Contributors

Headshot
Co-host

Claude F

Claude Ferrari Frangopoulos, the co-host of Work Besties Who Podcast, brings over 25 years of experience in corporate America, specializing in the beauty and beverage industries. Originally from France, Claude has spent much of her professional journey in the United States, blending her European roots with American business expertise. Known for her passion for workplace wellness and fostering meaningful connections, Claude offers unique perspectives and relatable advice to inspire her audience.

In addition to her work, Claude is an avid puzzle enthusiast who loves tackling challenges, whether in strategy or crosswords. She also delights in exploring diverse cuisines, channeling her French heritage into her appreciation for culinary artistry. When not podcasting, Claude enjoys staying connected to her family and French culture while embracing her life and career in the U.S.

Headshot
Co-host

Jess K

Jessica Kalinger is the co-host of Work Besties Who Podcast, bringing over 25 years of experience in corporate America with a background in market research. Known for her passion for workplace wellness and fostering meaningful connections, Jessica combines professional insight with relatable advice to inspire her audience. Outside of the podcast, Jessica has a love for all things fashion and beauty and is embracing her journey as a wannabe runner—one step at a time. 

Guests

Headshot
Guest

Mss Francois

Mss Francois is a dynamic speaker, entertainer, and host known for her humor and engaging personality. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she captivates audiences with her wit and one of the world’s sexiest accents. 


With a mission to help others navigate life's challenges with laughter, Mss Francois has empowered over 3 million people to reduce stress and gain fresh perspectives on difficult situations. She is the founder of Thriving Goddesses, supporting single women in rediscovering their identity, healing from past relationships, and confidently stepping into their next chapter. 


She also hosts The Mss Francois Show, a relationship-focused talk show featuring candid conversations, diverse entertainment, and comedic insights into dysfunctional relationships. Whether on stage or screen, Mss Francois blends humor with wisdom to inspire transformation and joy.

https://www.mssfrancois.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Adam

Adam brings invaluable perspectives to the table, prioritizing exceptional customer experience—both pre and post-sale. His commitment to excellence is unwavering, and optimism is not just a word but a guiding principle in his approach.

Adam cohosts with Chris Troka, the podcast called Brainwork Framework, listen to gain insights in the world of Business, Sales, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.

https://brainworkframework.podbean.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Anjl Rodee

"If Bob Ross, Leo Buscaglia, and Dory the fish had a baby, it would be me!" Anjl Rodee’s infectious energy, humor, and passion for art make her a one-of-a-kind creative force.


Anjl believes we are all artists—creating is a uniquely human trait. Her workshops, proven to ease anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness, have inspired employees from top companies like Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, and Google.


In 2014, she discovered the paint-and-sip trend and instantly knew it was her calling. A professional artist and weekend comic, Anjl blended her skills to launch BrushCapades, offering fun and engaging painting experiences. More than teaching people how to paint, she fosters creativity, encourages mindfulness, and delivers plenty of laughs along the way.


Anjl’s mission is simple: to make art accessible, fun, and transformative for everyone. At BrushCapades, creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a joy.

https://anjlrodee.com/about/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Bret Shuford

Bret Shuford is a Broadway veteran, content creator coach, and LGBTQ+ advocate dedicated to helping creatives build authentic, profitable personal brands online. With 25+ years of experience performing on iconic stages like Broadway’s Wicked and The Little Mermaid, Bret brings his storytelling expertise to the digital space. As the co-founder of Broadway Husbands, a global influencer platform, Bret has fostered community, visibility, and allyship through the power of storytelling. Founder of The Creator to Profit Map, he’s coached clients to achieve viral success, secure brand deals & turn creative passions into thriving businesses. A proud dad and Disney fan, Bret inspires others to embrace their authentic stories and grow their audience. 

https://www.bretshuford.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Carolyn Sophia Skowron

