• S2E18 - Life in Design: Embracing the Journey: Lessons from Che Maccosham on Faith, Community, and Buddhism.
    Nov 13 2025

    In an inspiring episode of the Life in Design podcast, host Tham Penhafiel welcomes Che Maccosham, a vibrant entrepreneur and dedicated practitioner of Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Buddhism. Their conversation delves into the transformative power of community, faith, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you are looking to break free from limitations or seeking inspiration to design the life you've always dreamed of, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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    49 mins
  • S2E17: Life In Design: O Poder da Mentalidade na Recuperação Com André Barbieri
    Nov 4 2025

    Este episódio está em português.

    Neste episódio de Life in Design, o apresentador Tham Penhafiel conversa com André, um atleta paralímpico que compartilha sua inspiradora jornada de superação após perder uma perna em um acidente de snowboard. André discute a importância da mentalidade, do apoio da comunidade e do poder da adaptação na busca de sonhos. Ele reflete sobre suas experiências nas Paralimpíadas, os desafios emocionais de retornar ao snowboard e a importância das próteses especializadas. Ao longo da conversa, André enfatiza a importância da gratidão, da perspectiva e da aceitação das próprias circunstâncias para seguir em frente na vida.


    This Episode is in Portuguese.

    In this episode of Life in Design, host Tham Penhafiel speaks with André, a Paralympic athlete who shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity after losing a leg in a snowboarding accident. André discusses the importance of mindset, community support, and the power of adaptation in pursuing dreams. He reflects on his experiences in the Paralympics, the emotional challenges of returning to snowboarding, and the significance of specialized prosthetics. Throughout the conversation, André emphasizes the importance of gratitude, perspective, and accepting one's circumstances as a means to move forward in life.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Life in Design Podcast

    04:19 The Emotional Impact of Amputation

    08:13 The Path to Triathlon

    11:41 The Emotional Weight of Representation

    13:03 Finding Purpose After Trauma

    15:18 Working with Hanger Clinic

    17:55 Inspiring Others Through Personal Experience

    20:41 Returning to Snowboarding

    22:30 The Joy of Overcoming Fear

    23:06 Embracing Change and Adaptation

    25:35 The Cost of Mobility: Prosthetics and Sponsorships

    27:37 Building a Community of Support

    28:35 Acceptance and Overcoming Adversity

    30:16 Gratitude and Perspective on Life

    32:08 The Importance of Support Systems

    33:29 Reflections on Life and Second Chances

    35:37 Living Life to the Fullest

    37:30 Facing Challenges with Determination

    39:15 Dreaming Big and Overcoming Barriers

    41:03 The Journey of a Lifetime

    42:45 Aiming for the Paralympics

    43:17 The Journey of Competition and Family Sacrifices

    45:04 Dreams Beyond Snowboarding

    47:33 Achievements and Life Conquests

    48:22 Lessons in Patience and Hard Work

    50:07 Gratitude and Life Perspectives

    52:08 Finding Happiness in Simple Moments

    54:16 The Dream House and Contentment

    56:07 The Nature of Complaining and Appreciation


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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Life in Design: The Art of Pastry: Creativity and Precision with Jordan Pilarski
    Oct 17 2025

    In this episode of Life in Design, our host Tham Penhafiel interviews Jordan Prelaski, an accomplished executive pastry chef. They discuss Jordan's journey from aspiring architect to pastry chef, his experiences in various baking competitions, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in the culinary world. Jordan shares insights on achieving work-life balance, the art of pastry making, and the inspirations behind his creations. The conversation also explores themes of personal growth, the significance of family support, and the joy found in simple moments in life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Life in Design Podcast05:01 Transition from Architecture to Pastry08:39 Inspiration Behind Pastry Creations12:27 Behind the Scenes of Competition Shows18:25 Cooking Passion Beyond Work21:47 Leadership in the Kitchen26:37 Childhood and Family Support30:01 A Day in the Life of a Pastry Chef33:48 Balancing Work and Personal Life38:06 The Artistry of Pastry39:43 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery40:38 Future Goals and Challenges41:40 The Importance of Hobbies42:37 Learning and Continuous Improvement43:28 The Science of Baking45:16 Education and Early Experiences in Baking46:35 The Influence of Culinary Friends47:56 Food Preferences and Cultural Influences49:50 Reflecting on Accomplishments and Humility52:35 The Journey of Learning French Pastry54:04 Accomplishments and Personal Growth55:00 Dream Home Aspirations56:11 Reflections on Living Locations58:15 Personal Traits and Self-Reflection01:00:00 Advice to My Younger Self01:01:36 Finding Happiness in Simple Moments01:02:49 Inspiration and Making a Difference01:03:44 Appreciation for Life and Loved Ones01:04:45 Manifesting Reality and Closing Thoughts

