The Upstander Ripple Effect

“We make mistakes, and we will continue to make mistakes. The beauty of that is that we get to fix it, you know. But how we atone for that, how we move forward is what matters.”  - Shawnee Turner In this episode of The Upstander Ripple Effect, hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge welcome Shawnee Turner, Vice President of Education and Interpretation at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, to talk about the end of February and the beginning of March - where Black History Month meets Women’s History Month.  They discuss the legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away in February 2026, and the realities of building coalitions across communities, and why it matters to look honestly at both the triumphs and the tensions in our shared history. Drawing on her work in museum education, Turner shares how expanding historical narratives—from well-known figures like Harriet Tubman to lesser-known heroes like Ellen Craft—can help us better understand justice, resilience, and the everyday acts of courage that move society forward. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity Find us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/ https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Byron McCauley op-ed on Rev. Jesse Jackson https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/02/17/rev-jesse-jackson-death-legacy-civil-rights-opinion-column/88717590007/  Freedom Center statement on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s death https://freedomcenter.org/voice/press_release/statement-rev-jesse-jackson/   Press coverage of Rev. Jackson’s relationship with Jewish communities over the years https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/09/27/2-jews-quit-jacksons-group/3da46535-3f5b-4f84-96ff-7fe90843e53c/  https://www.jta.org/2026/02/17/obituaries/jesse-jackson-civil-rights-leader-whose-1984-comments-undercut-jewish-relations-dies-at-84  https://www.auschwitz.org/en/museum/news/roma-and-sinti-genocide-remembrance-day,1376.html  Rev. Jackson’s legacy of including women in politics https://19thnews.org/2026/02/jesse-jackson-opened-doors-black-women-politics  Perspective on women’s history being included at the Smithsonian https://thepolitic.org/the-politics-of-representation-the-fight-for-the-smithsonian-womens-history-museum/   Visit the Freedom Center https://freedomcenter.org/  Visit the Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Send a text

“It is an interesting time to think about how these two days are established to remember and honor separate histories, but in so many ways, separate histories that are so interconnected, that have so many shared themes and shared lessons.” - Kevin Aldridge, co-hostIn this episode, Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge sit down with historian and civic leader Dan Hurley to talk about interconnectedness—between people, histories, and movements we’re often taught to see as separate. Recorded between MLK Day and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the episode explores how the fight against Nazi racial ideology abroad and the struggle for civil rights at home are deeply linked. Dan shares his father’s remarkable World War II story: serving as a white officer in an all-Black Army unit that helped liberate Dachau, witnessing the extreme results of the Nazis’ racism and hate. But he also realized his troops were fighting racism at home. This episode challenges listeners to stretch their perspective, step into discomfort, and see how real change has always come from connection, courage, and action—not just good intentions. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Find us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/ https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Hear more about Dan Hurley’s experiences writing his book https://youtu.be/h7SGU1Tlazg Buy the book Crossing Borders, Expanding Boundaries In person at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Rookwood Commons, Cincinnati Or online at Amazon https://a.co/d/2FRQVWo  Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center in person in historic Union Terminal or online at https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Get tickets for the landmark exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. At Cincinnati Museum Center until April, 2026 https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/auschwitz-not-long-ago-not-far-away/  How the Nazis were influenced by U.S. Jim Crow laws https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/digital-program/nuremberg-laws-how-the-nazis-were-influenced-by-u-s-jim-crow-laws/  Double V campaign during WWII https://www.nps.gov/people/james-gratz-thompson-originator-of-the-double-v-campaign.htm  Medgar Evers’ recognition for his service in WWII, in a quartermaster unit like Irwin Hurley led https://news.va.gov/109033/veteranoftheday-army-medgar-evers/  Articles related to this episode https://lamag.com/guest-column/cycling-through-history-on-international-holocaust-remembrance-day/  https://saportareport.com/bernice-king-mlks-work-essential-as-humanity-is-under-siege/columnists/adrianne-murchison/   https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/bernice-king-why-dr-king-233522155.html   https://atlantadailyworld.com/2026/01/10/king-holdiay-2026-mission-possible-2-building-community-uniting-a-nation-the-nonviolent-way/   https://communityjournal.net/op-ed-by-ben-jealous-we-must-finish-the-work-dr-king-died-doing/   https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/january-mlk-jr-remembrance-21291279.phpSend a text

“In a time that feels very dark and hopeless, they're finding hope in the humanity of others, not just what they're doing, but what they see communities doing to help.”  - Lucy May, Cincinnati journalist, on one of the stories of the year that brought her hope  “I'm thinking about the ripple effect and the fact that you know, who started this? It was one person who said, ‘Geez, you know, this is this massive issue happening on a national scale. And I can either choose to feel completely powerless, like I have no agency and lament it, or I can just say, What's one more thing I can do?’”  - Jackie Congedo, on the local person who started the program Grocery Buddies this year, to fill in the gap when SNAP benefits fall short In a year dominated by heavy headlines, in this episode of The Upstander Ripple Effect, we made a deliberate choice to end with hope and light. Joined by longtime journalist and host of WVXU’s Cincinnati Edition, Lucy May, the hosts explore why our brains gravitate toward bad news—and why seeking out “points of light” is not naïve, but necessary.  Through powerful stories of wrongful conviction, radical forgiveness, and neighbors stepping up for neighbors, the episode makes the case that hope is an act of courage — and essential for us as upstanders to keep moving forward.  This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/ https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Watch Lovely Jackson, the documentary about Rickey Jackson https://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Jackson-Matt-Waldeck/dp/B0DZ28SSMC Listen to the Cincinnati Edition episode covering Rickey’s story https://www.wvxu.org/show/cincinnati-edition/2025-10-20/rickey-jackson-lovely-jackson-innocence-project Find out more about the Grocery Buddies program https://grocery-buddies.org/ Listen to WVXU coverage of the Grocery Buddies https://www.wvxu.org/news-from-npr/2025-11-01/as-snap-benefits-run-dry-grocery-buddies-are-footing-their-neighbors-food-bills https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2025-11-11/snap-recipients-shutdown-grocery-buddies-cincinnati https://www.wvxu.org/show/cincinnati-edition/2025-11-26/cincinnati-community-comes-together-to-fill-gaps-in-hunger Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Read Kevin’s column about Ja’Marr Chase and his handling of the rude fan who wanted an autograph https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2025/06/30/cincinnati-bengals-jamarr-chase-plane-tiktok-fan/84412070007/Send a text

As artificial intelligence of the future is applied to events of the past, how do we make sure truth and authenticity is the focus? “We remove the human element out of it when we say, robot, go do this for me.” - Jackie Congedo, on relying on AI to interpret history Hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge welcome guest Steve Coppel to discuss his father, Werner’s, story—now part of the powerful Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. exhibition. Later, they explore how AI-generated misinformation threatens Holocaust remembrance and other historical events. With insight from the Auschwitz Museum’s Pawel Sawicki, this episode asks how we preserve authenticity and humanity in an age when even memory can be manipulated. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources  Tickets for Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/auschwitz-not-long-ago-not-far-away/  Hear more from Pawel Sawicki on his role at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/a-conversation-with-pawel-sawicki-press-officer-for-the-auschwitz-birkenau-state-museum/  AI articles discussed https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4xjk1g1xo https://longreads.com/2025/09/25/ai-holocaust-survivors-memory/  https://www.d-id.com/news/the-heroes-speak-marking-80-years-for-the-warsaw-ghetto-uprising/  More to read on AI and the work of Holocaust memory https://holocaustremembrance.com/news/does-ai-future-holocaust-memorySend a text

