Welcome back to Perspectives on Precedent, where real talk meets real-life choices about politics, values, and the human experience. In this episode, host Stephanie sits down with Suzanne Yada — who you might know as the musician Little Spiral — for an honest look at day-to-day priorities, representation in government, and why it can feel so hard to trust our elected officials.

This isn’t just another heady policy debate. We dig into what it’s actually like wrestling with bills as a freelancer, how personal expression fits (or doesn’t fit) into “professional” working worlds, and the awkward tug-of-war between individual needs and the greater good. Suzanne brings the perspective of a working artist and creative coach in Los Angeles, and there’s a realness here about the hustle, hope, and the grind a lot of us know.

From the American promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” to the messiness of party lines, third-party talk, and what it means to see “random acts of courage” (but not enough consistency) in leadership — this episode is a heart-to-heart for anyone who feels like things are broken, but isn’t ready to give up on making change.

Related Resources and Links

• Little Spiral (Suzanne Yada) on Spotify

• Stephanie Kunkel’s Website

• Perspectives on Precedent Official Site

• RepresentUs - Ranked Choice Voting Info

• LA Care Health Plan

• Final Five Voting Overview

• Oxford University Research on Universal Moral Values (referenced)

• Recent studies on trust in government (Gallup)

• Suzanne's Creative Spirals Space

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Perspectives on Precedent podcast. In this episode (Episode 4), our host, Stephanie Kunkel, dives into a candid, real-life discussion with Rebecca Foley, founder of Phoenix Growth Systems. The conversation starts with a relatable moment — a lost recording and the need to try again, which sets up an open, unguarded atmosphere for the rest of their talk.

Rebecca and Stephanie explore the shifting priorities in today’s unpredictable world, touching on personal safety, family, and how those concerns transform from month to month. The episode isn’t afraid to get heavy, moving into topics like rising fascism in the U.S., living under its shadow as a member of targeted communities, and the ways these issues touch down on daily life. Representation, activism, and hopes for change weave through the discussion. Stephanie and Rebecca also chat about the importance of seeking common ground, the subtle ways authoritarianism seeps in, and what real unity could look like amidst sharp divides.

About Rebecca:
Rebecca Foley is the owner of Phoenix Growth Systems, a bookkeeping service for small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, new business owners, and especially those from historically underestimated communities. Rebecca brings a personal lens to her work, shaped by her family’s experiences and her activism in social justice spaces.

Background Highlights:

• Bookkeeper for small and solo business owners

• Specialized focus on underserved and underestimated entrepreneurs

• Activist roots in response to rising fascism and inequity

• Currently relocating from the U.S. to Europe for her family's safety

Connect:

• Phoenix Growth Systems Website

• Rebecca Foley on LinkedIn

Welcome back to Perspectives on Precedent, where honest, open conversation takes center stage. Hosted by Stephanie, today’s episode brings us an insightful discussion with Cindy Ballaro—a self-described “multipreneur” hailing from North Carolina. We explore Cindy’s journey through the performing arts, marketing, and publishing, and spotlight her exciting new project: Visioning for Democracy. This episode is all about authenticity, unity, mental health, and how each of us builds the life we want by following what matters most.

Cindy Ballaro

• Location: North Carolina

• Background:

  • Multipreneur (performing arts, marketing, publishing, vision board facilitation)

  • Experience with boutique marketing agencies, singing, and entrepreneurship

  • Founded Sunflower House Publishing; launching Sunflower New Author Club

  • Involved in grassroots projects and mental health advocacy

  • Identifies as a liberal Democrat

  • Part of the LGBTQ+ community

Related Resources and Links

• Visioning for Democracy Survey: https://forms.gle/a6a29xjFEjkp42bs5

• Perspectives on Precedent official website: perspectivesonprecedent.com

• Sunflower House Publishing: sunflowerhousepublishing.com

• Forward Party: forwardparty.com

• Internal Family Systems Therapy Info: ifs-institute.com

• Gallup Report on U.S. Depression Rates: gallup.com