Episodes

  • 18: Episode 18

    18: Episode 18
    May 2 2023
    27 mins
  • 17: Episode 17

    17: Episode 17
    Apr 16 2023
    32 mins
  • 16: REUNIONS, An incredible opportunity to catch up and reconnect

    16: REUNIONS, An incredible opportunity to catch up and reconnect
    Feb 26 2023
    Through this lighthearted and fun CONVERSATION, my guests and I debunk the theory that all high school reunions are a potential pain-point and gatherings of people who don’t care about each other. And while it might be true that you didn’t have relationships with many who might attend, something else might come out of the experience for you. It did for me, every time! In school, I wasn’t really in “a group”. I wasn’t friendly with the jocks, or the cheerleaders or the cool band kids or those who just hung out around the building. And yes, that first 10-year reunion was a little awkward – we were all trying to prove that we “made it” in some way. This episode of CONVERSATIONS dives into all of that, and the awkward experiences we had – but now 45 years later – our high school reunions are incredibly well attended and so much fun. My guests are the two people who are the glue to the connections of our past who bring us into the present day with fabulous engagement. They share fun stories about how they keep us together. Monthly birthday and life experience updates, Facebook posts and pictures. And they also offer tips on how this work can be translated into other re-connection experiences – former co-workers, long-lost family, friends, etc. So, listen in to hear the fun stories and guidance of my guests - that with an open-mind, reunions can actually be something to look forward to – that’s a promise!
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    29 mins
  • 15: A Second Chance for a Champion

    15: A Second Chance for a Champion
    Feb 12 2023
    Gary brown, noted NFL and SUPER BOWL player is a native of Brentwood, Long Island, where he “escaped the evil call of the streets”. He made it to the big leagues and got to experience things that most of us wouldn’t even know to dream about. But then the worst happened. After leaving a lifelong career and dream – he was lost and alone in his own despair, fighting terrible paralysis and an uncertain future. In this fascinating interview, you will hear Gary Brown’s amazing story and what motivated him to turn his life around. As he notes, “when the fame ends, there are a lot of emotions that arise.” “When you shut down the pity party, it opens up a lot of room for positive energy.” Gary moved to a place he sees as a blessing in his life – giving back and helping veterans, kids, and families in his newfound life.
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    33 mins
  • 14: Growing up & Overcoming Odds

    14: Growing up & Overcoming Odds
    Jan 29 2023
    Many of us are presented with challenges as we grow up. As a young child, Norman found many barriers in his single-parent home. It became more challenging when as a young child, he had to translate for his mom, as he was first learning English. His mom found the right resources to give Norman access to mentors who would eventually give him a healthy, safe direction to follow. At the young age of 28, Norman is now a former Marine, and a successful Insurance salesman.
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    24 mins
  • 13: Finding your WHY in life

    13: Finding your WHY in life
    Jan 15 2023
    This weeks’ show will highlight how doing outreach in your local community can literally change your life and help you discover your “WHY” in your own life. Randi is joined in studio by Rev. Jannie West-Mays of the St. John's Baptist Church of Westbury.
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    27 mins
  • 12: People-First Terminology

    12: People-First Terminology
    Oct 31 2021
    Language can be a powerful—and consequential—tool. The words we use to shape our messages impact people deeply. They can create positive messages—or be demeaning. In most instances, that harm was unintended, but it might be too late after the words are shared. In this Episode of CONVERSATIONS with Randi Shubin Dresner, our host dives deep into the way we address people and talks openly about her own experiences with how her mother, who was challenged by major health issues, related to her often paralyzed limbs. She suggests that rather than using “THE” phrases such as “we are helping the hungry”, we might consider rephrasing the sentence to something like, “we are helping PEOPLE WHO ARE hungry”. By definition, People-First Terminology highlights the individuality, equality, and dignity of people. It recognizes the common humanity of all and builds on it by acknowledging that we are people first and foremost. By using our words to reflect this, it serves as a foundation for our act
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    11 mins
  • 11: Insights into Mental Health

    11: Insights into Mental Health
    Oct 24 2021
    In this episode we are discussing a very difficult topic, MENTAL ILLNESS, a topic often swept under the rug . If we break an arm or get sick, we talk about it to our friends and family. But if we are impacted by some form of mental illness – suddenly our health becomes a secret, and we are afraid that someone might find out about it. We are joined by David Nathan, a father whose son, Jack, struggled with anxiety and depression. Jack lived his young life with perseverance and determination. His painting and design work proved to be an important component in how he managed his mental illness. He passed away suddenly at the age of 19 (unrelated to his mental illness) but his dreams of “ITS OK TO NOT BE OK” continue through his family’s’ advocacy work to bring this struggle to the forefront in CONVERSATIONS such as this one. We are thoughtfully guided by Dr Jeffrey Steigman, a clinical psychologist with Family Service League of Long Island. Dr Steigman shares important information
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    29 mins