MaKenzie, the host of Raw Thoughts Podcast, possesses a remarkable ability to delve into sensitive topics by engaging with individuals who have firsthand experiences in various challenging areas. Her podcast specializes in offering a platform to first responders facing frontline struggles, women dealing with postpartum depression, individuals living with Bipolar disorder, Veterans who have survived suicide attempts, and others who have navigated life through daunting challenges.
 

With an exceptional level of compassion, MaKenzie creates a safe and nurturing space for each guest to openly share their life experiences. She encourages vulnerability, allowing these individuals to share their stories with the world, fostering a sense of commonality among all listeners. Throughout these heartfelt discussions, she skillfully intertwines her own life experiences, forging genuine connections with her guests.

Linda is responsible for directing all financial and administration functions for XFI. She brings over 25 years of experience as a business strategist and financial executive primarily for emerging technology companies.

As a financial executive, Linda is experienced in building the infrastructure platform and obtaining the capital required to support high growth technology firms. She has a proven record of maximizing efficiencies and increasing productivity while operating with limited resources.

Linda has extensive experience with both public and emerging technology companies. Prior to joining XFI, Linda had been CFO of three high growth technology firms and two public firms. In obtaining the financing for these companies, she developed her expertise in public and private capital markets.

Linda has a BA from Swarthmore College and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.

Introducing Ryoji Inatsugi, a passionate solo musician hailing from Japan, currently residing in the vibrant city of Inglewood. Ryoji’s musical journey began at the tender age of 5, and since then, he has brought the joy of music to the young ones, performing for children aged 0-3 at various beautiful locations, including parks in Venice, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and the waterfront restaurant in Venice. His weekends are filled with the laughter of birthday parties for toddlers aged 2-4 all around town.

Ryoji’s versatile talents shine as he plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica, cajon drum, and serenades with nursery rhymes, world music, and rock tunes. His experience is not limited to solo performances; he’s been a part of various bands, exploring traditional music from Japan, Okinawa, and Africa. In 2023, Ryoji made his mark on Spotify with a diverse range of songs, from the rock anthem “Construction Song” to the lively ska track “Garbage Truck,” designed to delight children. His upcoming release, “Cry Like a Baby,” combines Japanese and English lyrics to create dance music suitable for all ages.

Ryoji’s dedication to music extends to his professional life as well, working as a drum tech at the esteemed African drum store, “Motheland Music,” in Inglewood since 2005.

In his ongoing journey, Ryoji is forming a performance band called “Ryoji and Friends,” dedicated to creating memorable experiences for families and children through the power of music. His music is a vibrant celebration of diverse influences and a testament to the universal language that connects us all.

Hi, I’m Chloe Berkowitz! I’m 17 and I’m a junior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. I became inspired to co-found our organization, “Teens at the Door,” when I was watching the news on the Taliban in Afghanistan forcing people out of their homes and country. When refugees began to travel to America, I thought about all of the teenagers just like me, who would have to suddenly adjust to such a different environment.

I’m excited to study environmental science next year in college, and to contribute to the solutions to Climate Change. Currently, I am the captain of my varsity volleyball team and I’m leading us to the semi-finals of the Regional Championship, and then to States! In my free time, I love to draw and paint.

Hi, I’m Hugo Chiasson! I’m 17 and a senior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. In August 2021, I watched as the planes took off from the Kabul airport and could not help but feel like I had to do something to help all those people forced to leave their homeland, most especially the teenagers like me who would be uniquely impacted by their displacement.

I love politics, film, and learning about people and the systems around me. I am also passionate about Constitutional Law. My favorite activities are reading, working on campaigns, writing, and watching movies. Recently, I served as a Delegate to California Boys and Girls State 2023, where I was selected as one of two students to represent California as a Senator at Boys Nation this past July. While there, I presented my resolution on refugees. You can read more about it here. I’m also a member of the Olivia E. Mitchell LA City Youth Council, where I am advocating for policy on behalf of youth in Los Angeles, including refugee youth. Most of all, I hope that in the future I can help to make the systems which protect refugees function better than they do today.

From 2011-2022, Marlin produced and shot more than more than about twenty 90- minute travel-adventure documentaries:

- CUBA: A Road Journey from Havana to Trinidad, Santiago and beyond

- THE SILK ROAD: China to Turkey - In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

- NORTHERN EUROPE: St.Petersburg, Moscow, Prague, Copenhagen, London and Paris

- SOUTHERN EUROPE: Paris, Cannes, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Istanbul

- PAKISTAN & AFGHANISTAN: On the border and on the Edge (also known as "In The Shadow of bin Laden")

- CITIES OF ITALY: Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples & the Amalfi Coast

- SECRETS OF ANCIENT EGYPT: The Greatest Story Never Told

- MADAGASCAR: A Land Out of Time – Return to Treasure Island

- The AMAZON: A Discovery Voyahge down the Great River Sea

- PEARLS OF THE CARIBBEAN: A Voyage from Cuba to Puerto Rico, St. Barts, St.Maarten, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia and Barbados

- CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama Canal,Colombia, The Galapagos, Easter Island, Peru & Brazil

- A WEEK IN PARIS: What to see and do in The City of Light. Also Versailles, Loire Valley

- MEDITERRANEAN DREAM: A Voyage from Alexandria to Greece, Italy & Gibraltar.

- HAWAII & THE SOUTH PACIFIC: The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai, Galapagos, Easter Island, the Marquesas, Rangiroa, Moorea and Tahiti

- JEWELS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA: Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia & Thailand

- LOST TRIBES OF NEW GUINEA: A visit to the Dani, Asmat & Korowai tribes

- TREASURES OF TURKEY: Exploring Anatolia’s Cultural and Historical Marvels

- WONDERS OF THE WORLD: Exploring 30 Great Archeological and Nature sites

- TROPICAL ASIA:  A Journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia

Senaida Bautista is a Financial Advisor and Co-Owner of Clarity Wealth Management LLC. She has worked on providing tailored investment services to individuals, families, and foundations for the past 18 years. Her focus is to provide a financial road map that addresses common concerns of income, growth and liquidity.

James J. Sydnor is a native Washingtonian and a product of the DC public school system, graduating from Calvin
Coolidge High School in 1980. Sydnor then achieved a Master’s in Homeland Security degree from the University
of the District of Columbia in 2018.

Serving his community, James was a prior Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner representing
Single Member District 4B04 and the Ward 4 Committeeman as a member of the District of
Columbia Democratic State Committee. He is now serving as At-Large Committeeman.
Sydnor’s service to the community extends to veterans and military families. James is the
former Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus on the DC Democratic State
Committee; current Chief of Staff of the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Veterans of Foreign
Wars Post 341; member of Kenneth Nash American Legion Post 8; and a public member of the
Mayor’s Advisory Board on DC Veterans Affairs.

Lance Corporal Sydnor began his career in the United States Marine Corps as a mortarman with
the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines – 1st Marine Division.

Corporal Sydnor became one of the last active Cadre Instructors on Submarine Base Kitsap.
There, he and a team of Marines maintained the base’s Auxiliary Security Force, instructing
sailors on base defense tactics and deployment of tactical weapons.

Sergeant Sydnor transitioned from active duty to the reserves as a Landing Support Specialist
where Staff Sergeant Sydnor deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II as an Embarkation
Chief.

Continuing his career, Gunnery Sergeant Sydnor became an Individual Marine Augmentee in
support of exercise Key Resolve held by U.S. Forces Korea with the Republic of Korea Armed
Forces.

Having obtained the rank of 1st Sergeant, James retired after 22 years of military service.