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By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief The rise of TRUSS is more than a pandemic-era success story—it’s a masterclass in creative persistence and raw emotional authenticity. The Cleveland-based alt-rock trio, known for their fierce stage presence and potent songwriting, is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album Fluorescence  on June 6. Led by powerhouse vocalist Hannah Crandall, guitarist/bassist Eric Kennedy, and drummer Holden Szalek, TRUSS fuses grunge, alt-metal, and punk with unfiltered honesty. Their new single Numb  sets the tone for what promises to be an emotionally charged and musically expansive album. “I actually wrote the lyrics to Numb  years ago,” Hannah shares. “It came out of an existential crisis—post-college, during the pandemic. I was stuck between what I was told I should be doing and what I actually wanted. It became this anthem for emotional paralysis and breaking free.” Despite its dark origins, Numb  is undeniably cathartic—an anthem of reclaiming direction in a chaotic world. The track exemplifies what makes Fluorescence  compelling: personal storytelling wrapped in soaring melodies and aggressive instrumentation, recorded and produced entirely by the band themselves. “This entire project was DIY,” Eric explains. “We wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered everything in our homes. It’s as hands-on and personal as it gets.” For TRUSS, musical chemistry is born from contrast. Hannah’s earliest influences were Disney Channel icons and female rock vocalists like Pat Benatar and Ann Wilson. “I didn’t have a rock background growing up, but once I found bands like L7 and Heart, something clicked,” she says. “There’s a rawness to female-led rock that I fell in love with.” Eric, by contrast, grew up surrounded by classic vinyl, courtesy of his parents. “My dad had great taste—everything from AC/DC to Linkin Park. I started on bass, picked up guitar, and never looked back.” Their songwriting process is equal parts structured and intuitive. Riffs, lyrics, and melodies often come from spontaneous moments—whether it's a line scribbled mid-shower or a riff discovered during a late-night strumming session. “Sometimes I’ll come up with a full guitar idea and see what melody Hannah hears in it,” Eric says. “Other times she’ll have lyrics and I’ll work around that. Holden brings it all together with production direction—he’s like the architect of our sound.” That sonic architecture is on full display in Fluorescence , which explores themes of grief, directionlessness, heartbreak, and rediscovery. Songs like HEAVY  and Tell Me Something  reflect emotional snapshots from Hannah’s turbulent 2024. “It wasn’t an easy year,” she says candidly. “This record was my way of processing it all.” TRUSS is no stranger to the stage, having played alongside national acts like Anberlin, Everclear, and Dead Poet Society. Their upcoming summer tour is set to include a homecoming album release show at Cleveland’s iconic Grog Shop, plus performances across Ohio, Toronto, and even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in August. Their rise has been steady and grassroots, powered by an unshakable belief in their own voice—and each other. “There’s no label, no big studio—just us,” Eric says. “But that’s also our strength. Every lyric, every riff, every mix—it's all 100 percent TRUSS.” Fluorescence  is now available for pre-save, and Numb  is streaming on all major platforms. For tour dates, merch, and more, visit www.trussband.com . 🎧 Don’t miss the full unedited, behind-the-scenes interview with TRUSS on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief When synth-pop duo Paperwhite—siblings Katie and Ben Marshall—first emerged over a decade ago, they quickly captivated fans and tastemakers with their lush soundscapes and infectious melodies. Now, after a hiatus and a season of growth, the New York-based duo is back with Reach , their first EP in nearly nine years, set for release on June 27. Leading the project is the hypnotic single This Feeling , a dreamy, synth-laced track that pulses with both melancholy and hope. It’s a song born from emotional honesty and creative intuition. “It’s about those moments when the world feels unrecognizable,” Katie explains, “but you find something inside you—this feeling—that reminds you to keep going. That there’s still magic out there.” That sense of resilience is baked into every element of the track. “Those chords were just stuck in my head for days,” Ben recalls. “I knew I had to sit down and bring it to life. It started as a beat, then Katie added her voice, and the chorus just stuck. It felt like the emotional center of the whole EP.” For Paperwhite, music has always been a family affair. Raised in a musically inclined household, both Katie and Ben were steeped in creativity from an early age. “Our parents always had music playing—Tears for Fears, Wilson Phillips, The Beatles,” says Ben. “Katie was writing songs in elementary school. I was in metal bands. It was chaotic but inspiring.” That blend of influences continues to inform their sound today—one that’s equal parts cinematic, synth-forward, and emotionally textured. Ben, a drummer-turned-producer, brings a rhythmic sensibility to the pair’s dreamy arrangements, while Katie provides the melodic and lyrical heart. “There’s something primal about the combination of rhythm and voice,” Ben says. “We try to stay rooted in that no matter how much we evolve.” Reach , their sophomore EP, includes fan-favorite tracks like “By Your Side” and “Unfold,” along with new music that builds on their signature sound. But don’t expect a retread of their earlier work. “We’ve