On this episode of Leave Looking Up, we sit down with Dr. Yusef Salaam — author, activist, motivational speaker, and one of the Exonerated Five. Wrongfully imprisoned at just 15 years old, Yusef endured years of wrongful incarceration before reclaiming not just his freedom, but his voice, his future, and his name. Today, he is a New York City Councilman, has received a lifetime achievement award from Barack Obama, is a published author, and is a global symbol of transformation and justice.
This season of Leave Looking Up continues to explore the minds of worldbuilders — visionaries who have a very clear idea of the world they want to see, and put forth efforts to bring that world into fruition. Yusef Salaam has done exactly that. From surviving the depths of the prison system to writing poetry behind bars, from discovering the spiritual meaning of his name to holding public office, Yusef’s story is one of sacred alignment and radical resilience.
In this episode, Yusef opens up about the power of faith, the lessons passed down from his mother, the meaning of his own name, and how everything we do - even choosing to not participate, has power.
This is a conversation about identity, divine timing, and the lifelong work of transforming injustice into impact.
If this conversation moves you, subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who believes in liberation, legacy, and the power of remembering who you are.
Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Neal LudevigCo-host: Amer JandaliProduced and scored by: Lushik Lotus LeePost-Production Sound Engineer: Alexander RossiVideographer: Krishna Adoni
Links:📘 Dr. Yusef Salaam Website: https://www.yusefspeaks.com
📸 Dr. Yusef Salaam IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.yusefsalaam/ 🌍 Leave Looking Up Website: https://www.leavelookingup.com▶️ Leave Looking Up YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leavelookingup
On this episode of Leave Looking Up, we sit down with the multi-hyphenate creative force Ray Angry — Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, producer, and longtime member of The Roots. From performing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, to playing Carnegie Hall five times (including a reimagining of Prince’s music), to collaborating with legends like Questlove, Stevie Wonder, D'Angelo, and Joss Stone, Ray’s career has transcended genres and redefined what it means to be a 21st-century musician.
In this season of Leave Looking Up, we explore the minds of worldbuilders — visionaries who don’t just create art but architect entire ecosystems. Ray Angry has done exactly that with Producer Mondays, a groundbreaking experiment in communal creativity that has become a sanctuary for some of today’s most gifted musicians. Born from a desire to capture the real-time magic of music-making and nurture a space free from ego, Producer Mondays offers artists something increasingly rare: permission to be themselves.
In this episode, Ray opens up about the lessons learned from grief, the spiritual traditions that shaped his artistry, the dangers of ego, and how he’s dedicated his career to building spaces where music can be created — not manufactured. We also hear how Producer Mondays has sparked new careers, renewed creative spirits, and redefined community for artists in New York and beyond.
This is a conversation about mastery, intention, and building a legacy that leaves the world looking up.
If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who believes in the power of community and creativity.
CreditsHost and Executive Producer: Neal LudevigCo-host: Amer JandaliProduced and scored by: Lushik Lotus LeePost-Production Sound Engineer: Alexander RossiOn-Site Sound Engineer: Albert GooldVideographer: Shuhei Hayashi
Links:
🎶 Ray Angry Website: https://www.rayangry.com
🎹 Producer Mondays: https://www.instagram.com/producermondays/
📸 Ray Angry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayangry/
🌎 Leave Looking Up Website: https://www.leavelookingup.com
▶️ Leave Looking Up YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leavelookingup
As we celebrate worldbuilders—visionary creators designing a better future through their work and way of being, it's only fitting that we were able to sit down with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, educator, and artist Poranguí, whose life work embodies this mission.
A former professor at the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and Arizona Commission of Artists, Poranguí has performed at South by Southwest, Envision Festival, and on platforms such as TEDxSedona, BBC, and PBS. His globally beloved, improvisational performances dissolve the boundary between stage and audience, transforming concerts into ceremonies.
