Welcome to "is that cashmere?" – the podcast that is a unique blend of personal narratives, career wisdom, and cultural insights, offering listeners a chance to hear from voices as diverse as the fabric of society itself. From the boardroom to the studio, from the lab to the streets, hosts Becca Hoeft and Anna Kincannon, invite you into a world of insightful conversations and captivating stories, engaging with an eclectic mix of guests from every corner of the globe.
Hope and Courage: A Survivor’s Story of Rising Strong
In this episode of Is That Cashmere, we sit down with Bree Schlereth — Pac-12 All-American gymnast, wife of a former MLB player , cancer survivor, mother of three, and survivor of one of the most high-profile abuse cases in sports history. Bree shares her incredible journey of resilience, from battling cancer and supporting a child with a congenital heart condition, to finding her voice as a Larry Nassar survivor and receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Through moments of darkness, Bree discovered the power of light — literally and figuratively — and now uses her story to bring hope, healing, and empowerment to others. She opens up about her childhood in gymnastics, the pressure and pain of silence, the moment cancer took her voice, and how she now chooses to use that voice as a beacon for others.
If you’ve ever wondered how to rise above circumstances that threaten to break you, Bree’s story will remind you: hardship doesn’t define us — it refines us.
15 Aug 2025
From TV Lights to Life Lessons: Hillary Kline's Story
In this episode, we welcome beauty guru and TV personality Hillary Klein, whose journey from corporate life to thriving makeup artist is a masterclass in trusting your path—even when it’s anything but straight. From her “cashmere confession” about letting go of self-criticism, to her tips for boosting confidence through beauty (without breaking the bank), Hillary shares the lessons, laughs, and life turns that shaped her.
Whether you’re a control freak learning to loosen the reins, a business owner chasing balance, or someone just looking for your next great lipstick shade, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace change, trust your gut, and live a little more boldly.
28 Apr 2025
Building Community, One Plate at a Time: Yia Vang’s Award-Winning Mission
In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Chef Yia Vang, the James Beard Award nominee and force behind Vinai, Minneapolis’s groundbreaking Hmong restaurant that has captured the culinary world's attention. Named after the Thai refugee camp where his family lived before moving to the U.S. Vinai has earned international acclaim — making Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List of the best new restaurants in the world, as well as prestigious nods from Time Magazine, the New York Times, and Esquire.
Yia shares how his early life, shaped by family, resilience, and storytelling, inspired his journey from a kid who didn’t like cooking to a national ambassador for Hmong cuisine. We talk about the power of food to build inclusive communities, the significance behind dishes like Vinai’s Hill Tribe chicken and fried catfish, and how every plate he serves is a living tribute to the Hmong spirit of survival and celebration.
This episode is a testament to perseverance, heritage, and the transformative power of sharing a meal. If you love stories of identity, grit, and cultural redefinition, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
31 Mar 2025
Oranges and Building Relationships: Jen Nash on Tiny Connections with Big Impact
In this inspiring episode of Is That Cashmere?, Becca and Anna chat with Jen Nash, the "Connector in Chief" and author of The Big Power of Tiny Connections. Jen shares how small gestures, like reconnecting with old friends or sharing an orange on a plane, can transform your life and career.
This episode will have you rethinking connections—and maybe packing an extra snack for your next flight.
23 Sept 2024
S1 E09: Netflix Comedian Allison Moore Uses Laughter to Change Hearts
5 Aug 2024
Cashmere Crash: Epic Narratives: Aaron LeMay and Patrick Hanlon on Transforming Brands
It's our FIRST Cashmere Crash where experts come together to do a podcast take over! Branding titans Aaron LeMay and Patrick Hanlon take the helm. Aaron LeMay, renowned for crafting iconic game worlds like "Saints Row" and "Halo," now pioneers the future of digital interaction through behavioral design at Free Range Games and the //MEH Network. Patrick Hanlon, the world's leading brand evolutionary and author of "Primal Branding" and "The Social Code," has redefined how brands attract and build communities through shared beliefs.
In this special takeover episode, LeMay and Hanlon delve into the art and science of branding, exploring how narratives and belief systems can transform brands into powerful cultural phenomena.
8 Jul 2024
S1 E7: Family Leap from U.S. to Portugal: The Udell's Three Month Adventure
With the pandemic behind us, one family tells their story about how they worked with Boundless Life to work and live in another country.
25 Jun 2024
S1 E6: From Bedtime Stories to Children's Author
Guest: Wendy Buck, Author of Is there a Triceratops on My Toe?
Join Wendy Buck, senior marketing manager turned children's author, as she shares her inspiring path to literary success. From bedtime stories to published works, Wendy's story ignites the spark of following one's dreams.
Guest: Derek Mulhern, founder of Derek Mulhern Coaching & Consulting
Join Derek Mulhern as he unpacks the profound impact of coaching, emphasizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for all. Explore how coaching transcends boundaries, empowering all individuals to reach new heights across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
14 May 2024
S1 E3: Speak Your Truth: From Banking to DEI
Guest: Angel Uddin, Senior Director of the Equity, Diversity * Inclusion office at human resources at the University of Minnesota
Listen to Angel Uddin's compelling narrative as she navigates her transition from banking to spearheading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Her story resonates with anyone seeking inspiration in the DEI space.
1 May 2024
S1 E2: Finding Financial Pearls & Jimmy C. shoes
Guest: Melissa Joy, Founder of Pearl Planning
The first of the Cashmere Confessions are out! Plus, Melissa Joy, President of Pearl Planning, shares invaluable financial insights tailored to meet you where you are in life. Dive into her pearls of wisdom, making financial planning approachable and achievable for all.
1 May 2024
Finding Financial Pearls & Jimmy C. shoes
Guest: Melissa Joy, Founder of Pearl Planning
The first of the Cashmere Confessions are out! Plus, Melissa Joy, President of Pearl Planning, shares invaluable financial insights tailored to meet you where you are in life. Dive into her pearls of wisdom, making financial planning approachable and achievable for all.
5 Apr 2024
S1 E1: Empowering Networks: Andrea Markstrom's i.WILL Vision
Guest: Andrea Markstrom, founder of i.WILL
Embark on a transformative journey with Andrea Markstrom, the visionary behind i.WILL. Discover how she overcame obstacles to create a thriving women's network, fostering inclusivity and mentorship, and breaking barriers in the professional world.
5 Apr 2024
S1 E0: The start of it all - is that cashmere?
Join hosts Anna Kincannon and Becca Hoeft as they kick off their podcast journey, exploring the genesis of "Is that Cashmere?" Be ready for a tapestry of personal tales, career insights, and cultural musings, showcasing voices as diverse as society itself.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
9
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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