Carolyn Sophia Skowron always felt like an outsider. From a young age, she struggled to make friends, fit in, and be authentic. She spent most of my life internalizing every situation. She always thought people didn’t like her. Then she was diagnosed with Nonverbal Learning Disability or NVLD in her sophomore year of high school, yet she still struggled with depression and anxiety. All the things she lived through and conquered have built her into who she is today. For the longest time, my building blocks were depression, anxiety, self-doubt, and self-hatred.  After fully buying into therapy and mindfulness her building blocks are now filled with resilience, strength, adaptability, and positivity. Everyone has their building blocks as to what makes them themselves. Being self-aware and knowing your building blocks is crucial when trying to build a happy and healthy life.

https://linktr.ee/carolyn.sophia

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Chris Troka

Having successfully founded and expanded an Award-Winning Wedding DJ business, Chris further honed his expertise by completing his Marketing degree in 2021. Today, he extends his wealth of knowledge to fellow business owners, specializing in web design, digital marketing, and software solutions.

He also co-hosts a podcast called Brainwork Framework with his real life work bestie, Adam.

https://christroka.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Clelia Castro-Malaspina

Clelia Castro-Malaspina is the author of the upcoming book. GIRLS WITH GOALS: HOW WOMEN'S SOCCER TOOK OVER THE WORLD. She spent nearly a decade as a literary agent representing bestselling, award-winning, and critically acclaimed creators of children's books before deciding she wanted to help creators in a new way and launching her own editorial and consulting company, Mossy Pines Creative. 


You can find her writing and editing in her home nestled amidst the mossy pines of Mercer Island, Washington, an island suburb of Seattle. 


Click here to learm more about Clelia

https://mossypinescreative.com/
Headshot
Guest

Delphia Howze

Delphia L. Howze is the Chief Inclusion Officer at the U.S. Dept of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and CEO of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a diversity and inclusion (D&I) consultancy. With 20+ years of experience, she is a recognized leader in HR and D&I, specializing in strategies that foster inclusive workplaces, talent development, and leadership coaching. Delphia collaborates with executives to implement impactful HR and D&I initiatives. At ORNL, she drives efforts to enhance diversity, engagement, and accessibility. Her expertise spans retail, banking, energy, logistics, and higher education. A SHRM-certified professional, Delphia holds a BA from the U of Pittsburgh, an MBA from Point Park U, and a Project Management certification from Villanova. Her upcoming book, Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are, reinforces her mission to build inclusive workplaces where all thrive

https://www.dhowzesolutions.com/
Headshot
Guest

Dr. Joan of Angels

Dr. Joan is a Doctor of Chiropractic, international speaker, and advocate for personal empowerment with over 40 years of experience. Specializing in emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges, she now focuses on identity theft, blending practical solutions with emotional healing. Dr. Joan views identity theft as an emotional crisis. Through her work with Legal Shield and ID Shield, she educates clients on identity protection, fraud prevention, and recovery.


Her approach combines chiropractic, counseling, and energy healing, empowering individuals to protect their personal information while addressing the emotional toll of identity theft. Dr. Joan helps clients regain control and rebuild their lives.


Follow her on IG, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn

https://joanofangels.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Fogle & Grill

Fogle and Grill met at work and became fast friends! They started filming TikToks on their lunch break at work which quickly started to be the perfect pick me up needed to get through the work day. Last year, Grill made the big decision to move to Chicago for a fun new adventure. We are now work besties turned long distance besties! 


Follow, Dance & Sing on Instagram and TikTok and Youtube

https://www.instagram.com/foglegrill/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Gnarlyoodles

Gnarlyoodles, or Char, is a popular content creator celebrated for her humorous and relatable work bestie-themed videos that resonate across industries. Starting in retail customer service, she learned to use humor to navigate work challenges, ultimately turning her experiences into viral content. Her work celebrates the joy and support of workplace friendships, blending humor with insights on mental health and professionalism.


Char’s nostalgic, 90s-inspired t-shirt designs—created with her cousin—capture the positive, fun energy of her brand. Dedicated to fostering community and promoting mental well-being, Gnarlyoodles’ content brings both laughter and encouragement to anyone looking to brighten their work life.

