The He's Just Podcasts

Dr. Edmund H. Moore is a Dayton, Ohio based engineer for the federal government, author, and community advocate. A devoted single father, he centers his life around faith, family, and service, remaining actively involved through his church and Parity Inc. In both his professional and personal life, Moore is guided by balance, intention, and impact.In his book, Financial Freedom: Doing Nothing Is An Option, Dr. Moore challenges the hustle-driven narrative of wealth by showing how financial freedom can be achieved by letting money work for you, not the other way around. Through practical insight and lived experience, he emphasizes passive income, wise investing, and intentional living, proving that building wealth does not have to come at the expense of joy, presence, or quality of life. It comes from doing nothing.

ROBYNN SMITH, Professor Emeritus at California’s Monterey Peninsula College, where she founded Print Day in May in 2007. She holds a BFA in Painting from Rhode Island School of Design and two degrees from San Jose State University: an MFA in Sculpture/Ceramics and an MA in Painting. A printmaker and mixed media painter , she has had solo exhibitions in galleries and museums from Australia to Iceland Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Her work can be found in public collections in Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Robynn travels extensively for residencies and teaching opportunities, and leads workshops at her own Blue Mouse Studios in Aptos, California.Robynn Smith is an artist who believes that creativity is not a luxury, it is a human need, a language of belonging, and a quiet form of healing.Robynn’s greatest legacy may be the one that can’t be hung on a wall. Through decades of teaching, residencies, and workshops, she has helped people rediscover their hands, their courage, and their sense of permanency. Print Day in May is free, open to all, May 2nd is coming. The presses are waiting, what will you do for Print Day In May?

The week of (April 11–17), is Black Maternal Health Week. In the United States, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than white women. These are not just statistics. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends whose lives matter. Meet Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett, board- certified OB/GYN with a deep commitment to women’s health. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including gynecologic cancer awareness, menopause management, and reproductive health. Through her compassionate approach and dedication to education, Dr. Adams- Pickett is making a lasting impact on women’s wellness nationwide. She empowers women with knowledge so they can advocate for themselves with confidence at every stage of life.This is a call to stand with Black mothers, to listen to trusted voices, and to support women of color not just with words, but with platforms, policies, and purpose. Let’s use this moment to amplify life-saving information, center equity in maternal care, and remind every woman: you deserve to be seen, heard, and protected.

Val Whiting, two-time NCAA Champion and former elite WNBA athlete. Val starred all four years at Stanford, she ranks 6th all-time in scoring (2,077 points) and 6th in rebounds (1,134). Val holds a Master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology and is currently a certified Mental Health Coach.On paper, her career was a success. Mentally, it was a different story. Despite her championships and her accolades, Val struggled with pressure, self-doubt, and emotional overload, challenges no one had trained her to manage. That experience led her to found MentallyStrongHer, an organization dedicated to helping female athletes build mental resilience, emotional stability, and confidence beyond the scoreboard.Through Mentally StrongHer, Val has coached and supported athletes navigating anxiety, identity loss, burnout, and the pressure to perform, issues that don’t end when the game does. Her work bridges the gap between performance and mental health, helping current athletes compete with clarity, former players rediscover purpose after sport, and individuals beyond athletics apply the same mental skills to leadership, career transitions, and everyday life.We walk with Val Whiting as she teaches us what it truly means to champion the game beyond the court, because being emotionally prepared matters just as much as being physically ready for the game called life.

Since retiring from a life spent in the operating room, Dr. Allen Saxon, has returned to two enduring callings: storytelling and teaching the next generation of physicians. A graduate of Tulane Medical School, he learned medicine where it is most human, inside safety net hospitals, where care is given not for profit, but for dignity, survival, and hope.Those early years shaped Dr Saxon. Before screens, algorithms, and electronic charts softened the edges of training, medicine was learned hand to hand and heart to heart. Skill came from doing. Compassion came from standing at the bedside when there was nothing left to offer but presence.Today, Dr. Saxon teaches at Northwestern University and Rosalind Franklin University, carrying forward the lessons he first learned among the most vulnerable patients. On the season 11 finale we will discuss his latest book, “Training in Charity”, which is a tribute to that era of 1970s New Orleans. Training in Charity is a reminder that while medicine may evolve, its soul is still forged in service, humility, and human connection.

