Joining Janeane on September 2nd - Lisa Kenner Grissom at 9:00am - an award-winning screenwriter and playwright whose work engages dynamic social issues, often through a female lens

About Lisa Kenner Grissom


Lisa is an award-winning screenwriter and playwright whose work engages dynamic social issues, often through a female lens. She’s known for creating multi-layered characters, exploring the complexity of human emotion, and finding levity in discomfort.

After visiting Vilnius, Lithuania, Lisa began exploring themes of Jewish resistance, resilience, memory, and legacy. Her TV pilot, FANIA IN THE FOREST, was a
Top 5 ScreenCraft Fellowship Finalist and an Austin Film Festival Pitch Finalist. Most recently, the pilot was named to The 2026 Women’s List of top unproduced scripts.

Lisa also wrote and produced the award-winning short film TATTOO YOU, based on her published one-act play, which has screened at more than 15 film festivals nationally and internationally. Her critically acclaimed play HERE COMES THE NIGHT is currently being adapted as a screenplay.

A two-time Kennedy Center O’Neill Fellow, Lisa’s work has been developed and produced across the country. Originally from Boston and based in Los Angeles, she is a graduate of Wesleyan University. 

Lisa also shared a recent article about the Jewish partisan forts in Rūdninkai Forest, Lithuania — a place deeply connected to Fania’s story and the history of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust. The historic site has deteriorated over the years and now faces growing concerns about preservation and access.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-german-military-base-raises-fears-for-lithuanias-crumbling-jewish-partisan-memorial/

Upcoming Reading of FANIA IN THE FOREST - October 8th at Holocaust Museum LA - would love for you to come if you can! Let me know and I can add you to the list.  https://www.holocaustmuseumla.org/event-details/staged-reading-of-fania-in-the-forest. 

Date: Thu, Oct 08  

Location: The Goldrich Cultural Center

After the 1941 Nazi invasion of Vilna tears her family apart, a defiant 16-year-old Jewish girl fights to earn her place among a band of forest partisans—only to make a reckless mistake that puts the entire brigade at risk.

About the Staged Reading of Fania in the Forest

FANIA IN THE FOREST is a fierce coming-of-age television pilot about a rebellious 16-year-old Jewish girl who escapes the Vilna ghetto and fights to earn her place among the male-dominated forest partisans. As she confronts both the brutality of the Nazi occupation and the resistance’s rigid ideas about what a girl can be, Fania discovers the cost and the power of refusing to stay in her place.

A Top 5 ScreenCraft Fellowship finalist and Austin Film Festival Pitch finalist, FANIA IN THE FOREST was most recently named to the 2026 Women’s List, recognizing the year’s top unproduced screenplays by women.

The reading runs approximately 75 minutes with no intermission, followed by a Q&A. FANIA IN THE FOREST is written by Lisa Kenner Grissom and directed by Genevieve Fowler. The team includes Noam Dromi, Executive Producer for Reboot Studios and Lauren Schaffel, Co-Producer.

Tix & Details

 lisakennergrissom.com IG: @lisa_kenner_grissom_

Joining Janeane September 2nd at 9:30am - Dr. Pius Kamau, a tireless advocate for education and equity, shares a remarkable story in his new book Running with Lions

                           

Running with Lions is a remarkable story! Dr. Kamau is a tireless advocate for education and equity, among other causes. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.


Dr. Kamau champions education and equity, supporting African women in STEM and serving on boards to expand minority access to science. His philosophy is rooted in openness, inquiry, and service—striving for a more humane world through healing and storytelling. As a Health Equity Leader, he continues to inspire with a vision of unity and the power of diverse voices

Born in Kenya and trained in Spain, Pius Kamau has been in surgical practice in the Denver area for three decades. He was a columnist for The Rocky Mountain News and has written for The Denver Post. Kamau’s commentaries have also been featured on NPR, in the Huffington Post and other national magazines and newspapers. He’s also contributed to several books and recently finished his memoir.