When political division and violence dominate the headlines, how can we hold on to our shared humanity? Host Jackie Congedo is joined by guest Sean Comer, Vice President of the Leadership Center at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and founder of Beyond Civility: Communication for Effective Governance. Together, they explore how empathy, humility, and connection can counter polarization and strengthen the fabric of our communities. “Talking about difficult topics, conversations where there's going to be significant disagreement - it takes practice.” – Sean Comer Drawing lessons from the Holocaust and the words of survivors like Roma Kaltman and Al Miller, Jackie and Sean talk about the dangers of dehumanization—and the need to rebuild our “civic muscle” for dialogue across differences. Sean shares stories from more than a decade of work bringing people together—from students and public servants to business leaders—and shares his thoughts on how we got here and how we can move forward. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Episode Resources   Learn more about Sean’s work https://cincinnatichamber.com/leadership-center/   Coverage of the Eradicate Hate Summit https://www.post-gazette.com/local/2025/09/17/eradicate-hate-summit-political-violence/stories/202509170085  https://www.wesa.fm/identity-community/2025-09-16/pittsburgh-anti-discrimination-stand-for-all-launch   Gov. Josh Shapiro’s keynote address at the Eradicate Hate Summit https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/icymi--gov-shapiro-delivers-keynote-address-on-political-violenc   Joint statement from Ohio lawmakers on political violence https://ohiohouse.gov/news/republican/senate-president-mccolley-senate-democratic-leader-antonio-house-speaker-huffman-house-minority-leader-isaacsohn-release-statement-condemning-political-violence-137836   Former Gov. John Kasich’s op-ed https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2025/09/22/kirk-minnesota-killings-are-part-of-troubling-pattern-in-us-opinion/86297939007/  Read more about “red capes” and “green capes” https://penntoday.upenn.edu/2016-01-28/latest-news/penn-professor-explores-what-it-means-be-positive  Send a text

“Because it was brought here to Cincinnati, I think it also gives way to this idea that, you know, the Holocaust is, is international history, right? It's European history, global history, but it's our local history too.”  – Director of Collections & Exhibitions Cori Silbernagel on the suitcase that Holocaust survivor Werner Coppel carried from Europe to Cincinnati Werner Coppel was just 19 when he survived a death march from Auschwitz, only to open the newspaper decades later and be faced with outright Holocaust denial in Cincinnati - the city where he had rebuilt his life and now considered home. He chose to fight back by using his voice and speaking his truth. He began telling his story and shared his personal experiences with audiences until his death in 2016. “My dad realized if he didn’t speak up, he’d be a bystander and he couldn’t do that. He had to stand up. He had to be an upstander,” said his son, Steve Coppel. This episode takes you into our archives to learn about some very important artifacts – not frequently seen publicly - that help tell Werner’s incredible story. You can learn more about Werner’s life both in the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center and in the exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. The exhibition opens in October, 2025. Link to tickets below.  The opportunity to bring this exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and  H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Helen G., Henry F., Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Western & Southern Financial Group  Les and Renee Sandler The Kanter/Knue Family  The Neil Bortz Family Rosenthal Family Foundation  Beth and Louis Guttman   To Bear Witness: Stories from Auschwitz to Cincinnati is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling.  Special thanks to Julie and John Cohen for their support of this series.   Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Presented by NEON.   Musealia https://www.musealia.net/   Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum https://www.auschwitz.org/en/  NEON https://www.neonglobal.com/en/   Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. ticket info, additional resources for both adults and students, travel itineraries and more https://www.cincymuseum.org/auschwitz/   Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/    Send a text

“We hear that in a lot of survivor stories... saying you're trained as something, that you're not, in a way, to survive.” - Trinity Johnson, Director of Holocaust Programs & Museum Experiences at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity CenterThis episode of our limited podcast series accompanies the upcoming exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., opening October 2025 at Cincinnati Museum Center. We share the powerful local stories of two survivors: Henry Meyer, a violin prodigy from Dresden whose musical gift became his lifeline, and Bella Ouziel, a young woman from Salonika who endured loss but found strength in camp sisterhood and spiritual resistance. Their journeys of survival and rebuilding in Cincinnati illuminate the resilience of the human spirit. The opportunity to bring this exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and  H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Helen G., Henry F., Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Western & Southern Financial Group  Les and Renee Sandler  The Kanter/Knue Family  The Neil Bortz Family  Rosenthal Family Foundation  Beth and Louis Guttman Interviews of Roma Kaltman, Rozalia Berke, Henry Meyer, and Bella Ouziel are from the archive of the USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education For more information: http://sfi.usc.edu/  To Bear Witness: Stories from Auschwitz to Cincinnati is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Special thanks to Julie and John Cohen for their support of this series. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.  Presented by NEON.  Musealia  https://www.musealia.net/  Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum  https://www.auschwitz.org/en/  NEON  https://www.neonglobal.com/en/ Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. ticket info, additional resources for both adults and students, travel itineraries and more  https://www.cincymuseum.org/auschwitz/   Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Send a text

“Bias doesn’t just live in the people we don’t like. It lives in the mirrors that we look in every day in our homes.” – Kevin Aldridge Season 2 of The Upstander Ripple Effect kicks off with a powerful conversation about self-awareness—how recognizing our own biases, blind spots, and strengths shapes how we behave in our lives and communities.  Hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge reflect on current events, the challenges of honest self-reflection, and the importance of “knowing ourselves accurately.” Later, guest Carrie McCarthy shares how Pleasant Hill Middle School in Cincinnati is embedding character strengths and upstander values into the heart of its culture, inspiring students to see themselves—and each other—as capable of creating positive change. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/ https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources Kevin’s Op-Ed https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2025/08/19/cincinnati-brawl-viral-race-white-black-people-downtown/85656149007/  The Key to Critical Self-Awareness by Arthur C. Brooks (subscription required) https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/04/know-yourself-socrates/682458/   Upstander curriculum resources https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/resources/upstander-activities/   Action Reconciliation Service for Peace https://us.asf-ev.de/   From Nazism to Never Again by Richard Evans (subscription may be required) https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/western-europe/2017-12-12/nazism-never-again  Send a text

Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. opens at Cincinnati Museum Center in October 2025. For those who have never visited the camp, it represents an unparalleled learning opportunity. “The people are not present… but there are traces of them still in those buildings.” —Cori Silbernagel What can Auschwitz still teach us today? A visit to Poland made by two of our staff, Cori Silbernagel, Director of Collections & Exhibitions, and Trinity Johnson, Director of Holocaust Programs & Museum Experiences, may help shed some light on that question. They share powerful moments from behind-the-scenes spaces like Block 10 and an unpreserved barrack, where the fingerprints of Soviet POWs remain in the brick mortar. 80 years after liberation, the world may think it knows most everything about the space and history of Auschwitz. Cori and Trinity’s conversation shows us that we are never really done learning, and that Auschwitz still holds lessons for us today. Those who visit Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. will not just see the same exhibition shown around the world. They will also get in-depth local stories of Auschwitz survivors who immigrated to Cincinnati. During WWII, the historic train station where this exhibition will be shown saw millions of American servicemen come through its doors. But there was another group of travelers whose lives would be impacted by Union Terminal. More than 1,000 Jews who survived the Holocaust immigrated to Cincinnati, arriving in the very building where the public will be able to view Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. The opportunity to bring this exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and  H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Helen G., Henry F., Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Western & Southern Financial Group  Les and Renee Sandler  The Kanter/Knue Family  The Neil Bortz Family  Rosenthal Family Foundation  Beth and Louis Guttman To Bear Witness: Stories from Auschwitz to Cincinnati is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Special thanks to Julie and John Cohen for their support of this series. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.  Presented by NEON.  Musealia https://www.musealia.net/  Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum https://www.auschwitz.org/en/  NEON https://www.neonglobal.com/en/ Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. ticket info, additional resources for both adults and students, travel itineraries and more https://www.cincymuseum.org/auschwitz/   Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/     Send a text

