At 96 years old, Tibor Spitz (he/him), a Holocaust survivor, scientist, inventor, artist, and speaker, shares a story that is almost impossible to comprehend – and somehow even more extraordinary because of the remarkable life philosophy that emerged from it. Tibor discusses surviving as a Jewish boy in Slovakia during World War II, including years in hiding with his family to escape deportation to Nazi death camps, during which every moment could have been his last. That journey ultimately led them to more than 200 days underground in a tiny, makeshift shelter, where they nearly starved, carefully whispered to avoid detection, and slept pressed tightly against one another in freezing conditions. He reflects on the guiding voice that helped him survive and why he chose to release hatred and let go of ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable brutality, we always have choices about how we respond, and how we can honor the extraordinary gift of being human through curiosity, strength, kindness, and gratitude.

After surviving the Holocaust, Tibor Spitz became a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering, specializing in glass science and technology - and publishing multiple patents. He also developed essential hardware in the emerging digital technology space. For the last 28 years, he has dedicated himself to being a full-time artist and motivational speaker.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Tibor and Shanti at the campfire:

• Recounting how releasing hatred led him to befriend and help the daughter of a man connected to Nazi atrocities after the war.
• Reflecting on how losing five years of formal education during the Holocaust showed Tibor how to think in images, shaping his rare ability to thrive as both a scientist and artist.
• Exploring his unforgettable philosophy: don’t cry over spilled milk…bring a cat!
• Sharing his career advice for keeping your mind fresh by shifting between different types of thinking.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIBOR SPITZ
PBS Documentary Song of Survivors feat. Tibor
Tibor's Song: All is Changing, We are Witness, We are Life
Article About Tibor’s Story
Tibor Documentary
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Jules (they/them), founder of Hair for Humans, and their father, Brian (he/him), a pastor, reflect on Jules’ experience growing up as a transgender person, before and after transitioning. Brian recalls early moments, like strong resistance to wearing dresses, and a persistent feeling that something about Jules wasn’t fully visible. Jules also shares the in-between years – marked by anxiety, disconnection, and charting unknown territory – before finding a way to reconnect with their body and feel at home in themselves, a shift that ultimately changed everything. Brian reflects on how his work in the ministry mirrors Jules’ work behind the chair as a hairstylist, both centered on listening deeply and creating safe spaces for people to discover how to show up in the world authentically. Together, they explore how support – through the coming out journey and beyond – wasn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up with trust, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside each other.

Jules Heron is the founder of Hair for Humans, providing hair services to people who struggle to feel seen or heard in the hair industry. They are passionate about creating transformational short haircuts and teaching their craft to others via group and individual classes.

Brian Heron is a minister, author, pilgrimager, and proud father of a trans human. In his semi-retirement, he blogs and is working on a book that explores the intersection of religion and culture – both lessons and thoughts on what’s ahead. He joyfully plays guitar and writes music.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling, and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Jules, Brian, and Shanti:

• Reflecting on a Home Depot moment that heightened Jules’ awareness of being newly perceived as a white male — and the “obligation to be one of the good guys” that came with it.
• Choosing values over moment-to-moment feelings to make business decisions with greater clarity and alignment.
• Recognizing that strong reactions often reflect internal fears, and choosing self-awareness and conversation as a path to deeper understanding.
• Highlighting the power and skill of listening without judgment, creating space for people to feel seen and discover who they are.

Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Check out all episodes at storieswehaventshared.com.

CONNECT WITH JULES HERON
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Sue Wicks (she/her) is a New York Liberty WNBA All-Star from the league’s inaugural season and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports who became the first active WNBA player to come out publicly in 2002 and was recently inducted into the LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame. In this conversation, she reflects on building a career in women’s basketball before professional opportunities truly existed, playing for years overseas before the formation of the WNBA created a path to return home and compete in the United States. Sue also shares what it meant to come out publicly — an opportunity she welcomed — at a time when visibility carried real personal and professional risk. Along the way, she reflects on growing up feeling like an outsider and how that perspective shaped her views on leadership, gender, and representation in sports. Today, she sees that outsider lens as a strength — one that allows people to see, build, and sustain things others might miss.

Sue Wicks is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Rutgers women’s basketball history, a former New York Liberty WNBA All-Star who played in the league’s inaugural season, and a Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Today, she farms oysters and kelp on Long Island as the founder of Violet Cove Oyster Company, a sustainable aquaculture venture.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Sue and Shanti at the campfire:

• Remembering the newspaper clipping about Rutgers winning a women’s championship that convinced her she would play there — even before she’d seen women’s basketball at that level.
• Admitting that even after decades of success in professional basketball, she still sometimes shrinks herself in certain environments after a lifetime of self-regulation.
• Reflecting on how her focus later in her career shifted from individual performance to leadership and ambassadorship in women’s sports.
• Observing that women often develop a unique skillset because they’re constantly asked to unpack and explain their thinking in ways men often aren’t.
• Explaining why oyster farming became a new chapter after her professional basketball career — and why working on the water feels freeing, with no gender roles.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH SUE WICKS
Violet Cove Oyster Co. Instagram

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
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Work with Shanti!