Society & Culture Episodes

Howard Langer spent a lifetime mastering the art of argument, as a leading antitrust and consumer law attorney, professor, and advocate who helped recover more than $200 million for victims of fraud. But at age 70, he finally answered another lifelong calling: writing the novel he had carried inside him for decades. In this inspiring conversation, Howard shares the story behind The Last Dekrepitzer, winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award, and reflects on law, justice, faith, creativity, resilience, and why it is never too late to rediscover the writer , or the dream, within.

In this Back2Basics episode, Peter McLaughlin, certified hypnotherapist, Blue Sky Hypnosis founder, leukemia survivor, and former volunteer firefighter, shares how emotional triggers often point to hidden wounds waiting to be healed. Peter explores hypnotherapy, Havening, past life regression, faith, subconscious beliefs, and the powerful reminder that we are not broken, we are wounded. This conversation is an invitation to question the herd, reconnect with your inner guidance, and begin healing at the root.

What does it truly mean to thrive—beyond success, titles, and achievement? In this Back2Basics episode, Rand Selig, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Thriving, shares a practical and soulful framework for living with more purpose, fulfillment, and intention. Rand explores why the most important relationship is the one with yourself, how to shift from doing to being, and why his philosophy is simple: “Don’t retire—rewire.” A powerful conversation on self-awareness, intuition, spirituality, healing, and designing a life that truly works.

Child safety expert and attorney Debbie Ausburn shares essential insights for parents, coaches, churches, schools, and youth organizations on child protection policies, grooming prevention, online safety for kids, and abuse prevention. In this episode, she explains why a child protection policy is only effective if it is consistently followed, how predators exploit boundary violations, why online grooming is a growing threat, and how adults can better respond when children disclose abuse. Debbie also offers practical parenting advice on raising resilient kids by letting them fail safely and learn to solve problems on their own.

What if you could belong to your culture, even if you don’t speak the language? Rodney Eric López is an accomplished educator, artist, and non-profit leader. He is the CEO of Rodney Eric López Enterprises, featured in the hit documentary Mad Hot Ballroom, and author of the upcoming memoir I Don’t Speak Spanish, but I Understand Everything When I’m Dancing! His work centers on the intersection of arts, education, identity, and community leadership, using dance and creativity to bring people together.

What if your voice could reveal what your body, and your life, are trying to tell you? In this episode, Growth Engineer Alex Fredericks shares how dyslexia became his superpower, why opportunity only knocks once, and how a 30-second voice note can unlock real-time insight into your wellbeing.

In this episode of Back2Basics, host Leticia Latino sits down with Tina Rattigan, founder of Propel Models, for an honest conversation about safety, values, and what it really takes to succeed in the modeling industry. Sparked by a deeply personal experience involving her daughter overseas, Tina built Propel Models with a mission rooted in protection, mentorship, and long-term development—not shortcuts to fame. She demystifies the realities of high fashion versus commercial modeling, challenges the myth of overnight success, and explains why modeling is a skill that must be learned, practiced, and respected. Drawing from her upbringing as a light-skinned Jamaican and her faith-centered approach to leadership, Tina shares practical guidance for aspiring talent, parents, and anyone navigating people-driven industries—reminding us, above all, to never forget who you are.

Living in Your Wheelhouse explores what happens when you realize you’ve spent years on the right bus but sitting in the wrong seat. In this episode, Kim Costa shares her powerful journey from a 27-year misaligned career as an accountant to building a life rooted in authenticity, alignment, and intentional design. Kim began reshaping not just her career, but her philosophy on how our homes, and lives, should support who we truly are. We discuss fear as a silent saboteur, why so many people regret major home and life decisions, her 4M Foundation (Myself, Mastery, Mission, Mates), and her Wheelhouse Process for bringing clarity to emotional choices before making big moves!

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Gina Williams shares how purpose, movement, and self-awareness shape everything from her concierge physical therapy practice to her journey as a mom, entrepreneur, and solo traveler. Learn why she believes movement is medicine, why true healing starts with connection, and how embracing imperfection helps you thrive in health, work, and relationships.

After decades of success in real estate, Diane Heiler faced a new challenge — rebuilding her life after loss. In this powerful episode of Back2Basics, she reflects on leadership, integrity, and the courage to start over. From mentoring in a male-dominated industry to transforming grief into creativity through her book A Widow’s Fire, Diane’s story is one of authenticity, perseverance, and renewal. Whether you’re navigating career transitions or personal change, Diane’s insights will inspire you to live — and lead — with heart.

