• A man sitting on a bench with his hands on his knees.

    Aaron Calafato

    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

    Aaron’s stories are currently heard by millions around the globe on his award-winning Podcast 7 Minute Stories and on YouTube. Aaron is a co-host of Glassdoor's new podcast (The Lonely Office) and serves as a podcast consultant for some of the fastest-growing companies in the world.

  • Black and white photo of a man sporting a beard.

    Ken Wendt

    AUDIO ENGINEER

    Ken is a podcast consultant on award-winning shows Glassdoor, InterSystems, and the 7 Minute Stories podcast. Award-winning audio engineer creating content for Grammy award-winning Apollo's Fire.

  • Cute white cat with blue eyes sitting by a window, looking out with curiosity.

    Jesse Link

    STRATEGY + RESEARCH

    Jesse is a strategy, research and partnership consultant and podcast enthusiast. A 2x founder, former Goldman Sachs Vice President and advisor to 25+ businesses, Jesse brings a unique and diverse background to HoP, helping to elevate the range, depth and perspective of HoP's conversations and strategy.

Skippy Mesirow

HOST

Skippy Mesirow is the host of the “Healing Our Politics” podcast, where he actively pursues his mission to heal our politics. He is also the Founder of the Elected Leaders Collective (ELC), an initiative supporting the mental health and performance of elected officials. Recognized as a certified master coach and expert facilitator, Skippy's work with ELC has earned it a place among The Apolitical Foundation's 26 "Trailblazer Organizations."

From 2019 to 2023, Skippy served as an Aspen City Councilperson. During his term, Aspen set a net-zero-waste goal by 2050, passed a pioneering housing strategic plan, and co-led significant zoning changes. He also championed government innovation, citizen engagement, and a groundbreaking therapeutic model for psychedelic healing.

Before his council term, Skippy co-founded and chaired Aspen's Next Generation Advisory Commission, giving youth an active voice. He also chaired the second-largest housing authority in the state (APCHA) and the P&Z commission. Passionate about our inalienable rights, Skippy led a successful ballot initiative to change Aspen's election day that resulted in a record 26% increase in voter turnout. Skippy served as Campaign Manager for a statewide race at 23, working on campaigns at the federal, state, local, and hyperlocal levels in senior management, field, and political.

Skippy's work has been featured in numerous podcasts, publications, and main-stage speaking engagements for organizations such as NLC, YEO, CML, MT2030, Bridging Divides, and Fulcrum, highlighting his contributions to mental health, community, and policy reform.

A former national champion skier, Skippy resides in Aspen, CO, with his partner Jamie. They travel as much as possible, on motorcycle, to unconventional places. Skippy is an ultra-marathoner, burner, skier, biker, driver, and cook and proud  "Citizen", as tattooed on his right arm.