"A perceptive psychological exploration of the impact of racism and colonization."
-Donna Bryson, author of It's a Black-White Thing and Home of the Brave

As a boy in colonial Kenya, Pius Kamau learns early what it means to run with lions-both the metaphorical powers that stalk his people and the real leopard he encounters alone in the forest, the first of many times he will stand eye-to-eye with death.

Born under British rule and hardened by the unspeakable violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Pius grows up where curable illnesses claim loved ones and hope feels scarce. Inspired by his tubercular father, he dares to believe education can be his escape. He flees on foot toward Sudan in search of schooling but is arrested and sent back. He refuses to surrender. A scholarship to Strathmore College in Nairobi leads to medical studies in Spain, where Europe's art, philosophy, and culture widen his world even as he confronts the contradictions of colonialism.

Returning to an independent Kenya as a doctor, Pius discovers oppression has simply changed hands. This powerful memoir traces his journey from dirt-poor village boy to physician and eventually to surgeon, proving resilience, intellect, and courage know no color or border.
About the Author

Pius K. Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for HuffPost, Denver's Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He's been published in NPR's This I believe, Marlo Thomas's The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor's Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.



Publisher ‏ : ‎ Koehler Books

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 14, 2026


by Pius K Kamau MD (Author)

Here's a link to just some of his pieces from NPR News/ KUNC



From colonial Kenya to Colorado: Local surgeon and humanitarian recalls 'running with lions' in powerful new memoir

DENVER, CO., July 14, 2026—Thoracic surgeon, author, and humanitarian Dr. Pius Kamau has released his newest book with Koehler Books. His powerful memoir tells the extraordinary true story of his journey from a small village in colonial Kenya to a career as a physician and surgeon in the United States.

Growing up during British colonial rule and the violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Kamau witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty, disease, and political oppression. Determined to pursue an education despite overwhelming obstacles, he fled his village in search of schooling, even enduring imprisonment before ultimately studying medicine in Spain and going on to become a respected thoracic surgeon.

When asked about how he’s scaled these seemingly insurmountable barriers, he says, “My life may have been full of deep valleys of despair and seeming loss, but it too was a life full of kind people, full of generous men and women. I believe that I did well because I allowed charity and kindness to shine on my dark days and nights. And in addition to my persistence and resilience I kept hope alive. I still keep hope alive.”

The memoir explores themes of perseverance, faith, and the enduring pursuit of justice. Through deeply personal stories—including surviving encounters with wild predators, political violence, and life-threatening hardship—Kamau reflects on the experiences that shaped both his character and his calling to medicine.

In addition to his work as a thoracic surgeon, Kamau is an accomplished author whose writing has appeared in HuffPost, The Denver Gazette, NPR's This I Believe, Chicken Soup for the Soul of the Cancer Patient, and other national publications. He is also the founder of Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists pursue graduate education in the United States, and hosts Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.

Kamau's memoir offers readers an intimate look at one man's determination to overcome extraordinary adversity while illuminating the lasting impact of colonialism, the transformative power of education, and the resilience of the human spirit.

For more information about Dr. Pius Kamau and his new book, visit koehlerbooks.com.


ABOUT PIUS KAMAU, MD

Pius Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for Huffpost, Denver’s Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He’s been published in NPR’s This I believe, Marlo Thomas’s The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup of the Soul of the Cancer Patient, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor’s Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.  

Daisy Chain Fields: Where Music Meets Purpose Conversations with Daisy Chain Fields’ Nonprofit Partners on KUCI 88.9fm August 26th at 9am

 

Daisy Chain Fields: 

Where Music Meets Purpose

Conversations with Daisy Chain Fields’ Nonprofit Partners

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8vujKFx/

This week on Get the Funk Out on KUCI 88.9 FM, Janeane takes a closer look at Daisy Chain Fields, the new music festival celebrating women and girls through music, creativity, community and connection.

With an extraordinary lineup featuring Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Mitski, Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan and many more, Daisy Chain Fields promises to be a major celebration of women in music.