Lauren C. Johnson, holds a B.S. in Journalism from Emerson College and an MFA in Creative Writing from American University. Her work has appeared in the Orion and The Rumpus. She is the co-host of Babylon Salon, one of the Bay Area’s longest-running literary and performance series, and the co-founder of Club Chicxulub. Today, we’re discussing her haunting new novel, “The West Facade.” Set during the plague in Paris, the story begins high above the city walls at Notre Dame Cathedral, where statues stand frozen as centuries pass below them. In an act of grief and devotion, a mourning woman places a citrus fruit into the hands of Sainte Geneviève, and that single offering changes everything.But freedom comes with a devastating cost. To remain human is to accept mortality, decay, and death. To return to the cathedral is to surrender choice and feeling, and exist forever untouched,,, but alone.Death and life are often spoken of as opposites, but sometimes the most painful moment is not the crossing itself, it’s the choice of whether to cross at all. At the center of today’s conversation is that impossible decision: remain untouched by time, or step fully into a life that will one day break your heart.West Facade is a story about what it means to truly live. About whether love is worth the certainty of loss. And about the quiet, excruciating courage it takes to choose life, knowing it will not last.

For more than three decades, Dexter R. Hall has been a powerful voice at the intersection of economic opportunity, corporate responsibility, and community impact. As the leader of Noir Kith Consultants, he has helped businesses, nonprofits, and public institutions move beyond intention and toward real, sustainable change.An MBA graduate and respected board leader, Dexter’s work in financial literacy, crisis recovery, and corporate philanthropy has expanded access to opportunity for thousands in underserved communities.Today, our conversation turns to one of the most urgent issues facing our cities, homelessness and housing stability. Through his work with the Providence Foundation in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point community, an organization dedicated to providing supportive housing, family shelters, and services for seniors and vulnerable families, Dexter is helping turn compassion into action.Mr Hall is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, he believes real change happens when leadership meets service "Like Home."

VICTORIA HETHERINGTON’s debut novel, Mooncalves, was shortlisted for the 2020 Amazon Canada First Novel Award. Her second novel,Autonomy, looks at human agency in the age of technology. She is also the author of the nonfiction book Into the Mist, which explores an aviation tragedy. Victoria is also a screenwriter, instructor, and communications specialist, she has written for Yahoo! Finance and Hazlitt, she has served as a frequent panelist at universities and conferences, appeared on CBC, and performed on the main stage of NPR’s The Moth.Today on our show we discuss her new book “The Friend Machine: On The Trail To AI Companionship. This book offers a compassionate and intimate look at the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have sought and found companionship in AI. The Friend Machine shows us that, as the lines between humans and machines continue to blur, the nature of our relationships will change in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.

Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs is a cancer and nutritional epidemiologist, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and nutritional sciences at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, and a researcher with the University of Arizona Cancer Center. As Principal Investigator on a federally funded R01, her work examines how selenium supplementation affects cancer prevention, grounded in rigor, precision, and deep respect for human life.But science alone is not Dr. Jacobs’ calling. She is the co-founder of Defend Public Health, an all-volunteer coalition of physicians, scientists, and advocates united in a steadfast mission: to protect the health and dignity of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Her gift is the balance she has learned to hold, pairing scientific exactness with moral courage, and data with humanity.Today’s conversation centers on an urgent and growing public health threat: the resurgence of measles in the United States amid declining vaccination rates. With confirmed cases reported among people detained at an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas, the danger of unchecked spread is escalating.We speak with Dr. Jacobs about measles, medical neglect, misinformation, and the human consequences of public health policy, and what it will take to respond with science, integrity, and compassion. Dr. Jacobs is clear-eyed yet unwavered ,because in the end, it’s the small things that help us attain the major victories.

ADAM BARSOUK, MD , is an oncology fellow at Johns Hopkins University and resident-physician at the University of Pennsylvania. His articles about science, medicine, and policy have been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Fox News, and Business Insider. Today we discuss his new book Outsmarting Cancer Risk Reduction and the Power of Prevention. Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in many developed countries and US states, and is the leading cause of healthcare expenditure worldwide. That’s the bad news. The good news is that half of all cancer deaths could be preventable through lifestyle changes and social reforms.Outsmarting Cancer reframes one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time: how to prevent cancer. Dr. Barsouk presents a sweeping examination of cancer’s true origins,biological, environmental, dietary, infectious, industrial, occupational, and behavioral makes a compelling case for why cancer prevention must become a central priority in public and personal health. His book explores a wide range of overlooked and misunderstood risk factors, as well as how inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention disproportionately impact underserved populations.

Jeffrey B. Rubin, PhD, is a psychoanalyst, teacher, and author of eight books. Today on our show we will have a conversation about one of his most treasured pieces “The Art of Flourishing,” A Guide to Mindfulness, Self Care, and Love in A Chaotic World.Dr. Rubin practices in New York City and North Salem, New York, and teaches at the Object Relations Institute of New York, the American Institute of Psychoanalysis, and the C. G. Jung Institute of New York. He is widely regarded as a leading integrator of Western psychotherapy and Eastern meditative traditions.A Sensei in the Rinzai Zen lineage, he is the creator of Meditative Psychotherapy, an approach shaped by decades of clinical practice, teaching, and study. His pioneering work has also been featured in The New York Times Magazine. Today we walk with Dr. Rubin, and take a deeper look at his most recent work The Art Of Flourishing, a book where he helps us understand that in order to be better to others you must first be deeply attentive to yourself. If you don't nourish your own "soil," your relationships will eventually wither.

