Right in Front of My Face

This podcast features conversations with real people going through real things happening in life all around us. The interviews contain honest, respectful discourse about the invisible battles people are fighting right next to us that don't make our Instagram and Facebook feeds. The goal to shed light on hidden issues that many of us are dealing with in secret, and how kindness and understanding can truly break barriers. Life is about more than politics and Twitter battles. Hopefully, we can all feel less alone by hearing that other people are sharing both their pain and joy.

Right in Front of My Face is a society podcast hosted by Shannon Hull, with 54 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Shannon Hull hosts Right in Front of My Face, a society show with 54 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Right in Front of My Face

  Coming Out as a Gay Man in Spokane, WA: Joe's Coming Out Story | Pride Month Re-Release

  Jun 25, 202658 min

  For Pride Month, I am re-releasing the very first episode of Right in Front of My Face. The conversation that started it all, and the reason this podcast exists. I sat down with my cousin, Joe, to talk about what it was like growing up gay in conservative Spokane, Washington in the 1990s, at a time when being part of the LGBTQ community simply wasn't visible or accepted. Joe shares his personal coming out journey in raw, honest detail: the identity confusion of adolescence, a life-changing study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, years of living a double life (including using a fake name around his hometown), and the fear and relief of finally coming out to his family at age 25. This is more than a coming out story. It's a conversation about LGBTQ identity, family acceptance, religion and sexuality, internalized fear, and what it actually feels like on the other side of telling the truth. Joe also shares his own perspective on supporting LGBTQ youth, the unique challenges faced by effeminate gay men versus those who could "pass," and practical advice for parents whose kids may come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer. Whether you're LGBTQ yourself, the parent of an LGBTQ child, or simply curious about real coming out experiences, this episode offers honesty, humor, and hard-won perspective. We discuss: Growing up gay in a conservative Catholic family in Spokane, WA Coming out story: hiding your sexual orientation in your teens and 20s Living a double life as a closeted gay man in your 20s Coming out to parents and siblings LGBTQ youth homelessness and family rejection Gay marriage and meeting your spouse later in life (Joe & husband Dale) Advice for parents of LGBTQ kids Religion, the Catholic Church, and LGBTQ acceptance Visibility, "passing," and bullying in the LGBTQ community You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at rightinfrontofmyface@gmail.com. If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don't forget to look around—you never know what's happening right in front of your face.

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  Right in Front of My Face

  Inside the Menendez Story: A Cousin's Fight for Rehabilitation

  Dec 12, 20251h 11m

  What if everything you thought you knew about the Menendez brothers was only half the story? In this season 5 finale, I sit down with one of my oldest friends, yoga instructor and advocate Anamaria Baralt, who also happens to be the first cousin of Eric and Lyle Menendez. Twenty-five years ago, Anamaria quietly told me who her cousins were and asked me to keep it to myself. Today, she is standing in front of walls of cameras, speaking for her family, and trying to change how we think about abuse, justice, rehabilitation, and what it means to hold two truths at the same time. We talk about how Anamaria went from a "normal" life as a mom, yoga teacher, and graphic designer outside of Seattle to serving as a public representative for her family during the resentencing process. She shares what it was like to out herself at a press conference, watch her TikTok explode overnight, and become the person Eric and Lyle trust to use her voice on the outside. Content note: This episode includes discussion of murder, child abuse, sexual abuse, addiction, and the criminal justice system. Please care for yourself as you listen. In this episode: The complexity of holding two truths: grieving her aunt and uncle while supporting her cousins, Eric and Lyle Menendez Why Anamaria chose to go public after decades of silence How media portrayals, from the '90s to Monsters, skew the real story Who Eric and Lyle are today after 35 years in prison Why rehabilitation and trauma-informed sentencing matter What modern brain science reveals about abuse, trauma, and decision-making What happened during the resentencing and latest parole denial How Anamaria is navigating advocacy, motherhood, and national attention Her vision for prison reform, awareness around child abuse, and using her voice for change Anamaria Baralt is a yoga instructor, personal trainer, artist, and mom of two living outside Seattle. She is also the niece of José and Kitty Menendez and first cousin of Eric and Lyle Menendez. After decades of living quietly with an unimaginable family history, she stepped into the public eye to speak on behalf of her family during the Menendez resentencing process. References and resources mentioned Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Ryan Murphy series): https://www.netflix.com/title/81665094 The Two Angry Men podcast episode featuring Eric and Lyle Menendez: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-angry-men/id1728521271?i=1000694271365 Lyle Menendez's Green Space Project and Eric Menendez's Life Care and Hospice work inside prison: https://apnews.com/article/menendez-brothers-murder-erik-lyle-freedom-prison-b1eede9677e78df88f6709703cc8b716 Anamaria's TikTok account, where she shares advocacy, education, and a few dog cameos: ttps://www.tiktok.com/@anamariabaralt You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at rightinfrontofmyface@gmail.com . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don't forget to look around—you never know what's happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: https://johnsonandwalker.com/