From his roots in indigenous sweat lodges and silent meditation retreats to his journey through Duke University—where he created a custom major in “Healing Through Music and Dance” — Poranguí’s story is one of deep listening, cultural honoring, and radical authenticity. In this powerful conversation, we explore how dance floors became altars, how he redefined medicine, and how creating a sacred circle of men during the pandemic led to an ongoing community of artistic healing.
Poranguí is not just making music. He’s building a world—one where we remember we are all relatives, and music is the medicine that brings us back to life.a
For full & uncut episodes, along with a number of other perks, please visit www.leavelookingup.com/fans and subscribe!
If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links: https://www.leavelookingup.com/https://www.patreon.com/leavelookinguphttps://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup
🎧 Credits
Host: Neal Ludevig
Guest: Poranguí
Co-Host: Sasha Demitrovic
Producer: Lushik Lotus-Lee
Sound Engineer: Alexander Rossi
Designer: Andrea Kang
Media Support: Justin Jett Carter
Original Theme Music: Brady Watt
Additional Music: Blue Dot Sessions
This season, we’re diving deep with worldbuilders—those who transform a vision into reality.
Today’s guest is Casey Fenton, the visionary founder behind Couchsurfing, a movement that reshaped travel for millions across the globe. From a single couch connection to a worldwide community spanning 220,000 cities, Casey’s journey shows how grit, vulnerability, and a clear sense of self can spark massive change.
In this episode, we explore the origin story of Couchsurfing, the pivotal moments that tested Casey’s resilience, and how his experiences building—and letting go of—the platform shaped his understanding of identity. We also dive into Casey’s latest work on ego hacking: a process for becoming the person you aspire to be, not alone, but through community and shared reflection.
Join us for a conversation about the risks that define us, the feedback loops that shape us, and the real work of becoming who we are meant to be. Stick around to the end for a guided exercise led by Casey himself—to start your own ego hacking journey.
If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links:
https://www.leavelookingup.com/
https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup
https://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup/
https://tiktok.com/@leavelookingup
Youtube: @leavelookingup
Hosts:
Neal Ludevig
https://www.instagram.com/misternealio/
https://tiktok.com/@misternealio
Amer Jandali:
https://instagram.com/amerjandali
https://tiktok.com/@amerjandali
Team:
Executive Producer, Producer, and Host: Neal Ludevig
Co-Host: Sasha Dimitrevic
Lead Producer: Jeremiah Cothren
Lead Engineer: Alexander Rossi
Engineer: Justin Jett Carter
Hosted by Neal Ludevig and Amer Jandali, Leave Looking Up is a podcast where we humanize our heroes through uplifting conversations about the somewhat tumultuous and often challenging state of the world.We interview a diverse roster of guests from Grammy Award-winning musicians, to Emmy Award-winning producers, to internationally recognized activists and influencers, educators, innovators, and more. Rana Abdelhamid is a truly inspirational organizer and global human rights activist making positive changes in the world today. She's a Truman Scholar, founder of the organizations Hijabis of New York and the Women's Initiative for Self Empowerment which she started when she was 16. She is also a 1st degree Black Belt, and is one of youngest serving board members of Amnesty International USA. Rana’s list of honors is a true testament to who she is. She has been selected by Forbes as a 30 Under 30 in the social impact category, has received both a NYC Council Proclamation and an International Youth Advocate award by the UN, and has been recognized by countless other organizations for the social impact of her work. This episode is a special one. We had the opportunity to sit down with Rana both before, and after, her 2022 run as a candidate for the United States Congress to represent the 12th district in New York. This is part 2. In these conversations, we hear some of her active processing around the outcome of the race. We also learn how heartbreaks around who we are can lead to a lifelong path of community activism and changemaking, how we can channel our emotions into action(s), how our identities inform our decision making process, and how we can all get involved in the political processes that affect our lives both locally and nationally. If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links: https://www.leavelookingup.com/ https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup https://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup/ https://tiktok.com/@leavelookingup Youtube: @leavelookingup There you can support what we’re creating, hear more soundbytes that didn’t make it to the final cut, get more wisdom from our guests, score merch, be the first to get access to our content, and more. Thank you for joining us and listening in today, and