both grown a lot—personally and musically,” Katie says. “This EP stays true to our roots, but there’s more space, more depth. We wanted to create something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.” Lyrically, the project leans into ambiguity—a deliberate choice that invites listeners to project their own experiences into the music. “Most of our songs could be love songs on the surface,” Katie explains, “but they’re often about our relationship with the music industry, anxiety, or even self-doubt. We love that people can interpret them in their own way.” Paperwhite’s creative process is deeply intentional. Melodies often come first, shaped by chords and phonetics that feel right in the mouth and soul. From there, lyrics are crafted with care and nuance. “It’s like solving a puzzle,” Katie says. “Some vowel sounds just beg for certain words. It’s not just writing—it’s sculpting.” Despite their analytical approach, the duo still leaves room for spontaneity. “By Your Side,” for example, came together in a single day before being shelved for years. When they rediscovered it, the timing—and the feeling—were finally right. With Reach  on the horizon and This Feeling  already resonating with listeners, Paperwhite is poised for a powerful return. “Our goal is simple,” Ben says. “We want to make music that gives people that spark—that magic moment where you just feel something.” And with each new track, they continue to do exactly that. You can stream This Feeling  now on all major platforms and visit www.paperwhitemusic.com  for more. For the full, unedited behind-the-scenes conversation with Katie and Ben, be sure to tune into the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief Melissa Schneider believes that your home should feel like an extension of who you are—an expression of your personality, your lifestyle, and your energy. As Co-Founder and Lead Designer of Homes Innovation, a full-service renovation and design firm based in Boca Raton, Florida, Melissa has built a growing reputation for delivering timeless spaces tailored to the people who live in them. “Just changing a piece of art or the paint color on a wall can completely shift your mood when you enter a space,” Melissa says. “That’s the power of design. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s how it makes you feel.” Melissa’s journey into the home renovation world was anything but traditional. With a background in marketing and brand strategy, she originally built her career bringing brands to life through experiential campaigns and creative development. But a personal experience navigating the chaos of her own home renovation sparked a turning point. Frustrated by unreliable contractors and endless red tape, she and her husband Andreas decided to create the company they wished had existed for them. “I wanted to build a business based on transparency, full-time oversight, and craftsmanship,” she explains. “So many homeowners are left in the dark when it comes to the process. We wanted to do it differently.” Today, Homes Innovation offers comprehensive home transformation services—from space planning and materials selection to project management and construction. Melissa leads the creative vision, while Andreas, a licensed general contractor, oversees construction logistics. Together, they offer clients a seamless renovation journey that’s as functional as it is beautiful. A key to their success has been building real relationships with their clients. “It’s about trust. And trust is built through communication, through showing up, and through delivering what you promise—on time,” she says. Melissa's design philosophy centers around personalization and timelessness. “I’m not interested in chasing trends,” she says. “I’m interested in what makes you feel at home. That could be a hero piece from your travels, a painting passed down in your family, or a specific color palette that brings you peace. It’s your story—we’re just helping you tell it through the space.” While many firms start and stop with aesthetics, Homes Innovation also focuses on layout optimization, especially in the kitchen. “There’s a rhythm to a great kitchen—the triangle between your sink, stove, and fridge should flow effortlessly,” she notes. “If your layout fights you, it’s not serving you.” Melissa is also a strong advocate for value-driven upgrades. She recommends clients invest in high-quality cabinetry and timeless quartz countertops that elevate both functionality and resale value. “Cabinets from a trusted manufacturer like Jarlin and surfaces from Cambria make a world of difference,” she says. “You want your space to stand the test of time.” Beyond the business, Melissa is raising two young artists—her sons Bodhi and Sky—who are quickly building a name for themselves in the art world. Their paintings, first sold at local pop-up markets as part of Homes Innovation’s unique booth experience, will soon hang in their first New York City gallery exhibit. “What started as a creative side project turned into something really meaningful,” she shares proudly. Melissa and her team have no plans of slowing down. With clients increasingly reaching out from beyond Florida, she’s open to expanding to projects in New York and beyond. “If the energy is good and the vision aligns, we’re there,” she says. “Because ultimately, we’re not just remodeling homes—we’re changing how people feel in them.” To see Melissa’s work or schedule a consultation, visit www.homesinnovation.com . And for a deeper look into her design philosophy, business journey, and tips for transforming your own space, tune in to the full behind-the-scenes interview with Melissa Schneider on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience .

