Optimistic Tales

Dr. Moody talks with Major Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins, Mission Director at Strawberry Field in Liverpool. Strawberry Field has been in the care of The Salvation Army since the 1930s as a place that supports vulnerable young people and a site of spirituality and inspiration.  This legacy continues with the current mission at Strawberry Field, which strives daily to give young people with learning disabilities and barriers to employment the chance to succeed, and honour the site that inspired John Lennon. For more info about the Programmes at Strawberry Field or how you can directly help the organization through Donations, please visit their website at strawberryfield.salvationarmy.org.uk. Guest intro provided by long-time friend of the Host, Mr. Michael Hunt.

Dr. Moody presents the final installment of the Spring ’26 cohort of episodes in his “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course that stand out for their depth and alignment with the themes of community leadership and engagement. This episode is the optimistic tale of how empathy and social bonding on the softball field help spread a little happiness throughout the community. Guest introduction is again presented by Mr. Josh Jones, Assistant Director of Student-Athletic Development at the University of South Alabama.

Dr. Moody presents the next installment of his “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course that stand out for their depth and alignment with the themes of community leadership and engagement. This episode is the optimistic tale of how empathy and social bonding on the softball field translates to leadership in the community. Guest introduction is presented by Mr. Josh Jones, Assistant Director of Student-Athletic Development at the University of South Alabama.

Dr. Moody presents the fourth installment of his recently created “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course. The episodes chosen for the Student Discovery series stand out for their depth and alignment with the themes of community leadership discussed in his course. This episode is the optimistic tale of how the luxury of time allows us to heal the land together in rebuilding our communities. Guest introduction is presented by Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at DWCC.

Dr. Moody presents the 3rd installment of his newly created “Student Discovery” series--highlighting selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course. The episodes chosen for the Student Discovery series stand out for their depth and alignment with the themes of community leadership discussed in his course. This episode is the optimistic tale of humility, patience, and a willingness to learn from the very people we are trying to support thru community engagement. Guest introduction is provided by E. Moody, II.

Dr. Moody presents the second installment of his newly created “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course. The episodes chosen for the Student Discovery series stand out for their depth and alignment with the themes of community engagement and empathy discussed in his course. This episode is the optimistic tale of a compassionate teacher, whose 20+ years of experience has provided her unique insights into the vital role she plays in her community. Guest introduction is provided by Mrs. Single, a PreK-1st ELD teacher from Louisiana.

Dr. Moody presents the inaugural episode of his newly created “Student Discovery” series which highlights selected student interviews from his Community Development & Leadership course. The episodes included in the Student Discovery series reflect unique understandings of what community engagement actually means and truly deserve a broader audience. This episode is an optimistic tale of an inspiring, young adult who, from an early age, exemplified a deep, personal passion for improving her community.

Dr. Moody talks with Mike "Rizzo" Eruzione, the Director of Special Outreach at Boston University and the legendary Captain of the 1980 Winter Olympics US national hockey team. While Mike’s name is forever linked to one of the greatest moments in sports history, this conversation goes beyond the scoreboard.  Mike discusses his role in the iconic Miracle on Ice game against the Soviet Union team and how the values he forged on the ice translate into a life of service, leadership, and community impact. This episode marks the third installment of the “Beyond the Acts” series, an ongoing collaboration with Mr. Todd Shriver of North White Middle-High School in Monon, Indiana.  Also joining the conversation is 80s historian and author, Chris Clews.

Dr. Moody talks with Mark Goodman, an original MTV VJ, and co-host of the podcast, Sound Up!.  This episode is the second installment of Dr. Moody’s “Beyond the Acts” series—a collaboration with Mr. Todd Shriver of North White Middle-High School in Moron, Indiana. “Professor” Goodman discusses his views about the unique, historical impact of MTV and how this new phenomenon changed the way we viewed music and its galvanizing effect on the global, social experience. Also joining the conversation is Mr. Drew Van Huss.

Dr. Moody returns from a short break to begin his fifth year as Host of Optimistic Tales. He begins the prologue with a review of several interesting analytics from Season 8 and then discusses what’s on the agenda for Season 9. Please remember to Follow the podcast as he takes the first steps into the fifth year of his continuing search for a more humbled and empathetic world.