if you haven’t already, please be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast in your app of choice. CREDITS: You can follow Claire on the following social channels: https://www.instagram.com/ranaabdelhamid/ https://www.instagram.com/wearemalikah/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCPcCUNmflClsBeNb38LYYTA Hosts: Neal Ludevig https://www.instagram.com/misternealio/ https://tiktok.com/@misternealio Amer Jandali: https://instagram.com/amerjandali https://tiktok.com/@amerjandali Team: Executive Producer, Producer, and Host: Neal Ludevig Host: Amer Jandali Lead Producer: Lushik Lotus Lee Lead Engineer: Alexander Rossi Engineer: Justin Jett Carter Designer: Andrea Kang This is a podcast produced and created by @moon31exp #leavelookingup #podcastlove #motivation #mindsetmatters #entrepreneurs #storytelling #innovation #mindset #podcastlife #empowerment #empowering #howtopodcast #womenempoweringwomen #powerfulwomen #womensmonth #muslim #muslimwomen #muslimcommunity #hijabinspo #hijabi #selflove #muslimlove #selflovejourney #malikah #selfdefense #womensday #RanaAbdelhamid
In recognition of United Nations Day, we'd like you to meet Dr. Sylvia Earle, a literal pioneer of our time. Known affectionately as "Her Deepness", Sylvia was named a "Champion for the Earth" by the UN in 2014, and is a renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer.
Over the course of her more than six decade long career doing groundbreaking work in marine science, Sylvia was named a "Hero of the Planet" by Time Magazine, was a TED Prize Winner, is a National Geographic "Explorer-At-Large", and beyond, dedicating her life to exploring the ocean and advocating for its protection. Her passion for the ocean not only has deepened our understanding of marine life, but also has ignited a global movement for ocean conservation.
In this episode, we dive deep and uncover what it was like to live underwater for weeks on end, gain insights from the obstacles she overcame as a trailblazing female marine scientist in the 1960s, and most importantly, learn how we can rally allies in our mission to safeguard and preserve our planet.
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If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links: https://www.leavelookingup.com/
In recognition of National Heroes day, we'd like you to meet Andy Mann, acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, musician, and multi-hyphenate. With work featured in National Geographic, the New York Times, BBC Wildlife, and many more, his work has garnered him an Emmy nomination, 12 Telly Awards, and the legendary Crystal Compass award in recognition of his work that led to the designation of the world’s largest Arctic National Park in Franz Josef Land, Russia.
In this episode, we sat down with Andy at his home studio in Boulder to learn how he made his way into the film and photography world, shifted his career from cooking to climbing, and about his journey cofounding Sealegacy with Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier, which helped create the world’s very first international marine protected area. Not to mention, hear some incredible words of advice from the legendary Jane Goodall!
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If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links: https://www.leavelookingup.com/
Get ready to be inspired as Leave Looking Up returns with its second season, diving deep into the minds of changemakers shaping our future. After a stellar first season that garnered thousands of listens and shares globally, Leave Looking Up is back with more thought-provoking conversations.
Hosted by Neal Ludevig, acclaimed producer and entrepreneur, along with co-hosts Amer Jandali and Sasha Dimitrevic, this season will explore the theme of worldbuilding—uncovering the frameworks and ideas changemakers are using to shape a better future.
This season features an impressive lineup, including Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award winners, TIME Heroes of the Planet, Guinness World Record Holders, Emmy and Telly Award Winners, and more.
About Leave Looking Up
Leave Looking Up is more than just a podcast; it’s a movement. Through thoughtful conversations with some of the most influential figures of our time, the show uncovers the models, concepts, and language that changemakers use to create a positive impact. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, Leave Looking Up offers a refreshing perspective on the challenges we all face.
Stay Connected:
Meet Benjamin Von Wong (aka Von Wong), a true one-a-king world builder. A Canadian artist, activist, photographer and long time nomad, Von focuses his energy on bringing more awe and fantasy to our world. Known for his inspiring environmental art installations and hyper-realist art style that have taken the internet by storm, Von’s viral work has been featured globally in everything from TED Talks, to the United Nations, to the World Economic Forum, and have even landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the largest supported art installation made from plastic drinking straws.