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief In an age when spiritual skepticism is high and generational disconnect threatens to widen the gap between tradition and relevance, Dr. Jeffrey Skinner offers a compelling bridge. With over 16 years of experience planting churches and mentoring leaders, Skinner is reshaping how modern ministry reaches those who feel most out of reach. As the Global Director of Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI) Academy and the founder of the nonprofit Missional Leadership Coaching, Skinner brings a unique combination of academic insight and real-world application. “My work is about equipping leaders to meet people where they are,” he says. “It’s not about converting them to your way of thinking—it’s about listening, loving, and walking with them.” Skinner’s latest book, Reachable: Loving, Mentoring, and Leading. 7 Keys to Building the Church of the Next Generation , cuts through the noise of religious performance and focuses on relationship. It’s not a call to bigger stages or louder messages, but to intentional presence and authentic mentoring. “This generation isn’t looking for slick marketing,” he explains. “They’re looking for someone who actually sees them, hears them, and respects their questions.” That mindset is central to Skinner’s mission. His work at DCPI centers on training church planters around the world, guiding them through nine core systems every new church must develop—from worship and outreach to discipleship and pastoral care. “We’re not giving people cookie-cutter models,” he says. “We help them listen to the heartbeat of their own community and build something from that soil.” His approach is deeply rooted in empathy. As someone who came through what he describes as a “dark night of the soul” after 9/11, Skinner doesn’t shy away from faith deconstruction—he embraces it. “People aren’t rejecting God,” he says. “They’re rejecting an incomplete or inauthentic version of faith. If we show up ready to listen rather than lecture, we’ll discover they’re more open than we ever imagined.” Missional Leadership Coaching, his nonprofit venture, furthers this work by training leaders not just to plant churches, but to lead them with vision, humility, and cultural awareness. “It’s about helping leaders see the church not as a destination, but as a mission field,” he notes. “Jesus didn’t say ‘bring people in’—he said ‘go.’ That changes everything.” His hit podcast, Echoes Through Eternity , extends these conversations into the digital space, attracting a loyal following of listeners eager for thoughtful, spiritual discourse. Reachable  is more than a book—it’s a blueprint for relational leadership. Built on seven key principles, it calls readers to mentor, love, and lead with grace, especially in an era when so many feel unseen. “We’ve siloed ourselves,” Skinner laments. “Different denominations, different ideologies—we’re all just shouting past one another. Meanwhile, this next generation is standing there, lonely and full of questions. And the Church was built for exactly that.” Whether you’re a pastor, mentor, or simply someone looking to lead well in your own sphere, Reachable  offers a heartfelt, practical path forward. “It starts with presence,” Skinner says. “You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to show up.” To hear more from Dr. Jeffrey Skinner and experience the full, unedited interview, tune in to The Savoir Faire Audio Experience —a behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief For high achievers accustomed to the rigorous pace of professional life, the word "retirement" can often feel like a finish line—an abrupt halt to identity, purpose, and daily momentum. But for Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, it’s not a retreat. It’s a graduation. “Retirement shouldn’t be viewed as a withdrawal,” she says. “It’s a transition into a chapter where we finally get to choose how we spend our time. That’s liberating.” Parsons is a former high-powered Wall Street attorney turned Retirement Transition Expert and the author of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement , a timely and insightful guidebook for professionals stepping into life after the grind. Her mission? To help individuals navigate the often-overlooked emotional and relational upheavals that come with retirement—and ultimately, to thrive. A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Parsons spent the early years of her career in high-stakes law, clocking 80-hour workweeks. “I thought I’d saved enough to take a break,” she recalls. “But the moment I stepped away, I realized I had destabilized my entire identity.” It was this personal reckoning that sparked her journey into retirement coaching, eventually leading to the founding of Encoraco , her consulting firm focused on helping professionals plan purposeful, connected post-career lives. Central to her philosophy is the understanding that relationships are not a luxury in retirement—they're a lifeline. “Work structures a lot more than just your schedule,” she explains. “It provides built-in collaboration, casual conversation, daily interactions. When that disappears, you have to rebuild it intentionally.” In Encore , Parsons identifies six key ways relationships contribute to aging well: from emotional resilience to cognitive health, longevity, and personal growth. But she’s quick to point out that quality matters more than quantity. “We encourage clients to define what their ideal relationship world looks like, and then take steps to proactively create it,” she says. “That means reconnecting with dormant friendships, deepening family ties, and finding new collaborators for future endeavors.” Isolation, she warns, is the silent killer of joy in retirement. “People underestimate how quickly loneliness can impact health, both physical and mental,” Parsons says. “Being intentional about building relationships is as vital as financial planning.” Her approach isn’t just theoretical. Encoraco offers coaching well before retirement, sometimes even a decade out. “We prefer to work with people early,” she notes. “It’s about laying track—being deliberate about how to end one chapter on a high note and begin the next with clarity and energy.” The book Encore  is the result of both personal experience and two decades of professional insight. “I finally got to a place where I had to write it,” she admits. “If I didn’t, I was going to go crazy. There was too much I needed to say.” She structured the book the way a lawyer might structure a complex transaction: with clear parts and purposeful flow. “The first section answers why retirement is hard. Then we talk about bridging identity and restructuring life, and finally, we dive into action—how to actually do it.” Parsons doesn’t believe in the myth of pure leisure. “We’re not wired for endless vacation. We need effort. We need purpose. Retirement should be a time to invest in something meaningful—on your own terms.” Whether you’re years away from stepping back or already grappling with what comes next, Encore  offers a roadmap to reclaiming identity, reigniting purpose, and—most importantly—rediscovering connection. To hear the full unedited behind-the-scenes interview with Elizabeth Parsons, tune in to the Savoir Faire Audio Experience , where her insights come to life in her own words.