In this special holiday episode, Dr. Moody welcomes back Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas-Wesley Community Center (DWCC). Together, they unwrap the quiet power of empathy that fuels DWCC’s mission to Educate, Empower, and Enrich the community—highlighting the Annual Toy Store, where families experience the dignity of giving, and the Senior Activities Independent Living program, which nurtures community, purpose, and connection for older adults. Through heartfelt stories and shared reflections, this conversation reminds us that empathy is the thread that ties every act of kindness together. The joy of the season isn’t found in what we give or receive—but in how we understand, uplift, and walk alongside one another.  For more information about DWCC’s programs, visit dumaswesley.org. VClXoCKqevkPrzfrHkID

Dr. Moody talks with Lisa Geertsen, Co-Founder, Treasurer, and Governance Committee Member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. Lisa, an artist blacksmith and blacksmithing instructor with over two decades of experience, is also the owner of Firelight Forge in Seattle, WA.

Dr. Moody collaborates with Mr. Todd Shriver, to present their inaugural, cross-over episode of Dr. Moody’s newest “Beyond the Acts” series to mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, the global concert event that brought together the biggest names in music to fight famine in Ethiopia—and changed the way we think about music and activism forever. Their very special guest, who had a front-row seat to history, is Mr. Alan Hunter, original MTV VJ and pop culture icon.  In this exclusive episode, Alan not only shares his personal reflections on Live Aid’s seismic impact and his experience covering the event, he also reminisces about what it was like at the heart of MTV during the golden era of music television.  Whether you were there in person, glued to your set watching MTV, or are only now uncovering the magic of the moment, this crossover episode is your backstage pass to one of the most unforgettable eras in music history—revealed by someone who experienced every beat of it…as it happened.

Dr. Moody continues his talk with Jeremy Fogg, the Executive Pastry Chef for the French Truck Coffee Company in New Orleans, LA.  Jeremy shares more of the humble beginnings that led him to his unique and storied career in the Food Service industry.  [Introduction provided by Amanda Donaldson].

Dr. Moody talks with Jeremy Fogg, the Executive Pastry Chef for the French Truck Coffee Company in New Orleans, LA.  Jeremy shares the humble beginnings that led him to his unique and storied career in the Food Service industry.  [Introduction provided by Dr. Ahmet Hacikara].

Dr. Moody talks with Tamlin Allbritten, an Expressive Art Specialist and founder of the Art with a Purpose non-profit organization. Please visit their website at artwithapurpose.org to view the various works of art mentioned throughout this episode or to generously make a donation. [Introduction provided by Ms. J. Hendee]

Dr. Moody talks with a familiar guest of the podcast, Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas Wesley Community Center (DWCC).  Ms. Hendee once again discusses the continuing efforts of community engagement ongoing at DWCC.  Whether you wish to make donations or volunteer your time towards any of the numerous programs offered by DWCC, you can reach them at the following address, 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607; by phone at 251-479-0649; or through their website at dumaswesley.org. [Introduction provided by Mrs. A. M. Single]

Dr. Moody returns from a five-month hiatus to reflect on his rekindled vision and revitalized focus for the podcast. But no worries...his theme remains the same: searching for a more humbled and empathetic world, one "Optimistic Tale" at a time.

Dr. Moody talks with a familiar guest of the podcast, Ms. Joni Hendee, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Dumas Wesley Community Center (DWCC).  Ms. Hendee once again discusses the continuing efforts of community engagement offered by DWCC, such as their Transitional Housing programs, After School Achievement program, The Joseph Project Community Food Pantry, and the 50th Anniversary of their Annual Toy Store, which provides eligible families the opportunity to purchase new toys at a fraction of the cost during the holiday season—exemplifying their “hand up versus hand out” philosophy of community engagement.  Whether you wish to make donations or volunteer your time towards any of the numerous programs offered by DWCC, you can reach them at the following address, 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607; by phone at 251-479-0649; or through their website at dumaswesley.org.

Dr. Moody talks with Mr. Todd Shriver, teacher and instructional coach at North White Middle-High School in Monon, Indiana.  Mr. Shriver is the current Director of the North White Guest Speakers program, which was originally formed to bring “icons of the 80s” into the classroom, but has grown to include historical figures, various plebeian elite, and contemporary artists to directly mentor and counsel students.  Todd’s optimistic tale is a product of his personal and academic interests in 80’s history and the sincere role he plays in teaching his students about being resilient in the classroom, as well as life.  Also joining the conversation are North White Middle-High School’s Band Director and Assistant Band Director, Mr. Leander Hoover and Mr. Brian Malone, respectively.

