Rising Stars: Meet Isabella Magidson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Magidson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was six I had the chance to meet one of the most important people in my life. Her name is Iryna and she was my au pair from Ukraine. An au pair? It’s this nifty idea where someone from Country A jets off to Country B, shacks up with a family, and dives headfirst into the local culture, all while playing babysitter.

Iryna decides Colorado’s got the right vibes and sticks around post-gig. We keep in touch through the years, bonded over this bonkers urge to leave our mark on the world. Something epic, you know? Make it better, not bitter. Then, out of the blue, she’s like, “Hey, ever thought of starting a podcast?” And just like that, ‘Moments That Define Us’ hit the airwaves. Since then? We’ve been making history, one jaw-dropping episode at a time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has definitely not been smooth. But if it was smooth it would be boring, and where is the trill in that? When you start something new, it’s a constant roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes I cry with joy, and sometimes I wonder what the hell I am doing. It’s wonderful to have a partner you when going off and starting your own thing.

In my case, Iryna, and I balance each other out. When she hits panic mode, I’m the zen master, and when I’m about to lose my marbles, she’s the calm in the storm. It’s a beautifully mad dance Sometimes we ask people to be on our podcast and we get no’s, sometimes we get negative feedback, sometimes we don’t reach as many people as we were hoping to.

We set lots of goals and sometimes we fly through those goals and sometimes we don’t even get close to them, but even when there are obstacles, loving what we do helps me get through the hard times. Being able to provide a safe space on our podcast for people to share their stories is what triumphs any hardship.

Guest rejections? Been there. Harsh feedback? Heard it. Goals that laugh in our faces? Oh, plenty. But here’s the kicker: for every facepalm moment, there’s this indescribable buzz from doing what we love, the magic of offering a mic and a spotlight to voices that need to be heard. Creating a safe haven on our podcast trumps any fear. Every stumble, every no, every ‘what on earth are we doing?’ moment fades when we remember the stories we’re helping to tell.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Oh, where do I even start? Picture us as the dynamic duo behind the ‘Moments That Define Us’ podcast. It’s our brainchild, our little rebel yell into the void. What do we do? We’re storytellers, confidantes, the pals you’ve never met but always needed. We believe in the power of stories. Why? Because stories are the threads that weave us together.

They’re the bridges across our divides, the salve that heals, connecting us in ways that you never thought possible. Each of us carries a library of tales and our mission. To offer a sanctuary where stories aren’t just told—they’re heard, felt, and embraced, bringing us closer, one shared experience at a time.

What am I most proud of? It’s the connections, hands down. Those moments when a guest opens up, sharing a sliver of their soul, and you can almost hear the collective nod from listeners around the globe. It’s magic, pure and simple. What sets us apart? It’s our yin and yang vibe. I’m the calm in Iryna’s storm, and she’s the fire to my ice. We explore all and every topic. We’re not just a podcast, we’re creating a community where you can come to heal, laugh, and learn through the power of shared experiences.

But above all, it’s our mission to create a haven, a safe space for stories to unfold, and for voices to be heard. We specialize in the art of the nitty-gritty, the tales that make you sit up and go, “Wait, what? Tell me more!” We’re known for peeling back the layers and getting to the heart of the matter. That’s our triumph, our badge of honor. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about standing up, for stories untold, for moments that truly define us.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely, the Covid-19 crisis has been a masterclass in life lessons, serving up some tough but vital truths. For starters, it underscored the undeniable power of adaptability and resilience. I learned that when the world throws a curve ball, ducking isn’t always an option; sometimes, you’ve got to swing back with all you’ve got. It’s about pivoting, whether that’s transitioning to remote work or finding new ways to connect with loved ones.

Another biggie? The importance of community and support networks. Isolation taught me that humans are fundamentally social creatures, craving connection and support. (This is why our podcast is all about connection!) It’s the little check-ins, the virtual hugs, and the “thinking of you” messages that kept us afloat, reminding us that we’re not alone, even when physically apart.

Health—mental and physical—took center stage, too. The crisis highlighted the need to prioritize my well-being, not as a luxury but as a necessity. To listen to my body, seek help when needed, and cherish the moments of calm amidst the chaos.

Lastly, it taught me gratitude for the seemingly mundane. The freedom to roam, the spontaneous coffee dates, the noise of a bustling street—things I overlooked became the very experiences I yearned for. It was a lesson in finding joy in the simplicity of everyday life, in appreciating the now because, as we’ve all learned, tomorrow is anything but guaranteed.

Contact Info:

• Website: momentsthatdefineus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentsthatdefineus/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentsthatdefineus
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@momentsthatdefineus?lang=pt