Episodes

In this powerful episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore welcome Amanda Gulino, founder of A Better Monday, for an authentic conversation on burnout, values alignment, and what it means to build a career—and life—on purpose. Amanda shares her personal journey from recruiting to leadership and culture consulting, emphasizing how her business emerged from deep curiosity and a desire to do work that reflects her values. Together, they explore themes of identity, burn...

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore sit down with Meridith Grundei, a dynamic presentation coach and improv facilitator, to explore how authenticity, story, and vulnerability transform public speaking. Drawing from her background in acting and teaching improv, Meridith shares how she helps clients become more comfortable and impactful presenters—not by mastering rigid formulas, but by connecting with their humanity. Through humor, insight, and practica...

What does it mean to live a purposeful life? Life Purpose Coach Rick Harrigan knows firsthand the painful disconnect between external success and internal emptiness. After 20+ years in corporate entertainment with all the trappings of the American dream—good money, nice house, white picket fence—Rick found himself profoundly unfulfilled. "I was getting validation from everyone except myself," he shares in this soul-stirring conversation. Rick takes us on his journey from burnout to breakthrough...

What happens when we place humans at the center of every workplace decision? Anne-Catherine Nielsen, founder of Equo Magna, brings her rich experience from the hospitality industry to tackle this question in a conversation that couldn't be more timely. In a post-pandemic world where employees are reevaluating their relationship with work, Nielsen offers invaluable insights into what truly matters. "There's been a search for meaning since the pandemic," she notes, highlighting how today's workfo...

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore welcome back returning guest Eimear Zone to explore one of the most universally challenging yet empowering topics in personal and professional life: setting boundaries. Building on her course The Elegant No, Eimear dives into how boundaries are not acts of rejection but reflections of values, connection, and self-respect. The conversation uncovers how resentment, conflict avoidance, and people-pleasing often stem fro...

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore explore the intersection of authenticity, community, and well-being with guest Michael Niyompong, Chief Engagement Officer at the Mental Health Center of Denver. The conversation opens with reflections on what it means to live authentically, not as a curated version of oneself but as a full expression of who we are. Michael shares his personal journey of rediscovering well-being, rooted in relationships, mentorship, ...

In this episode of Uncover the Human , Cristina and Alex welcome Mirko Maccarrone, founder of The Mastery Hub, for a deep conversation about conscious leadership and the concept of "coachsulting"—a powerful blend of coaching and consulting. Mirko shares his personal journey from a demanding corporate career to building a purpose-driven global platform focused on empowering individuals and organizations through values-based growth. Together, they explore the 4C Framework (Consultation, Conversati...

In this episode of Uncover the Human , Cristina and Alex chat with Matt Ley—consultant, former pastor, and author of Manager Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management . Matt shares lessons from his diverse career path and how it shaped his view on the critical, often overlooked role of middle management. Matt explains that great managers do more than delegate—they multiply value, build culture, and support people through clarity, communication, consistency, and care. He goes into the i...

In this episode, Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore dive into the often overlooked art of facilitation and the real impact of effective training. Reflecting on their experiences creating and delivering leadership programs, they explore what makes training successful—and why it’s never just about memorizing content. We unpack why every change in an organization is, at its core, a behavioral change —and how facilitation helps people not only understand but internalize those changes. From navig...

In this heartfelt episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore explore the quiet power of individual impact—how one person’s presence, choices, and energy can meaningfully shape environments, relationships, and even entire systems. They reflect on professional and personal moments when someone’s arrival or departure deeply shifted dynamics, drawing from their experiences in coaching, leadership programs, and even fostering kittens to illustrate the emotional and energe...

How do we balance technological innovation with human authenticity? In this episode, we sit down with Chuck DeVries, a technologist with a deeply human-centered perspective, to explore the intersection of AI, leadership, and the future of work. Chuck shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to working at the forefront of AI, offering insights on how technology can enhance—not replace—our humanity. We discuss the evolving role of AI, the importance of maintaining curiosity, and how l...

In this episode, we sit down with Adrienne Graves, a visionary leader whose career spans theology, business, and personal growth. She shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of perspective in shaping both professional and personal success. Adrienne’s journey highlights the importance of staying curious, embracing change, and leading with authenticity. We explore how vision—both literal and metaphorical—impacts the way we navigate challenges, foster connections, and drive mean...