She said, "Will you take me as a sister?" And we said, "Yes, you will be our third sister.” And that's how we went through the war to be known as the three sisters." We were always holding hands together so we wouldn't be separated. - Rozalia Berke, Auschwitz survivor In Auschwitz, two sisters chose resistance — not with weapons, but with books, courage, and love. Roma and Rozalia Kaltman survived the Holocaust by clinging to each other and forming a chosen family with a third girl in the camps, Danka. Together, they became "the three sisters," and stayed alive despite dehumanization and death marches. Cori Silbernagel, Director of Collections & Exhibitions is joined by Trinity Johnson, Director of Holocaust Programs & Museum Experiences to explore the stories of these incredible women by sharing a few minutes of them in their own words. Even though Roma and Rozalia are gone, their lives continue to move and inspire us. This episode is part of a limited series, created to enrich the experience of visitors planning to attend the exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Coming to Cincinnati Museum Center in October, 2025.  Those who visit will not just see the same exhibition shown around the world. They will also get in-depth local stories of Auschwitz survivors who immigrated to Cincinnati. During WWII, the historic train station where this exhibition will be shown saw millions of American servicemen come through its doors. But there was another group of travelers whose lives would be impacted by Union Terminal. More than 1,000 Jews who survived the Holocaust immigrated to Cincinnati, arriving in the very building where the public will be able to view Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. The opportunity to bring this exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and  H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Helen G., Henry F., Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Western & Southern Financial Group  Les and Renee Sandler  The Kanter/Knue Family  The Neil Bortz Family  Rosenthal Family Foundation  Beth and Louis Guttman Interviews of Roma Kaltman, Rozalia Berke, Henry Meyer, and Bella Ouziel are from the archive of the USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education For more information: http://sfi.usc.edu/ To Bear Witness: Stories from Auschwitz to Cincinnati is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Special thanks to Julie and John Cohen for their support of this series. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.  Presented by NEON.  Musealia  https://www.musealia.net/  Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum  https://www.auschwitz.org/en/  NEON  https://www.neonglobal.com/en/ Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. ticket info, additional resources for both adults and students, travel itineraries and more https://www.cincymuseum.org/auschwitz/  Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/Send a text

Step behind the scenes, into the archives of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, in Union Terminal, to explore the lives of Henry Carter and Leo Wilich—Auschwitz survivors who rebuilt their lives in Cincinnati. “Henry didn't sit idly by in the ghetto. He, through acts that were both big and small, did what he could to resist, and he became involved in the underground movement. When I look at this photograph of Henry, I can see - I can see that courage within his face.” Cori Silbernagel, Director of Collections & Exhibitions at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center You’ll hear how Henry risked everything to resist Nazi rule from inside the Krakow ghetto, and how he later adopted a child orphaned by the Holocaust. We also explore Leo’s ritual of putting on his camp uniform during hard times—reminding himself that he had already survived the worst. We share these stories ahead of a landmark collection of artifacts and photos from Auschwitz, coming to Cincinnati in October 2025. In this limited series, we’ll add insight and local context to this internationally renowned exhibition. Those who visit will not just see the same exhibition shown around the world. They will also get in-depth local stories of Auschwitz survivors who immigrated to Cincinnati. During WWII, the historic train station where this exhibition will be shown saw millions of American servicemen come through its doors. But there was another group of travelers whose lives would be impacted by Union Terminal. More than 1,000 Jews who survived the Holocaust immigrated to Cincinnati, arriving in the very building where the public will be able to view Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. The opportunity to bring this exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and  H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Helen G., Henry F., Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Western & Southern Financial Group  Les and Renee Sandler  The Kanter/Knue Family  The Neil Bortz Family  Rosenthal Family Foundation  Beth and Louis Guttman  To Bear Witness: Stories from Auschwitz to Cincinnati is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Special thanks to Julie and John Cohen for their support of this series. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.  Presented by NEON.  For more information, please visit:  Musealia  https://www.musealia.net/  Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum  https://www.auschwitz.org/en/  NEON  https://www.neonglobal.com/en/ Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. ticket info, additional resources for both adults and students, travel itineraries and more  https://www.cincymuseum.org/auschwitz/   Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Send a text

A landmark collection of artifacts and photos from Auschwitz is coming to Cincinnati in October 2025.“I've paid attention to it as it's been in different places, and talked to the curator and talked to partners who have had it, knowing that in the back of my mind, like that's something that needs to come to Cincinnati, and it clearly needs to be in this building for all the connections that you and I are going to talk about today.” - Elizabeth Pierce, CEO Cincinnati Museum Center, on Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.In this limited series, we’ll add insight and local context to this internationally renowned exhibition. In this episode, Jackie Congedo, CEO of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, sits down with Elizabeth Pierce, CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center, to talk about partnering to bring the exhibition to Cincinnati.  Those who visit will not just see the same exhibition that has been shown around the world. They will also get in-depth local stories of Auschwitz survivors who immigrated to Cincinnati. During WWII, the historic train station where this exhibition will be shown saw millions of American servicemen come through its doors. But there was another group of travelers whose lives would be impacted by Union Terminal. More than 1,000 Jews who survived the Holocaust immigrated to Cincinnati, arriving in the very building where the public will be able to view Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.It is a special layer of meaning and context that we think will give visitors an even more extraordinary experience.  The opportunity to bring this impactful exhibition to Cincinnati has been generously supported by Rhonda and Larry Sheakley, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission and  H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee Jacob G. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Helen G., Henry F., Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee  Western & Southern Financial Group  Les and Renee Sandler  The Kanter/Knue Family  The Neil Bortz Family  Rosenthal Family Foundation  Beth and Louis Guttman To Bear Witness: Stories from Auschwitz to Cincinnati is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling.   Special thanks to Julie and John Cohen for their support of this series.Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. was created by Musealia in cooperation with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Presented by NEON.For more information, please visit:Musealiahttps://www.musealia.net/ Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museumhttps://www.auschwitz.org/en/NEONhttps://www.neonglobal.com/en/ Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. ticket info, additional resources for both adults and students, travel itineraries and more https://www.cincymuseum.org/auschwitz/  Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Learn more about Werner Coppel, one of the Cincinnati survivors whose life will be featured in the exhibition https://youtu.be/bUKLrd3XsXsSend a text

