Dr. Melissa Bird (she/her) has spent her life navigating spaces where she was told not to ask questions, not to speak too loudly, or not to fully be herself. Fresh off a run for Congress in Oregon's 4th District, the nationally-recognized speaker, policy strategist, and advocate reflects on discovering her Native heritage in her 30s and reconnecting with her roots as a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, growing up in the shadow of her father's suicide, coming out as bisexual in Utah, and learning to embrace the "liminal spaces" where she never quite fit. She shares how healing childhood trauma and listening to what she calls "the push" led her to advocacy work, earning a PhD, teaching, writing, and ultimately launching her campaign for Congress. Along the way, Dr. Bird offers a powerful reminder that courage isn't the absence of fear — it's the willingness to disrupt the narrative, speak the truth even when your voice shakes, and trust that life's most meaningful chapters rarely unfold the way you planned.

Dr. Melissa Bird is a proud Native woman, nationally recognized keynote speaker, policy strategist, grassroots politician, lay preacher, feminist, and author. An unapologetic advocate for working people, she has spent her career championing abused and neglected children, homeless youth, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare access. She holds a master's degree and PhD in social work.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Dr. Bird and Shanti at the campfire:

• Hearing Dr. Bird's grandfather's adorable and insightful response to her coming out, and his reminder that sexual identity exists on a continuum.
• Confronting the reality that even today, in 2026, a simple gesture of affection doesn't feel safe for many LGBTQ+ people (me included).
• Exploring colonization and Native religious practices that were illegal until 1978, and the deep negative impact that’s often felt through lost connection.
• Recounting a funny, loving exchange with her husband before a Brandi Carlile concert that highlights persistent misunderstandings about bisexuality.
• Reflecting on the role of trauma, and how to give voice to it while holding ourselves with compassion and love.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MELISSA BIRD
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Recommended reading: "The Discovery of America," Native Peoples and US History

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At 96 years old, Tibor Spitz (he/him), a Holocaust survivor, scientist, inventor, artist, and speaker, shares a story that is almost impossible to comprehend – and somehow even more extraordinary because of the remarkable life philosophy that emerged from it. Tibor discusses surviving as a Jewish boy in Slovakia during World War II, including years in hiding with his family to escape deportation to Nazi death camps, during which every moment could have been his last. That journey ultimately led them to more than 200 days underground in a tiny, makeshift shelter, where they nearly starved, carefully whispered to avoid detection, and slept pressed tightly against one another in freezing conditions. He reflects on the guiding voice that helped him survive and why he chose to release hatred and let go of ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable brutality, we always have choices about how we respond, and how we can honor the extraordinary gift of being human through curiosity, strength, kindness, and gratitude.

After surviving the Holocaust, Tibor Spitz became a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering, specializing in glass science and technology - and publishing multiple patents. He also developed essential hardware in the emerging digital technology space. For the last 28 years, he has dedicated himself to being a full-time artist and motivational speaker.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Tibor and Shanti at the campfire:

• Recounting how releasing hatred led him to befriend and help the daughter of a man connected to Nazi atrocities after the war.
• Reflecting on how losing five years of formal education during the Holocaust showed Tibor how to think in images, shaping his rare ability to thrive as both a scientist and artist.
• Exploring his unforgettable philosophy: don’t cry over spilled milk…bring a cat!
• Sharing his career advice for keeping your mind fresh by shifting between different types of thinking.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIBOR SPITZ
PBS Documentary Song of Survivors feat. Tibor
Tibor's Song: All is Changing, We are Witness, We are Life
Article About Tibor’s Story
Tibor Documentary
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Work with Shanti!

Jules (they/them), founder of Hair for Humans, and their father, Brian (he/him), a pastor, reflect on Jules’ experience growing up as a transgender person, before and after transitioning. Brian recalls early moments, like strong resistance to wearing dresses, and a persistent feeling that something about Jules wasn’t fully visible. Jules also shares the in-between years – marked by anxiety, disconnection, and charting unknown territory – before finding a way to reconnect with their body and feel at home in themselves, a shift that ultimately changed everything. Brian reflects on how his work in the ministry mirrors Jules’ work behind the chair as a hairstylist, both centered on listening deeply and creating safe spaces for people to discover how to show up in the world authentically. Together, they explore how support – through the coming out journey and beyond – wasn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up with trust, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside each other.

Jules Heron is the founder of Hair for Humans, providing hair services to people who struggle to feel seen or heard in the hair industry. They are passionate about creating transformational short haircuts and teaching their craft to others via group and individual classes.

Brian Heron is a minister, author, pilgrimager, and proud father of a trans human. In his semi-retirement, he blogs and is working on a book that explores the intersection of religion and culture – both lessons and thoughts on what’s ahead. He joyfully plays guitar and writes music.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders, and guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling, and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Jules, Brian, and Shanti:

• Reflecting on a Home Depot moment that heightened Jules’ awareness of being newly perceived as a white male — and the “obligation to be one of the good guys” that came with it.
• Choosing values over moment-to-moment feelings to make business decisions with greater clarity and alignment.
• Recognizing that strong reactions often reflect internal fears, and choosing self-awareness and conversation as a path to deeper understanding.
• Highlighting the power and skill of listening without judgment, creating space for people to feel seen and discover who they are.

Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Check out all episodes at storieswehaventshared.com.

CONNECT WITH JULES HERON
Work with Jules!
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CONNECT WITH BRIAN HERON
Brian Work & Blog
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CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
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