Meet Gilda Evans | Podcast Host, Author/Ghost Writer, Media Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gilda Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gilda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I have found that going down the road least traveled is a very healthy and valuable practice. It often allows the kind of discovery to happen that simply wouldn’t under conventional circumstances. It affords a different perspective, and looking at things from an alternate viewpoint can get the creative juices flowing and become a wellspring for ideas that would otherwise never have come to mind. That is how the idea for my Autism Resource Podcast was born. To my knowledge, it is the only comprehensive and searchable knowledge base that exists for the special/different needs and differently-abled communities. I took a risk when I started it, not knowing how it would be received. It has grown substantially since its inception and continues to be on the forefront of providing valuable and pertinent information to those who need it. It is a passion project of mine. That’s another thing taking risks allows you to do – follow your passion. When you do that, anything becomes possible! Other people sense that passion and they are innately drawn to it. So, think “outside the box”, or if getting outside of it isn’t possible, then make the box bigger! Follow your passion, take risks and dream big!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Is art ever easy? I think we are inspired to create for a number of reasons, but I don’t think any of them is a walk in the park. I have had the privilege of expressing my creative energies in myriad ways: on stage, in front of and behind the camera, and writing to name a few. Each experience came with its own set of challenges, and took me to a different place professionally. Persistence, determination, passion and belief in one’s own abilities are key to overcoming any obstacle that may present itself. They certainly were for me. Even if I failed at a certain task, it was a valuable learning tool.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a lover of nature and out of the way spots. Neighborhood cafes and restaurants are my go to. I am fortunate to live in California where the ocean, mountains and deserts are all readily available and within a few hours drive. The coastline is magnificent, and so a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway would definitely be on the agenda. Depending on the time of year, we might enjoy skiing in the local mountains or boating on a mountain lake. Even in the heat of the summer, the deserts are a place of beauty. The mineral hot springs there are also a great place to relax with a glass of wine in hand! For the intellectual side, visiting some of the local art and history museums is quite interesting. And, ok, if they insisted, I suppose I wouldn’t say no to Disneyland!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This Shoutout is dedicated to my family – my amazing mom and dad, and my three incredible children. It is their unconditional love and support that has and continues to guide, inspire, and bolster me through the best and worst of times. With their love, it all makes sense. I love them back more than words can say.