The last show of Season One is officially in the books! In this episode, we wrap up the first season of The Upstander Ripple Effect with gratitude, reflection, and—of course—inspiration. Jackie and Kevin dig into some of the headline-making moments shaping our world, from political hypocrisy to the challenges of breaking out of our echo chambers. Together, they explore what real resistance looks like, what it means to build (not just tear down), and how upstanders can center shared humanity in times of crisis.We also celebrate the 2025 Upstander Awards—highlighting everyday heroes like Mitch Morris, who’s bringing hope to Cincinnati’s youth and communities impacted by gun violence. Plus, hear about celebrity host Jesse Eisenberg, who made this year's Upstander Awards truly special.Tune in for one last dose of courage and curiosity this season!This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Email us [email protected]  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Episode Resources   Visit the Center in person or online  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Kevin’s award-winning commentary on Sunlite Pool https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/03/13/cincinnati-symphony-orchestra-coney-island-sunlite-pool-closing/72932938007/  “I study the resistance against the Nazis. Here’s what the US left can learn from it.” by Luke Berryman https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/22/democratic-resistance-trump  “Op-Ed: You Don’t Get To Burn It Down If You’ve Never Built A Damn Thing” by Eric K. Ward https://newsone.com/6203638/palestinian-israel-op-ed/  “Cognitive Dissonance in Politics: How Conflicting Beliefs Shape Political Behavior” by the NeuroLaunch editorial team https://neurolaunch.com/cognitive-dissonance-in-politics/  Read more about Upstander Award winner Mitch Morris https://www.saveouryouthcincinnati.com/  Coverage of Jesse Eisenberg’s visit to Cincinnati https://www.wlwt.com/article/jesse-eisenberg-hosts-upstander-awards-at-humanity-center/65149012  https://www.cincinnati.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2025/06/23/jesse-eisenberg-hosts-holocaust-humanity-center-upstander-awards-2025/84321693007/  Free educational webinar series HHC is participating inhttps://ahecinfo.org/what-history-teaches-the-rise-of-nazism/ Send a text

Attacks on Jewish communities. Corporate retreats from Pride Month. Rhetoric heating up on all sides. What does it take to pause, reflect, and truly see the world through someone else’s eyes? In this episode of The Upstander Ripple Effect, hosts Kevin Aldridge and Jackie Congedo take on the character strength of perspective—not just as a virtue, but as a practical tool for navigating our turbulent world. Through personal reflections and timely stories, they unpack the power of seeing beyond our own experiences and why it’s essential for justice, empathy, and leadership. You’ll also hear survivor Lisa MacVittie’s harrowing journey from Nazi Germany to Shanghai, and the voice of local upstander Dr. Christian Gausvik, who’s bridging gaps in healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community in his work and supporting elderly communities through a non-profit he founded.  “I think it is one of the ways out of this sort of crossroads that we find ourselves in… being able to broaden our perspective or take on someone else's perspective.” – Jackie Congedo Perspective might not change the facts—but it just might change everything else. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Email us [email protected]  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/   https://x.com/cincyhhc   https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/   https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources  Visit the Center in person or online  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/   Grab tickets for the Upstander Gala https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/events/upstander-awards-2/  Register for the Upstander 5k and Family Day  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/events/2025-upstander-5k-and-family-day-volunteer-expo/  Watch Lisa MacVittie’s episode of Hear My Story https://youtu.be/URX8eaC3O7A?si=bURgyJhNNbXTxZfl  Watch Dr. Gausvik’s episode of Hear My Story https://youtu.be/22sEZctLUzU?si=ThexdQHcfdvTb5az  Read Kevin's latest columnhttps://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2025/05/31/protesters-ruin-taste-of-cincinnati-trump-pardons-sittenfeld-bengals-stadium-lease-vance-middletown/83963273007/Current events referenced: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2025/05/28/trump-harvard-antisemitism/83875926007/  https://www.newsweek.com/cities-cancel-juneteenth-celebrations-2066715  https://www.npr.org/2025/05/28/nx-s1-5414616/jewish-museum-shooting-political-violence https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-embassy-staffers-killed-in-washington-aspired-to-middle-east-bridge-building/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/05/06/pride-month-defections-dei-backlash/83376447007/Send a text

In this episode of The Upstander Ripple Effect, hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge dive deep into the idea of empathy—what it really means, why some people are questioning its value, and how it plays a powerful role in standing up for others. Along the way, they reflect on how empathy is often misunderstood as agreement, when really, it’s about connection and understanding. As Kevin puts it:  “Empathy is what helps bring us to a point of understanding, which then can dictate better our responses, our actions, and our words... What you are validating is their lived experience, which cannot be invalidated.” The episode also features moving stories from the archive at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, including Holocaust survivor Conrad Weiner, who reminds us of the danger of indifference, and Tulane Chartock, a social worker who helped Holocaust survivors rebuild their lives in Cincinnati. Both stories show how empathy can shape our lives. And in our Upstander Shoutout, we recognize Brandon Saho, a former Cincinnati sports reporter turned mental health advocate. Through his podcast The Mental Game, Brandon is creating space for honest conversations about mental health, especially in the often tough-it-out world of sports. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources Visit the Center in person or online https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/   Upstander month is coming up in June – learn about all the incredible events here https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/events/upstander-month/  Watch Conrad’s full story https://youtu.be/HOolNTqKAo8  Watch Tulane’s story https://youtu.be/uBE4tsLmvPY   Articles on the subject of “toxic” empathyhttps://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/how-donald-trump-is-teaching-christians-to-abandon-empathy-albert-mohler  https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/politics/elon-musk-rogan-interview-empathy-doge/index.html  The late Pope Francis' words about empathy https://catholicreview.org/pope-skill-performance-are-not-enough-empathy-heart-needed-at-work/  Upstander work by Brandon Saho, fighting the stigma around mental health https://www.facebook.com/BrandonSaho  Apply for a free suicide prevention “You’re Not Alone” sign https://www.themental.game/signs  Send a text

Host Jackie Congedo, CEO at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, joined this episode from her hotel in Jerusalem, where she was with leaders from Holocaust education centers around the world, studying and collaborating.  “Their son had a knack for connecting with people, and for seeing the humanity in somebody else, and for caring enough about another human being with a different story to ask about that story, to want to know more about it.” -- Jackie, on meeting the parents of an Israeli soldier killed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Now, they honor his memory by passing out packets of instant coffee, urging people to listen to people who are different than them. Jackie and her co-host Kevin Aldridge, Opinion & Engagement Editor at Cincinnati.com talked about some of the people she met and the experiences she had during her time in Israel, including Holocaust survivors and their families.  She was also very moved by her time meeting other leaders in Holocaust education, which faces multiple challenges right now – the loss of remaining survivors, rising antisemitism, and a growing gap in knowledge about the Holocaust itself.During our taping, sirens went off in Jerusalem, indicating a safety threat, and Jackie had to quit recording and take shelter. She is fine, and we were able to continue the episode. This brief interruption left us all with a greater sense of empathy for the daily realities that people on both sides of this conflict are living with right now and the incredible resilience required to sustain life there. This episode touches on the human toll of conflict, the importance of preserving and learaning from history, and how even small acts can create ripple effects of empathy and understanding. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Visit us in person or online https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Removal of articles from government websites https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/19/politics/pentagon-website-purge/index.html  https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/03/19/jackie-robinsons-pentagon-page-removed-then-restored-in-dei-purge/  https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-dei-diversity-social-media-purge-fb15996733408a8122a97acd3baa6820  Dr. Eyal Kaminka and his wife Elena, on the loss of their son, Yannai, at the hands of Hamas https://time.com/6327936/israel-mother-son-death-hamas-war/  Send a text

“How can we all stand up for each other? Help each other more? Help each other thrive?...I believe that we're more resilient when we're building resilience together.” - Fatima Doman on being upstanders and becoming more resilient In this episode of The Upstander Ripple Effect, Fatima Doman joins the Center’s Director of External Strategic Engagement, Kara Driscoll, and explores the power of resilience and character strengths to shape how we respond to life's challenges and to be upstanders when it counts. Hear how resilience isn't just something we're born with—it can be developed intentionally. Drawing from her background in positive psychology and coaching, she shares how mindset matters when building our resilience, with such approaches as shifting from an "inner critic" to an "inner coach." Fatima highlights how bravery, kindness, and spirituality are closely linked to resilience and how these strengths can empower us to be upstanders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build resilience and activate their strengths to make a meaningful impact! This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss a thing https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation and the VIA Institute on Character for their support of this series  https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/  https://www.viacharacter.org/    Email us [email protected]  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Episode Resources Learn more about Fatima Doman and take the character strengths survey https://authenticstrengths.com Fatima’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Gf_4a8P4sKpQONBaNjKlA Fatima’s Books on Amazon: Authentic Resilience: Amazon Link Authentic Strengths: Amazon Link Find out more about the strengths linked to resilience Bravery https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/bravery  Kindness https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/kindness  Spirituality https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/spirituality  Send a text

