In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with documentary filmmaker Evan Grae Davis for a conversation that spans human rights, personal transformation, and the courage it takes to question everything you were taught to believe.

Evan spent more than two decades traveling the world creating documentary films that highlight urgent global issues. His groundbreaking film It’s a Girl exposed the devastating reality of gendercide in India and China—where cultural pressures, economic forces, and long-standing traditions have contributed to the disappearance of hundreds of millions of girls. The film reached audiences in more than 20 countries and sparked global conversations about human rights and the value of women and girls.

But Evan’s own story is just as compelling as the ones he films. Raised in an isolationist religious cult, Evan grew up believing he had a divine duty to save the world. As an adult, traveling internationally and witnessing different cultures challenged everything he had been taught. When he finally began questioning those beliefs, it cost him his career, community, and family support system—forcing him to rebuild his life from the ground up.

In this candid conversation, Jill and Evan explore:

• The shocking realities uncovered while filming It’s a Girl

• The difficult moral questions surrounding cultural practices and human rights

• Growing up in a religious cult and breaking free from deeply ingrained beliefs

• How childhood trauma can shape our identities, relationships, and careers

• The struggle—and freedom—of reclaiming your voice and purpose

• Why authentic, relationship-driven storytelling matters more than ever in the digital age

Now a filmmaker, speaker, and marketing strategist helping others tell meaningful stories, Evan shares how understanding our past can become the key to building a more honest and impactful future. This episode is a deeply human conversation about identity, justice, culture, and what it means to live—and tell stories—with authenticity.

As Stories from Everywhere approaches its one-year anniversary, Episode 43 flips the (no)script in the most heartfelt way. Board member Danielle Brooks takes the host seat and interviews Jill L. Ferguson about the deeper “why” behind Let’s Talk About Love — the social purpose corporation and global movement Jill felt called to create.

In this candid, unscripted conversation, Jill opens up about:

• The healing journey that led to a powerful vision of Truth and the message that “love is the way”

• Launching a grassroots love movement in a time when fear and division dominate headlines

• Why love is not soft — but one of the strongest forces on the planet

• How trust, truth, and vulnerability form the foundation of real connection

• The personal cost of starting something meaningful while navigating family illness

• The small, everyday acts of kindness that ripple outward and change lives Jill shares a moving story about listening to an inner nudge to buy a meal for a stranger — and how that simple act became a profound moment of human connection on one of the hardest days of his life

It’s a reminder that love is not theoretical. It’s practical. It’s relational. It’s brave. You’ll also hear Jill speak vulnerably about where she still struggles — especially around romantic vulnerability — and why choosing love anyway is worth the risk.

Together, Jill and Danielle explore:

• What it really means to “lead with love”

• How to respond to hate without becoming hateful

• Why community and collaboration are the only path to lasting change

• How you can participate in spreading love — through storytelling, meditation, conversation, and everyday courage

This episode is personal. It’s philosophical. It’s practical. And it’s an invitation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether love can truly change systems, businesses, relationships — or even the world — this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Because in the end, as Jill reminds us, we are here for such a short time.

And when everything else fades, what remains is love. Listen in. Then go start your own ripple.

What if money isn’t just about numbers but about grief, identity, purpose and how we move through life’s biggest changes?

In this deeply human and surprisingly soulful conversation, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Joshua Dunlop, founder of Even Path and a purpose-driven financial planner who works at the powerful intersection of money and emotion. Together, they explore why financial decisions are often hardest during moments of loss, divorce, retirement, or major life transitions—and why spreadsheets alone can’t guide us through them. Joshua shares his philosophy on emotionally informed financial planning, why shame keeps so many people from seeking help, and how true financial clarity can free us to grieve, heal, and reimagine what comes next.

From redefining retirement as a lifestyle transition (not a financial event), to unpacking our complicated relationship with money, relevance, and self-worth, this episode challenges everything we’ve been taught about success and security.

You’ll hear about:

+ Why emotions—not investments—derail financial plans

+ The six non-financial pillars that predict a fulfilling retirement

+ How grief, identity, and money collide during major life changes

+ Letting go of shame around finances (no matter how much—or little—you have)

+ Why purpose-driven planning may be the future of financial guidance

This episode is for anyone navigating change, questioning old definitions of success, or wondering how to build a life that feels meaningful—not just financially “sound.”

💛 Because when money meets clarity, life gets lighter.