Shawn Blankenship, Joe Gorley, and Che Jansen are accomplished professionals, husbands, and fathers, AND they are also brothers. 

They formed their bond over 35 years ago at the University of Dayton as they were becoming members of the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. 

They share what it takes to build an authentic brotherhood and explored the profound wellness benefits of a strong, lifelong social network. 

Andrew Keaveney is a global meditation educator and filmmaker who bridges the gap between spiritual tradition and modern storytelling. Raised between Ireland and Tennessee, Andrew brings a unique, cross-cultural perspective to the practice of inner calm. For nearly two decades, he has guided meditation across the US and India, spending years living in ashrams and helping to launch the Art of Living Retreat Center, now recognized as one of America’s top wellness destinations. 

Andrew is also a visual storyteller committed to social impact. His short films range from documenting meditation studies at Yale University to highlighting breathwork as a tool for opioid recovery in rural Ohio. Most recently, his work on the Dry Jan: Mindful Edition campaign offered a fresh take on "finding a better buzz," proving that wellness can spark true joy. Andrew is a leading voice in making ancient wisdom accessible to the modern world.

Daisy Rivera Algarin is a respected civic leader who recently retired as the Manager of Special Projects for the City of Rochester, concluding an impressive public service career. Her history with the City is extensive, serving as the Director of the Neighborhood Service Centers where she oversaw operations dedicated to providing focused customer service and improving the quality of life for all Rochester citizens. Daisy's impact on economic and environmental wellness is evident. Her commitment to social wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic led her tan initiative that served over 127,000 meals to seniors. Beyond her municipal service, Daisy is a powerful voice for women's empowerment. She co-founded Latinas Unidas, an organization focused on fostering and empowering Latinas to reach their full potential, and now serves as President Emeritus. A highly recognized leader, Daisy has been named a NY State Senate Woman of Distinction. 

Jerry W. Washington, Ed.D. is a researcher, writer, and educator focused on how people form beliefs—and how trustworthy tools and institutions can support civic well-being. He studies misinformation, epistemic cognition, and media literacy, translating research into usable workshops, policy analysis, and public writing. 

Jerry co-founded BoldTimers, a platform helping professionals 50+ design encore careers with purpose, income, and room to rest. His essays examine AI governance and historical memory, including debates around the Smithsonian. Across roles, he builds bridges from evidence to action, offering simple models and checklists to spot weak claims and ask better questions. 

Jerry helps listeners turn curiosity into clarity—and clarity into care for themselves, their work, and their communities.  

With over 17 years of experience, she specializes in building sustainable workplace cultures, increasing access, and advancing workforce engagement across nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors.

She previously served as Chief Diversity Officer at Coordinated Care Services, Inc., leading internal and external culture strategy for over 35 client organizations. Dr. Carter holds certifications as a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

She earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, where she also designed and launched the Culture, Belonging, & Engagement in Nonprofits course as part of the Certificate in Nonprofit Management. 

Connect with Dr. Carter via email at Lkcarter827@gmail.com

Luis Burgos is a Rochester native who retired in 2014 after 32 years of service to the City of Rochester. He culminated his career as the Commissioner of Recreation & Human Services, following numerous promotions. As Commissioner, Luis was a champion for community wellness and youth development. His career highlights include projects which reconnected youth with nature, modernized parks, rehabilitated recreation centers, and park facilities. He also oversaw the revitalization of the Rochester Public Market. He currently serves on the boards of Foodlink, Inc., the Seneca Park Zoological Society, and The Avenue Blackbox Theater. 

Luis committed over 40 yrs of leadership to his community. His exceptional service earned him the Key to the City in 2025 and induction into the Rochester Tennis Hall of Fame. His journey is an inspiring example of dedicated public service and commitment to holistic community vitality.

María Tomás-Keegan is a career and life transition coach, author, and co-founder of BoldTimers, a community dedicated to helping experienced professionals navigate encore careers to discover what’s next with clarity and purpose. With 30 years of corporate leadership and more than a decade of coaching and mentoring in private practice, María guides women leaders and encore professionals who are at a crossroads — helping them reconnect with their values, make aligned decisions, and move forward with confidence. 

She is the author of Upside Down to Right Side Up and hosted the long-running podcast and TV show Tips for the Transition. María’s work is grounded in the belief that transition isn’t a problem to solve, but a process to be understood — and that no one should have to navigate it alone. She is passionate about creating spaces where wisdom, experience, and possibility are honored — especially in the second half of life.

Melissa Mueller-Douglas, LMSW, is a mindfulness expert and founder of MYRetreat. 

She created Chocolate Mindfulness, a guided experience that pairs chocolate tastings with meditation. Partnering with forward-thinking companies, she helps leaders and teams replace outdated trust falls with chocolate for team building, strengthening focus, resilience, and connection. 

Connect with Melissa at the MyRetreat App 

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Nina-Shevon Steverson, LMHC-D, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, is a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of Acclivity Mental Health Counseling. She integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based tools to support clients in calming anxiety, healing trauma, and strengthening mind-body connection. 

Nina also leads “Acclivity Mindfulness,” a growing content series offering brief, practical mental health and self-regulation strategies. Passionate about culturally responsive and accessible care, she empowers individuals to understand their inner parts, build self-compassion, and cultivate grounded emotional routines. Learn more at Acclivity Mental Health Counseling and visit Acclivity Mindfulness, a growing content series offering brief, practical mental health and self-regulation strategies. 

Rod Spratling, a true testament of resilience. Rod is a husband, a father, and an active athlete whose life took an unexpected turn after his diagnosis. He is here to take us behind the medical jargon and share the lived experience: from the fear of the unknown to the difficulty of breaking the news to his children, and ultimately, the resilience it took to get back on the softball field just weeks after surgery. Rod’s story is proof that a diagnosis is not a defeat—it’s a call to action. Whether you are navigating a similar journey or just need a reminder to prioritize your health, this episode is for you. 

Mrs. Burns-Sharpe serves as a Healthcare Advocate with the Healthcare Education Project—a joint initiative of 1199SEIU and the Greater NY Hospital Association. She champions healthcare access, education, and advocacy for universal coverage. Ronieka holds degrees in Respiratory Therapy and Women & Gender Studies, and is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Health at the University of Buffalo. 

A graduate of multiple leadership programs, she also serves on the executive boards for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., the Child Care Council, Workforce Diversity Network, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. 

Ronieka is founder of You Are Beautifully Made, LLC, which empowers mothers & daughters through mental health awareness, workshops, & retreats—reminding women & girls they are Beautifully Made!  

Connect with Ronieka via email at ubeautifullymade@gmail.com