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief When it comes to planning for the unexpected, most people fall short—often not out of carelessness, but because they simply don’t know where to begin. According to Caring.com , over 60% of adults in the U.S. have no end-of-life plans in place. The result? Families left behind in a haze of paperwork, stress, and unanswered questions. Enter Wendy Michelle , an international bestselling author and preparedness expert whose life’s mission is to ensure that no family is left scrambling when tragedy strikes. With more than two decades of experience in financial services and health plan implementation, Wendy has channeled her professional knowledge and personal passion into a powerful tool: Just in Case Solutions , a comprehensive workbook designed to organize and record the essential details of life. “This is about reducing the emotional and administrative burden for our loved ones,” Wendy explains. “We all want to live forever, but the reality is that accidents and illnesses happen. I created this workbook so that no one I care about would be left guessing if something happened to me.” Wendy’s 10-step workbook goes far beyond a standard file folder or will. It’s a thoughtfully structured planner that captures everything from medical information and daily routines to pet care and digital passwords. “People often think having a will or estate plan is enough,” Wendy says. “But that’s just a small part of the picture. What about your gym memberships, volunteer responsibilities, or even what you’d like someone to do with your pets? Those are the details that cause the most confusion.” One of the standout features of Just in Case Solutions is the Responsibility Checklist —a four-page, interactive guide that helps family members or designated individuals know exactly what to do, and where to find each document. “We don’t want our loved ones going on a scavenger hunt,” Wendy adds. “If something happens to me, my daughter should be focused on healing, not hunting through my drawers.” Each section of the workbook ends with a space to share a memory or message, offering a unique emotional touch that turns logistics into legacy. “Ten steps, ten smiles,” Wendy says with a smile. “It’s a way to continue connecting with your loved ones, even when you’re not physically present.” Inspired by a personal journey that includes single motherhood and professional leadership in financial services, Wendy’s drive to create this tool came from both love and loss. “A dear friend of mine, who was fighting a terminal illness, made me promise to put this into the world,” she recalls. “She said, ‘Not everyone is as organized as you are, and people need a starting point.’ So I made it my mission to create that.” With availability at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Target, Wendy's workbook is accessible to anyone seeking to bring clarity and peace of mind to their families. And with Mother’s Day recently passed, Just in Case Solutions  serves as a lasting, thoughtful gift that far outweighs flowers or jewelry. “This isn’t just about end-of-life planning,” Wendy emphasizes. “It’s about living with intention and making sure those we love most are supported, no matter what happens.” For more information or to purchase the workbook, visit www.justincasesolutions.com . You can also listen to the full interview with Wendy Michelle on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience, available now on your favorite podcast platforms.

In the hands of Emma Rush, a guitar becomes not only an instrument but a time machine. With the release of her latest album The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten , Rush is not just performing—she’s rewriting the history books. This meticulously curated album marks the first-ever full-length recording dedicated to 19th-century guitar virtuosa Catharina Josepha Pratten, a trailblazing figure whose legacy has long been overlooked. Rush, hailed as “one of Canada’s premier classical guitarists,” has a passion for unearthing forgotten voices in music. “Pratten was so prolific as a performer, composer, educator, and publisher,” she explains. “She taught Queen Victoria’s daughter, invented chord notation systems, and endorsed the first signature series guitar.” And yet, Pratten's contributions have largely been erased from the canon. “I intend to set the record straight,” Rush asserts. With The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten , Rush goes beyond tribute. The album includes seven never-before-recorded works by Pratten, as well as music by her father, her husband, her contemporaries, and even her students. “I wanted an album that showed Pratten’s work in context—to give a picture of the guitar scene in London in the 1800s,” Rush says. The result is a vivid musical portrait of an era through the lens of a woman who defined its sound. Among the standout selections is “Absence,” a hauntingly beautiful piece in open E minor tuning. “It’s technically rich, emotionally deep, and absolutely one of my favorites,” says Rush. The album also features “Evening Song,” a delicate work that highlights Pratten’s lyrical sensibility, as well as a substantial nine-minute fantasia on Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor —a piece that showcases both the complexity of Pratten’s arrangements and her virtuosity as a performer. To bring the music to life as authentically as possible, Rush recorded using two rare 1850s guitars closely linked to Pratten. One bears her handwritten label, and the other is a Boosey & Sons “Pratten model,” one of just 13 known to exist today. “To hold and play instruments she