Turning Compassion into Ripples of Change with Peter Samuelson episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 17, 2025 · 39 MIN

Turning Compassion into Ripples of Change with Peter Samuelson

from Small Changes Big Shifts · host Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza

True happiness isn't found in wealth or accolades—it's built through acts of kindness and lifting others up. Peter Samuelson shares an inspiring journey from Hollywood film producer to founder of multiple global charities, revealing how purpose, storytelling, and compassion can create ripples of change that outlive us. His insights challenge listeners to use their unique skills to serve others, embrace opportunities to mentor and volunteer, and discover the deep joy that comes from making a difference in even one life. Key Takeaways: Discover how using your professional skills in unexpected ways can create lasting social impact. Learn why small, consistent acts of kindness can have life-changing ripple effects for both the giver and receiver. Understand how mentoring and supporting the next generation can also bring personal fulfillment and growth. Explore the mindset shifts needed to see challenges as opportunities to serve. Recognize that happiness is often found in helping someone else, even in simple, everyday moments.   About Peter Samuelson: Peter Samuelson was the kid in 10th grade who laughed at the English teacher who told him he should go to college. He is a celebrated film producer and serial pro-social entrepreneur. In 1982 he co-founded the Starlight Children's Foundation; then Starbright World, co-founded with Steven Spielberg in 1992. 1999 saw the formation of First Star, 2005 EDAR Everyone Deserves a Roof, and in 2013 he launched ASPIRE, the Academy for Social Purpose in Responsible Entertainment. In the midst of this Peter has produced 27 films and raised four children. Educated at Cambridge University on scholarship and the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, Peter lives in Los Angeles with his wife Saryl, and continues to fight every day for those less fortunate, chief among them abused and neglected children. He really did nearly die trying to rescue a kitten. Connect with Peter Samuelson:  www.firststar.org www.starlight.org www.philmcomedia.com www.edar.org Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco   Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

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Turning Compassion into Ripples of Change with Peter Samuelson

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This episode was published on August 17, 2025.

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True happiness isn't found in wealth or accolades—it's built through acts of kindness and lifting others up. Peter Samuelson shares an inspiring journey from Hollywood film producer to founder of multiple global charities, revealing how purpose,...

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