ALEXA MORRIS grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, dabbling in several jobs (including Senate page) before choosing the world of non-profits, where she remains to this day. When she married Ben Parkett’s daughter and learned of his Holocaust survival journey, she became determined to help him turn his story into a book. Alexa lives with her family in Northern California and is currently at work on her first novel. Alexa joins us today to discuss “ The CourtYard” , a memoir she co-wrote with Ben Parkett. Hours before the Nazis came to arrest the Parkett family in July 1942, Madame Nicolas from the apartment upstairs, tips them off that their names are on a list. Their neighbors band together to protect them, hiding the family in a vacant warehouse across the courtyard from their apartment. The courtyard becomes a refuge. With their world turned upside down, it is Ben’s job, at only nine years old, to leave the courtyard each day to get food for his family. This is a story of community support and resilience-building that provides us with strategies that are useful in our current professional environments The courtyard helps us unlock new pathways for innovation and growth it's about cultural resilience and the ways it drives transformation across various life challenges.

Patricia Martin is a cultural analyst, researcher, and speaker. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Huffington Post, The New York Times, Slate and Psyche Magazine. Author of four books, she holds an MFA in nonfiction from Bennington College, with post-graduate certifications from Duke University in medical narrative, and Jungian theory at the C. G. Jung Institute of Chicago where she teaches writing and hosts the psychology podcast, Jung in the World. Today, we’re talking with Patricia about her most recent book, Will the Future Like You?: Reflections on the Age of Hyper-reinvention.It’s a much-needed work that explores how we consciously and unconsciously get caught in technology’s mirror, and how that reflection shapes everything from our sense of self to the external pressures of society. This conversation invites us to pause, and question who we are becoming? Which will help us consider what it really means to remain human in a digitally driven future.”

SUSANNE PAOLA ANTONETTA is the author of The Terrible Unlikelihood of Our Being Here and numerous other works of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Her accolades include a New York Times Notable Book, an American Book Award, a Library JournalBest Science book, and others. She writes for Psychology Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The UK Independent,The Hill, Orion, andThe New Republic and has been featured on CNN.Today we on our show we talk to Susanne about her most recent book “The Devil’s Castle Nazi Eugenics, Euthansia, and How Psychiatry’s Troubled History Reverberates Today” A book that helps us uncover the forgotten history of eugenics in its darkest moments and the unsettling ways its logic lingers, within present day psychiatric practices. Susanne’s work challenges us to acknowledge and correct past injustices and how to transform the future of how humanity can support the value of the mind.

CARLA KAPLAN is the Davis Distinguished Professor of American Literature at Northeastern University. She has published seven books, including Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Black Renaissance and Zora Neale Hurston: A Life in Letters, both New York Times Notable Books, and has written for such publications as The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Slate, and The Nation. Kaplan has held fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, among others. She serves on the board of Biographers International Organization and is a Society of American Historians Fellow. Kaplan earned her PhD in English from Northwestern University.And today, as we pull the curtain on this season finale of The He’s Just Podcast, we sit down with Carla to talk about her newest firestarter, TroubleMaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford, a biography that doesn’t just turn pages, it turns tables.

Join us for this earth shattering conversation with Emmy Award winning writer and host of Your Democracy, Gloria J. Browne-Marshall. professor of constitutional law at John Jay College, civil rights litigator, playwright, and award-winning author. Her work with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Community Legal Services has placed her on the front lines of America’s legal battles over rights, power, and justice.Her previous works include She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law, and Power and The Voting Rights War. Gloria is a frequent commentator on CNN, NPR, and MSNBC, she has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 American Bar Association Silver Gavel Award.Today on He’s Just, Gloria and I talk about her newest book, “A Protest History of the United States”. A book that reframes American history through the lens of resistance; from Indigenous uprisings to Black liberation movements, labor struggles, immigrant rights, and the ongoing fight for democracy.“It is humbling to realize so many made sacrifices without ever knowing our names.” (Gloria J. Browne-Marshall)

USA National Bestselling Author Darius Ross shares his lived experiences and hard-earned insights with audiences around the world. His bestselling book, The TPS Blueprint: Transforming Trauma to Triumph, has become a powerful resource for readers seeking a fresh start from within. He is also the co-author of Leadership DNA and Success DNA, two works that spotlight character, clarity, and purpose in leadership. Beyond authorship, Darius is a Forbes contributor, public speaker, and a frequent guest on global podcasts and events. Whether addressing Fortune 500 executives or mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, his message is rooted in strategy, healing, and legacy. He helps individuals reframe trauma, rebuild confidence, and achieve financial empowerment. Today, Darius stands as a bridge between adversity and opportunity, championing hope, achievement, and the power of aligning mission with action.