In today's episode, we learn about Von’s Golden Guidelines of life, the importance of activating your community to tap into your potential, and some tools and rituals to foster a creative and abundant mindset. Not to mention, the importance of having fun! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did, and leave afterwards looking up!
For the full & uncut episode, along with a number of other perks, please visit www.leavelookingup.com/fans and subscribe!
If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links:
https://www.leavelookingup.com/
https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup
https://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup/
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leavelookingup/support
Meet Rana Abdelhamid, a truly inspirational organizer and global human rights activist making positive changes in the world today. Rana is a Truman Scholar, founder of the organizations Hijabis of New York and the Women's Initiative for Self Empowerment which she started when she was 16. She is also a 1st degree Black Belt, and is one of youngest serving board members of Amnesty International USA.
Rana’s list of honors is a true testament to who she is. She has been selected by Forbes as a 30 Under 30 in the social impact category, has received both a NYC Council Proclamation and an International Youth Advocate award by the UN, and has been recognized by countless other organizations for the social impact of her work.
This episode is a special one. We had the opportunity to sit down with Rana both before, and after, her 2022 run as a candidate for the United States Congress to represent the 12th district in New York.
In these conversations, we hear some of her active processing around the outcome of the race. We also learn how heartbreaks around who we are can lead to a lifelong path of community activism and changemaking, how we can channel our emotions into action(s), how our identities inform our decision making process, and how we can all get involved in the political processes that affect our lives both locally and nationally.
For the full & uncut episode, along with a number of other perks, please visit www.leavelookingup.com/fans and subscribe!
If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links:
https://www.leavelookingup.com/
https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup
https://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup/
Meet Lorena Beltran, a true multi-hyphenate. Lorena is an international speaker, consultant, and activist on all things cannabis. She is the founder of both CannabiSalud Mexico and Endonatura Labs, companies focused on research, product manufacturing, and advocacy work connected to the legal medical cannabis framework in Mexico.
An integral part of the movement that successfully legalized medicinal marijuana in Mexico, Lorena has since launched a non-profit association called Alianza Latinoamericana de la Cannabis; a network of more than 50 companies that provide education to the public sector around cannabis. She’s also the chairwoman of an international cannabis consulting firm called Gateway Proven Strategies, and a member of the Advisory Board at Regennabis, a platform that delivers ESG services to companies around the world.
Last, but certainly not least, she balances all of this alongside being a single mother, and a career and tour manager to one of the largest social media influencers and Youtubers in Mexico, which just so happens to be her 14-year old son Alan (known by his handle Yankee). This episode features a special guest appearance from Alan, a member of the Vecibanda.
In this episode, we learn from both Lorena, and her son Alan, how the power of manifestation, persistence, and intentionality can come together in the most unlikely of ways to bring dreams to reality.
For the full & uncut episode, along with a number of other perks, please visit www.leavelookingup.com/fans and subscribe!
If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links:
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https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup
https://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup
Meet Dr. Leyla Acaroglu, an award-winning designer, sustainability provocateur, social scientist and entrepreneur. Leyla's list of accolades is truly something to behold; She’s a mainstage TED speaker, LinkedIn Changemaker and was named a United Nations Champion of the Earth in 2016 for her work in advancing science and innovation for sustainability. On top of all of that, she's the founder of the CO Project Farm, and the "Unschool" of Design, which she founded in 2014. In her words, the school’s name comes from focusing on “undoing the damage that mainstream schools have done” and is all about redesigning the world so that it works better for all of us. The Unschool is now a global initiative with over 150 alumni from 32 countries and a Winner of a CORE77 Design Education Award.
In this episode, we hear about climate change as a design challenge, we learn concepts like lifecycle assessment and regenerative farming. And Leyla takes us on her journey of seeing the interconnectedness of all things, from a Coconut in Mexico to an Afid in Portugal.