Follow on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube

https://linktr.ee/gnarlyoodles

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Jenny Powers

Mom, writer, scientist, & athlete from Colorado. She has a BS in chemical engineering from University of Colorado Boulder & Ph.D. in Immunology & Microbiology from University of Colorado Denver. After her post-doc, Jenny left academia to raise her kids and write fiction and nonfiction. She co-authored with Luke Comer, On the Origin of Being: Understanding the Science of Evolution to Enhance Your Quality of Life. This book merged her scientific training & passion for writing. Studying our evolution & our ancestors has been a gift. The journey of this book continues to change her life in countless ways. Follow on IG and YouTube

https://www.ontheoriginofbeing.com

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Kyle Smith

 Kyle Smith is a Clarity Consultant and the developer of Neuro Linguistic Somatic Experience (NLSE), a robust approach combining storywork, breathwork, and holistic techniques to help individuals break free from mental barriers and achieve lasting well-being. Having personally navigated anxiety, burnout, and years of feeling stuck, Kyle transformed his life through NLSE and now empowers others to do the same. He aims to defeat The Victim Mentality, equipping coaches, teachers, and leaders with practical mindset coaching to rewrite negative narratives, take action, and optimize mental well-being. Today, he shares NLSE tools worldwide, helping people unlock their full potential and live with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 


Find him on IG, YT, Threads

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarity-consultant/
Headshot
Guest

Maria & Sienna

Maria & Sienna: Empowering Tween and Teen Girls Through Yooou!


Maria and her daughter Sienna are the passionate duo behind Yooou!, a platform designed to inspire and support tween and teen girls on their journey of self-discovery and confidence. Their mission is to create a space where girls can find ideas, share experiences, seek advice, and explore personal growth.

Yooou! helps young girls learn about themselves, reduce anxiety, and make empowered decisions. The platform offers real-life insights to navigate life's challenges and connects girls to a supportive community where they can share stories and ask questions.


Join the Yooou! community on Instagram @yooou.life, Spotify at yooou.life, and Facebook at yooou.

If you have a story, idea, or product to share, they'd love to hear from you!

https://yoooulife.com/its-all-about-yooou/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Mike Brevik

Mike Brevik is a Brand and Marketing Strategist with over 20 years of experience in the print, creative, and marketing industries. He has led eCommerce solutions and social media strategies for some of the Midwest’s largest retailers and collaborated with premier brands like Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, and Harley Davidson.


Mike’s success lies in building authentic relationships and connecting deeply with the people behind the brands he serves. As the founder of Cyber Dogs, he emphasizes strategic partnerships, serving as an ambassador and extension of his clients’ teams. His work focuses on defining brands, creating lasting consumer connections, and delivering impactful results rooted in trust and collaboration.

Follow on Instagram, YouTube

https://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Morag Barrett

Morag Barrett is an executive coach, leadership expert, and author who helps leaders unlock their full potential through the power of professional relationships. She has empowered over 10K leaders across 20 countries with actionable strategies to build trust, foster connection, and drive results. As the award-winning author of Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships, The Future-Proof Workplace, and You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up as One), Morag teaches leaders how to create authentic, thriving workplaces. An HR Thought Leader to Watch by Thinkers360 and PeopleHum, she champions a shift from a "me-first" to a "we-first" mindset to enhance collaboration and success. Morag’s real-world insights, backed by research, transform how leaders show up, communicate, and connect. Our conversation will help your audience look up, show up, and step up as the leaders their

https://skyeteam.com/
Headshot
Guest

Randee Dawn

Randee Dawn is a Brooklyn-based SFF/H author at night and an entertainment journalist by day for outlets like Today.com, NBCNews.com, Variety, The LA Times, GoldDerby.com, and Emmy Magazine.

Her humorous pop culture fantasy debut, Tune in Tomorrow, was published in 2022 by Solaris/Rebellion and reissued in 2024 with new content by Solaris Nova. She has three books set for 2025: dark rock 'n roll fantasies The Only Song Worth Singing (April) and Leave No Trace (August), plus We Interrupt This Program (a follow-up to Tune).

Her short fiction appears in magazines, podcasts, and anthologies, including Dark Spores: Stories We Tell After Midnight, Vol. 4. She co-authored The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion.