Dr. Moody talks with Mary Judd, co-founder and Honorary Director of SongwritingWith: Soldiers (SW:S), a non-profit organization that uses collaborative songwriting as a catalyst for positive change by offering veteran participants a unique way to tell their stories, rebuild trust, release pain, and forge new bonds. Mary’s optimistic tale is reflected in her personal mission to connect professional songwriters with military veterans to build Creativity, Connections and Strengths. Also joining the conversation are two U.S. Air Force veteran participants of the SW:S Retreat program: AnnMarie Halterman, co-founder of the non-profit organization, unitingus.org and co-writer of the song, Square Wheels; and Richard Erikson (BGen, retired), co-writer of the song, Born to Bless the Fallen—both songs were written and performed during participation in an SW:S weekend retreat session. DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussion of suicide and combat related situations; please take care when listening. If you’re struggling, help is available, 24/7, by calling or texting 988.

Dr. Moody talks with Dr. Helen Demetriou, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology & Education at the University of Cambridge (UK). She is also the author of the book, “Empathy, Emotion & Education.” Dr. Demetriou’s unique, interdisciplinary research underscores her belief that ultimately, “empathy is a seismic shift, a galvanising force and the oxygen that elicits emotion and enriches education.” 

Dr Moody concludes his talk with Anthony, Michael, and Jon in this final installment of their collective account of the magic of music and the social bonding that occurs through decades of friendship. 

Dr Moody concludes his “five albums on a deserted island” discussion with Anthony, Michael, and Jon in this intimate and warm-hearted coda. DISCLAIMER: All references to “Sandy Allen” are incorrectly referred to as “Sally,” apologies are extended.

Dr Moody continues his “five albums on a deserted island” discussion with Anthony, Michael, and Jon. This “neo-Fab Four” further examines the magic of music as they dive deeper into back-catalogs, begging for box sets and exploring their own fanaticism with Pop Music. 

Dr Moody discusses with Anthony, Michael, and Jon the “five albums" they would want to have on a deserted island to keep from going insane. 

Dr Moody continues his discussion with Anthony, Michael, and Jon about how the magic of music has impacted their lives over decades of friendship. As previously asked, “Have you ever had a special connection with someone through music?”  This glory-dazed celebration of laughter, revelry, and musically-fueled rollicks will prove you’re not alone.

Dr Moody talks with Anthony, Michael, and Jon to discuss how the magic of music has impacted their lives over decades of friendship. Have you ever had a special connection with someone through music? This fun-filled celebration of laughter, revelry, and musically-fueled mayhem will prove you’re not alone.

Dr Moody talks with Amber Dawn, a local musician and highly regarded voice coach and vocal consultant for creatives. She is also the founder of Amber Dawn Vocal Studio in Gulfport, MS.  Amber Dawn’s optimistic tale began at a early age when she found that her passion and purpose in life was to help others walk their most authentic path to self-fulfillment…one voice at a time.  

Dr. Moody talks with Mr. Ray Leone, a board-certified music therapist and Director of Medical Music Therapy at A Place to Be, a nationally recognized therapeutic arts organization creating community, belonging, and hope. As Director of Medical Music Therapy, Ray oversees and manages the music therapy program at the Inova Health Systems in Northern Virginia.  Mr. Leone’s optimistic tale centers around his unique clinical methodologies, believing that “songs accompany us through life and provide meanings which we can all identify.”  Please join my guest on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@raymondleonemusic/featured or on his Blog at raymondleone.substack.com.

Dr Moody talks with Dr. Marco Iacoboni, a neurologist, neuroscientist, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and the Director of the Neuromodulation Lab at the Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center at UCLA. He is also the author of the book, Mirroring People: The Science of Empathy and How We Connect with Others.  Dr. Iacoboni is an optimist, whose unique research provides us with the “tiny miracles that get us through the day,” in order to “bring us even closer to one another.”