But there is another important story happening beyond the stages.

Daisy Chain Fields is also bringing attention to nonprofit organizations working on issues affecting women, girls, families and communities. On this episode of Get the Funk Out, Janeane speaks with several of the festival's nonprofit partners about their work, what brought them to Daisy Chain Fields, and how listeners can learn more about the causes they represent.

LISTEN TO TODAY'S SHOW

Meet the Guests

Madeline Halperin Robinson

Center for Reproductive Rights

Janeane begins the conversation with Madeline Halperin Robinson of the Center for Reproductive Rights, an organization that uses law and advocacy to advance reproductive rights around the world.

The Center has been involved in major reproductive-rights cases in courts around the world, including every major U.S. Supreme Court abortion case.

Learn more:
Center for Reproductive Rights

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Emily Escobar

Public Affairs Advocacy Manager, Planned Parenthood

Next, Janeane welcomes Emily Escobar, Public Affairs Advocacy Manager with Planned Parenthood.

Emily brings an advocacy perspective to the conversation, discussing the work of Planned Parenthood and the importance of access to reproductive health care and advocacy.

Learn more:
Planned Parenthood

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Naomi Giges Downey

Chief Global Engagement Officer, Jhpiego

Janeane then speaks with Naomi Giges Downey, Chief Global Engagement Officer at Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins-affiliated global health organization.

Jhpiego works to improve health and expand access to quality care, with a particular focus on women, families and communities around the world. Jhpiego's current leadership page lists Downey as Chief Global Engagement Officer.

Learn more:
Jhpiego

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Uma Iyer

National Women's Law Center

The conversation continues with Uma Iyer of the National Women's Law Center, bringing the perspective of law, policy and gender justice to the discussion.

The National Women's Law Center works through legal advocacy, public policy and research to advance gender justice and equality.

Learn more:
National Women's Law Center

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Dr. Melissa Walls

Co-Director, Center for Indigenous Health
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Janeane closes the hour with Dr. Melissa Walls, Co-Director of the Center for Indigenous Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Dr. Walls' work centers on Indigenous health and well-being, with an emphasis on research and partnerships that are developed alongside Indigenous communities. Her work also includes a focus on Indigenous health equity and global Indigenous well-being.

Learn more:
Dr. Melissa Walls — Center for Indigenous Health

Learn more about the Center:
Center for Indigenous Health — Johns Hopkins

More Than a Music Festival

Daisy Chain Fields creates a space where music and social impact intersect—bringing artists, nonprofit organizations and communities together around issues affecting women and girls.

These conversations offer listeners an opportunity to go beyond the festival lineup and meet some of the people and organizations working to create change every day.

Listen to Get the Funk Out on KUCI 88.9 FM from UC Irvine, and explore the organizations featured above.

https://www.daisychainfields.com/

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars An Unforgettable Final Sunday: The Family Album is a Masterpiece Ready for Broadway

Jul 17 – Aug 23 | Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre

Book by Sam Chanse

Music and Lyrics by MILCK (aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (aka Adrianne Gonzalez)

Conceived by MILCK and Jess McLeod

Story by Sam Chanse, MILCK and Jess McLeod

Directed by Jess McLeod

ABOUT THE FAMILY ALBUM

Singer-songwriter Mia Bing has been hustling for years and is on the cusp of breaking through in the music industry. Just as she receives the call that could change her career, she’s pulled back to her childhood home, where she’s once again the “disappointing” daughter of her Asian immigrant parents, still haunted by an unresolved secret. Mia must learn to use her voice to confront and heal from the past.

In 2017, MILCK and AG’s “Quiet” became a viral sensation around the world as an anthem of the Women’s March. That same spirit inspired them and acclaimed playwright Sam Chanse to draw on each of their personal stories to create The Family Album, a humorous and poignant original musical about finding and reclaiming your voice and using it for change.