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If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links:
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https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup
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Meet Nate & Hila, otherwise known as Nathanology and Hila the Killa (or more recently, Hila the Earth); two artists and activist voices whose work in the world of sustainability, education, sexual freedom, and activism, have garnered them millions of likes and views of their socials like Tik Tok and Instagram, hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe, coverage from outlets like the BBC, Billboard, Timeout and NY1, and performances at internationally acclaimed venues like the House of Yes. In today's episode, we learn about the importance of ecological consciousness, how our upbringing and our surroundings can inform our aspirations, affirmation practices and the history of meditation, and that everything - from plastic to humans - has a place in this world. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did, and leave afterwards looking up! For the full & uncut episode, along with a number of other perks, please visit www.leavelookingup.com/fans and subscribe! If you love love what you're hearing today and want to hear (and see) more, you can do so at the following links: https://www.leavelookingup.com/ https://www.patreon.com/leavelookingup https://www.instagram.com/leavelookingup/
Meet Jonathan Javier and Jerry Lee, influencers, job search experts, and the 2020 LinkedIn Top Voices for Tech through their company Wonsulting, which has amassed 1.2M+ followers on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and IG, garnered 30+ million impressions monthly and reached 100M+ jobseekers globally. Founded in 2019 with the mission of turning underdogs into winners, Wonsulting focuses on helping people from non-traditional backgrounds, secure offers from top companies like Google, Facebook, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and more.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of finding self-confidence to achieve success in your career, why balancing hard work with rest is key and how sometimes our dream companies aren't what we expect.
To see the full, uncut video episode, along with a number of other perks like swag, opportunities to connect with our guests, and more, support us on Patreon via our website at www.leavelookingup.com/fans
Meet Claire Wasserman; an inspirational educator and author who founded "Ladies Get Paid," a platform, community, and book that champions the professional and financial advancement of women. Named as one of the top most 100 powerful woman by Entrepreneur Magazine’s and one of the 75 most influential financial leaders by “Marquis Who's Who”, Claire has advocated for women globally, hosted podcasts, and has garnered international coverage for her work.
In today’s episode, we sat down with Claire to learn how she's overcome her own imposter syndrome, and built a business thats changed the game for women in business through community, education, and empowerment. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did, and leave afterwards looking up!
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Meet Brady; renowned bassist, producer, musician, and cancer survivor. Touring with, recording, and headlining tours with the likes of Talib Kweli, DJ Premier, members of Rage Against the Machine, and Marc Rebillet, this New Hampshire native turned Harlemite that created the viral series "Bass & Bars", which has featured everyone from Matisyahu to Jadakiss, is worth listening to.
In this episode, we learn about the journey of bringing dreams to reality, the power of grit and hard work, and the lesson that no matter what adversity stands in your way, always show the universe you're worthy.
This episode is dedicated to our friend Meghan Stabile, founder of Revive Music, who continuously inspired and brought so many people together.
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Meet Shelah Marie; Founder and CEO of The Curvy, Curly, Conscious movement, mental health & wellness influencer, meditation enthusiast, reality tv star & wife of platinum selling artist Ace Hood.
In this episode, Neal and Amer sit down with Shelah Marie, whose voice in the world of mental health, social justice, and wellness, is making real impact. Throughout the episode, they learn about how to have a conversation with your future self, self acceptance, the power of finding your own community, tips and tricks for success, and more!
For the full & uncut episode, along with a number of other perks, please visit www.leavelookingup.com/fans and subscribe!
Meet Pierce Freelon, 2x Grammy Nominee, Former City Councilman, Emmy Award-winning Producer, Author, father of 3, and most recently inducted into the Kennedy 50.
Join Neal and Amer as they sit down with Pierce and hear about the importance of honoring our ancestors, vibrations, dealing with failures and challenges through acceptance, being obedient to your intuition, and that the way you do one thing, is the way you should do all things.
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Our 1st episode welcomes your hosts - Neal Ludevig and Amer Jandali - who tell you what you're in for, their promise to you, a bit about themselves, and gives your a highlight reel of some of our favorite snippets from our first season.