Episodios
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I sit down with a true force for change in education — Dr. Nyree Clark, the Coordinator of Equity and Access at Colton Joint Unified School District — to discuss what it takes to hold onto hope in challenging times and build communities that support us beyond our comfort zones to break barriers and foster equity.
Reflecting on the recent election, we explore the real work that begins after pivotal moments in history like the one we are collectively experiencing right now. We talk about allyship and equity as lifelong practices — not just boxes to check. Through our conversation, we dive into the magic that happens when we lean on each other, tackle barriers as a united front, and bring our hearts fully into the work of equity.
This conversation is a guide to finding light in the darkness, nurturing hope, and embracing how “free” we can truly be when we let go, lean in, and grow together.
RESOURCES
Connect with Dr. Clark on Instagram and LinkedIn. Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokLearn how I empower middle, high school and college students and educators to tap into their authentic leadership at luccapetrucci.comThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this this conversation, Aralyn, a high school senior from Aztec, New Mexico, and I dive into her journey of stepping into authentic leadership. From breaking away from stereotypes and learning that the desire to lead qualifies you to lead, to overcoming judgment and taking up space, Aralyn shares powerful insights on transforming from a side character to the main character of your own life. Together, we discuss the growth that comes from student council, the courage to belong as yourself, and the excitement (and nerves!) of preparing to leave home for college. Tune in for a heart-to-heart on finding friendship within yourself, embracing confidence, and igniting your inner leader.
**Aralyn's guardian gave her permission to have this recorded conversation with me.
RESOURCES
Connect with Aralyn on Instagram at @goldsmith.aralyn.Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokLearn how I empower middle, high school and college students and educators to tap into their authentic leadership at luccapetrucci.comThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this mini-episode, we explore the journey of honoring every part of yourself — the essential pieces that make you whole and complete. A lot of our life is spent hiding parts of ourselves and pretending to be someone we’re not, just to fit in and belong, and in the process, we lose sight of who we truly are. But here's the truth: every part of you was created on purpose, for a purpose. Authenticity is about remembering who you are, reconnecting with that innate sense of self, accepting each beautiful part of you, and finding the courage to live fully as your true self. In this solo episode, I share simple, actionable steps to help you identify the parts of yourself that make you unique, whole, and truly authentic.
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through motivational speaking and leadership consulting at luccapetrucci.comConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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Rejection is a natural part of the journey toward success — it’s bound to happen, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this solo episode, I share 5 powerful steps to help you navigate rejection with more ease and confidence. Remember, rejection is not a roadblock — it’s redirection to what is meant for you. Whether it’s in your studies, career, relationships, or personal goals and aspirations, these steps will guide you to embrace rejection as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Tune in to learn how to reframe rejection and use it to fuel your growth and resilience!
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through motivational speaking and leadership consulting at luccapetrucci.comConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this episode, I sit down with my writing coach and long-lost cousin, Alan Watt, to explore the art of storytelling. Alan is an award-winning novelist and best selling author of Diamond Dogs and Days Are Gone and the creator of L.A. Writer's Lab.
In our conversation, he shares powerful insights on the process of writing your own memoir and embracing your authentic voice. We dive into the true purpose of storytelling: to reveal transformation and connect to the deeper truths of our human experience.
We talk about letting go of the result, writing for yourself, and how our creative work is ultimately a reflection of our spiritual growth. Alan reminds us that storytelling is truly about self-love and that the fears we face when writing our memoir are exactly what make us qualified to tell our stories.
If you’ve ever felt called to put your story on paper but find yourself holding back, this episode will inspire you to pick up the pen, face your fears with kindness, and start writing for the joy of the process. Because everybody has a story to tell—and it may be time to tell yours.
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with Alan at lawriterslab.com.Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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Fall is the harvest time of the year — a season for gathering the fruits of our labor and reflecting on how we’ve grown. In this mini-solo episode, we'll explore what it means to acknowledge the growth we've experienced over the past 9 months and how we can release old patterns to make space for new opportunities for the next 3 months of 2024 and in 2025.
We reflect on these 7 questions:
What changes am I noticing in myself as the seasons shift?How can I embrace the idea of letting go, just as the trees release their leaves?What habits or patterns do I need to release to create space for new growth?What have I harvested this year in terms of personal, professional or relational achievements?In what areas of my life do I feel a sense of abundance?How can I practice gratitude for the present moment?What lessons have I learned from the challenges I’ve faced this year?RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of finding yourself, your people, your dreams, and your impact. Meet Fatima, a senior at James Logan High in Union City, whose story mirrors my own high school experience in many ways. From sitting alone as a freshman to rising as ASB president, her journey is one of resilience and self-discovery.