“If fear is what's driving us right now, let's find out what people are afraid of, and let's have a conversation. Let's have a talk. Let's talk about that first. Let's lean into that courageously and have some honest conversations about, what is it that we're really all scared about right now, and how do we push past that, overcome that fear, to get us to a place of productivity.”  host Kevin Aldridge Sometimes, episodes don’t go as planned. That happened with this shoot. Here’s why. It is early in the second Trump administration, and we have heard people express concerns about what they view as authoritarian actions. Some, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have gone as far as to warn about parallels to Nazi Germany. We wanted to address these issues with as much thought and careful consideration as possible. To do that, Jackie and Kevin invited Holocaust scholar and visiting professor at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Sarah Crane to join them. Dr. Crane has perspective to offer on the comparisons between the current moment and 1930’s Germany. We thought we would get to our regularly planned content – a story from the archives and an upstander to highlight – but the conversation with Sarah went long, and we felt it was important enough that we didn’t want to cut it off. We’ll have the stories we planned in the next episode. We hope in the meantime, that this conversation will be helpful as we all engage in the important work of listening and questioning what it means to be an American, and members of a democracy in this moment. Episode Resources  As always, we invite you to visit us in person in historic Union Terminal or online https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/   Learn more about Holocaust history https://www.ushmm.org/ https://www.yadvashem.org/  https://www.auschwitz.org/en/   Jackie’s op-ed https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2025/02/12/when-hate-appeared-cincinnati-chose-to-rise-against-it-opinion/78426099007/  News stories mentioned https://www.nprillinois.org/government-politics/2025-02-19/read-gov-pritzkers-budget-address https://www.cookrepublicanparty.com/chairman-sean-morrisons-response-to-governor-jb-pritzkers-budget-address/  https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/02/07/group-carrying-swastika-flags-seen-demonstrating-in-cincinnati-suburb/78342108007/  https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/02/14/ohio-congressman-greg-landsman-warren-davidson-racist-demonstrators/78464867007/  Send a text

This episode explores the evolving landscape of Holocaust remembrance with Dr. Sarah Crane, Visiting Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Cincinnati and Scholar in Residence at the Holocaust & Humanity Center. "The Holocaust gives us ways to answer deep questions about what it means to be human—but it’s going to keep evolving, and that’s why these conversations remain relevant." — Dr. Sarah Crane Lauren Karas, Chief Learning Officer at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, and Dr. Crane are guided by their character strengths of love of learning and perspective. They discuss how memorials, survivor testimonies, and historical trials shape our collective memory and challenge us to confront modern injustices. They emphasize that Holocaust remembrance is an ongoing, dynamic conversation—one that continues to evolve as we ask deeper questions about history, humanity, and responsibility. Tune in to discover how engaging with history can empower us all to be upstanders in today’s world. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here  https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for their support of this series  https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/      Email us [email protected]  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/   https://x.com/cincyhhc   https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/   https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Episode Resources  Read Dr. Sarah Crane’s blog post https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/scholar-in-residence-spotlight-december-2024/   Learn More About the Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Take the VIA Character Strengths Survey https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/  Read Annette Wieviorka’s book, The Era of the Witness https://www.amazon.com/Era-Witness-Annette-Wieviorka/dp/0801473160 Learn more about the trial of Adolf Eichmann  https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/eichmann-trial  Learn more about positive psychology with our partner, the VIA Institute on Characterhttps://www.viacharacter.org/    Send a text

What do we choose to remember and why? What memories should we work to keep alive? Jackie and Kevin explore that in this episode.  “I think it's important for us to understand, too, why it's important to keep these stories, these legacies, alive... we all stand on the shoulders of the accomplishments and sacrifices of these individuals who've made our country, our world, a better place.” - Host Kevin Aldridge on the importance of honoring the upstanders who came before us January marks two important occasions of memory for the nation and the world – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Jackie and Kevin explore the character strengths that made Dr. King a transformative leader and how the Holocaust & Humanity Center is expanding its efforts to keep the memory of the survivors who founded its predecessor organizations alive. Joan Mermelstein survived Auschwitz and two other concentration camps. Her son Bob shares how he's keeping her memory alive. Joyce Kamen did meticulous work in preserving Holocaust testimonies in the 90's and demonstrated how stories must be handled with care and reverence.This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Read the article Making Heroes is Community Work https://news.chapman.edu/2025/01/14/making-heroes-is-community-work-lessons-from-the-early-life-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/  Visit the exhibit on Emmett Till at the Underground Railroad Freedom Center https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2025/01/07/emmett-till-exhibit-coming-cincinnati-national-underground-railroad-freedom-center/77436062007/ Read more on the lives of Dr. King and Anne Frank, born just months apart in 1929 https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/videos/martin-anne-kindred-spirits-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-and-anne-frankHow the world is marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/beyond-abyss-80th-anniversary-liberation-auschwitz-birkenau  https://www.auschwitz.org/en/home-page-80/  https://www.claimscon.org/rememberthis/Watch the episode of Hear My Story featuring Bob Mermelstein https://youtu.be/aF-o3mpgC0w  Watch the episode of Hear My Story with Joyce Kamen https://youtu.be/kUn2LhdYUBw Send a text

One way we can be upstanders is to embrace our ability to be leaders. Dr. Gail Fairhurst has studied communication and leadership extensively, and joins us to share her best insights on how we can lean into leadership in our everyday lives.  " A communication approach is going to look at how we together negotiate meaning about whatever is the task before us, whatever our identities are, or what our relationship is like together." – Dr. Fairhurst on approaching leadership with a communication lens Dr. Fairhurst is a Distinguished Research Professor in the University of Cincinnati’s School of Communication, Film and Media Studies.  In this episode, she shares her expertise on how language shapes meaning and influences leadership.  In this conversation with Kara Driscoll, Director of Marketing & Events at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, Dr. Fairhurst encourages us to reflect on our communication styles and habits and become more sensitive to the power of words. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here  https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for their support of this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/    Email us [email protected]  Find us on social media  https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity    Episode Resources  Investigate your own character strengths for free  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/    Dive deep on character strengths and positive psychology with our partner, the VIA Institute on Character https://www.viacharacter.org/   Read more about Dr. Fairhurst and her work  https://canopy.uc.edu/default/news/detail?feed=uc_news&id=edf7d1fb-ca3d-5135-9e8b-49b2d68f56a0   Buy The Power of Framing: Creating the Language of Leadership https://a.co/d/gNEI1pL    Send a text

