Where We Rise

Real stories, real people, and the moments that change us — that’s Where We Rise.

Where We Rise is a society podcast hosted by Khalila McCoy, with 28 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.

Khalila McCoy hosts Where We Rise, a society show with 28 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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  Episode #27

  27 | "So Much More Than Algebra" | Impacting Our Youth

  Aug 13, 20261 hourS1

  Dr. Emily Wassell shares her remarkable journey from aspiring politician to educator, revealing how teaching became the most powerful way she could change the world. In this conversation, she reflects on her work across diverse educational settings — from juvenile centers to gifted programs — and the challenges and triumphs of building a school centered on student well‑being. Dr. Wassell opens up about the importance of innovative, real‑world learning, including field trips that help students understand themselves and the world around them. She also speaks candidly about the growing impact of technology on youth and why human connection remains the most essential part of education. Her story takes a deeply personal turn as she shares how her family traveled the world in search of the right learning environment for her son, ultimately choosing to move to Italy for a slower pace and better quality of life. Packed with wisdom for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about young people, this episode offers meaningful insights on joy, curiosity, connection, and creating spaces where children can truly thrive. Connect with Dr. Emily Website: dremilywassell.com Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

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  Episode #26

  26 | "Autism Rocks" | Looking Beyond the Surface

  Aug 6, 202627 minS1

  In this episode, I am talking with Sam Mitchell , which is like getting a clearer, more honest look at what autism really feels like — not through assumptions or clinical language, but through lived experience. In this episode, Sam shares how he learned to embrace who he is, stop people‑pleasing, and build a life that reflects his strengths, his structure, and his creativity. He opens up about navigating social cues, managing anxiety, finding work, and building his podcast and nonprofit, Autism Rocks and Rolls . Sam’s perspective is direct, refreshing, and deeply human. He reminds us that autism isn’t something to fix — it’s a different way of thinking, creating, and moving through the world. This conversation challenges us to look past the surface, to slow down, and to treat people with more kindness and curiosity. Sam doesn’t just talk about authenticity — he lives it. And his story encourages all of us to show up a little more honestly in our own lives. Connect with Sam: Website: autismrocksandrolls.com Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls on all platforms Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

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  Episode #25

  25| "Meet Them Where They Are" | Advocating for Adults with Autism

  Jul 30, 202645 minS1

  In this episode of Where We Rise , Khalila sits down with April Ratchford , an autistic occupational therapist, mother, and host of Adulting With Autism . April shares her story of being late diagnosed, raising a neurodivergent son, and navigating a world that offers very little support for autistic teens transitioning into adulthood. April opens up about her son’s journey—from early signs of autism, to years of misdiagnosis, to failing out of college at 19, and eventually finding a university that understands how neurodivergent students learn best. She explains why so many autistic adults struggle after high school, how cultural bias impacts diagnosis, and what families really need to know about college, independence, and maturity. April reframes autism not as a deficit, but as a different way of experiencing the world — and her insight will challenge you to rethink how you show up for neurodivergent people in your life. Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to understand autism more deeply, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. Connect with April: Website: AdultingwithAutism.com Podcast: Adulting With Autism on all platforms Episodes to check out Marshall University with Mindy Overcoming the wall of awful - 7/27 Missed AdHD, masking and burnout - 7/15 Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

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  Episode #24

  24 | "Knowing Shifts Your Power" | Stress as Data, Not Danger

  Jul 23, 20261h 18mS1

  Author Nicole Hope Sylvester joins Khalila to unpack the science and self‑awareness behind stress, overwhelm, and emotional regulation. Nicole’s “jar of marbles” metaphor reveals how the body stores unprocessed emotions and stress signals until we reach a breaking point — and how learning to release those marbles can transform your mental and physical well‑being. This episode dives into the human operating system, nervous system basics, survival mode, beliefs formed in childhood, and why calm is a skill you can train. Nicole explains how stress is actually data from the body, and how understanding that data helps you respond better, think clearer, and live more authentically. Perfect for anyone navigating burnout, anxiety, emotional overload, or the desire to rise into a healthier version of themselves. Connect with Nicole: Book on Amazon: Calm Is Power: How to Stop Overthinking, Reduce Stress and Respond Better to Life Instagram: nhopes10 Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

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  Episode #23

  23 | "Life Lessons" | What Has Shaped Your Life?

  Jul 16, 20261h 3mS1

  Turning 40 is a milestone — and in this special birthday episode, Khalila McCoy reflects on the seven life lessons that have shaped her across four decades. From putting God first to redefining identity beyond career to embracing lifelong learning and unexpected wisdom from travel, this episode is honest, heartfelt, and full of growth. Joined by her husband, DJ McCoy, Khalila shares personal stories about faith, teaching, burnout, rediscovery, trying new things, and the powerful life lessons from a service trip to Mexico as a teenager. Together, they explore how experiences — big and small — shape who we become and how we rise. If you’re navigating your own season of reflection, transition, or self‑discovery, this episode will encourage you to look at your life with gratitude, curiosity, and hope. It’s real, uplifting, and full of the warmth that defines Where We Rise . Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

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