endorsed—it’s like reaching through time,” says Rush. This project is the latest in Rush’s growing catalogue of historically informed and socially conscious work. Her 2020 album Wake the Sigh  introduced audiences to rare compositions by women from the Romantic era, while 2023’s A Dream of Colour  celebrated Canadian Impressionist painter William Blair Bruce through new commissions. “I’m always trying to find music by unusual composers, hidden gems from the past, or create new work,” Rush says. “My goal is to expand the classical guitar repertoire in meaningful ways.” Rush will debut The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten  live at her album launch concert in Hamilton, Ontario, on June 14, where both historic guitars will make an appearance. Additional shows and a new series of music videos filmed in Victorian-era settings are also on the horizon. More than an album, The Life and Times of Catharina Pratten  is a reclamation of musical heritage. “She really defined the guitar in Britain for most of the 19th century,” Rush says. “And now, finally, she can take her rightful place in our musical memory.” Explore more at emma-rush.com  and listen to “Evening Song” on Spotify and YouTube now. 🎙️ For an in-depth conversation with Emma Rush about her inspirations, discoveries, and the making of this remarkable album, listen to the full interview on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience —available now wherever you stream your podcasts.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, stress, and emotional overload, mindfulness expert Julie Potiker is offering a lifeline—one simple acronym at a time. With her new book, SNAP! From Chaos to Calm, Potiker introduces a powerful four-step method to help people manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and restore balance, even in the most overwhelming moments. “SNAP is a brain hack,” said Potiker, founder of Mindful Methods for Life and a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher at the University of California, San Diego. “It’s a quick, practical way to shift your emotional state when life feels unmanageable.” The method is elegantly simple and backed by neuroscience. SNAP stands for: Soothing Touch Name the Emotion Act Praise Each step is designed to engage the body and mind in a deliberate way that calms the nervous system. “When you place your hand on your heart, cradle your face, or hug yourself, your brain releases oxytocin and endorphins—those feel-good chemicals that literally counteract cortisol and adrenaline,” Potiker explained. “It’s your body’s natural reset.” Naming the emotion—"I feel anxious," "I’m overwhelmed," "I’m sad"—activates the prefrontal cortex and starts to settle the mind. “There’s a reason we say ‘name it to tame it,’” she said. “By labeling what you’re feeling, you give your brain just enough space to choose a more skillful response.” The "Act" step invites self-compassion and conscious choice. “Ask yourself, ‘What do I need to hear right now?’ Then say it. ‘What do I need to do to shift my mood?’ Then do it—whether that’s a breathing exercise, listening to your favorite song, or calling a friend,” she said. Finally, “Praise” encourages reflection and gratitude. “It’s about giving yourself credit for pausing, managing your emotions, and choosing healing over reactivity,” Potiker added. “It moves you into a place of appreciation, which is deeply beneficial for mental health.” SNAP! From Chaos to Calm was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when anxiety skyrocketed globally. “I’d been teaching these techniques for years, and during the lockdown, I knew people needed something they could hold onto—something they could use immediately,” said Potiker. The book includes SNAP applications for everything from grief and parenting to political stress and sadness. It’s more than a mindfulness manual; it’s a toolkit for real life. Potiker’s journey into mindfulness came from necessity. Years ago, while managing the demands of raising three children and caring for aging parents, she became physically ill from stress. “I went to a neurologist because I was convinced something was wrong with my brain,” she said. “It turns out, I was just burning out. That’s when I discovered mindfulness-based stress reduction, and it changed everything.” Drawing from her training in mindfulness, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence, Potiker founded Mindful Methods for Life in 2014. While she holds a law degree from George Washington University, she calls herself a “recovering attorney” who found her true calling in helping others heal. “I might not be a therapist, but I am a lifelong learner and a passionate teacher,” she said. “And SNAP reflects everything I’ve learned about what really works.” In addition to her books—SNAP! and her first title, Life Falls Apart, but You Don’t Have To—Potiker leads weekly free meditation sessions and maintains a podcast filled exclusively with guided meditations. She also regularly teaches workshops and offers resources for emotional wellness through her website, MindfulMethodsForLife.com. And at 64, she’s not slowing down. In fact, her next two books are poetry collections born from her personal meditation practice and reflections during the pandemic. “It’s never too late to create something meaningful,” she said. “I’m proof of that.” As May marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and National Meditation Month, Potiker’s message couldn’t be more timely. “We all have the capacity to self-soothe, reset, and thrive,” she said. “SNAP is just the start.” SNAP! From Chaos to Calm is available now wherever books are sold. Listen to the full interview with Julie Potiker on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