Originally from Maryland, Randee now lives in New York with her husband, too many books, and never enough mangoes.

https://randeedawn.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Rob Rodee

Rob Rodee: Co-Creator of BrushCapades and Master of Fun


After 30 years in the corporate world, Rob Rodee made a bold move in 2017, leaving his role as head of training for a national corporation to embrace a new challenge. Partnering with his sister and work bestie, Anjl Rodee, he joined BrushCapades, bringing his expertise in leadership, team-building, and humor to the business.


Rob focuses on creating joyful, transformative experiences that combine creativity, connection, and fun. Whether coordinating global events or supporting participants through their artistic journey, Rob ensures BrushCapades is more than a class—it’s an unforgettable experience.


Together with Anjl, Rob is on a mission to make art an accessible, joyful experience for everyone—proving that creativity, like laughter, is best when shared.

https://www.brushcapades.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Ryan Christensen

 Ryan Christensen is a professional hypnotist, entrepreneur, and author specializing in peak mental performance. With two decades in the intelligence community and a background as a Marine Corps and Air National Guard veteran, Ryan’s journey reflects resilience and transformation. Drawing from his struggles with autism, bipolar disorder, and depression, he created a groundbreaking approach to shifting subconscious beliefs for success. His work has empowered hundreds of high-achievers and neurodivergent professionals to unlock their potential. Ryan details his unique belief model in Winner Peace: How to End Inner Conflict and Make Success Inevitable.

Follow on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Website

Headshot
Guest

Ryan Hogan

Ryan Hogan, a Texas-based school psychologist, is known for his strong advocacy in special education and his Instagram presence as World's Okayest School Psych(@worldsokayestschoolpsych). His professional journey is deeply personal, shaped by his experience raising a son with autism. Ryan highlights that behavior is a form of communication, he encourages parents to document their child’s behaviors to advocate for services effectively.

Ryan provides practical advice on navigating services for children with special needs. He also emphasizes the importance of community support, reminding parents feeling overwhelmed is normal, & encourages them to seek help.


Ryan shares a close bond with his work bestie, Danielle, a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Though they bicker and banter, their friendship is a vital part of their professional and personal support system, demonstrating the value of having a friend at work.

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Urmi

Urmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She is the author of Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle. She works in the financial services industry in Montreal, Canada, where she currently resides. Blogger, speaker, mentor, friend-tor and she is fluent in Italian, Bengali, French and English. 

Urmi is an advocate of women’s empowerment and very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the organization called Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead. 

Contact Urmi at her blog: https://www.myways.ca/


Urmi’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoiI0SGU0Xo9_lNjtLWtgg

https://linktr.ee/urmihossain

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Wendy Alexander

Wendy Alexander is a career coach, author & mid-life career transformation expert passionate about helping professionals and menopausal women take charge of their next chapter. From growing up under apartheid in South Africa to overcoming life-altering challenges as a broke single mom, Wendy’s journey has shaped her mission to empower others.


With a unique focus on mid-life career transitions, Wendy offers actionable strategies, including crafting standout resumes, acing interviews, and leveraging LinkedIn to attract dream opportunities. As the author of a relatable book on surviving menopause, Wendy blends humor, empathy, and real-world advice to inspire her clients and audiences alike.


An engaging storyteller & motivator, Wendy believes menopause isn’t an ending—it’s a chance to design the fulfilling life you’ve always dreamed of. 

https://happycareerhub.com/

Guest appearance on:

Headshot
Guest

Wendy Rose Williams

Wendy Rose Williams is an Energy Healer & Certified Spiritual Teacher. She brings extraordinary insight as a Past Life Energy Healer. With two Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) while pregnant and countless Spiritually Transformative Experiences (STEs), Wendy shares how releasing stagnant energy—physical, emotional, or spiritual—can unlock happiness, health, and purpose.

Trained by Dr. Brian Weiss, Wendy’s expertise in past life regression, energy healing, and spiritual awakening offers actionable wisdom for anyone seeking empowerment and connection.

Her mission? To help people heal, grow, and discover their soul’s purpose

Podcast: https://wakingupspiritually.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WendyRoseWilliams
Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Rose-Williams/e/B07N5WZNDK

https://www.wendyrosewilliams.com/