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  Right in Front of My Face

  Seattle School Board Budget Accountability: Vivian Song on the $1.2 B Crisis (Seattle School Board Candidate)

  Oct 23, 202548 min

  Seattle spends more than $1.2 billion each year on public education, nearly the same as running the entire city. So why do so few people know where that money goes, or who's actually in charge of it? In this episode of Right in Front of My Face , I sit down with Vivian Song, candidate for Seattle School Board District 5, to talk about how local politics directly shape our schools, and why most of us aren't paying enough attention. I'll be honest: I didn't think I'd ever get this invested in local education policy. But the more I've learned through this podcast, the more I realize how deeply city culture, education, and accountability are intertwined. With a $1.2 billion budget nearly equal to that of Seattle's entire city government, the Seattle Public School system has enormous influence, and yet, shockingly little oversight. Vivian and I dig into the Student Outcomes Focused Governance model, how it's changed school board oversight, and what happens when financial committees disappear. We also talk about what accountability really looks like, how to rebuild public trust, and why marketing might actually be one of the smartest tools for saving public schools. This conversation made me think differently about how education works and how my vote connects to it all. No matter where your kids go to school (or if you have kids at all), this episode is for anyone who cares about how our community's future is being shaped. Topics Covered: Why local elections matter more than you think The $1.2 billion question: who's watching Seattle's school budget? Understanding Student Outcomes Focused Governance How public education decisions affect everyone—even private school families Lessons from Vivian's first term and why she's running again The importance of transparency, community trust, and clear communication How public schools can regain enrollment and rebuild confidence The role of AI and technology in shaping the future of education About the Guest: Vivian Song is a Harvard graduate, finance professional, and former Seattle School Board Director now running for District 5 . A parent of four, she's passionate about public education, fiscal accountability, and ensuring equitable opportunities for every student in Seattle. https://www.songforseattleschools.com You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at rightinfrontofmyface@gmail.com . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don't forget to look around—you never know what's happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: https://johnsonandwalker.com/

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  Right in Front of My Face

  Inside Seattle Politics: A Conversation with City Council President Sara Nelson

  Jun 12, 202549 min

  This episode is a little different — and honestly, one of the most meaningful conversations I've had on the podcast. It all started when someone threw a rock through the window of my husband's pediatric dental office in Green Lake. That incident led me down an unexpected path of navigating city programs, talking to local leaders, and eventually, sitting across from Sara Nelson, President of the Seattle City Council. Sara joined me in my home studio for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to lead in this city — and why she's running for a second term. We covered a lot: the realities of public safety, support for small businesses, addiction treatment, housing, and the power (and limits) of what City Council can actually do. She didn't dodge a single question, and nothing was edited out. What you'll hear is an open, honest exchange between two people who care deeply about Seattle and want to see it thrive. In this episode: The Back to Business Fund and how it directly impacted my family What Seattle City Council members can and can't control Sara's approach to public safety, housing, and addiction treatment What it's like to lead with integrity under constant public scrutiny Her biggest wins — and what she wants to accomplish next term A quote that stuck with me was: "I ran to fix the city — and I'm not done." If you live in Seattle, I hope this episode helps you feel more informed and connected to the people shaping our future. And I hope it reminds you that your voice matters — not just on social media, but at the polls. Connect with Sara Nelson: Website: https://www.saraforcitycouncil.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraforcitycouncil You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at rightinfrontofmyface@gmail.com . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don't forget to look around—you never know what's happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: https://johnsonandwalker.com/

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  Right in Front of My Face

  Let It Be Beautiful: Navigating Grief, Love, and Legacy with Sydney Mintle

  May 29, 202549 min

  Sometimes the most heartbreaking moment of your life became your most beautiful lesson. In this episode, I sit down with fashion publicist, writer, and mom Sydney Mintle to talk about love, loss, and what it means to face death with presence and peace. Sydney's husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with glioblastoma—an aggressive form of brain cancer—and within just over a year, he passed away. But this isn't just a story about loss. It's about how one family chose beauty over bitterness, honesty over fear, and how Jeff's legacy continues to bloom—literally. From parenting through grief and embracing death doulas, to composting Jeff's remains and traveling the world to spread his soil, Sydney shares a deeply moving journey of intentional living, radical acceptance, and spiritual grace. In this episode: Sydney and Jeff's love story and their shared philosophy on living fully How they approached terminal illness with honesty and hope The impact of open conversations with children about death Why Sydney chose human composting—and how it brought comfort What it means to "walk someone home" at the end of life Finding signs, miracles, and meaning in unexpected moments This conversation will change the way you think about grief, death, and what it means to truly live. Whether you've experienced a personal loss or want to better support someone who has, this episode is a gift. Connect with Sydney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydlovesfashion Jeff's Obituary: https://www.sydlovesfashion.com/blog/jeff-mintle-obituary You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at rightinfrontofmyface@gmail.com . If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don't forget to look around—you never know what's happening right in front of your face. Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: https://johnsonandwalker.com/

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