In this episode of The Upstander Ripple Effect, Jeff Bryan, co-founder of the Positivity Project, shares how his military background and studies in positive psychology inspired a nationwide initiative to teach character strengths in schools. “What do we need to do to be successful here? You’re looking at their character—are they honest, do they have integrity, are they humble?"-- Jeff Bryan, co-founder of the Positivity ProjectGuided by the principle “other people matter,” the project helps students understand themselves and others, fostering confidence, empathy, and positive relationships. Now active in hundreds of schools across the U.S. and internationally, the program has shown significant results, including improved behavior and reduced disciplinary incidents. Jeff shares stories of students applying lessons like bravery and resilience in real-world situationsHost Jackie Congedo, CEO of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, connects the work of the Positivity Project to the center’s own mission – to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Character strength education, as Jeff and his partner know, can help bring about a culture of upstanding, where students are empowered to act with integrity and support others. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss a thing https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for their support of this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/    Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources Follow the Positivity Projecthttps://posproject.org/ Read more about the late Dr. Chris Peterson, who believed character strengths were important because, “Other people matter.” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-beauty-in-the-beast/201210/other-people-matter Investigate your own character strengths for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/   Dive deep on character strengths and positive psychology with our partner, the VIA Institute on Character https://www.viacharacter.org/Send a text

This episode brings a heartfelt exploration of gratitude, fittingly marking the final episode of 2024.  "Gratitude is the kinetic energy behind the ripple effect." – Jackie Congedo, host and CEO of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center Hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge reflect on the year gone by, using the theme of gratitude as both a lens for reflection and a springboard for action. By closing the year on a note of thankfulness, they encourage listeners to pause and recognize the transformative power of gratitude, especially as it ties to hope, resilience, and the ripple effect of positivity in the world. They share part of a conversation with Holocaust survivor Henry Fenichel, where Henry and Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Cori Silbernagel, each express their gratitude to the other for the ways Henry’s story is shared and curated at the center. The episode also celebrates modern upstanders, such as Emily Kendall, whose work was inspired by her son Luke's ability to live in the present and approach life with inherent gratitude. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Read what the VIA Institute on Character says about the strength of gratitude USC study mapping gratitude in the brain   Previous episode with Dr. Dan Tomasulo on cultivating hope and practicing gratitude Watch Holocaust survivor Henry Fenichel's episode of Hear My Story Find out about the USC Shoah Foundation's Dimensions in Testimony exhibit that enables museum visitors to interact with Holocaust survivorsWatch upstander Emily Kendall's episode of Hear My Story Find details here on free admission to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center throughout January    Send a text

Being the best version of ourselves, so we can be upstanders for the world around us, takes time and intention. Stacy Sims, Executive Director and Founder of The Well, joins us in this episode to help us understand the importance of mindfulness in an age of distraction.  “If we don't have practices that allow us to be sort of old school - out in nature, walking around, reading books, playing games - we're just going to keep buying the narrative that the technology is selling us.”  -- Stacy Sims, on the need for people to unplug in order to foster mindfulness Stacy is a Cincinnati-based wellness expert who walks the talk. She explains how mindfulness practices including movement, breath work, and meditation can help counterbalance the effects of the technology we consume and the disconnection from our inner selves that is so prevalent. The conversation explores the role of character strengths in mindfulness practices, and how celebrating strengths can promote harmony in our lives. Download this episode for help integrating mindfulness into your everyday life to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss a thing https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for their support of this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/   Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Learn more from Stacy and her team https://www.thewell.world/  Investigate your own character strengths for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/  Dive deep into character strengths and positive psychology with our partner, the VIA Institute on Character https://www.viacharacter.org/  Learn what it means to “tow” a character strength https://medium.com/@admin_3133/boosting-your-character-the-benefits-of-strengths-towing-f2ab2d16b8a6  The book Stacy mentioned, The Anxious Generation https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036  The Surgeon General’s announcement on youth and social media use https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/23/surgeon-general-issues-new-advisory-about-effects-social-media-use-has-youth-mental-health.html  Visit us anytime https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Send a text

This episode tackles the daunting task of building community in a deeply divided post-election landscape head-on. "I think it is the essential project of this moment and it’s something Ithink is going to be very hard for both sides to do.” - Jackie, on community buildingHosts Kevin Aldridge and Jackie Congedo acknowledge the challenges inherent in that task, but insist it's essential work. They explore historical models of community, from the exclusionary Volksgemeinschaft put forward by Nazi Germany to Dr. Martin Luther King's inclusive Beloved Community, to illuminate the path forward. The conversation delves into the evolution of American identity, from melting pot to salad, and the dangers of ideological bubbles.  From the archive, we bring you the story of Rob Herman, the son of Holocaust survivors who relied on upstanders and community to make it out alive. Then, Jackie and Kevin share more with the upstanders at the Pantsuit Politics podcast. Ultimately, this episode is a call to action - a challenge to listeners to reflect on their role in being a "light" and contributing to community-building.This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity   Watch Rob Herman’s episode of Hear My Story https://youtu.be/sZ9BDF5ZvEI Find out more about Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland on Pantsuit Politics and watch their episode of Hear My Story https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/ https://youtu.be/df9g-GpWxHs?si=b0K6AQtmvBVfROUd  Read Kevin’s article with Rep. Greg Landsman https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/11/08/landsman-hopeful-pragmatic-democrats-republicans-can-get-work-done-under-trump-administration/76114830007/  Read the Op-Ed by Ari Jun https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/11/04/opinion-we-must-hold-empathy-for-those-who-lose-tuesdays-election/75928117007/  What the Nazis envisioned when they spoke of community https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/volksgemeinschaft-peoples-or-national-community  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beloved Community” https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/  Opinion: Americans have to try to understand each other https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/11/12/election-aftermath-understanding-political-opponents/  Eric Ward on the “radical” center https://momentmag.com/hold-our-communities-together-with-eric-k-ward-and-nadine-epstein/  Bonnie Jean Feldkamp's columnhttps://www.creators.com/read/bonnie-jean-feldkamp/11/24/be-the-light-that-trumps-hate-is-forced-to-face Send a text

Lea and Drew Lachey have been reaching audiences for decades as singers, choreographers, and performers on screens big and small. Now they’re turning their sights from just entertaining people, to encouraging them to be the best of humanity. We were so pleased to welcome Lea to the podcast studio to talk about their project – a musical called label-less. “It's really just about human stories”  - Lea Lachey on the show label-less As Lea and Drew describe the show, “You’re invited to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.  Using contemporary music, powerful choreography and personal stories to spread a message of Heart, Humanity and Hope.” Lea joined Jackie in the podcast studio to talk about how the show came about, how she’s handling criticism of some of the monologues in the show, and her visit with the cast to the Holocaust & Humanity Center that left them feeling, “so empowered.” Download this episode today, and then share it with a friend. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss a thing https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for their support of this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/   Email us [email protected] Find us on social mediahttps://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources Find out more about label-less https://www.labellessmusical.com/ https://www.lacheyarts.com/labelless  Assess your own character strengths for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/  Visit the VIA Institute on Character to learn more about all 24 character strengths https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths  Send a text