What if understanding your personality type could be the key to stronger relationships, smarter decision-making, and greater personal fulfillment? For Guadalupe Lepe, that question is more than theory—it’s a mission. As the founder of Human Development Solutions (HDS) and the author of the new book Developing My Type, Lepe has spent nearly two decades helping individuals, teams, and leaders unlock their potential through self-awareness and personality development. “I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people,” said Lepe. “Even as a child, I was fascinated with understanding others—how they think, how they react, and how we could get along better.” That natural curiosity evolved into a full-fledged calling. Although Lepe’s academic background is in business administration, her professional journey took a more human-centered turn. Rather than pursue psychology, she focused on practical application—coaching, behavior assessments, and ultimately launching HDS, a company dedicated to emotional intelligence, leadership development, and team transformation. Her latest achievement, Developing My Type: Personal Life Edition, is a practical, no-fluff guide to understanding personality through the lens of the Myers-Briggs and Carl Jung frameworks. But what makes it unique is Lepe’s ability to personalize the content. “The book isn’t just theory,” she said. “It’s a consultation in book form—a roadmap for navigating communication, parenting, emotional intelligence, romance, and stress management based on your personality type.” The concept of self-awareness isn’t abstract for Lepe. It’s personal. She credits the work behind personality types for transforming her relationships, particularly with her sister and husband. “My sister and I were very different growing up, and we didn’t understand each other,” Lepe explained. “But once we discovered our personality types, we began to appreciate our differences. Now she’s my business partner.” Lepe’s deep dive into personality type theory began with coaching certifications and behavioral assessments. One of her earliest successes was developing a 360-degree feedback tool that helped leaders gain honest, constructive insight into how they were perceived by others. “That was the turning point,” she said. “When people saw themselves clearly, they made better decisions, they communicated better, and their relationships—both personal and professional—improved.” The science backs her up. Studies from Harvard Business Review show that self-aware leaders are significantly more effective in leading teams and achieving goals. Lepe’s work leverages this power by helping individuals understand their preferences—how they make decisions, how they process information, and how they interact with others. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that personality types are boxes or labels,” Lepe said. “They’re not. They’re just preferences—how you naturally operate. And once you know that, you can learn to flex and adapt when needed.” It’s that practical application that forms the heart of Developing My Type. The book isn’t meant to be read once and put away—it’s designed as a reference tool. “Let’s say you’re preparing for a tough conversation, or you’re in a new romantic relationship, or trying to parent your child better—this book helps you navigate that with insight based on your type and theirs,” said Lepe. The pandemic offered a rare moment of stillness that allowed Lepe to begin writing the book. “With everything on pause, I had time to reflect on what clients had been asking me for years—specific, actionable advice. They didn’t want theory. They wanted help for real-life situations,” she said. That request shaped the book’s structure, with chapters covering emotional intelligence, communication, romance, parenting, and more—all framed around personality type. “It’s not just about knowing your strengths,” Lepe said. “It’s about seeing your blind spots and knowing how to navigate them.” Available now on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle, Developing My Type is already resonating with readers who are eager to understand themselves and their relationships on a deeper level. And through Human Development Solutions, Lepe continues to offer coaching, team-building workshops, and leadership development programs to individuals and organizations worldwide. “My goal has always been to help people grow through self-awareness,” said Lepe. “When you truly understand yourself and others, everything changes—from your relationships to your career to how you move through the world.” To learn more about Guadalupe Lepe or to schedule a session, visit HumanDevelopmentSolutions.com. To order Developing My Type , search it now on Amazon. Listen to the full interview with Guadalupe on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

Pam Montgomery didn’t set out to revolutionize the cherry industry—but that’s exactly what she did. As the founder of Chukar Cherries , a beloved Washington State-based brand known for its premium chocolate-covered and dried cherry products, Montgomery has spent more than three decades blending tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. “I’ve always been entrepreneurial,” Montgomery said. “I think it comes from a long line of pioneer women in my family. My great-grandmother ran a saloon, boarding house, and hotel near Missoula, Montana, in the 1800s. Independence is in our blood.” That independent streak took root early. After losing her mother at a young age, Pam spent several formative years with her father, a forester, walking the forests of Washington. “We’d drive into the mountains, and I’d walk with him all day while he worked,” she said. “That time gave me a deep connection to nature and the confidence to do things my own way.” It’s a mindset that proved critical when she and her husband, with no prior agricultural experience, sold everything they owned and purchased the largest cherry orchard in Washington State. “We had 8,000 trees and no idea what we were doing,” she recalled. “We either had to learn fast or go out of business.” Walking the orchard each morning with her young daughters, Montgomery became intimately familiar with the land and its cycles. Over time, she noticed something unusual: cherries left longer on the tree developed more natural sugar and took on a rich, candy-like quality. “That observation became the foundation of Chukar Cherries ,” she explained. “Tree-ripened cherries, dried properly, are completely different from the tart, underripe ones picked early for packing.” Unable to find a processor willing to dehydrate cherries with the care and precision she envisioned, Montgomery did what any resourceful entrepreneur would—she built the process herself. “Cherries are delicate,” she said. “You can’t dump them by the ton. You need to handle them gently, layer by layer.” In the early years, Montgomery was the definition of hands-on. She designed the packaging, typed the catalogs, and oversaw every step of production. “I didn’t want to do it all myself, but outsourcing never met our standards,” she said. “So we brought everything in-house—from dehydration to chocolate-coating and fulfillment.” Her pursuit of excellence took an international turn when a visit