ELLEN BASSUK, MD is a psychiatrist, researcher, clinician, and advocate whose five-decade career has centered on mental health, homelessness, and society’s most vulnerable populations. Her son, DANIEL SCHOONOVER, an animal lover, volunteer, and steadfast champion for overlooked creatures and communities, has devoted his life to caring for those too often forgotten.Mental health lives at the center of their story. For Daniel, it has meant confronting circumstances that remind us how fragile stability can be. For Ellen, it has meant facing the painful reality that the very systems she helped build now fail her son, forcing her to fight tirelessly to protect him from the perils of schizophrenia.Together, they share Between Two Worlds: A Psychiatrist and Her Son’s Quest for Compassionate Mental Health Care, a book born from resilience, love, and an unyielding determination. Their journey illuminates both the cracks in our current system and the hope that emerges when care is rooted in humanity.

Anne Hand is a writer and global education expert whose work bridges personal history and social change. Born in New York she has divided her time between Massachusetts and Mexico City, exploring what it means to belong across borders. Her debut memoir, Austrian Again, traces her journey through Austria’s citizenship process for descendants of Holocaust refugees and the unexpected rediscovery of her family’s hidden past. With empathy and curiosity, Anne reflects on identity, memory, and the legacies we inherit. A graduate of Harvard University, she has devoted her career to advancing equity and opportunity through education and technology around the world. Today we take a deeper, more intimate look at her book “Austrian Again”,Reclaiming a Lost Legacy” is a homecoming, a joyful tribute to the power of belonging. This book is a much-needed reminder for all us who are immigrants, for those of us who seek to know the truth, a truth that sometimes changes our own theories, in that, truly is no place like home.

Dr. BOBBY HOFFMAN is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida who specializes in motivation science and solving the mysteries of human behavior. At UCF he teaches a variety of graduate-level courses in motivation, learning, cognition, and intelligence. Hoffman has authored over 100 publications in the fields of education, psychology, leadership, and organizational development and serves on six journal editorial boards. He holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Human Resources Psychology. Before earning his PhD in Educational Psychology from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he worked for over 20 years in HR management and performance, consulting for some of the world’s most successful companies including GE, NBC, KPMG, and the NBA. A regular contributor to the Psychology Today website where his blog “Motivate” has been viewed over 1.2 million times, Dr. Hoffman is the author of four previous books including Hack Your Motivation and Motivation for Learning and Performance. Today we talked to Dr. Hoffman about his new book "The Paradox Of Passion" How Rewards Covertly Control Motivation. We walk with Dr. Hoffman to explore how we can reframe motivation, not just as a drive for rewards, but as a tool that helps us navigate life’s pathways, guiding us toward the outcomes we need and the goals we truly want.

Dr. BOBBY HOFFMAN is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida who specializes in motivation science and solving the mysteries of human behavior. At UCF he teaches a variety of graduate-level courses in motivation, learning, cognition, and intelligence. Hoffman has authored over 100 publications in the fields of education, psychology, leadership, and organizational development and serves on six journal editorial boards. He holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Human Resources Psychology. Before earning his PhD in Educational Psychology from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he worked for over 20 years in HR management and performance, consulting for some of the world’s most successful companies including GE, NBC, KPMG, and the NBA. A regular contributor to the Psychology Today website where his blog “Motivate” has been viewed over 1.2 million times, Dr. Hoffman is the author of four previous books including Hack Your Motivation and Motivation for Learning and Performance. Today we talked to Dr. Hoffman about his new book "The Paradox Of Passion" How Rewards Covertly Control Motivation. We walk with Dr. Hoffman to explore how we can reframe motivation—not just as a drive for rewards, but as a tool that helps us navigate life’s pathways, guiding us toward the outcomes we need and the goals we truly want.

MASON DONOVAN and MARK KAPLAN are Managing Partners of The Dagoba Group, a global consulting firm advancing inclusive leadership, employee well-being, and organizational culture. They are also the authors of The Inclusion Dividend, a perennial best-seller leveraged in corporate and academic classrooms worldwide, as well as SET for Inclusion and The Golden Apple. Their work has been featured by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. Mason and Mark working parents themselves, bring decades of expertise in employee engagement, wellness, and workplace inclusion. As thought-leaders and advisors to Fortune 1000 companies, they’ve helped organizations reframe talent development for a modern workforce—one that recognizes the lived experience of parenthood as a professional asset, not a detour. Today we talked about their new book The Parenthood Advantage: Building Corporate Cultures That Value Working Parents.Today we walk with Mark and Mason in conversation, exploring how organizations can reimagine the workplace to recognize working parents as assets- and as stronger leaders shaped by the profound experience of parenthood.

