What does life as a professional opera singer really look like?

In this episode, I sit down with soprano Nicole Wacker to talk about the realities of building a career in opera—from years of training and intense rehearsals to performing on stage and navigating the unique challenges of the classical music world.

https://www.nicolewacker.com
https://www.instagram.com/nicolewackerr/

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Annabel Personeni was a rising track star on the verge of an Ivy League scholarship at Princeton. But at just 21 years old, a diagnosis of severe hip dysplasia brought her athletic world to a crashing halt. Faced with an identity crisis and a doctor's order to "stay calm," Annabel chose the opposite: she chose adventure.

In this episode, we explore her transition from obsessive training to the freedom of the arts. We talk about:

- The Loss of Identity: Letting go of the "athlete" label after years of sacrifice.
- The Bold Pivot: Quitting a formal US music program after just one day to follow her gut to Mexico.
- The Traveling Artist: Teaching herself the ukulele and finding community in the cafes of Buenos Aires.
- Breaking the "Cage": Why your current limitations are often just an "imaginary cage".

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What happens when a scientist picks up a camera to tell the story of wolves?

In this episode, I sit down with Samer Angelone, a scientist-turned-filmmaker, to explore his powerful documentary Lupi Nostri. This documentary offers a rare, intimate look at wolves — and the deep human conflict surrounding their return.

Samer shares what it was like to spend months in the mountains, getting closer to wolves than most people ever will, and how he translated that experience into a film that captures both beauty and tension.

But Lupi Nostri goes beyond wildlife storytelling. It brings together two opposing perspectives:
🐺 those who fear and oppose wolves
🌿 and those working to protect them

🎙️ In this conversation, we dive into:

- The journey from science to filmmaking
- Behind-the-scenes challenges of filming wolves in the wild
- How storytelling can bridge divided perspectives

Further information about the film: https://www.lupinostri.com

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Stop letting stage fright hold back your career 🎤

In this episode, we sit down with Magda Kern, one of the world's top public speaking coaches, to break down the psychology of public speaking anxiety and how you can master your nerves. Whether you are preparing for a high-stakes keynote, a corporate board meeting, or a virtual team sync, these professional communication techniques will help you stay calm, confident, and authoritative under pressure.

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Can a relationship actually survive 6 years of long distance across different countries? In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Patrick, to share the honest reality of our journey from the ballet studios of Switzerland to the shores of Estonia.

From the "gut-punch" moment of packing a life into two suitcases to navigating a year of closed borders during a global pandemic, we’re sharing the tools and mindsets that helped us beat the odds. Whether you’re just starting your long distance relationship or are years deep into the "sprint," this conversation is for you.

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Discover the incredible, life-changing connection between humans and horses with Shayenne Spiess, founder of Unicorn-Trainer Coaching.

In this interview, Shayenne shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming a severe childhood stutter—a problem that instantly disappeared when she was with horses. Learn how this powerful experience led her to dedicate her life to Equine Assisted Coaching, helping others heal and find their true selves.

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What drives a young innovator to build, learn, and inspire all at once?
In this episode, we sit down with Anirudhh Ramesh — a 23-year-old builder, coder, and organizer studying at ETH Zurich — who has already worked with OpenAI, AWS, and Apple, while creating communities that bring ambitious minds together.
From growing up in Brussels to coding GPT models from scratch and launching hackathons that attract the best young talent, Anirudhh shares how ambition, curiosity, and a willingness to “just do it” have shaped his journey.

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In this episode, we chat with Lorenzo Graziotto, a doctoral student in quantum physics at ETH Zurich. Lorenzo pulls back the curtain on his work, revealing the daily life of an experimental physicist. He shares his fascinating journey from a curious high school student in Italy to a researcher at a leading university, driven by a passion for understanding how the world works.

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