L36 Media Podcast

Step beyond the classroom with Shoshanna Sumka, a global leader in experiential learning, as she reveals how true education happens when knowledge meets experience. From her early environmental activism in Ecuador to transformative cultural immersion in Indonesia, Shoshanna shares the journey that ignited her passion for learning that truly sticks.
In this episode, you’ll discover how to:
Turn experiences into powerful, lasting lessons through reflection and real-world application
Build vibrant learning communities and foster student agency
Engage the “whole student” - head, heart, and hands - for deeper growth
Create authentic service-learning projects that are impactful for everyone involved
Whether you’re an educator, student, or lifelong learner, Shoshanna’s insights show how experiential learning creates “core memories,” develops leadership for all, and makes learning joyful, relevant, and transformative.
Dive in and be inspired to rethink what it means to truly learn - and lead - in today’s world.

What if the hardest moments of your life could become the starting point for your greatest transformation?
In this compelling episode, hosts Dr. Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead sit down with the incredible Dr. Marion "Maz" Piper - an artist, writer, and expert in post-traumatic growth (PTG) - for a raw and powerful conversation on how we spiral up after life knocks us down.
Dr. Piper introduces her signature concept of “spiraling up,” a hopeful and empowering approach to moving through trauma - not just surviving it, but emerging stronger, wiser, and more connected to yourself and others.
Together, they explore the difference between the massive, world-shaking “Big T” traumas (like loss, disaster, or illness) and the quieter, “small T” traumas - everyday emotional wounds that slowly accumulate and weigh us down.
Marion opens up about her own deeply personal story: from a childhood marked by adversity, to how creativity became her lifeline, to the profound impact her mother’s passing had on her academic work and personal philosophy.
You will discover how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression - and how the uncomfortable “goo” phase of growth (yes, like the caterpillar before the butterfly!) is actually where transformation begins.
You’ll also learn about the five key life areas of post-traumatic growth, how to spot them in your own life, and how to tap into them - whether you're healing from heartbreak or just feeling stuck.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Can something good come out of this?” Spoiler alert: Yes, it can.
Tune in for an inspiring, heartfelt, and insight-packed conversation that just might shift how you see your past - and your path forward.

What if the story you've been living isn’t the truth - but just the beginning?
In this powerful episode, host Dr. Steven Pearce sits down with Michael McRay - storyteller, narrative coach, and TEDx speaker - whose life’s work helps people heal from trauma by reexamining the narratives that shaped them.
Michael shares his personal journey through pain, suicidal ideation, and self-discovery, and how he now guides others to “restory” their lives - transforming limiting childhood beliefs like “I’m not enough” or “I’m fine” into empowering truths.
Discover the concept of narrative intelligence, how experiential intensives help people externalize inner struggles, and how metaphors like the palimpsest and singing bowl illuminate the healing process.
We also explore the Hero’s Journey, the power of the liminal space between old stories and new beginnings, and how our deepest wounds can lead us to profound purpose.
This episode is a beautiful reminder: you are not your past. You are the author of what comes next.
Tune in and start rewriting your story - with clarity, courage, and compassion.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Nadia Al-Sakkaf, whose remarkable journey in Yemen's media and political landscape is a testament to empowerment and education.
From her upbringing in a conservative society that fostered confidence and equality, to becoming the editor-in-chief of the Yemen Times and later the Minister of Information, Dr. Al-Sakkaf shares her incredible story of resilience, constant reinvention, and unwavering advocacy for women's rights and equity. Listen as she recounts the fierce resistance she faced in male-dominated industries, her harrowing escape from Yemen amidst conflict, and the profound lessons she learned about finding your "tribe" and the enduring power of community and support.
This episode offers a deep dive into Dr. Al-Sakkaf's "hero's journey", providing powerful insights into navigating adversity with integrity and preparing future generations for a challenging world.

What if the spirit of adventure isn’t just something we chase, but something written into the fabric of the universe itself?
In this inspiring episode, L36 podcast host  Dr. Steven Pearce takes us on a thought-provoking journey - from the origins of the cosmos to the everyday choices that define our lives. After hitting a wall of “Million Mile Per Hour Monotony” - a fast-paced but deeply unfulfilling phase in his career - Steven shares how he reignited his sense of wonder through travel, storytelling, and meaningful connection. Along the way, he sits down with voices like neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Lazar and author Dan Horowitz, whose insights helped reframe his path and bring clarity to his purpose.
We explore how the “hero’s journey” lives within all of us, how venturing beyond comfort zones can awaken something powerful, and how mentors and moments of insight can change the trajectory of our lives. Whether it’s a cross-continental trek or a “micro-adventure” in your own neighborhood, this episode invites you to see your life as an unfolding story - and to take the next bold step in it.
Tune in to rediscover what it means to live with intention, curiosity, and courage.

