcast. Abby shares her personal journey through alcohol addiction, the struggles of quitting, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and their relationships. They discuss the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of sobriety. Abby emphasizes the need for education about alcohol's dangers and encourages listeners to se...
190
June 3, 2025
Interview #15 Kendall Breitman- From Newsroom to Podcast Studio: Her Journey
Summary In this engaging conversation, host Rick Barron speaks with Kendall Breitman, a master storyteller and community manager at Riverside. They explore Kendall's journey from her early life in Pennsylvania to her impressive career in journalism, covering politics and presidential elections. Kendall shares insights into her experiences in high school, college, and her transition into the fast-paced world of political journalism, highlighting the adrenaline rush of breaking news and t...
189
May 28, 2025
Interview #14 David Simmons-The Call of the Ocean: A Journey of Reinvention
Summary: In this episode, Rick Barron interviews David Simmons, a former tech executive who transitioned to a sailing business in the Caribbean. David shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood in Mississippi to a fulfilling life on the ocean. He discusses his love for the water, the challenges of starting a charter business, and the realities of living on a boat. The conversation explores themes of reinvention, adventure, and the importance of staying calm in crises. In this conversation...
185
May 7, 2025
Interview #13 Suzanne Junered – The Art of Storytelling
Text us your thoughts on the podcast Summary: In this engaging conversation, Rick Barron interviews novelist Suzanne Junered, exploring her journey from a career in nutrition to becoming a writer. Suzanne shares her passion for storytelling, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community in the writing process. The discussion delves into her creative awakening, the themes she explores in her novels, and her reflections on growth and self-worth as a writer. Suzann...