Jamie Del Rio has lived a life of service and community outreach since childhood. After earning his business degree from New York University, the tragic events of September 11th inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. He entered the next NYPD Academy class and went on to serve with distinction for 20 years, retiring as a Detective 2nd Grade.Grounded in his faith, Jamie found strength and purpose throughout his career, and that same spirituality now fuels his passion for empowering the next generation. A gifted motivational speaker, he challenges young people to discover their potential and step into leadership, connecting with them through authenticity and real-life stories from his years “on the force.”In retirement, Jamie leads a thriving youth group at his local church and founded Blue Bridge, an initiative bridging the gap between law enforcement and urban youth. He also mentors through My Brother’s Keeper, continuing his commitment to service, faith, and building futures of hope and impact. This is We Are One.

Jae Tracy is an artist, business owner, and trauma educator. She spent over a decade working in creative and survivor- centered spaces running a mural company, and working as a certified PADI Divemaster, and creating media that helps kids understand boundaries. She's volunteered with Special Olympics in Hawaii, Oregon, and Virginia, and served in mutual aid and outreach programs including Food Not Bombs, Union Gospel Mission, and Love in Action Hawaii, and Home Aid Hawaii. Today, she leads Boundary Bandits: No Excuse For Abuse, a creative education project teaching kids how to identify harm, build emotional safety, and grow up clear, confident, and protected. The question is will we notice in time? This is Boundary Bandits.

Howard Yaruss an economist, professor, attorney, businessman, and activist whose passion lies in making complex ideas accessible to empower people with knowledge. Howard brings decades of experience from the world of finance, law, and public policy, which includes his time as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Radian Group. Yaruss, a graduate of Brown University, with studies at the London School of Economics and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Today we will talk to Howard about his highly praised book, and winner of the Bronze Award at the Axiom Business Book Awards, “Understandable Economics”: Because Understanding Our Economy Is Easier Than You Think and More Important Than You Know, Howard’s book is a powerful guide that breaks down how our economy actually works, why it matters, and how understanding it, can help us navigate the complexities of our economy, towards a path of professional development and success.

This unforgettable 100th Episode Jules Douge takes life's unpredictable journey. The fun times and joys of childhood to the unexpected spins of grief. Emerging with resilience with his signature mix of raw storytelling Jules shares his emotional honesty of what happens when we encounter loss. Facing trauma head-on. Jules opens up about the lessons that shaped his life and experiences. This episode offers both the personal and the practical strategies that significantly can support us through challenges.. More than a milestone, The He’s Just Podcast eclipsed a monumental episode. This chapter might feel like an ending, but more often than not, it's the beginning. 100- Good Things Bad Things All things.

Listen in on this powerful conversation with Steven Eichenblatt. An accomplished attorney, a devoted father of five, and a relentless advocate for children and families. Steven is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law, Eichenblatt has spent more than three decades standing up for those whose voices too often go unheard; whether serving as a pro bono guardian ad litem or representing the families of first responders lost on 9/11.But today, Steven joins us in a different role: as an author, a father, and a man reckoning with the deep intersections of trauma, resilience, and family. His new memoir, “Pretend They Are Dead” , A Father's Search for the Truth, is a raw and honest journey into the legacy of pain, the weight of silence, and the strength it takes to confront our past, for the sake of our children’s futures.

Father Nathan Castle is a Catholic priest with the Dominican Order, Father Nathan has developed a remarkable ministry: helping souls who died suddenly and traumatically such as victims of fires, car accidents, shootings, drownings, and suicides to find peace in the afterlife. Often appearing to him in dreams, these souls seek his aid in completing what he calls Interrupted Death Experiences.He documents these profound encounters in his acclaimed Afterlife, Interrupted series (Books 1–3), sharing moving stories of grace, healing, and hope. His other work, And Toto, Too: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure, explores classic storytelling through a mystical and faith-based lens.Father Nathan believes his calling is a gift from the Holy Spirit—a sacred task that bridges worlds, bringing comfort to the living and liberation to those that are no longer with us.

Natalia Diaz is the inaugural Chief of Staff at NYC Her Future, a groundbreaking New York City initiative dedicated to uplifting young women and girls of color. A proud Latina and daughter of immigrants, Diaz brings a culturally grounded and community informed lens to every aspect of her leadership. Her role is central to shaping the agency’s strategy, operations, and internal culture, ensuring that each program and partnership aligns with the mission of racial equity, access, and care.A seasoned public servant, Diaz previously served as the Director of Programs for the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), where she led educational investments and helped launch innovative initiatives designed to support young men of color. During her nine-year tenure, she rose through the organization’s ranks, driving impact through collaboration and evidence-based programming.Today we walk with Natalia on her plight to make everyone and everything feel welcomed, valued and respected.

