Most Likely To

Kruti Patel Groyal grew up in her parents' motel, giving her an early crash course in running a business and taking risks. In this episode, learn both about the benefits of working at a gigantic company and the power of working for a smaller, mission-driven business.

Find out how traveling changed Kruti's career trajectory forever, the hardest (and best!) parts of being a CEO, and the #1 tip for staying focused. Plus: What's the we...

Mike Watanabe's animated characters (Tim and Moby of BrainPop fame) are a beloved staple in schools across the country. In this chat with Janelle, Mike shares what it was like growing up in Hawaii, how Sesame Street unexpectedly shaped his career, and his expert advice for aspiring artists and storytellers. Want to make a living from your art? Engage an audience? Make every joke 10% funnier? Mike’s got you covered. Plus — did you k...

Rebecca Naomi Jones is best known for her unmissable performances in iconic Broadway productions, including her recent turn in the critically-acclaimed, Tony-Award-winning Stereophonic. In this chat with Janelle, Rebecca recounts what it was like growing up biracial and shares the hard-earned wisdom of a successful career on stage and screen. She doesn't skimp on the colorful details: Why was Billie Joe Armstrong passing her notes ...

"I'm madly in love with plumbing," says Judaline Cassidy. By the end of this episode, you will be too. Join us as Judaline traces her unique path from childhood in Trinidad and Tobago through her lucrative career in New York City doing what she loves. A staunch advocate for women in skilled trades, Judaline has been recognized by everyone from L'Oreal to CNN to the 92nd Street Y.

To keep up with Judaline, follow her on Instagram: h...

Her class at Yale is the most popular in university history. Her podcast The Happiness Lab is one of the most listened-to in the world. But as a kid, Laurie Santos wanted to be... a dolphin trainer?! In this chat with Janelle, Laurie shares her experience growing up mixed-race in Massachusetts and offers real, science-based strategies to help you become a happier human.

(Also covered: that time a bunch of monkeys stole all of her e...

Even if you don't know JaQuel Knight by name, you definitely know his work. An undeniable force in the dance and music worlds, JaQuel has choreographed everything from Beyonce's Coachella performance to J. Lo's Super Bowl halftime show to a slew of internet-breaking music videos. Wanna be an artist? Don't miss JaQuel's inspiring, no-nonsense advice.

Bonus: JaQuel breaks down his iconic "Single Ladies" choreography.

To keep up with J...

How did a self-described "hot mess" about money become a personal finance expert — empowering an entire generation to achieve financial independence? In this chat with Janelle, Yanely talks growing up in a large, low-income family, the culture shock of the Ivy League, and the 3 steps to begin achieving your money goals. Plus, she shares a quick exercise to build your resilience and overcome any obstacle.

To keep up with Yanely, foll...

From TikTok to The Today Show to classrooms across the country, Donovan Taylor Hall is on a mission: empower young people with the mental and emotional tools they need to succeed. This episode is all about turning pain and self-doubt into passion and strength. Donovan talks about his struggles growing up as a biracial, queer kid and how tragedy set him on the path toward finding himself. If you aren't sure how to tap into your uniq...

Laurie Hernandez, a world-renowned gymnast, longtime learning ambassador for KPMG, and passionate advocate for literacy, mentorship, and mental health, shares her journey from gymnastics to becoming a junior at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts, her pursuits in acting, and her influential role in sports commentary.

Through candid reflections, Laurie discusses the importance of following one's passions, the value of representation, and her ...

Joe Holder is on a mission: Make the world a fitter, healthier place. In his chat with Janelle, Joe shares how a college football injury set him on a new, unexpected path toward helping people meet their goals.

This episode is PACKED with expert advice: What does it mean to "learn the algorithm of life"? What 5 things can you do to improve your own wellness today? Find out here.

To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by Donors...

Do you remember THAT teacher — the one that made all the difference for you?

In this episode, Janelle chats with Amanda about the teacher that inspired her to become a world class educator. She also shares about her Mexican-American family, the secret charisma great teachers posess, and the wildest thing that's happened in her classroom. If you've ever thought about teaching, don't miss this episode!

To learn more about Most Likely ...

*WARNING: This episode contains astonishing character voices, outrageous vocal warm-ups, and seriously practical tips for building self-confidence.*

How did a free-spirited young girl grow up to become a voice actor, writer, and producer? What's it like shaping shows like Craig of the Creek, Tiny Toons Looniversity, and Fairly OddParents: A New Wish? Follow Ashleigh's journey from her childhood love of sitcoms through her successful...

Nurse Clara shares how she grew into her Korean-American identity, why she decided not to become a doctor, and the wide variety of nursing careers you can pursue. She also delves into the nitty gritty (and occasionally bloody) details of nursing life, and gives tactical guidance for building important relationships. Episode spoiler: Giving a newborn baby its first-ever bath is reeeally tricky.

To learn more about Most Likely To, a p...

Dr. Raven (aka "Raven the Science Maven") wants you to know: You're already a scientist. In this episode, she chats with Janelle about overcoming early struggles with math, changing the game when it comes to Black representation, and how it was actually her first job at Burger King that taught her... not everything is as it seems.

Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose is sponsored by KPMG. To learn more about the show, visit: h...

How does baking build community? What goes into a viral pie? Can a self-proclaimed "midwestern girl" thrive in the male-dominated New York restaurant scene?

Christina Tosi's got the answers, and she's sharing all of them!

Plus, she gives a sneak peek into her new collab with the Kelce brothers and shares the secret ingredient that makes a perfect cookie every time.

Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose is sponsored by KPMG. To l...

From The King & I on Broadway to Fatboy Slim's musical, Jose Llana is no stranger to performing at the highest levels. But as a young, gay, Asian-American immigrant, his path was anything but assured. In this chat with Janelle, Jose unpacks Filipino karaoke culture, reveals how he talked his way into his first big audition, and reflects on the ever-evolving theater industry. (And, yes, he sings for us, too.)

To learn more about ...

At 23, Leland Melvin's NFL career was over, but his biggest adventure was just beginning! Leland chats with Janelle about blowing up his mother's living room, super intense astronaut training, and the mind-blowing perspective shifts that happen in space.

To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcast

You can order Leland's new graphic novel Space Chasers on Amaz...

Growing up Asian American in a majority-white California community, Amy Liu wasn't the most obvious pick to shake up the beauty industry, but that's exactly what she did. The Tower 28 founder chats with Janelle about entrepreneurship, TikTok virality, owning your identity, and how pushing industry boundaries is possible — once you've challenged the boundaries set by your parents!

To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by Dono...

How does a small-town kid from Michigan end up designing the costumes on Gossip Girl? Eric chats with Janelle about how to be brave, find your style, and follow your dreams. Plus, he gives the inside scoop on creating iconic TV characters and reuniting with Blake Lively for the buzzy new film, It Ends With Us.

To learn more about Most Likely To, a podcast by DonorsChoose, visit our homepage: https://www.donorschoose.org/podcast

To ke...