In this profound and emotionally resonant episode of Building Bridges, Amish speaks with Meredith Parfet — CEO of Raven Yard Group, hospice chaplain, crisis expert, and grief counselor — about the complex and often avoided topic of grief. From personal loss to professional collapse, Meredith shares how her journey through multiple tragedies shaped her unique approach to crisis management, blending the emotional insight of a chaplain with the strategic thinking of an MBA.

The conversation explores how grief extends beyond death, touching everything from failed businesses to leadership identity loss. Meredith introduces the concept of “grief brain,” outlines a practical four-question toolkit for navigating crisis, and emphasizes the importance of doing inner work before grief strikes. She challenges the cultural tendency to bypass suffering and instead encourages a deeper, curious engagement with loss — as a path to meaning and resilience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, comfort, or tools to navigate personal or professional upheaval.

For more information please visit: https://ravenyard.com/

In this powerful episode of Building Bridges, Amish sits down with Melissa O’Dell, Executive Director of Defy Ventures Illinois, a nonprofit redefining second chances for incarcerated individuals. Melissa shares her two-decade journey in criminal justice reform, the transformational impact of Defy’s entrepreneurship-based reentry programs, and what it means to truly build bridges between prisons and the broader economy.

From developing “CEO of Your New Life,” a robust curriculum taught inside prisons, to the real-world success stories of formerly incarcerated graduates, Melissa breaks down the barriers society places on people with criminal records — and how business leaders can be part of the solution.

For more information, visit: https://www.defyventures.org/

In this episode of Building Bridges, Amish chats with Kate Steury, owner of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn in Goshen, Indiana. Kate shares her journey from discovering a passion for popcorn to launching her business at 25 and growing it into a beloved local brand.

Kate opens up about the challenges of being a young female entrepreneur, lessons in leadership, and how she’s built a business centered on community, mentorship, and meaningful connections. From pandemic pivots to literacy campaigns, her story is full of heart, hustle, and perspective.

Whether you're starting out or looking to lead with more purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration.

Browse Shirley's website: https://www.shirleyspopcorn.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopEf7_dOD5e6MFuBGAlVyKoFilnAQDaXbhSRXGZ6-WPo8ysh8yl