Think you’re not “a writer”? Think again. Caleb DeLon of Paperback Expert shares how professionals can turn you story and expertise into a powerful book—without writing a word yourself! In this episode, you’ll learn: Why a book builds authority (and opens doors), How interview-based publishing works and When it’s the right time to publish. Caleb’s honest take on faith, mindset, and building business legacy is refreshing. Ready to go from hidden expert to published thought leader? Listen now.

Lisa Morales Hellebo is a powerhouse with 30 years of experience across tech, design, systems thinking, entrepreneurship, and now venture capital. Lisa is the Founder & Co-Managing GP of REFASHIOND Ventures, a New York–based fund investing in early-stage startups that are radically transforming industrial value chains across Data & AI, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, and Next-Gen Logistics. It’s about reimagining what’s possible when you combine relentless curiosity with deep conviction. Whether you’re an operator, investor, or changemaker, Lisa’s vision will challenge you to think bigger — and act bolder — at the intersection of innovation and impact.

What if the real key to leadership wasn’t authority, but curiosity? In this energizing episode of Back2Basics, Leticia Latino sits down with Laura Martin—co-founder and CEO of The Glinda Group—to explore how choosing curiosity over conventionality has shaped her bold, purpose-driven career. From her early days dreaming of entrepreneurship in rural Minnesota to walking away from a lucrative client that didn't align with her company’s vision, Laura shares how she’s navigated each career chapter like a “choose your own adventure” story—guided by values, fueled by curiosity, and committed to building meaningful connections.

On this week's episode of Back2Basics, Arlene Cohen Miller shares her remarkable journey from a high-powered law career to becoming a holistic coach and soul reader. She discusses how a profound personal transformation led her to answer a deeper spiritual calling, and how stepping away from a traditional career allowed her to rediscover her true purpose. If you have ever wondered what a soul reading is, Arlene demystifies the practice and shares the moment she realized she wasn't living in her soul's path.

Alison Smith has been coaching and motivating people through her speaking for over 20 years. Her podcast 'Landscaping Your Life' is about getting back on track when you're stuck and can't see the wood for the trees. In this episode, she showcases her unique, quirky perspective - using nature as a metaphor for our lives - allowing the listener to gain a refreshed perspective about their life's journeys.

Shawn Askinoise has been named by O, The Oprah Magazine as “One of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World.” and the Chocolate Business he founded with his daughter has been voted by Forbes as “One of the 25 Best Small Companies in America”. An extremely successful Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shawn loved his job until one day, he didn't, prompting him to change everything and pursue his true calling, but first, he had to discover what it was. This is a podcast episode that will convince you that his story, and his success, can also be yours, but you have to be willing to pay attention to where does it hurt?

Best-Selling Author, entrepreneur and world-renowned speaker Seth Godin joins Leticia Latino in our 100th Episode! This is for sure a milestone episode. not only for what it marks but also because Leticia considers Seth Godin one of the most influential "teachers" in her own life. From his latest book The Practice, to what skills would he have Leticia's kids learn to be able to make an impact in their lives, this is one thought-provoking episode! Enjoy and Happy Birthday Back2Basics!

Championing Positivity, Harmony, Empathy and Kindness, Simon Lever is a retired Executive Recruiter who believes happiness is engaging with people of many nationalities and cultures. He has embraced writing and storytelling and is a featured contributor in Bizcatalyst360 and the Divine Breadcrumb. In this episode, it will become evident why Simon has been dubbed a Beacon of Positivity by those who know him.

When former ESPN broadcaster Barbara Jordan’s older sister Beverly was murdered by her fiancé 30 years ago, the family’s grief was compounded when the killer was released from prison nearly three decades later. Barbara, a former athlete, five-time All-American for the Amateur Softball Association and an alternative team member for the 1996 US Olympics for women’s softball, knows distinctly what it takes to be focused and to reinforce the need to never let your guard down.

Dr. Frederick “Freddy” Starr has been called one of the “Pioneers of Neurofeedback”. He's a computational neuroscientist and psychiatrist, a global leader in Mental Health and Founder and CEO of Myneurva Datasystems, In 2008, his world was turned upside down by the tragic loss of his oldest daughter, Anna, which prompted him to quit everything and go for a true Back2Basics. His, is a powerful story about how he turned sadness and loss into innovation and commitment to help those who suffer due to Traumatic Brain Injuries.