Claudia Rowe has spent more than 30 years shining a light on the often overlooked places where children and government systems collide. Originally from New York City and now rooted in Seattle, she’s made a career out of listening deeply and writing with compassion and clarity. Her investigative reporting on racially biased school discipline at The Seattle Times didn’t just spark conversation, it helped change education laws in Washington State. Her powerful work exploring the lives of Latino youth involved in gangs earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination.Beyond the newsroom, Claudia’s voice has reached national audiences through The New York Times, Mother Jones, and Amazon Original Stories. Her 2018 memoir, “The Spider And The Fly”, a haunting true crime narrative, won the Washington State Book Award and showcased her unique ability to blend storytelling with psychological insight.Today, as a member of the editorial board at The Seattle Times, Claudia focuses her lens on some of the most vulnerable members of society: foster youth, kids in the justice system, and students navigating a complex public education system. Her latest book, Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care, continues her commitment to giving voice to those often left unheard.

Susan Polgar’s story is one of grit, genius, and breaking barriers. Born into a modest Jewish family in Cold War-era Budapest, she was already winning chess championships by age four—perched on telephone books just to reach the board. At 15, she became the top-ranked female chess player in the world. . Susan was the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title through tournament play, a feat once thought impossible for women. Over her legendary career, she won 4 World Championships, 12 Olympiad medals (including 5 gold), and all 6 of the most prestigious world chess titles.In 2024, she was named by FIDE as the greatest female chess trainer in history, honoring her impact on generations of players.Today, we discuss her incredible memoir “Rebel Queen”, which pulls back the curtain on Cold War politics, sexism in elite chess, and the making of a legend. This is Rebel Queen: The Grandmaster.

Alia Dastagir a former USA Today reporter whose powerful work on gender and mental health has earned some of journalism’s top honors, including the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism. Her reporting was recognized with a National Headliner Award and the American Association of Suicidology’s first Public Service Journalism Award, Alia has been featured on CNN, NPR, and C-SPAN.”“Today we’re talking with Alia about her new book, To Those Who Have Confused You To Be a Person: Words as Violence and Stories of Women’s Resistance Online. It’s a profound exploration of how language can be used as a weapon — and how women are standing up, speaking out, and building resistance in digital spaces. Alia brings incredible heart and insight to a conversation that has been dormant for far too long. More Than Just!

As a young boy, Dr. Emilio M. Justo fled Fidel Castro’s oppressive regime with his family, carrying nothing but hope and the determination to build a better life. That journey shaped the values that define him today—resilience, discipline, and a deep belief in the power of delayed gratification. By the age of 23, Dr. Justo earned his medical degree, from the University of Michigan, completed his ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery training by 27, and soon after opened the doors to his own practice.Now a two-time TEDx speaker with a global following, Dr. Justo’s talks… “Delayed Gratification: Your Superpower to Success” and “The Obsession Advantage to Unprecedented Success, have touched the lives of millions. With over 10 million views combined and his latest talk ranked the #1 TEDx video of 2024, Today we discuss his bestselling book, The Power of Pause: Mastering Delayed Gratification Towards Success. Through his story and his work, Dr. Justo reminds us that no matter where we start; with perseverance, passion, and a willingness to wait for what truly matters, success, and living a life with meaning can be possible.

Lisa Morgan, Breakthrough & Empowerment Coach whose work goes far beyond traditional life coaching. With a background as a Certified Professional Coach, Board-Certified Music Therapist, with three decades of personal life-experiences, Lisa digs deep into inner healing, She helps her clients release subconscious blocks, heal from past trauma, and reclaim their voice. Lisa's methods of trauma-informed, spiritually grounded techniques, are rooted in somatic wisdom. Lisa doesn’t just talk about transformation, she facilitates soul-level breakthroughs, that are felt in the body, rewired in the nervous system, and anchored in the heart. Today we talk to Lisa about a book she co-authored with Lisa Nichols “Against All Odds” which serves as a testament to the human capacity for resilience and determination. Today we walk with Lisa and learn about her journey of reclaiming identity of turning pain into purpose- and how she rewrote her story, on her own terms.

Despite his many accolades, Dean Tolson counts learning to read and write—something he didn’t achieve until the age of 33, as his greatest accomplishment.A former NBA player and motivational speaker, Dean’s journey began in the ghettos of Kansas City, Missouri. From humble beginnings, he rose to become one of the top high school basketball players in the nation. He went on to play at the University of Arkansas and served honorably in the U.S. Army during his college years.Dean’s dream of going pro came true when he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics. After three seasons in the NBA, he spent eleven years playing professional basketball internationally. But it was his return to education, encouraged by his mother, and supported by University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles. that marked a profound turning point in Dean's life. His graduation, a testament to perseverance, was even featured in Sports Illustrated.Today, we speak with Dean about his about his book "Power Forward" which chronicles his remarkable journey, from a childhood in an orphanage to overcoming illiteracy, and ultimately graduating magna cum laude with a Master’s degree in Education.Through his story and public speaking, Dean inspires young people to value education and chase their dreams, no matter the odds. We’re proud to walk beside him as he shares his story of grit, growth, and greatness.