We explore the idea that there’s no set timeline to find yourself—you don’t need to rush. We also unpack the harmful effects of comparison and jealousy, encouraging you to carve your own path and stay true to yourself. Fatima’s story is a powerful reminder of the faith we need to have in ourselves as we navigate life’s challenges and figure out what we want to do with the rest of our lives.
We discuss the lasting impact we have on others, as Fatima shares how I’ve influenced her journey. Plus, I share the secret to goal-setting: simple, small, consistent habits that bring even the most distant goals within reach.
Lastly, we touch on the important topic of mental health and suicide, offering insight and compassion in a conversation that matters. This episode is a tribute to the power of self-belief, community, and the impact we leave on others.
**Fatima's guardian gave her permission to have this recorded conversation with me.
RESOURCES
A Crisis of Student Belonging, The Aspen Institute Publication988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineTrevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-4357Crisis Textline: Text”start” to 741-741LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: 888-688-5428Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with Fatima on Instagram @ffatimasamimConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this episode, I have a conversation with my friend Rashaan Davis, Assistant Commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association, about the power of authenticity in leadership.
How can we genuinely support young people in being themselves if we aren't truthful with who we are? Leadership is often mistaken as a role to perform, but in truth, pretending consumes more energy than simply being authentic. Imagine what we could accomplish if we stopped acting and redirected that energy toward something more meaningful.
Rashaan shares personal stories, like how he still remembers his social studies teacher and the cross-country coach who influenced him, highlighting the lasting impact of authentic role models. We dig into the importance of confronting our own authenticity and asking ourselves tough questions: "Why do you think you have to be this person?" and "Are you the role model you needed when you were younger?" Together, we uncover the path to being true to ourselves and how life constantly nudges us in that direction.
This episode is for educators, leaders, and anyone passionate about student development and empowering the next generation of authentic leaders!
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with Rashaan on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedInConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this heartfelt episode, I pay tribute to two of the most important people in my life: my best friend, Marco Santoyo, and my incredible mom Dennise. I explore the depths of true friendship and the unconditional love that has shaped who I am today. Through personal stories and cherished memories, I reflect on the power of genuine connections, the lessons I've learned, and the gratitude I feel for having these amazing individuals by my side.
This episode is a celebration of the friends who become family and the bonds that last a lifetime.
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesSpotify Playlist 2: Song You Want Me to BlastThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this conversation, I dive deep into the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship with my friend and colleague Shatera Sangster, founder of Social Media Sidekick LLC. Shatera opens up about her path from rock bottom to breakthrough moments, highlighting the resilience, messiness, and patience required to build a successful business from the ground up. We talk about the importance of starting wherever you are, emphasizing that no one truly knows what they’re doing until they do it. This episode is a testament to the wild and freeing ride that entrepreneurship can be, and how taking the leap can lead to unparalleled personal and professional growth.
Tune in to hear Shatera’s inspiring story and learn how to embrace the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with Shatera on Instagram @shaterasocialmediasidekickSocial Media Sidekick websiteConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesSpotify Playlist 2: Song You Want Me to BlastThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this solo episode, I dive into the profound impact of the words we speak to ourselves, especially when no one else is listening. Everything that follows the words "I am" has the power to shape your reality. But how are you speaking to yourself in those quiet, introspective moments of your day? Are you building yourself up, or are you tearing yourself down?
I explore the transformative power of self-talk and how the narratives we create can either lift us higher or hold us back. I’ll share insights for shifting from negative, self-defeating thoughts to positive affirmations that empower you to navigate life’s toughest moments with grace and resilience. We'll uncover how to speak to ourselves with the same love and kindness we would offer to a dear friend, and learn how to harness the power of "I am" to create a reality that supports your growth and well-being.
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesSpotify Playlist 2: Song You Want Me to BlastThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this intimate conversation, B Genduso shares their experience becoming the most confident version of themselves as a high school athlete and leader. B is currently a senior at Century High School in Oregon and serves as the president of the Oregon Association of Student Councils. B is an incredible pole vaulter and will be a professional athlete one day. Their current goal is to amplify marginalized voices in high school sports and leadership.