to London’s historic Harrods department store introduced her to a German-made chocolate-covered cherry that would forever raise her standards. “It was a dried cherry coated in the most exquisite dark chocolate,” she said. “After that, I knew I had to use pastry-grade chocolate and nothing less.” Montgomery didn’t stop at quality. She also cultivated community. Early customers, like a professor from Rhode Island who discovered Chukar at the company’s storefront in Prosser, Washington, became loyal supporters. “He ordered from us every year until he passed away,” she said. “We built relationships. That’s what mattered most.” Chukar’s presence at Seattle’s Pike Place Market soon became another key to its success. “I knew the area well from my real estate days in Seattle,” Montgomery said. “Being there allowed us to interact directly with customers and get immediate feedback.” That feedback led to a streamlined business model: direct-to-consumer sales through their website and catalog, supported by two retail stores and a curated wholesale strategy. Today, Chukar offers a wide range of products—about half of them chocolate-covered indulgences, and half health-focused snacks with no added sugar. All of them stay true to Montgomery’s founding values. Looking ahead, the company is planning a packaging refresh featuring botanical illustrations from artist Jim Hayes, whose artwork has graced Chukar’s labels since the beginning. “Jim’s work has given our brand a real Pacific Northwest identity,” Montgomery said. “We’re proud to keep that legacy alive.” Still very much a family business, Chukar Cherries now includes Montgomery’s daughters, a longtime general manager-turned-partner, and an extended team rooted in the rural town of Prosser. “It’s not just about making a great product,” Montgomery said. “It’s about doing it the right way—with integrity, with care, and with the community in mind.” From orchard walks with her children to becoming a trailblazer in premium confections, Pam Montgomery’s journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and the power of keeping things personal in an industry that too often forgets its roots. Listen to the full interview with Pam Montgomery on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

For the first time in over 15 years, beloved alternative rock band The Ataris are back with new music—and it’s every bit as heartfelt, raw, and nostalgic as fans could hope for. Frontman Kristopher Roe, the emotional engine behind the band’s most iconic work, leads the charge with the release of “Car Song,” the first single from the band’s upcoming album, their first full-length LP since 2007. Equal parts tribute and transformation, “Car Song” is Roe’s love letter to memory, mobility, and the people who helped shape his path—including his late father. “It’s about the first car I ever bought with my own money,” Roe shared. “It became this vehicle, literally and metaphorically, for all my adventures—and a lot of growing up.” The track’s narrative is classic Roe—vivid, emotional, and layered with both personal history and broader cultural resonance. “I wanted to write it in a way that sounded like I was describing a person,” he said, “but it’s really about that car and everything it represented. And of course, my dad worked for GM for 37 years. So, this song is also a tribute to him, the factory towns like Anderson, Indiana, and the era they came from.” This isn’t just a song. It’s part of a powerful, personal tribute. In an unprecedented move, Roe is mixing his father’s ashes into a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl pressing of “Car Song,” making him a literal part of the music he always supported. “My dad wasn’t just a fan—he was a fixture in our community,” Roe said. “He’d film shows, post on the message board, connect with fans. Pressing his ashes into vinyl felt like the most meaningful tribute I could give him.” Proceeds from the limited vinyl release will benefit Shatterproof, a nonprofit organization focused on addiction recovery—an issue that hit close to home, as Roe’s father passed away in 2014 due to complications related to alcoholism. Musically, “Car Song” was recorded using vintage equipment and analog tape, giving it a warm, lived-in texture that complements its themes of memory and resilience. It’s joined by two new versions of The Ataris ’ classic “In This Diary”—a re-recorded 2025 studio take and a stripped-down acoustic version. Together, they bridge the past and future for a band known for connecting deeply with its audience. The inspiration for returning to the studio came from a rather unlikely place: Walter White’s Volvo from the final season of Breaking Bad . Roe, a longtime fan of the show, bought the car from a friend who worked on set and found a receipt signed by Bryan Cranston as Walter White in the glove box. He later traded the car to his producer, Bob Hoag, in exchange for studio time. “It’s wild,” Roe laughed. “I like to say Walter White’s Volvo was the catalyst for Car Song  and the new album.” Formed in 1996, The Ataris rose to fame with the release of So Long, Astoria  in 2003, featuring the hits “In This Diary,” “The Saddest Song,” and a gold-certified cover of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.” But behind the scenes, Roe has always been the sole creative driver of the project—writing, recording, and performing most of the instrumentation on Ataris records. That spirit continues in the new material, blending punk roots with singer-songwriter honesty and vivid, poetic imagery. “I write in stream-of-consciousness,” Roe explained. “A lot of it comes from driving, observing, seeing something and letting it bloom into a song. Every song has to have a name, a place, something to drink, something to feel. That’s where the real storytelling comes in.” This summer, fans can catch The Ataris live at Riot Fest in Chicago and Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, with more tour announcements on the horizon—including a European run. For Roe, the return of The Ataris is more than a revival—it’s a tribute, a reckoning, and a creative rebirth. “Everything about this new album feels right,” he said. “It’s a new chapter, but it’s still me—still the band that people grew up with, but hopefully even more human and honest than before.” To stream “Car Song,” watch the lyric video, or order the limited edition vinyl, visit theataris.com . Listen to the full interview with Kristopher Roe on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.