Step into the vibrant world of Laura Esparza - a cultural visionary, fearless arts leader, and direct descendant of Alamo heroism. In this powerful episode, Laura shares a riveting journey that weaves together history, heritage, and heart. From growing up in a traditional West Texas community, to becoming a trailblazing force behind some of the nation’s most cherished cultural centers, Laura’s story is as inspiring as it is unforgettable.
With a deep reverence for her indigenous roots and a bold passion for the arts, Laura reveals how she transformed public spaces into sanctuaries for healing, creativity, and community - especially for immigrants and underrepresented voices. Hear how her unique blend of artistic soul and sharp analytical mind fuels her mission today as the Executive Director of A3 (Art Alliance Austin), where she's igniting a more equitable and thriving arts ecosystem.
Don’t miss this conversation about legacy, leadership, and living life as a “splendid torch” - burning brightly for purpose, justice, and future generations.

In this soul-stirring episode of the L36 Podcast, we sit down with Ash Almonte -- a radiant contemporary artist, devoted philanthropist, and co-founder of a nonprofit -- whose energy and authenticity are as bold as her brushstrokes.
Ash opens up about her incredible journey from life in corporate banking to embracing her true calling as an artist. She shares how a life-altering medical scare became a spiritual wake-up call, pushing her to fully commit to her creative path -- despite significant personal sacrifice.
With raw honesty and infectious passion, Ash reveals how her art has become a sacred practice -- infused with intention, emotion, and healing. She reflects on how grief gave rise to the butterfly as a symbol in her work, transforming pain into purpose and forging deep connections with others.
This episode is a heartfelt invitation to anyone seeking to live more meaningfully, create more courageously, and tune into the quiet wisdom of the soul. Ash leaves us with a powerful reminder: sometimes, the real masterpiece is learning how to slow down and fully live.

In this inspiring episode of the L36 Podcast, hosts Dr. Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead speak with acclaimed classical painter Tanvi Pathare, whose journey from science student in Mumbai to artist at the Florence Academy of Art is as compelling as her work.
Tanvi shares how her cultural roots, India’s intense academic landscape, and a bold leap of faith to study abroad shaped her artistic identity. She opens up about her deep connection to nature, the magic of light and movement, and why she views painting as equal parts sport, meditation, and illusion.
With warmth and honesty, she reflects on the importance of embracing imperfection, being kind to oneself, and the evolving pursuit of weaving deeper emotional truths into her work.
This episode offers a thoughtful glimpse into an artist’s inner world—and a powerful reminder that beauty isn’t just seen, it’s deeply felt.

In this soulful and uplifting episode of the L36 podcast, creativity coach and expressive arts facilitator Helen Bradley invites us into a world where creativity becomes a path to healing, joy, and connection.
Helen shares her deeply intuitive approach, blending movement, color, sound, and body awareness to help people reconnect with their innate creative spark. Whether it’s painting with your eyes closed, dancing your emotions, or asking your art what it wants to say, Helen offers practical ways to work with one’s inner critic and let get free.
This conversation is a warm, gentle reminder that creativity is not about perfection - it’s about freedom. It's about play, listening inward, and remembering that we are all artists at heart.
If you’ve ever felt creatively blocked, or simply long to feel more alive and expressive, this episode is a beautiful invitation to come home to yourself - through art.

What truly drives our curiosity — and why does it matter? In this compelling episode of the L36 podcast, hosts Dr. Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead sit down with renowned psychologist Dr. Jordan Litman to explore the fascinating science behind several kinds of Curiosity.
Dr. Litman breaks down curiosity into two powerful forces:
I-type curiosity — a playful, open-ended desire to explore, imagine, and wander through new ideas.
D-type curiosity — a deeper, more focused drive to solve problems, fill knowledge gaps, and make sense of complexity.
Discover how these two distinct types shape everything from personal growth and education to innovation and lifelong learning. Whether you find joy in the journey or itch for answers you must resolve, this conversation reveals how harnessing both forms of curiosity can change how we think, learn, and grow.