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Satori discusses the lived experiences that inspired her forthcoming film "Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale," releasing June 12 on various platforms (Apple Tv+, Amazon Prime, Google Play). She highlights the often-unspoken challenges of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, and the lack of medical training and support for women experiencing these symptoms. Satori emphasizes the importance of community and open dialogue about menopause to address misdiagnoses and improve women's health. She also touches on the cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences and the need for better representation and advocacy for women's health issues.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ understanding menopause and its symptoms
+ personal journey and the birth of a film
+ impact of menopause on personal and professional life
+ challenges and advocacy for menopause awareness
+ cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences
+ role of storytelling in healing and empowerment
+ menopause and gender identity
+ advocacy and support for women’s health

Guest Bio:

Satori Shakoor is a dynamic storyteller, multi-disciplinary artist, and social entrepreneur known for her bold and transformative work in the arts. A 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow, Satori began her career as a recording and touring vocalist with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic as one of the Brides of Funkenstein before expanding into acting, comedy, and television writing. She is the creator and Executive Producer of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®, an award-winning storytelling platform that fosters healing and community connection. Satori’s storytelling prowess has been showcased on global stages, including The Moth, PBS, and NPR, while she also serves as host of Detroit Performs Live for Detroit PBS. With her solo, standup storytelling concert film, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale, she breaks outdated stigmas around aging and womanhood, bringing humor, truth, and empowerment to center stage. A sought-after facilitator and speaker, Satori has worked with major institutions like Duke University, the University of Michigan, and even the United Nations. Her work continues to inspire and transform communities, using the power of storytelling to connect humanity and spark meaningful dialogue.

Contact/Socials:

Website - www.satorishakoor.com
Website - www.twistedtellers.org

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Sandra discusses her journey with ADHD, diagnosed at age 38, and the concept of being "neuro spicy." She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and understanding one's brain to manage ADHD effectively. Sandra highlights the need for accommodations in professional settings, such as performance improvement plans (PIPs), and advocates for universal design learning (UDL) to create inclusive workspaces. She stresses the significance of rest and self-care, and encourages individuals to pay attention to their needs and advocate for themselves to thrive professionally and personally.

In this episode, you will hear:

• understanding the term “neurospicy”
• navigating professional roles and ADHD diagnosis
• leadership and advocacy in social work
• obstacles navigating professional spaces
• advocating for accommodations in the workplace
• role of culture and community in support

Guest Bio:

Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW, known as The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, is a clinical leader, speaker, and advocate transforming how we view neurodiversity in leadership. As Clinic Director for Transformations Care Network, she drives operational innovation, integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles from academia into workplace practices, and cultivates inclusive, high-performing teams.

A specialist in coaching Latinx and neurodivergent professionals, Sandra blends metacognitive strategies and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) into leadership development to foster emotional resilience and strategic growth. She is the creator of the J.A.R. Framework, a model that reframes invisible impact to strengthen leadership effectiveness.

A contributing author to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 3 and a sought-after speaker, Sandra’s work challenges outdated narratives and celebrates cognitive diversity as a catalyst for success. Through her platform, The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, and her doctoral research at Simmons University, she is redefining leadership for a more equitable future.

Contact/Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurospicysw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracrespo/

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Victor discusses his journey from macro social work to advocating for social workers' involvement in politics. He emphasized the importance of local government and his role in Higher Education. Additionally, he shares that his “Why?” regarding running for president elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is to address membership decline and improve chapter support. Victor highlights the need for social workers to balance micro and macro practice, engage in community advocacy, and foster respectful relationships with elected officials.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ role of political social workers
+ challenges and misconceptions within social work
+ balancing macro and micro practice
+ journey with NASW and vision
+ power of listening and compassion

Guest Bio:

Victor earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. For over 25 years, he has taught policy, political practice, and community organizing in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles. Victor has been an active member of NASW since 1991.

Victor is a former Mayor and Councilman for the City of Artesia, California, Chairman of the Artesia Planning Commission, Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commission, and local government consultant.

Contact/Socials:

Email: victor@victormanalo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.macro.social.worker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-manalo
Website: www.VictorManalo.com

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