Intragenerational learning is alive in this conversation. I learn a lot from B's wisdom, and I know you will, too :)
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with B @bgenduso on InstagramConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesSpotify Playlist 2: Song You Want Me to BlastThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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I'm back with weekly episodes! To start this new chapter off, I'm sharing 2 principles that will help you connect to your authentic confidence on the daily. In this solo episode, I also share what jams are on repeat in my AirPods because music is life. I hope you feel supported on your life journey as you listen :)
RESOURCES
Learn how I support middle, high school and college students and educators through speaking at luccapetrucci.comConnect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTokSpotify Playlist 1: Lucca's 2024 FavesSpotify Playlist 2: Song You Want Me to BlastThis episode was produced by me, Lucca Petrucci.
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In this episode, James Layman and I dive into:
The through lines that connects each of us togetherThe life-changing wisdom his mom shared with him 6 weeks before she passed What we can all learn from kids, Costco sample attendants, and deathBeing present to the glimmers (the opposite of triggers) in our lives The journey of loving the parts of yourself that you’re nervous for others to see and love And how we can all chose to be true change makers in our sphere of influenceJames Layman is the Director of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Student Activities (NA4SA).
He attended Eastern Washington University, focusing on Music Education, Psychology, and African-American History. He taught band and marching band throughout Spokane before joining the Association of Washington Student Leaders Team.
He is a sought-after keynote speaker, curriculum writer, equity consultant, and program facilitator throughout Washington State and beyond.
RESOURCES
Learn how I support youth through speaking and coaching at luccapetrucci.com/speaking.Connect with James on Instagram at @jsl122884Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok.This episode was produced by Lucca Petrucci and mixed and mastered by Joel Yoshonis.
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How can each of us lead greater impact for good with our resources, access, and privilege? This is the question Miles Palacios and I get curious about in this episode.
We also dive into:
The importance of investing in youth and amplifying their voices and lived experiences.Why do we do what we do?Does injustice have to be personal to change?How self-leadership is self-care.Reframing open door policy to an empty office policyAnd the importance of questioning the self.Miles Palacios (he/him/his) is an Oregonian born and raised. His partner, Sophia, and him reside in Downtown Beaverton with their small family of two lovely cats. He comes from a big family of four siblings and two parents who both worked in the public sector — his father Marty was a public school educator and administrator while his mother Debbie worked for the City of McMinnville.
From childhood, his parents always expressed to his siblings and him the importance of building foundations — systems of support for those around us. As a result, much of his life, career, and purpose has revolved around creating foundations and platforms that amplify those who need to be seen and heard the most.
He is the Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Student Councils and the Director of Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District.
RESOURCES
Standford University's research on belonging.Building a Bridge of Love: Be An Actionable Ally to the LGBTQIA+ Community Virtual Workshop on October 11.Learn more about my youth speaking on my website at luccapetrucci.com/speaking.Connect with Miles on Instagram at @miles_palacios93.Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok.This episode was produced by Lucca Petrucci and mixed and mastered by Joel Yoshonis.
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In May of 2016, I graduated from Fresno State as a curious and nervous newly out gay man.
7 years later, on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 I led the keynote address at Fresno State’s 10th Annual Rainbow Graduation as a confident queer human who has so much freaking love for the LGBTQIA+ community and belief in all that is possible for them in their lifetime.
It was a dream come true to share my story and an important message about authenticity with nearly 200 undergrad and graduate LGBTQIA+ students, parents, families, professors, university leaders, city officials, and community members.
I am so excited for you to experience this true full circle moment in this episode!
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Last December, I experienced the deepest depression of my life. In this solo episode, I share the small, slow, and challenging steps I took to move through sadness, anxiety, and apathy into hope, joy, and excitement for life again.
Today, 4 months later, I now know, I was experiencing the death of an older version of myself. I was shedding beliefs, ways of thinking and being, and opinions that no longer served me to create space in my life for my highest potential and more love and abundance.
In our lifetime, we experience many cycles of life, death, and rebirth, just like a flower does through the seasons. This is a normal part of growing into the most authentic and expressed version of yourself.
I talk about this topic because I really wish someone told me everything I express in this episode. It would have helped me move through one of the darkest moments in my life more easefully.
RESOURCES
Podcast: On Purpose with Jay Shetty featuring Meghan Trainor Book: Heart Talk; Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok.This episode was produced by Lucca Petrucci and mixed and mastered by Joel Yoshonis.
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My mentor, teacher, and friend Susanne Conrad and I have a conversation about the good, great, hard, and uncomfortable path to accessing more personal freedom and compassion in your life.
We also discuss:
How to love yourself and also love those who've hurt you, and remain hopeful they can changeHow to envision a future for yourself when you feel hopelessWhy vision work is life changing and how we're making it more accessible to all, especially our youthI share some of the earlier steps in my understanding of what was authentic about me and my process to accepting these parts of myself. There was lots of testing and trying, patience, and curiosity. I also talk about the very first time I kissed a boy.