Nina Cashman returns to Uncover the Human to explore the connection between learning, presence, and authenticity. As an executive coach and master trainer, Nina shares insights from her studies in happiness and the importance of balance across different aspects of life. We dive into the power of deep listening, the impact of creating space for growth, and how integrating personal and professional development leads to meaningful leadership. Tune in for an engaging discussion on curiosity, conn...

How do you find balance in the chaos of daily life? Katherine Warren joins us to share her journey from battling insomnia and depression to discovering the power of mindfulness, movement, and small, intentional practices. She emphasizes that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s a continuous process of tuning in, adjusting, and honoring what your mind and body need. In this episode, we explore how simple habits, from mindful transitions to daily check-ins, can help create sustainable well-be...

What does it truly mean to choose yourself? In this inspiring episode, we welcome back Eimear Zone, author, coach, and mindfulness expert, to discuss her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. From navigating career shifts to embracing uncertainty, Eimear shares how following curiosity, taking risks, and stepping outside comfort zones can lead to incredible personal transformation. We dive into the importance of trusting your intuition, overcoming self-doubt, and recognizing the power ...

Want to improve your communication and build stronger connections? Meet LAVA: Listening Acknowledging Validating and Asking open-ended questions In this episode, Cristina and Alex break down how this simple yet powerful approach enhances trust, deepens conversations, and creates space for authentic interactions. Learn how to listen beyond words, validate emotions without agreeing, and ask better questions that spark real dialogue. Whether in leadership, personal relationships, or everyday c...

Join us as Bonnie Iserman shares her unique perspective on servant leadership, emphasizing trust, empowerment, and meaningful connections. With a background in ministry, Bonnie explores how leadership is a reciprocal relationship—one where authenticity and support help both leaders and teams thrive. We dive into the power of storytelling, open communication, and creating spaces where people feel heard and valued. From using humor and vulnerability to fostering trust, this episode redefines le...

Explore the complexities of tribalism and how it shapes our identities and connections. Cristina and Alex dive into how the need to belong can both unite and divide us, influencing everything from high school cliques to workplace dynamics. We discuss balancing the comfort of tribes with the richness of individual relationships to foster understanding and inclusivity. We also highlight the power of stepping out of comfort zones to find meaningful communities. In a world shaped by social media an...

What if your self-worth isn’t tied to your job title but to living your core values? In this episode, Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore explore the deep connection between personal values and genuine fulfillment. By shifting focus from external roles to internal values like trust and integrity, we propose a healthier, more authentic path to self-worth. We dive into empathy and self-reflection, showing how understanding personal values over societal norms leads to clarity and fulfillment. Thr...

Discover how psychological safety and confidence can unlock your team’s potential and fuel personal growth. This episode unpacks Google’s groundbreaking research on high-performing teams and highlights how creative minds, like comedy writers, thrive when they can contribute without fear. Learn how to foster environments that invite authenticity, spark innovation, and elevate collaboration. Confidence isn’t just internal—it’s shaped by the environments we’re in. From transforming risks into grow...

Celebrating a milestone birthday sparks deep reflections on authenticity and self-discovery. In this special episode, Cristina shares her journey as she steps into her 50s, exploring what it means to embrace our true selves despite societal pressures. With humor and heartfelt anecdotes, she discusses choosing oneself, navigating emotions like anxiety and excitement, and living fully in every moment. We also delve into the transformative power of gratitude and connection, from the joy of worldwi...

Discover how workplace policies can truly honor the human experience. Cristina and Alex dive into the challenges of unlimited PTO, bereavement, and sick leave, questioning how language and structure can undermine trust. They explore ways to foster self-accountability and create a compassionate work environment that meets employees' real needs. From comparing cultural expectations between Europe and the U.S. to highlighting the impact of corporate culture on trust, we examine how policies shape ...

How often do we set New Year’s resolutions that reflect who we truly are, rather than what society expects? In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex explore the complexities of authenticity as we step into 2025. We examine the cultural and psychological significance of resolutions, challenging the “shoulds” that often drive them. Instead, we focus on creating goals that are personally meaningful and aligned with our genuine selves. January’s “change traps” often lead to resoluti...

How do we stay true to ourselves in the face of political shifts and global uncertainties? In this episode, Cristina and Alex explore the emotional highs and lows of election outcomes, finding hope in local victories while grappling with the challenges of authenticity and connection. They reflect on the immediate shock of political changes and their lasting impact, all while maintaining a sense of hope and perspective. The conversation goes beyond politics, delving into resilience amid unexpect...