Episodes

After surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina Rush chose healing—and then built a movement. In this powerful in-person conversation, recorded in Philadelphia after her nonprofit’s seco...

When Richard Hsung promised his dying mother he’d finish her memoir, he didn’t yet understand the weight of that vow—or the decade-long journey it would set in motion. In this episode, Richard shares his deeply personal path ...

Dr. Katrina Nguyen was just 14 months old when her family fled Vietnam by boat during the Fall of Saigon, a journey marked by near-death experiences and unimaginable courage. Now a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist...

In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Ralph Velasco, a seasoned travel photographer and founder of small group travel experiences. Raised in suburban Chicago, Ralph takes us through his winding career path—from restaurants and real estate to his true calling behind the camera and…

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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my grandmother—my last living grandparent—to capture her incredible journey through life. From her Italian immigrant roots in coal-mining Pennsylvania to her years as a talented young musician and her marriage to my grandfather, a brilliant physicist and H…

After years of identifying solely as a teacher, Kim faced an identity crisis when burnout forced her to leave the profession. What followed was a deeply personal journey through therapy, self-discovery, and alternative healing modalities. In this episode, she shares the emotional rollercoaster of r…

Two years ago, The Human Experience went live—a deeply personal and transformative journey of storytelling, connection, and vulnerability. Host Jennifer Peterkin reflects on what she has learned, the intentionality behind in-person interviews, and why proximity and presence matter in capturing huma…

What if life’s coincidences weren’t random, but signs guiding you toward your true purpose? In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer sits down with Sophia, whose remarkable journey has taken her from working with Buckminster Fuller in architecture to running a couture fashion business, and…

In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ethan Poetic, a self-published author, keynote speaker, and survivor of incredible adversity. Ethan shares his journey of growing up in a single-parent household, taking on responsibilities beyond his years, and surviving a n…

**Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about drug use, abuse, and neglect. Please proceed with care.** Two years after his first appearance on the podcast, Joe returns to share the incredible and often painful journey of adopting his niece and nephew. In this raw and honest conversat…

Next week, we’ll be bringing Joe, a former guest, back to the podcast to continue sharing more of his story. In the meantime, please enjoy listening to his first appearance on The Human Experience Podcast. **Content Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence, suicide, drug addiction, an…

In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience with host Jennifer Peterkin, Laurel opens up about her incredible life story filled with resilience, heartbreak, and humor. From being placed in foster care at just two years old, to experiencing multiple homes, adoption, and reconnecting with h…

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with John Clifford, founder of the Greenhouse Project in Chester, Pennsylvania. John shares his incredible journey from addiction and incarceration to living out his faith through radical community-building. He unpacks the mission…

In this episode of The Human Experience, we sit down with Jeny, a Romanian native and social worker, to explore her extraordinary story. Jeny shares her experiences growing up under the communist regime in Romania, witnessing the 1989 revolution, and her current work with children in need through F…

In this heartwarming and deeply insightful episode of The Human Experience, Jennfier sits down with Markella, a psychologist specializing in the identity shifts of parenthood, to explore the evolving nature of relationships, self-discovery, and the challenges of balancing societal expectations with…

Welcome to a special recap episode of The Human Experience Podcast! In this episode, host Jennifer Peterkin takes us on a journey through some of the most compelling and impactful moments from past conversations. Featuring highlights from some incredible guest interviews, Jennifer weaves these mome…

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** In this deeply moving and…

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** In this inspiring episod…

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** Content Warning: This epi…

**December will be a time of rest and reflection for The Human Experience Podcast. During the next few weeks, Jennifer will be releasing some powerful conversations from previous guests as replay episodes to remember some incredible stories and share with new listeners.** In this episode of The Hu…

In this episode of The Human Experience podcast, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Katja, a hypnotherapist, life coach, and healer, to explore her remarkable journey from debilitating illness to self-discovery and empowerment. Katja shares her struggles with fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, mercury poiso…

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Nadia at her home in Northern Italy for a profound conversation on healing, self-discovery, and living with purpose. Nadia shares her life's journey from childhood challenges to a thriving life in…

In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Amey to explore her journey of self-discovery and empowerment following the abrupt end of her 29-year marriage. Amey candidly shares the challenges of navigating life as a mother, wife, and professional, only to find her…