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • S2E15- Life In Design: Cultural Journeys and Identity With Elisa Stad
    Aug 9 2025

    n this episode of Life in Design, host Tham Penhafiel engages with Elisa Stad, an accomplished international business executive and founder of the Stad Center of Pain, Palliative and Integrative Medicine. They discuss Elisa's multicultural upbringing, her journey through various cultures, and how these experiences shaped her identity and professional life. The conversation delves into the impact of globalization, the importance of social impact in healthcare, and the healing power of storytelling through Elisa's children's book, 'Mama's Love Language.' They also explore themes of generational trauma, the philosophy of Buddhism, and the significance of community and chanting in personal growth. Elisa shares her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and creating a better world for the next generation.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S2E14 - Life In Design: Empowering Art: The Journey of Inga Guzyte
    Jul 18 2025

    In this episode of Life in Design, host Tham Penhafiel engages with European artist Inga Guzyte, who shares her journey from Lithuania to the US and how her experiences shaped her art. Inga discusses the themes of empowerment, individuality, and social justice that permeate her work, particularly her focus on female artists and the skateboarding culture that inspires her. The conversation delves into the evolution of her artistic techniques, the importance of giving back to the community, and the personal growth that comes from overcoming challenges. Inga emphasizes the significance of creating art that resonates with others and encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness.

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    54 mins
  • S2E13 - Life In Design: Art, Music, and Advocacy: A Conversation with Tori Pilarski
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode of Life in Design, host Tham Penhafiel speaks with Tori Pilarski. Tori is a natural artist with a passion for playing the piano and painting, and she is particularly interested in the complexities of the human psyche. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where she majored in Psychology and Studio Art. She is also an advocate for human trafficking awareness. They discuss Tori's background in art and psychology, her experiences with music, and the influence of travel on her artistic journey. The conversation delves into the role of the Junior League in combating human trafficking, the psychological impact on victims, and the importance of community support. Tori shares her insights on personal growth, the importance of small interactions, and the necessity of compassion in addressing societal issues.Neste episódio de Life in Design, a apresentadora Tham Penhafiel conversa com Tori Pilarski. Tori é uma artista nata, apaixonada por piano e pintura, e se interessa particularmente pelas complexidades da psique humana. Ela concluiu sua graduação na UCSB, com especialização em Psicologia e Estúdio de Arte. Ela também é uma defensora da conscientização sobre o tráfico de pessoas. Elas discutem a formação de Tori em arte e psicologia, suas experiências com música e a influência das viagens em sua jornada artística. A conversa se aprofunda no papel da Liga Júnior no combate ao tráfico de pessoas, no impacto psicológico nas vítimas e na importância do apoio da comunidade. Tori compartilha suas percepções sobre crescimento pessoal, a importância das pequenas interações e a necessidade de compaixão ao abordar questões sociais.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • S2E12 - Life In Design: - Embracing a New Self as a Transgender Person With Dawn Duggan
    May 22 2025

    Dawn Duggan is a transgender student at UCSB majoring in geography. Since the summer of 2024, she has passionately embraced her role at the campus radio station, eagerly recruiting new students and community members to join the airwaves. Beyond her work and studies, she finds joy in learning new instruments and forging connections with fellow artists, inspiring those around her to explore their creativity and express themselves.

    Today, she will educate us regarding her universe while embracing her new self as a transgender person. Please allow yourself to spark your curiosity without judgment and embrace a heartfelt conversation.

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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • S2E11 - Life In Design: Influências Culturais na Psicologia com Beatrice Lubker
    Apr 18 2025

    Neste episódio, exploramos a vida e os insights da psicóloga Renee Beatrice Lubker, que compartilha sua formação singular com três mulheres fortes e como isso moldou sua compreensão da psicologia e do mundo. Ela discute a importância das influências culturais, os desafios de trabalhar em terapia e suas experiências na assistência social. Renee também se aprofunda nos princípios da psicanálise Lacaniana e reflete sobre o impacto de Nise da Silveira em sua carreira. A conversa destaca a importância do crescimento pessoal, da compaixão e da natureza evolutiva da psicologia na sociedade atual. Nesta conversa, as palestrantes se aprofundam nas complexidades das escolhas individuais, na experiência da emigração e na rica diversidade cultural do Brasil. Elas exploram a importância da psicanálise como uma jornada ao longo da vida, o impacto da linguagem na identidade e a importância da escuta nos relacionamentos. A discussão também aborda as dinâmicas de gênero, a expressão emocional e o papel da literatura na compreensão da vida. Por fim, elas refletem sobre como encontrar paz e propósito em meio aos desafios da vida e às aspirações que os impulsionam.In this episode, we explore the life and insights of psychologist Renee Beatrice Lubker, who shares her unique upbringing with three strong women and how it shaped her understanding of psychology and the world. She discusses the importance of cultural influences, the challenges of working in therapy, and her experiences in social assistance. Renee also delves into the principles of Lacanian psychoanalysis and reflects on the impact of Nise da Silveira on her career. The conversation highlights the significance of personal growth, compassion, and the evolving nature of psychology in today's society. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of individual choices, emigration experience, and Brazil's rich cultural diversity. They explore the significance of psychoanalysis as a lifelong journey, the impact of language on identity, and the importance of listening in relationships. The discussion also touches on gender dynamics, emotional expression, and the role of literature in understanding life. Ultimately, they reflect on finding peace and purpose amidst life's challenges and the aspirations that drive them forward.

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    1 hr and 25 mins