Commissioned by La Jolla Playhouse, The Family Album features a soulful power-pop score by MILCK and two-time Tony Award nominee AG (The Lost Boys). Director Jess McLeod is known for work that blends emotional intimacy with expansive visual storytelling. This powerful, uplifting new musical is a journey through the healing power of connection. It will hit you right in the heart.

Check out MILCK;s 

"DOPAMINE LOTTERY" from THE FAMILY ALBUM | The Family Album (2026) | La Jolla Playhouse

Here’s My Experience Seeing the World Premiere of The Family Album

I had a chance to catch the 1 PM Sunday matinee during the final block of performances for The Family Album at the La Jolla Playhouse was an unforgettable privilege. Sitting in that audience, I watched a story unfold that felt like it was written directly from the pages of my own life, completely breaking me open in the best way possible. Knowing that the book is deeply rooted in the real-life healing journey of the artist MILCK gives the entire show an aching, beautiful authenticity. It handles generational fractures, cultural expectations, and the painful process of finding your own voice with an honesty that hits incredibly close to home.

The 90-minute show with no intermission flew by because it was so completely captivating, entertaining, and artistically off the charts. The music is the absolute heartbeat of this production. The moving and deeply engaging repertoire of songs—co-written by MILCK and AG—reaches right inside you. Behind the actors, the band included wonderful talent that seamlessly supported the storyline from beginning to end, creating an immersive wall of sound that amplified every emotional beat.

As for the stage, I already loved Aury Krebs in Brilliant Minds, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magnitude of her talent live. Her performance as Mia is breathtakingly vulnerable, carrying the heavy burden of family duty alongside the fierce fire of an artist fighting to be heard.

She is lifted by an absolutely phenomenal supporting cast, with each member bringing a stellar professional background and profound nuance to their roles:

• Jodi Long as Sylvia: A legendary, veteran New York stage and screen actress (and Emmy winner), she gives a heartbreakingly real, beautifully layered performance as Mia's fiercely protective yet demanding mother.
• Paul Nakauchi as Henry: Renowned for his distinguished work on Broadway (such as The King and I) and extensive voice acting, he anchors the family as Mia's loving, supportive father, perfectly balancing the silent generational divide.
• Courtney Reed as Charlotte: Best known to audiences worldwide for originating the role of Princess Jasmine in Broadway's Aladdin, she is absolutely brilliant here, adding incredible vocal power and emotional depth to the family dynamic as Mia's sister.
• Marc delaCruz as Daniel: A historic Broadway talent (notably making history as the first Asian-American to play Alexander Hamilton on Broadway), he shines as the "golden boy" brother, grounding his scenes with genuine warmth and magnetic stage presence.
• Claire Kwon as Young Mia: A rising, incredibly talented young stage actress, she is spectacular in mirroring the lead’s emotional depth flawlessly, capturing the younger spirit of a future artist.

Together, they create a family dynamic so raw and believable that you forget you are watching a performance.

By the time the final notes of our matinee faded, the theater was filled with sniffles and tears, huge smiles and thunderous applause. Looking around the theater, I could only imagine the individual, unspoken stories sitting in those seats.  I know I had a few of my own; it was rough not bursting into tears at a few moments! This production is a profoundly cathartic experience for anyone who has struggled to address past wounds and trauma; it is a show that stays with you long after it is over.

For me personally, the show reinforces a powerful truth: holding onto trauma and a painful past is not truly living. It offers a beautiful ray of hope, proving that when we stop pushing things down and finally confront them, we can step into our authentic selves.

To top off an already magical afternoon, we had the chance to meet the cast in the lobby afterwards. They were incredibly warm, engaging, and wonderfully approachable, taking the time to connect with us after pouring so much of their hearts into the performance. That beautiful interaction was the perfect exclamation point on an unforgettable day. I could easily see this production selling out packed houses in New York City and other major cities across the country.

This show confirms what I've always known: art is healing and art is life. We need shows like this more than ever, and my hope is that many more people get the chance to experience this powerful work. Bravo to years of hardwork and dedication to bring this beautiful and powerfully moving production to life! - Janeane

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