Kathy Allan is a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse with 60 years of experience in nursing. She is a retired Healing Touch Certified Instructor, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Kathy has extensive training in energy medicine. Her trauma expertise includes Somatic Experiencing International, where she assists in PTSD practitioner training, as well as Touch Training for Psychotherapists, NARM, and NeuroAffective Touch. Kathy is also the founder of The Gutsy Nurse (www.thegutsynurses.com), a platform dedicated to transforming the nursing profession. Her mission is to reignite passion, increase aliveness, and restore balance and harmony in nurses and the systems in which they work—creating environments that foster true healing as their superpower. More Than Just.. Kathy Allan is The Gutsy Nurse.

Corinna Barrett Lain is the S. D. Roberts & Sandra Moore Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law. She is one of the nation’s leading authorities on the death penalty, presenting her work at national and international conferences and publishing in the top law journals in the country. Lain is also one of the leading voices on criminal justice in Virginia more broadly, serving as the principal co-author of a four-volume treatise on Virginia criminal law and procedure, and regularly lecturing at annual conferences for the Virginia bench and bar. She is a former prosecutor, a former sergeant in the United States Army, and a recipient of the University of Richmond’s Distinguished Educator Award. Today, we’re excited to discuss Corinna’s new book “The Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection, which exposes the hidden history and legal complexities of America’s primary method of execution.

Women in business continue to face diverse challenges and opportunities. Dr. Marina Gerner, an award-winning financial journalist and columnist, has contributed to The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, and Wired. She is also an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and holds a PhD from the London School of Economics.In her latest book, “The Vagina Business, The Innovative Breakthroughs that Could Change Everything in Women's Health." Gerner explores groundbreaking innovations in femtech health— that have the potential to transform medicine, science, and business. Backed by research grants from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and The Society of Authors, her work brings fresh insight to a conversation that has long been overlooked for far too long. Nothing personal, just business. The Vagina Business.

We all face life-changing moments that test our resilience and drive us toward change. For Deborah Mallow—better known as the ‘Ray of Sunshine' these moments fueled her mission to help others transform negative habits into positive ones.Deborah is a dynamic motivational speaker, success coach, and author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.” Listen in to Mallow’s journey and her inspiring message of resilence. After earning a degree in Textile Design and Business from Syracuse University, she built a thriving design and licensing company before making a bold pivot into biotech sales—where she became the #1-ranked dermatology sales rep at Johnson & Johnson.Now, through The Daily Decisions and her Positive Energy Club, Deborah shares practical strategies for achieving a positive mindset, worrying less, and enjoying life more. With her infectious energy and actionable advice, she’s here to help you make every day a little brighter.

In this episode, we sit down with Susan Sturm, Columbia Law professor and author of What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions. Susan received Columbia’s Presidential Teaching Award and co-authored Who’s Qualified with Lani Guinier. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Susan challenges us to rethink how we build fair and welcoming spaces in our communities, workplaces, and beyond. She shares powerful insights on the foundational pillars of justice and how we can take meaningful action to drive lasting change. Join us for an inspiring conversation about whats possible when we commit to transformation. What might be? I’m still standing.

Aaron Johnson is a public speaker, facilitator, and touch activist who practices closeness as a way to break down barriers between people. His Ted Talk Chronically Under Touched- “Why I waited 12 months to get a hug, speaks to the power of touch and how it correlates with our Mental Health, history, and identity. Aaron is the co-founder of both Holistic Resistance and Grief to Action, He takes the time to hold the stories of Black people around homophobia, transphobia, internalized racism, and those that are Chronically UnderTouched. Today we discuss Aarons’ short film "Dark and Tender" which follows ten Black men on a transformative retreat with the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project outside Seattle, Washington. The men seek to reclaim platonic intimacy and tenderness through close encounters with nature and depictions of gentle Black masculinity, restoring the vital aspect of touch by replacing violence and rough play with care, connection, and intimacy. Can I Live

John Lee Hooker Jr., the son of blues legend John Lee Hooker, grew up immersed in music but struggled with drug addiction and crime for decades, leading to multiple stints in prison, including Soledad, Santa Rita and San Quentin. Despite surviving shootings and stabbings, he eventually turned his life around, becoming a successful blues artist. His first album, Blues with a Vengeance, was released in 2004, nominated for a Grammy Award, and won the W. C. Handy Award for Debut Artist. His third album, All Odds Against Me, released in 2008, also received a Grammy nomination. In 2019, he fully embraced his faith, becoming an ordained minister who now preaches and performs gospel music in churches and prisons across the U.S. and Germany. Today we talk to John Lee about his new book “From The Shadows of the Blues: My Story Of Music, Addiction, and Redemption. His story is one of resilience, saving, being saved and the transformative power of faith and music. This is Full Circle.