By Robert White , Editor-In-Chief With a smooth country voice and a love for the traditions that shaped American country music, Dave Wilbert is back with a new anthem that captures the spirit of the weekend. His new single, “Live From America (It’s Saturday Night),” is a feel-good celebration of small-town living, front-porch pickin’, and the freedom that only a Saturday night can offer. Premiered by Nashville.com , the track is the title cut from Wilbert’s forthcoming debut album, due June 20 via Willbilly Records. Produced by Wilbert alongside Eddy Blount and Julian King, and featuring contributions from some of country’s top songwriters—Kerry Kurt Phillips, Jason Matthews, Phil O’Donnell, and the late Doug Supernaw—the album promises to be a nostalgic yet modern blend of storytelling and rootsy instrumentation. “This is one of those songs that just feels familiar the first time you hear it,” said Wilbert. “It’s my own little country anthem straight from the heartland of America, which is where I grew up.” That heartland is Seymour, Indiana—just a short drive from John Mellencamp’s hometown. And it’s no surprise that Mellencamp, along with Merle Haggard, Tom Petty, and Alan Jackson, ranks among Wilbert’s biggest influences. “I think of this song as Small Town meets Country Boy Can Survive meets I Won’t Back Down,” he said. “It lives in that pocket of American grit and community.” The single draws listeners in with its 90s-style production, anchored by crisp electric guitars, a driving rhythm section, and, yes, a touch of cowbell. But what gives the track staying power is its authenticity. Wilbert knows the stories he’s telling because he’s lived them—from bonfires and back roads to the long haul it’s taken to release this music. After initially moving to Nashville and garnering industry attention early on, Wilbert stepped away from the scene to raise his three children as a single father. “I had to put music down and be a dad,” he shared. “I don’t regret it for a second. I was their Little League coach and recital dad. But eventually, with a little push from my kids, I decided to get back at it.” That comeback includes not only a new album, but a new outlook. “I had to let go of the business side that was clouding the creative part of me,” he said. “Now, I’m just making music I believe in, songs that reflect who I am and where I come from.” The full 12-track album will feature a mix of originals and co-writes, including “Take It Outside” (which held the No. 1 spot on the CDX Radio Chart for four weeks), “Tractors and Trucks,” and “The Cabin Song,” a personal ballad written for his daughters. And while Wilbert remains humble about his writing skills, his lyrics—drawn from real life—hit all the right emotional notes. “I don’t write every day. I’m not that guy,” he said. “But when something strikes me—whether it’s my wife, my kids, or just an old memory—I write from that space.” His journey back to the stage hasn’t been without hurdles. In 2024, Wilbert suffered a serious injury from a fall that sidelined him for months. “I shattered my heel. It took me nearly four months just to stand again,” he said. “But the music kept me going. I was literally listening to playback and making vocal notes from a recliner.” Now back on his feet and performing again, Wilbert is eyeing tour dates and expanding his reach beyond Nashville. “I’d love to come play in New York, or anywhere people want to hear real country music,” he said. “This record is for the people who work hard all week and just want to enjoy a cold beer and a good song on a Saturday night.” With "Live From America (It’s Saturday Night)," Dave Wilbert isn’t just giving listeners a song—they’re getting a soundtrack for life in the real world. Whether you grew up with boots on a back porch or just appreciate the sound of it, Wilbert’s music is a welcome return to the kind of country that never goes out of style. To learn more, visit DaveWilbertMusic.com  and stream the new single everywhere now. Listen to the full Interview with Dave Wilbert on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.