Susanne Conrad is the Founder of Lightyear Leadership and is one of the few global women leaders and entrepreneurs in the personal development and leadership space. She was the co-developer of lululemon's renowned leadership culture and served as Director of Possibility at lululemon from 2007-2017. Susanne has over 30 years of experience transforming tens of thousands of lives across the globe and revolutionizing culture at hundreds of organizations, including Toms, Kit and Ace, Earls Kitchen + Bar, and imagine1day.
Susanne trains, develops, and certifies leaders around the world. The Lightyear Leadership programs she leads alongside educational leadership programs in Mozambique and Ethiopia create a unified force for positive transformation among students, teachers, government ministers, and community leaders.
She’s a storyteller who will restore the things that make you peculiar and empower you to be who you came to be. She demonstrates powerful inner listening and has a deep connection to a higher power. Susanne sees the best in all people and their full potential, no matter their background or walk of life. She has the ability to challenge and gently coach people through hard things, and is an agenda-free champion for people's goals, vision, and success.
She is the author of Get There Now: Transform Yourself and The World Through Laughter, Listening and The Power of Choice.
RESOURCES
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)Lightyear Leadership's FREE Power My Future course Connect with Susanne on Instagram at @susanne_conrad.Lightyear Leadership's Instagram: @lightyearleadership Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok.This episode was produced by Lucca Petrucci and mixed and mastered by Joel Yoshonis.
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This episode is with my college mentor, my amazing friend, and educator Mellissa Jessen-Hiser. We met when I was 19 at Fresno State, 11 years ago. We have a conversation about the power we each have to create affirming, nonjudgmental, and inclusive spaces wherever we go, especially for our youth. We also talk about the process of breaking the mold you were never meant to fit in and stepping into the freedom of who you truly are.
Other topics we dive into are:
The difference between listening to understand versus hearing to convinceWhat the both/and life is and how to live into it to access more freedom and authenticity Significant self-acceptance moments in our livesThe fat liberation movementMellissa Jessen-Hiser has long been a storyteller, having written her first poem in a Hello Kitty diary in 1988. She earned an MFA in creative writing from Fresno State in 2020 where she focused on essaying about the things we inherit and the things we pass on. Mellissa is an educator, working as the Director of the Central Valley College Corps in the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning at Fresno State. Additionally, she holds an M.A. in international human rights from the University of Denver. Raised in Fresno, California, she lives there with her spouse, Darrin, and child, Samuel.
RESOURCES
CliftonStrengths Assessment Standout Assessment Activists and leaders Mellissa refers to: Sonalee (@thefatsextherapist), Sonya Renee Taylor (@sonyareneetaylor), Ericka Hart (@ihartericka)Connect with Mellissa on Instagram on @calimj. Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok.This episode was produced by Lucca Petrucci and mixed and mastered by Joel Yoshonis.
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Today, my friend Mark Fields and I have a very important and vulnerable conversation about pain, something we all experience in life. We talk about the understanding, resilience, freedom, and peace on the other side of pain if we choose to do the hard and intentional work of becoming aware of it, accepting it, and healing from it.
We discuss the choice we have to heal from our childhood and adulthood pain, and to transform it into self-acceptance and love instead of transmitting it and hurting those we love.
We also dive into how to break the cycle of toxic masculinity in our family and how Mark intentionally chooses to be a parent through the lens of unconditional love.
Mark’s life mission is to remind the world that we are really family and God is much bigger than we've been told in most American Churches. He has been a part of Christian Community Development Association organizations, Latino church-plants, Black megachurches, White megachurches, Parachurch ministries as well as foreign and domestic missions organizations. He realized that there are many harmful understandings of God being communicated in the world. Many of the places people are going to encounter the peace and acceptance of God have become hallmarks of rejection, discrimination, and exile.
Mark started The Kinship Collective to be a part of reminding the world that God is good, we are good and anything that doesn’t feel or point to that image-of-God-goodness is simply missing the point. He believes when we are oriented by these truths, we can experience the world as family in ways we’ve always wanted and needed.
Mark also enjoys speaking, success coaching, and DEI consulting. He has journeyed with his partner Caryn for 15 years, and they have 3 incredible daughters.
Resources:
Oprah's podcast Super Soul: Glennon Doyle: First the Pain, Then the RisingYung Pueblo's book Clarity & ConnectionConnect with Mark on Instagram on @mark_fields and at thekinshipcollective.org.Connect with me @lucca_petrucci on Instagram or TikTok.This episode was produced by Lucca Petrucci and mixed and mastered by Joel Yoshonis.
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