2 Trick Pony
2x monthly personal stories about how career pivots, side projects, and hobbies build a more resilient and confident self. Co-hosted by wife duo Dr. Claire Ma and Dr. Melissa Betters.
Podcast Description
2x monthly personal stories about how career pivots, side projects, and hobbies build a more resilient and confident self. Co-hosted by wife duo Dr. Claire Ma and Dr. Melissa Betters.
Episodes
Nov 28, 2025
Nov 28, 2025
38 min
Just in time for Thanksgiving, we interview Maryam Jillani about her journey as a food journalist and her experience writing the groundbreaking cookbook PAKISTAN. In our conversation, we learn about how Maryam’s background in public policy, education, and international development gave her a unique perspective on food writing while bringing her cookbook project to life.
Nov 14, 2025
Nov 14, 2025
35 min
This week, we talk with marine biologist and medical technician Nova Hanson about her love for birding and photography, and how she keeps her hobby fun and meaningful.
Oct 31, 2025
Ep5: How Drag Builds Joy with Tammy Kay Queen
Oct 31, 2025
Oct 31, 2025
41 min
In this week’s episode, we get a look behind the showroom curtain in our interview with Tommy Zoppa, better known as the drag queen Tammy Kay Queen. In our interview, we hear about how Tommy took a break from working in international aid and tech to create the popular and hilarious "Monologues" drag show at the Trade Bar in DC.
Oct 17, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
30 min
This week, we interview Jenny Nam, a data analyst and hobbyist potter in Philadelphia, about her basement home studio and her mother’s 10-year rule when trying out new things.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Small Favors show at the Clay Studio, Philadelphia
The Ceramic Shop, Norristown, Philadelphia
Bird Seed Florals, Philadelphia
You can learn more about our guest at:
https://www.sjnampottery.com
@sjnampottery (Instagram)
Oct 3, 2025
Oct 3, 2025
43 min
This week, we continue learning about gardens and major career pivots with Sharad Wertheimer, a former labor organizer and current medical student in Washington, D.C. In our conversation, Sharad talks about discovering his passion for urban agriculture…and how 10,000 worms helped him find his purpose.
Sep 19, 2025
Sep 19, 2025
35 min
In this episode, we talk with Honor Hawkins, a landscape designer and horticulturalist in New York City, about her serendipitous career pivot from media and technical writing to professionally designing urban gardens.
Sep 5, 2025
Sep 5, 2025
35 min
In our first conversation, we interview family physician Dr. Claudia Ma about Claudia’s Confections, her new licensed home baking venture in Boston, MA, and how she cares for others through medicine and baking.
Sep 4, 2025
Trailer: Welcome to 2 Trick Pony
Sep 4, 2025
Sep 4, 2025
3 min
Welcome to 2 Trick Pony! In this premiere episode, co-hosts Claire Ma and Melissa Betters introduce the 2 Trick Pony podcast and explain the motivations behind the show.