The David Crespi case is a tragic story of mental illness, family devastation, and a system that failed to prevent a crisis. On January 20, 2006, Crespi, a Charlotte bank executive, called 911 and confessed to fatally stabbing his 5-year-old twin daughters, Samantha and Tessera.Award-winning writer Edward L. Jones III joins us to discuss his first book, “Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: What Really Killed the Crespi Twins” (Rowman & Littlefield, March 2025). Through a compassionate lens, Ed examines the Crespi family’s painful journey, the role of psychiatric medication, and the broader failures in mental health care. Was this murder, or a preventable tragedy?This conversation goes beyond true crime; it’s a call to understand mental illness, challenge stigma, and push for a system that better supports those in crisis. This is Forever 5.

Season 8, Episode 2 of The He's Just Podcast is a deeply personal and eye-opening solo project, diving into the inescapable truths that life throws our way. In this episode, I share my own experience of exposure to and survival from a narcissist, offering raw insights into the emotional toll and lasting impact of such encounters. Through a mix of storytelling and practical advice, I break down how to recognize red flags, set firm boundaries, and embark on a path toward healing. No one walks away from these situations unchanged, but with the right strategies and techniques, survival turns into growth. Tune in to hear hard-earned lessons, coping mechanisms, and the resilience it takes to reclaim your peace. I AM WORTHY.

Season 8 He’s Just Premiere, we are joined by Dr. Alyson J. McGregor, a leading expert in sex and gender differences in medicine. Alyson is a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Associate Dean at the University of South Carolina School, Greenville. Dr. McGregor has dedicated her career to addressing how male-centric medical research impacts women’s health. McGregor has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, co-founded the Division of Sex and Gender in Emergency Medicine at Brown University, and is an international advocate for women’s health equity. Her TEDx talk, Why Medicine Often Has Dangerous Side Effects for Women, has two million views, and her award-winning book Sex Matters has been recognized as a game-changer in the field. Now, she is back with her latest book, Why Women Aren’t Winning at Health (But Can), which dives even deeper into the systemic issues women face in medicine and what we can do about it. Sex Matters, All Rise Women Power is Session.

Season 7 Finale, Jordan Grumet physician, author and podcast host with expertise in both medicine and personal finance. Doc G’ passion for financial independence led to the launch of the Earn & Invest Podcast in 2018 which won the Plutus Award for Best New Personal Finance Podcast 2019 while receiving additional nominations in 2020 and 2021. As an author his debut book “Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life" was published in 2022. Today we talk about his new book “The Purpose Code” where he speaks to and explores the intersectionality of wealth, and living a meaningful life. Doc G shows us how to unlock the purpose code to guide our paths towards Happiness, Health, and Longevity.

Eric Drooker, is a visionary artist whose work bridges street art, fine art, and graphic novels. Eric’s creations have earned a place in renowned institutions like the Whitney Museum, MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Library of Congress.Eric’s groundbreaking Flood!: A Novel in Pictures won the American Book Award, and his follow-up, Blood Song, is being adapted into a major motion picture. Now, after eight years in the making, he’s back with Naked City: A Graphic Novel, a masterful work that tells the story of three bohemians—a painter, a street dancer, and an aspiring musician who are struggling to create and survive in NYC. .Eric shares his vision of painting New York City vertically, capturing the towering energy and complexity of the cityscape in a way that few can. This is Eric Drooker, The Native New Yorker.

As a society, we strive for equitable outcomes and inclusive models to create structures that support everyone. Karen Catlin, an acclaimed author and speaker, has written four influential books, including her most recent work, Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces. Join us for an insightful conversation with Karen as she shares her knowledge and experiences, offering practical strategies to help us build diverse and inclusive environments. Her weekly 5 Ally Actions newsletter, reaching over 40,000 subscribers, equips individuals and organizations with actionable tools to foster belonging and drive meaningful change. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, Karen inspires sustainable change and empowers us to level the playing field. Let’s come together to explore how we can create lasting impact and a more equitable future once and for ALL.

Burnout- Is the driving force behind emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It affects everything from our productivity to our relationships and even leading to substance abuse, job loss, and worse.Finding our balance and maintaining positive energy isn’t easy, especially for high-achieving professionals. Meet Dr Jessi Gold Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and author of the national bestseller How Do You Feel? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine. Dr. Gold is on a mission to explore the truths we often avoid. Jessi helps us embrace imperfection, seeking balance, and finding outlets that allow us to live as the best versions of ourselves. March 2020 meet Jessi Gold “The Perfectionist.”

Dr. Rebecca Winthrop is a senior fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. With a focus on global education, she works to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in work, life, and civic engagement. Co-author of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, she explores innovative strategies to improve education, particularly for marginalized youth using her four learning modes. Winthrop advises governments and organizations worldwide and lectures at Georgetown University, driving efforts to make education more inclusive and impactful. In this powerful conversation Rebecca reminds us that connected teens create unstoppable change.