In this repeat of the kickoff episode of Season Two of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex reflect on their podcasting journey—from humble closet recordings to a full-blown professional setup—and dive into one of their favorite topics: self-assessments. The episode explores the value of assessments in fostering personal insight, team effectiveness, and workplace well-being. They share laughs and lessons from their own experiences with tools like StandOut, Working Genius, and the Genesis Emotional Intelligence assessment, highlighting how understanding your strengths, frustrations, and energy zones can transform both individual growth and team dynamics.

The conversation also emphasizes the importance of human-centered work—moving beyond bandwidth and spreadsheets to staff teams based on how people actually thrive. By examining what energizes or drains us and how we each uniquely contribute to the process of work, Alex and Cristina show how assessments like Working Genius can unlock empathy, improve collaboration, and create more sustainable and fulfilling workplaces. It’s a fun, real, and insightful episode that invites listeners to learn more about themselves while rethinking how we work together.

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, burnout recovery, and the freedom that comes with choosing a slower, more intentional path—one that prioritizes energy, joy, and human connection over unchecked growth.

Listeners will gain insight into how burnout often stems from internal misalignment and external pressure, and how presence, curiosity, and intentional boundaries can help reverse that cycle. Amanda, Cristina, and Alex also unpack the nuance behind the Great Resignation, challenging the simplistic narrative that people “don’t want to work.” Instead, they reveal a deeper story about people reclaiming agency and seeking meaningful contribution in environments that value them. The episode is a rich, reflective invitation to pause, examine our defaults, and courageously design a life and career that support who we truly are.

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 practical tips, she invites listeners to shift their mindset from "performance perfection" to authentic service to the audience.

The conversation dives into how applied improv helps people find their voice, navigate presentation anxiety, and build trust in themselves and their stories. From confronting resistance and simplifying busy slide decks, to the underestimated power of starting with curiosity, Meridith emphasizes that great speaking isn't about flawless delivery—it's about connection. With laughter, inspiration, and a healthy dose of challenge, this episode offers a fresh and empowering take on what it truly means to be seen, heard, and remembered.

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, describing the moment at age 40 when he realized he couldn't continue living a life that wasn't truly his. Working with a coach helped him shed fears around money and perception, allowing him to define success on his own terms for the first time. This transformation was so powerful that Rick left his corporate career, moved to Colorado, and dedicated himself to helping others find their authentic purpose.

The most enlightening revelation? Purpose isn't about doing—it's about being. "Purpose isn't what you're doing. It's not your job. It's who you are," Rick explains. It's about identifying your core values and living them in every aspect of your life. For Rick, discovering that "fun" could actually be a core value was revolutionary, contradicting his stoic upbringing but perfectly aligning with his natural disposition.

Rick offers profound insights into the process of letting go of old programming. He describes it like creating a new groove in a record—understanding what your old patterns are costing you and envisioning the benefits of living authentically. When someone connects with their purpose, there's an unmistakable energetic shift toward freedom, openness, and joy that emanates from within.

Whether you're starting your career, feeling stuck mid-career, or simply seeking greater self-realization, this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone wanting to align their life with their authentic purpose. Visit rickharrigan.com to learn more about Rick's coaching and take your first step toward purposeful living. After all, as Rick reminds us, "failure we can do on our own. Success requires support."

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 workforce seeks purpose beyond a paycheck. This shift has created both challenges and opportunities for employers.

Anne Catherine's perspective on leadership transformation is particularly compelling. "The market conditions are going to create better leaders," she observes, explaining the need for organizations to move toward more human-centered approaches. The conversation explores how toxic workplace cultures simply cannot sustain themselves and how accountability balanced with recognition creates environments where people can thrive authentically.

The discussion goes beyond theory, offering practical insights on team dynamics, leveraging technology while preserving human connection, and creating psychologically safe spaces where feedback—even "grumbling"—becomes a powerful tool for improvement. Anne Catherine's background in both hospitality and HR creates a unique lens for understanding how treating employees well directly translates to customer satisfaction and business success.

Whether you're a leader seeking to transform your organization's culture or an employee navigating today's changing workplace landscape, this conversation provides actionable wisdom for creating more human-centered workplaces. As Anne Catherine reminds us, at the end of every decision, product, or service, there's always a human being.

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 from unspoken needs, and how authenticity and clarity are essential to forming meaningful relationships at home and at work.

Together, the hosts and guest examine why boundaries are often difficult to express, especially when power dynamics are at play, and how practicing “elegant no’s” allows us to show up with integrity and preserve trust. With insights rooted in empathy, values-alignment, and self-awareness, the episode invites listeners to rethink boundaries not as walls, but as bridges to deeper, healthier connections. Eimear also shares practical tips for articulating boundaries clearly and compassionately, making this a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim their energy, voice, and authenticity.

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, and community support. His story highlights how his professional and personal paths converged through a network of trusted connections that led him to his current role—one that aligns with his core values of service and joy.

Throughout the episode, Michael expands on how the Mental Health Center of Denver prioritizes community-defined well-being. He describes innovative initiatives like the Dahlia Campus urban farm and permanent supportive housing, which go beyond clinical mental health services to address food security, housing, and access—critical social determinants of health. The conversation also explores the challenges of maintaining well-being within caregiving professions, the impact of the pandemic on connection and access, and the organization's efforts to support staff through intentional practices like catalytic coaching and modeling self-care. Ultimately, the episode offers a moving and practical blueprint for embedding authenticity, community, and compassion into leadership and organizational culture.

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, Conversation, Coaching, Circle Back) and discuss how integrating multiple life dimensions—leadership, communication, mindfulness, sleep, and parenting—can elevate human potential.

The episode dives into themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and the necessity of aligning personal values with professional impact. Mirko offers candid reflections on the pain of disconnection, the creative spark that comes from frustration, and how embracing vulnerability can unlock deeper fulfillment. Cristina and Alex also reflect on their own journeys as multi-passionate creators, underscoring the importance of human connection, freedom, and continuous self-inquiry. This rich conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in transforming how we live, lead, and connect—starting from within.