WELCOME TO THE CHANGING PLATFORMS PODCAST

To mark the anniversary of 9/11, we are honored to feature Lolita Jackson on Changing Platforms. Lolita is a survivor of both the 1993 and 2001 World Trade Center attacks. She has also played an integral role in the post Hurricane Sandy resilience team, was made an honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition for her services to transatlantic business relations and climate diplomacy, and is a professional Jazz singer who has sung in four continents! 

Charlie's episode is out now. In this episode, Charlie talks to us like her closest friends or the inside of her poetry book. This is an episode in which our guest talks from the heart and truly helps paint the picture of what life following her Bipolar Diagnosis was like.

We are delighted to feature Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki on Changing Platforms, Sevidzem is a climate and gender activist from the Northwest Region of Cameroon and the founder of Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch.  (CAMGEW). In this episode, Sevidzem talks about the CAMGEW vision to create a society free from poverty, promoting gender inequality and encouraging sustainable environmental practices. Music: Andy Allo

Known as ‘The Girl with the Afghan Flag, on August 19, 2021, Crystal Bayat led Kabul’s Independence Day protests, fighting for freedom for the Republic of Afghanistan. An Afghan social activist and human rights advocate, Crystal continues to fight, raising her voice for her people, the new generation and especially the women of her beloved country Afghanistan. 

Mike Davis and Mattie Fenton from The Maryland Cultural and Conference Center (MC3) talk about their vision and mission to create a world-class cultural and conference center offering state-of-the-art meeting and entertainment spaces, innovation, and dynamic multi-cultural programming in a venue that honors veterans within the greater Annapolis region and the state of Maryland. 

Singer-songwriter, online phenomenon AJ Rafael reached fame through the internet. Starting a Myspace account in 2003, and his music uploads attracted over 30,000 followers. Fast-forward to today, AJ has over 221 million viewers on YouTube alone. AJ credits his success to his online supporters, his family for nurturing his musical talents at a young age and the love and support from his fiancé and creative partner Alyssa Navarro. In celebration of their wedding, we are delighted that this episode

Her teenage years, Evelina struggled with tough years of living between homes and on the streets. At one point, becoming a football Coach and Manager could have been further away from reality. The author of "Altanegra", her book highlights her inspiration for starting the Women's Football Association in Argentina (AFFAR). Evelina has spoken at the United Nations and in June 2021, she was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Equity in Sports of the Organization of American States (OAS).

An Indian media professional and content strategist, Mugdha Kalra has many years of experience in broadcast journalism. Named, in 2021, as one of the BBC top 100 most inspirational and influential women in the world, Mugdha continues to gain recognition for her work as an Autism Activist. The mother of a child with Autism, Mugdha co-founded ‘Not That Different’ a child-led movement focusing on inclusion and understanding Neurodiversity.

Frank Hundley, Rutgers University Alumni Class of ’86, went from studying biological sciences and working in a lab to become a wealth management professional. In this episode, Frank talks about his parents growing up in America during times of poverty and depression and how education, privilege and parental support framed his career and life choices.

In this episode, the awarding-winning British author Lucky Roy Singh shares his experiences of being in an abusive, secret marriage to the man he loved and the betrayal that followed. An LGBTQ Activist, Feminist, and Charity Ambassador, Lucky talks about the successes and challenges of being a Punjabi Indian Drag Queen in the U.K.

Manjula Pradeep is the former Executive Director of Navsarjan Trust, one of the largest Dalit rights organizations in India. In this episode Manjula candidly talks of being born and raised as a girl to the poorest caste in India. Abused as a child, Manjula was determined to become an Indian human rights activist and lawyer, addressing the issues of caste discrimination and gender-based violence. 

Trigger warning: This episode refers to topics related to sexual violence and abuse.

Najlla Habibyar served as one of the highest-ranking women in the administration of the former president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani. It was a role that came with many challenges. Najlla’s safety was compromised when she began receiving death threats because of her refusal to accept bribes in her governmental role. In this episode, Najlla bravely speaks out about the struggles her, and her family faced under Taliban rule, her experiences fleeing her beloved Afghanistan.

This episode, we are honored to feature the incredible Benita Alexander. Benita, who bravely fought back after being duped is sharing her story publicly to help others. It’s a story filled with the most shocking lies and deceit. Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, the internationally famous surgeon whose nickname was the ‘Super Surgeon’ is the man who ‘loved conned’ Benita. He is the same man who is currently awaiting the verdict on criminal charges in connection to the deaths of three of his patients. 

It's that time! Season 3 is so close. Look out for our first full episode of the Season coming very soon to Spotify. In this episode, we will be reaching new heights with Mount Everest Summiteer, Dolores Al Shelleh and hearing all about her journey to becoming a world renowned climber and role model.

Hear from Alka & Krisha as they discuss what's coming up this next season's episodes! A fabulous chance to  hear a little about this season global guests and topics.