Kayleigh Ruller '21

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Kayleigh Ruller '21 is the producer for Dr. Wendy Slusser’s podcast, UCLA LiveWell, supported by Semel Healthy Campus Initiative.

The podcast is a people-centric storytelling platform to share new perspectives on health and wellbeing, with a goal of showcasing the work and stories of UCLA alumni and current students and staff. Guests have included current and former UCLA community members like Evan Kleiman '76, MBA '80, Peter Sellars, D’Artagnan Scorza '07, Ph.D. '13, and Dr. Emeran Mayer.

The podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the show's website.

The most recent episode features Jeremy Barrett '19, who, motivated by a desire for community engagement, founded the UCLA Piano Project. We learn how he pitched the concept to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and how eventually he landed a job with music legend Quincy Jones. All of his outward success is guided by preparation, courage, and a desire to connect through the universal language of music.

"Working with Quincy Jones is like taking a master class..." Barrett says. "I feel like I'm more educated than ever, and still fighting for music to be a big part of people's lives."

Another recent release was Coffee, Community, and Connection with Joe and Celia Ward-Wallace of South LA Cafe, spotlighting the cafe that Celia '98 and her husband recently opened as a way of addressing food injustices and creating community.

Ruller earned her bachelor's degree in human biology and society.