SEASON 3
In 40 years in obstetrics, Denise Ellison helped bring more than 5,000 babies into the world. In this episode, the retired nurse-midwife shares some of her remarkable experiences: growing up in a devout Catholic household, training as a midwife in remote Alaskan villages, and even helping to deliver some of her own grandchildren. What exactly does a nurse-midwife do? Find out along with Deborah in this season’s fascinating final episode.
S3 E15 - DEBORAHCRATIC
DENISE ELISON
Jazz drummer Clayton Cameron has played, toured, and recorded with Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, and the Count Basie Orchestra. In this episode, Clayton shares with Deborah his experiences and his perspectives on music, politics, race – and tennis. How did the man known as “The Brush Master” and “The Big C.” earn his nicknames? Listen and find out.
S3 E14 - DEBORAHCRATIC
CLAYTON CAMERON
As a teenager, Erin Wolfkiel was often the only girl at the skatepark. In this episode, she tells Deborah about her years traveling to skateboard competitions, her complicated relationship with the sport after college, and her recent transformation into a nutrition advocate and skateboard social influencer whose joyful skating videos have gone viral on Instagram.
S3 E13 - DEBORAHCRATIC
ERIN WOLFKIEL
Nico Raineau uses his skill as a creative and intuitive storyteller to flourish in two entirely different fields: as a filmmaker and as a professional wedding officiant. In this episode, he takes Deborah through his journey from coastal Connecticut to Hollywood, and then to a ceremonial role on the altar. How does a young writer/director become a sought-after wedding officiant, and keep both careers afloat? Nico reveals all, with his trademark wit and candor.
S3 E12 - DEBORAHCRATIC
NICO RAINEAU
Elle Quintana is a creative director, brand strategist and photographer. In this episode, she tells Deborah about growing up as a mixed-race Afro-Latina in Los Angeles, the groundbreaking grandmother who is her role model and biggest fan, and how her time spent teaching violin students on a Native American reservation shaped her political philosophy.
S3 E11 - DEBORAHCRATIC
ELLE QUINTANA
Catch the story of Yale Scott. One day he is playing on the White House lawn with his family, POTUS and the First Lady. The next day he's out skiing in an American flag Speedo. Yale is a political veteran who held jobs in the Bush and Obama administrations and still helps run family-friendly events at the White House. In this episode, Yale talks with Deborah about his years in D.C., his work as an intended parent coordinator, his lifelong commitment to volunteerism, and why he considers himself to be a “recovering Republican.”
S3 E10 - DEBORAHCRATIC
YALE SCOTT
Through intelligence, confidence, and sheer determination, Lisa Conn has forged her career at the intersection of tech, politics, and community building. Her work studying political division at MIT’s Media Lab earned her recognition as one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 leaders under the age of 30. In this episode, Lisa tells Deborah about her journey from politics to Silicon Valley and how new motherhood has reframed her perspective.
S3 E9 - DEBORAHCRATIC
LISA CONN
Bryce Blanton epitomizes what it means to be a good citizen. During his high school days he organized fundraisers and clothing drives. After college he worked for the Boys and Girls Clubs. Now he drives a truck for UPS and catches waves during his lunch hour. In this episode, he talks with Deborah about his life as a young husband and father, and about the sudden medical crisis that united a community around him when he was a child, which helped shape who he is today.
S3 E8 - DEBORAHCRATIC
BRYCE BLANTON
Audrey Prosser is a tireless and accomplished businesswoman, activist and community organizer. In this episode, she tells Deborah about growing up in the segregated South of the 1950s, discovering her sexuality as a teenager, and the many obstacles she overcame to become a successful real estate agent, a progressive leader, and a mainstay of the Southern California Democratic community.
S3 E7 - DEBORAHCRATIC
AUDREY PROSSER
Criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman has represented mobster John A. Gotti and Mexican drug lord El Chapo, among many other high-profile organized crime figures. In this no-holds-barred episode, Jeffrey tells Deborah his story as only he can, from his childhood as a shy kid in New Jersey to his transformation into one of America’s most renowned mob lawyers.
S3 E6 - DEBORAHCRATIC
JEFFREY LICHTMAN
Tijana Hamilton is an adventure traveler, a mother, a wife and a civil engineer who has helped to plan freeways and transportation projects all over Southern California. In this episode, she tells Deborah how a nomadic childhood in the former Yugoslavia, Zambia and South Africa led to studying engineering in Utah and her successful career in transportation.
S3 E5 - DEBORAHCRATIC
TIJANA HAMILTON
In this episode, Deborah sits down with entrepreneur David Vanderveen. David grew up surfing giant swells on the Great Lakes and has ridden his own wave ever since. He describes his unique life journey to Deborah and our listeners: from his childhood in a conservative, religious Dutch-American community to a varied professional career that has included political PR, biotechnology, software development, and worldwide success with health and energy drinks.
S3 E4 - DEBORAHCRATIC
DAVID VANDERVEEN
This week we are flipping the mics! "Deborahcratic" host Deborah Drucker shares her remarkable life story, from her humble beginnings and colorful childhood to her career as a sales superstar with the house of Gucci, a fashion designer, a big mouth activist, and wife to legendary upright bassist Lee Rocker. Join us as we get up close and personal with the Deborah behind "Deborahcratic."
S3 E3 - DEBORAHCRATIC
DEBORAH DRUCKER
George Esquivel’s life story could be a movie, except no one would believe it. Born into hardship, with a drug dealer dad who later went to jail for murder, George found solace in his two passions: fashion and the dynamic Orange County, California music scene of the 90s. In this episode of Deborahcratic, George sits down with Deborah to describe his path to success, from making shoes for bands like No Doubt, X and Pearl Jam, to a mentorship by Vogue uber-editor Anna Wintour.
S3 E2 - DEBORAHCRATIC
GEORGE ESQUIVEL
Lisette Elhayani is an interactive event creator whose bold and original explorations celebrate major brands. To kick off Season 3, she sits down with Deborah to talk career paths, from synagogue catering manager ("I couldn't do another wedding or bris or bar mitzvah") to innovative designer and co-founder of her own women-run firm. Find out why Lisette gave herself a home basketball court as a gift from her 12 year old self, what it was like to come out in an orthodox Jewish family and how she saved her business during covid.
S3 E1 - DEBORAHCRATIC
LISETTE ELHATANI