Dr. Moody talks with Mr. Hosea London, leader & manager of the Excelsior Band©, a cultural and musical icon on the Gulf Coast since 1883. Hosea’s optimistic tale is rooted in an empathetic desire to share his passion for music with his community.  Mr. London is the current music director of The Jazz Studio, a premiere, year-round, Jazz music education program for aspiring youth musicians. The Jazz Studio is dedicated to the education, appreciation, and preservation of jazz as America’s only original music art form. Joining the conversation is Mr. Bill “BeBop” Roberts.

Dr. Moody talks with Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org, a website that features teaching resources on mindfulness, compassion, and social-emotional skills, as well as self-care resources for educators and other helping professionals. Backed up with 20 years of teaching experience, she has been writing, since 2012, about navigating an increasingly complex, interconnected world on topics, such as: mental health, mindfulness and contemplative practices, empathy, compassion, and communicating across difference.

Dr. Moody continues his previous talk with Elizabet Elliott, Executive Director/Curator of the Alabama Contemporary Arts Center (www.alabamacontemporary.org).  In this final episode of a two-part series, Dr. Moody and his guests “get weird and exercise some demons” through an exploration of what it really means to be an Artist at Heart in the deep, Deep South.  Also joining the conversation is Glenn Robertson, ACAC’s Director of Storytelling and Dr. Paige A. Vitulli, Chair of ACAC’s Board of Directors.  If you would like to directly support the artists and efforts of the ACAC, please feel free to donate, as you see fit, through the Verdant Fund at verdantfund.org.

Dr. Moody talks with Elizabet Elliott, Executive Director/Curator of the Alabama Contemporary Arts Center (ACAC, www.alabamacontemporary.org). The ACAC is a non-collecting organization committed to providing living artists space for difference, empathetic communication of ideas, and diverse cultural representation.  Elizabet’s optimistic tale is a consequence of the integral role she plays in building a sense of cultural identity within her community that directly contributes to the quality of life on the outer edge of the deep, Deep South.  Also joining the conversation is Glenn Robertson, ACAC’s Director of Storytelling and Dr. Paige A. Vitulli, Chair of ACAC’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Moody talks with Mr. David Dai, a Math Teacher at the Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies. His remarkable accomplishments include numerous Teacher of the Year awards; however, his most prestigious award to date is his recent Nappie Award as the Coolest Public School Teacher in Mobile. David’s optimistic tale is simple—a local boy who leaves home, learns great things, and then chooses to return to his community roots to teach the next generation how his love of math can help them understand the world a little bit better.

Dr. Moody talks, once again, with Ms. Joni Hendee, Marketing & Public Relations Director at the Dumas Wesley Community Center (DWCC).  As Dumas-Wesley celebrates its 120th year of community service, Ms. Hendee discusses several of their signature programs, such as the Annual Toy Store, which provides eligible families the opportunity to purchase new toys at a fraction of the cost during the holiday season—exemplifying their “hand up versus hand out” philosophy of community engagement.  Whether you wish to make donations or volunteer your time towards any of the numerous programs offered by DWCC, you can reach them at the following address, 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607; by phone at 251-479-0649; or through their website at dumaswesley.org.

Dr. Moody talks with Nicole Shakespear, a Registered Behavior Technician with 15+ years of dedicated service. She is fueled by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of other people. Nicole's passion for community service, steadfast commitment to social welfare, and strong entrepreneurial drive for change is truly an optimistic tale worth sharing.

Dr. Moody commemorates his 35th wedding anniversary (a truly optimistic tale) with the first public release of a song he wrote for his wife, some many years ago. Perfect Silhouette (c) 1997 E.M. Moody. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Moody continues his talk with Mr. Terrance D. Smith, currently the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation Fellow (publicinnovation.jhu.edu) at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. The discussion for this episode takes place approximately seven years after the previous interview in Part 1.  Mr. Smith's optimistic tale, as a mentor, counselor, teacher, and academic, is one of restoring vibrancy and self-worth to the communities he so passionately serves, on his quest to be the light to someone else's path.

Dr. Moody talks with Mr. Terrance D. Smith, founding Director of the Mayor's Office of Strategic Initiatives (osi.cityofmobile.org) for the City of Mobile and currently the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation Fellow (publicinnovation.jhu.edu) at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Mr. Smith's optimistic tale is one of restoring vibrancy to the communities he so passionately serves, on his quest to be the light to someone else's path.