In the face of darkness, every small act of courage and empathy can ignite a beacon of hope. That lens of dark versus light is how we’re examining stories in this episode.  “As I'm sitting there having this conversation with her, it's just chilling to think this person in front of me had this experience. This was not generations ago. I'm talking to the human being who spent the first two years of her life in darkness, or the first chunk of her life, right? It's just remarkable.” - Jackie on her conversation with Holocaust survivor Zahava Rendler, who was hidden in a bunker as a baby with her parents. Zahava Rendler has spent her adult life sharing her experience of the darkness of her childhood – being born in 1941 in Poland to a Jewish family. Her family was forced to make incredibly hard decisions to survive Nazi persecution. Even through that darkness, Zahava is able to see the light that upstanders brought to her story, hiding her and her family. Jackie and Kevin also share the way light has shown up in their lives and in the news lately, and are here to remind you that whatever light you have to bring to the table is needed because we all have times when darkness seems like it’s going to win. Download this episode today, and then share it with a friend. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Email us [email protected] Resources Admission to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center will be free every January! https://youtu.be/GGITEqa7C9s?si=p2OEVKW9sEZgNG9r  Read John Trautmann’s op-ed about his experience in Western North Carolinahttps://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/21/opinion-how-my-family-survived-the-nightmare-of-hurricane-helene/75597735007/  Experience Rutka at Playhouse in the Park https://www.cincyplay.com/productions/RUTKA  General John Kelly’s words about Donald Trump and Hitler https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-said-hitler-did-some-good-things-and-wanted-generals-like-the-nazis-former-chief-of-staff-kelly-claims  Read about the generals in the Nazi regime https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/german-armed-forces-high-commandHistorians are wrestling with whether Donald Trump meets the definition of a fascist. https://theconversation.com/is-donald-trump-a-fascist-heres-what-an-expert-thinks-242243  https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/fascism-1Follow Eric Ward at Race Forward https://www.raceforward.org/  Meet our Scholar in Residencehttps://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/stories-that-shape-us-educational-updates/ Zahava Rendler's story https://youtu.be/RXpvx-Send a text

When was the last time you acted courageously? Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a courageous person. This episode can help change that. Dr. Cynthia Pury is an expert on courage, and researches the topic at Clemson University. She joined Jackie Congedo to talk about what it actually means to be courageous and how we can grow it. “I now define courage as... taking a worthwhile risk.”  - Dr. Cynthia Pury Courage is one of the six virtues defined by VIA. These virtues are a way to classify the 24 character strengths that lie in all of us. VIA says “Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity.” The unique strengths VIA classifies as part of the virtue of courage are bravery, honesty, perseverance, and zest. In this episode, Dr. Pury shared that one way to shift your thinking about courage is to link it to your values. For instance, if you value inclusivity, it may be easier to take the risk to stand up when someone is being excluded, when you remember your personal value. She also introduced us to the notion of personal courage – acts that might not seem courageous to others, but are meaningful and risky for the individual. We learned so much from Dr. Pury in this episode, and we hope you do, too! Download this episode and start to grow your courage today. Thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for supporting this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/   This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here for updates and new episodes  https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources: Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Take the character strengths survey for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/ Visit the VIA Institute on Character: https://viacharacter.org/ Find out more about Dr. Pury https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/about/profiles/index.html?userid=CPURY  Send a text

Throughout our lives, there are times and seasons when it’s required, or desired, to start something new. New beginnings can take many forms but there are some common elements to them – uncertainty, the need for bravery and resilience, and parts of oneself or one’s story that get left behind to make room for the new. “They made their way to Cincinnati, and they started their life - another new beginning” - Jackie Congedo, on the story of Holocaust survivor Helen Kaltman In this episode, Jackie and Kevin explore the idea of new beginnings by examining a story in the headlines from Springfield, Ohio, where Haitian immigrants became the focus of national debate and concern. From our archive, you will hear the story of Holocaust survivor Helen Kaltman. Helen was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1937. As the threat against European Jews grew, her family fled to Russia, but was deported to Siberia. Two generations of her family joined Helen to share their reflections on what it meant for Helen to survive, and how she subsequently started her life over, not once, but twice…first in Israel and then in the United States. Then we bring you part of Jackie’s conversation with mass shooting survivor and upstander Whitney Austin. Whitney defied the odds when she was shot 12 times and lived. That was 2018. Now she is the force behind Whitney/Strong, the organization that she founded to find common ground solutions to gun violence. Download this episode today, and please share this with a friend you think might enjoy it.  Thanks for being part of the Upstander Ripple Effect community! Email us [email protected] Find us on social media https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://x.com/cincyhhc  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/  https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity  This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss a thing https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Episode Resources: Learn more about the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Watch Helen Kaltman's episode of Hear My Storyhttps://youtu.be/q-iqW5Ivajg  Follow Whitney Austin’s workhttps://www.whitneystrong.org/  Watch Whitney’s episode of Hear My Storyhttps://youtu.be/f8H3DbE9My8?si=mrzq6nRWsG9eAabF  Find a Stop the Bleed traininghttps://www.stopthebleed.org/training/  Washington Post Op-Ed on Springfield https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/09/18/springfield-migrants-pets-trump-haiti/  Background on Haitian stereotypeshttps://nacla.org/anti-haitianism-springfield-scapegoating     Send a text

Thousands of students come through our doors every year here at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. One special class wrote books about being upstanders. “You have to know not to judge the book by his cover, you have to actually go in depth to their into their character, into their heart.” - McKenzie Williams, Winton Hills Academy student Julie Dellecave brought her class of 6th graders to visit us, and learn more about upstanders. Upstanders are people who stand up for themselves and others against injustice. After their visit, the class took the lesson a step further and formed small groups to write books based on their experiences. In the book My Kind a boy travels the world to find people like him. He realizes everyone can be "his kind" if he accepts them.  Watch the students narrate My Kind  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RIOVTwSecaMrMi3ihv-qRGz0YhiuMiNt/view  In the book Human the main character is a nameless human who reflects on how people often harm each other. The authors remind us to lift each other up.  Watch the students narrate Human https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UfH5CSjnmv2dkz-tyeIvDOFzy31h5Zh_/view   This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation and the VIA Institute on Character for their support of this series.   https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/ https://www.viacharacter.org/  We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], or connect with us here:  https://x.com/cincyhhc https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/  https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanityLearn more about us https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Find out more about what it means to be an upstander https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/Send a text

Jackie and Kevin start this conversation by remembering the life of a Cincinnati Holocaust survivor, Dr. Renate Neeman, z”l. As a young girl, she was hidden by the Dutch resistance - upstanders whom she credited with her survival. She shared her story for many years with students and others as part of our Coppel Speakers Bureau.  Jackie and Kevin discussed a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Holocaust Museums at a crossroads” and the challenges facing organizations like the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. We also introduce Cincinnati author, Ed Kruszynski. Ed's father, Sgt. Edmund Kruszynski, led dozens of medics on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and for days afterwards, and later treated people at multiple concentration camps after liberation. Ed discovered documents that told his parents’ story, and began writing about them. The result is his book, The Medic’s Wife. Jackie and Kevin shared their reaction to Ed’s work bearing witness to all his parents went through during and after the war. The upstander featured in this episode is Patrice O’Neill. Her film, Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life tells the story of the community response to the deadly attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2018. 11 people were murdered by a gunman motivated by antisemitic hate, and the area was left reeling, but as Patrice’s moving film shows, vowed not to let hate have the last word. Share your thoughts on this episode with us:Email: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com /CincyHHC/ X: https://x.com/cincyhhcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com /@holocaustandhumanityEpisode Resources:  Learn more about the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  We remember the life of Dr. Renate Neeman, z”l https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/remembering-dr-renate-berg-neeman-zl/  Book a speaker through our Coppel Speakers Bureau https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/programs-and-events/book-a-speaker-coppel-speakers-bureau/  HHC staff members' trip to Auschwitz https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/press-releases/hhc-staff-members-to-attend-international-summer-academy-on-auschwitz-and-the-holocaust/  Catch the full episode of Hear My Story with Ed Kruszynski https://youtu.be/e6SZrhgFwPU?si=czfId5NPIoE_UHn0 Buy your copy of The Medic’s Wife https://www.amazon.com/Medics-Wife-Love-War-Secrets/dp/B0CHG8T2WG Watch Hear My Story: Patrice O'Neill https://youtu.be/nEoDIynHYAo?si=NnDURpido5yFv1b3 This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Send a text