Dr. Moody talks with Prudence Farrow Bruns, PhD, life-long practitioner, teacher, and scholar of Transcendental Meditation (tm.org). She is also the author of Dear Prudence: The Story Behind the Song. Dr. Bruns shares her personal experiences to find truth and inner peace, which freed her from the shackles of internalized stress. Her optimistic tale is one of joy, laughter, and the positive hope of a world living in peace.

Dr. Moody talks with Andrea Gellatly, co-founder of MakeMIA Makerspace (facebook.com/makemiamakerspace), a nonprofit organization that promotes education in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics [STEAM] through hands-on experience. Her collaboration with Magic Wheelchair (magicwheelchair.org), a nonprofit organization that builds epic costumes for kiddos in wheelchairs, underscores her heartfelt desire to strengthen the bonds of friendship and inclusion for every member of her community. Andrea is also widely known as the Team Captain and Weapon Operator for the highly acclaimed and top-ranked combat robot, Witch Doctor, winner of the Best Engineered and Coolest Robot awards.

Dr. Moody talks with Mr. Orlando Armando, community activist and current Director of Educate Mozambique (facebook.com/educatemutua), a nonprofit and community-based organization which aims at promoting community development and social welfare through educational and social assistance programs for those in need. Orlando is a true testament of what Thinking Globally and Acting Locally can achieve. Mr. Armando is also the co-founder of the Mutua Education Center (projectmutua.com) which seeks to enable and empower the children of Mutua to advance in society and connect with the world at large. Anyone who wishes to help Orlando may do so through patreon.com/EducateMozambique. Also joining the conversation is friend and colleague, Dr. Kenly Fenio, founding Director of KGF Research and Associates and Managing Partner of REAL Consulting Group, based in Maputo, Mozambique.

Dr. Moody talks with Isaac Winfield and his mum, Claire Chapman, co-founders of the Friends of Isaac's Food Bank in Redditch, England.  Isaac's optimistic tale begins with his heart-felt wish to put food on the table of those less fortunate by creating a simple and sincere means of collecting and distributing donations straight from his own driveway.  For information on how to contact or make donations to the Friends of Isaac's organization, please visit their website at www.teamisaac.co.uk or their FB page at www.facebook.com/FriendsofIsaacsFoodBank.  You may also reach them via telephone at +44 7496 381 323, or by direct email to [email protected]. 

Dr. Moody collaborates with LA Armour to present their moving and unplugged rendition of this classic Bahamian sea shanty.  The John B. Sails [Arr. by Moody/Armour] (C) 2022 E.M. Moody and LA Armour; (P) 2022 Eric M. Moody. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Moody talks with Laurie Anne Armour-Nix, singer-songwriter [laurieannemusic.com] and Senior Database Administrator for Housing First, Inc., a non-profit whose mission is to end homelessness in SW Alabama.  Laurie Anne's optimistic tale is earnestly revealed through her personal journey to search for compassion, patience, and understanding. 

Dr. Moody talks with Dr. Kenneth Rutherford, a Professor of Political Science at James Madison University.  As co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network (LSN), Dr. Rutherford is a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).  Ken is a landmine survivor, whose optimistic tale begins three decades ago in the Upper Juba Region of Southern Somalia and transverses a life dedicated to not wasting energy on trivialities.  He is truly an every day family man and educator--through his experience and influence, he is making the world a better place.  

Dr. Moody collaborates with Maura Hawkins and Luisa Salazar to present a uniquely-styled rendition of an old, traditional hymnal--confirming that music truly does shrink the gap between generations. When The Saints Go Marching In [Arr. by Hawkins, Moody, and Salazar] (C) 2022 Eric M. Moody, Maura Hawkins, and Luisa Salazar; (P) 2022 Eric M. Moody. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Moody talks with Maura Hawkins of Gulf Shores High School and Luisa Salazar from Orange Beach High School, this year's 1st and 3rd place winners of the Singing for Scholarships contest held during the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, AL. The Singing for Scholarships event was created in 2013 to support local Baldwin County high schools and the talented youth in the region.  Both Maura and Luisa exemplify the optimistic tale of two aspiring individuals at the beginning of their journeys.