If you’re in need of a healthy dose of hope, this episode is for you. Even if you don’t feel hopeful, we’re going to introduce you to an expert who can help you grow the character strength of hope that lies within all of us.  “What emerged was a new science of hope. And that really got me excited, because instead of it being something that you either had, or didn't have, or it came to you, there were clearly ways that you could manifest it (if you use that language) or cultivate it.” – Dr. Dan Tomasulo  Hope isn’t just a feeling. According to the VIA Institute on Character, hope is a character strength, and Dr. Dan Tomasulo says it’s a strength we can grow if we’re mindful. Dan has studied positive psychology for many years and was inspired to research hope when a colleague, Dr. Martin Seligman (one of the founders of the field of positive psychology) wrote a book called Learned Helplessness. It got Dan thinking – if people can learn to feel helpless, maybe they could also learn how to exercise hope. He’s written his own book, Learned Hopefulness, and joined host Jackie Congedo to help us understand more about the topic. He explained to Jackie that feeling like you’re in a negative spot can actually be the trigger that you can use to lean into hope, “Hope is the only positive emotion that requires negativity or uncertainty to be activated, that's what makes it so powerful and unique.” Download this episode and find out the small, simple ways you can start to activate more hope today. This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Center for Storytelling. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don’t miss an episode. https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanityOur thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation and the VIA Institute on Character for their support of this series. We want to hear from you! Email your thoughts to [email protected] or connect with us on social media.https://x.com/cincyhhchttps://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity EPISODE RESOURCES: Learn more about the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Find out more about character strengths from the VIA Institute on Character https://www.viacharacter.org/  Our thanks to the Mayerson Foundation for their support of this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/  Find out more about Dr. Dan Tomasulo https://www.dantomasulo.com/  Read more from some of the authors Dan mentioned: Dr. Martin Seligman https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/people/martin-ep-seligman  Dr. Barbara Frederickson https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/faculty-profile/barbara-l-fredrickson-phd  Viktor Frankl https://viktorfranklamerica.com/viktor-frankl-bio/    Send a text

What is the American ideal? In this episode of the Upstander Ripple Effect, we dive into some of the characteristics that are often thought of when we talk about being an American – belonging and welcoming and also uniqueness and differences of perspective.   “The reality is that history doesn’t repeat itself. It echoes.”  - Jackie Congedo  To best think through our current times, we rely on our understanding of history and our character strengths. We recall the lessons of the past while realizing that this moment is unique. In this episode, Jackie and Kevin bring their individual perspectives to the table to help everyone think a little more deeply about this moment in America. We share the inspiring story of Dr. Al Miller’s first encounter with an American – an immigration officer who welcomed him and extended him grace when Al realized he had temporarily misplaced his documents allowing him into the country. We also share part of our conversation with Eric K. Ward, noted expert on civil rights. Eric has done extensive work to illuminate the places where racism and antisemitism intersect, and we know you’ll find his expertise helpful to broaden your own understanding of the way hate is at work in our country now.  Download this episode today, and don’t forget to leave us a review and a rating.  Thanks for being part of the Upstander Ripple Effect community! Episode Resources: Learn more about the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  Catch the episode of Hear My Story on the life of Dr. Al Miller here https://youtu.be/mNoOIsFpGJY   Watch our whole conversation with Eric Ward here https://youtu.be/KqclFr1bOq0?si=39vDxmUoev5U-nG7   Learn more about the Reichstag Fire and its place in pre-WWII history https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-reichstag-fire   This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss a thing https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Send a text

Standing Up Strong with Dr. Roger BrethertonA special series of the Upstander Ripple Effect podcast “Sometimes there's a critique of sort of positive psychology that says, this is very individualistic, it's just about making people feel better. And I would stand with you guys really in the sense of saying, ‘No, I actually think this is an issue that is for society. It's for a culture, it's much wider.’” -Dr. Roger Bretherton on how the intentional use of character strengths ripples out to make positive change Discover the transformative power of character strengths with insights from Dr. Roger Bretherton, renowned for his expertise in clinical psychology and the cultivation of virtues. In this compelling discussion, Dr. Bretherton reveals strategies to shift from focusing solely on deficits to embracing and enhancing personal strengths. Explore practical tips for developing and utilizing character strengths effectively in everyday life, including innovative techniques like strength priming and positive discussions of others' strengths. Join us to uncover how these approaches not only impact us as individuals but also foster positive change within our communities. The Upstander Ripple Effect is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Immerse yourself in stories that speak to the resilience of the human spirit here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity  Our thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for supporting this series. How have you used your character strengths? Email us at [email protected]  EPISODE RESOURCES:   Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/   Take the character strengths survey for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/   Find out about upstander trainings and professional development with character strengths https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/trainings-and-offerings/  Visit the VIA Institute on Character https://viacharacter.org/  Thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for supporting this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/  This episode made possible with generous support from the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family. Find all the content in the Guttman Family Center for Storytelling here https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/storytelling/  Find out more about Dr. Bretherton https://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/rbretherton  https://www.viacharacter.org/topics/articles/roger-bretherton-and-authentic-insight   Send a text

It’s time to celebrate the remarkable impact of upstanders. From commemorating Juneteenth to addressing the aftermath of an antisemitism controversy at Pride this year, local upstanders are making a pivotal difference. Hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge take you into the archives at the Holocaust & Humanity Center, unveiling artifacts from a notable upstander in Cincinnati's Holocaust survivor community whose moment of upstanding started a movement. We're also thrilled to have Debra Messing as our special guest, who shared her powerful insights on combating antisemitism during her recent visit to Cincinnati to celebrate this year's Upstander Award winners. EPISODE RESOURCES:Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/  This episode made possible with generous support from the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family. Learn more about the Guttman Family Center for Storytelling here https://youtu.be/oP6VUOjuK5A?si=WvC_B0tZnK8Yq8_d  Visit our YouTube channel to catch all our stories, includingDebra Messing https://youtu.be/GJnNuDf0XaE?si=XF-z-2vhMPOD-xOxWerner Coppel https://youtu.be/bUKLrd3XsXs?si=sX-ThNO6fBIFSWiiTake the character strengths survey https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/  HHC statement on Israel and antisemitism https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/never-again-is-now/  Book a speaker for your school or group through the Coppel Speaker’s Bureau https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/programs-and-events/book-a-speaker-coppel-speakers-bureau/ Read Kevin Aldridge’s recent columns https://www.cincinnati.com/staff/2647297001/kevin-s-aldridge/   Find out more about this year’s upstander award winnershttps://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/press-releases/meet-the-2024-upstander-awards-winners/   including Pantsuit Politics https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/and Lamont Ragan https://www.weeroyals.org/ Read more about Debra Messing https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/4-things-to-know-about-cincinnati-upstander-awards-headliner-debra-messing/ https://iamavoter.com/ https://www.psi.org/ambassadors/debra-messing/ News stories mentionedPride Board resignations https://cdn.fedweb.org/fed-31/2/JFC%2520and%2520JCRC%2520Statement%2520on%2520Cincinnati%2520Socialists%2520and%2520DivestCinciPride.pdf Madisonville shooting https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/crime/2024/06/17/police-madisonSend a text

Character strengths are a set of 24 traits that are present in everyone, no matter their age, race, culture, or beliefs.  Sharing the science of these strengths is what Standing Up Strong is all about. Jake is the Senior Manager of Professional Development Trainings & Upstander Education at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. He works with groups from school age through adulthood, to help them understand the framework of character strengths in partnership with the VIA Institute on Character. A free, short survey is available to everyone to find out what their top character strengths are. They represent the best in us, and some strengths come to us more easily than others. This episode, hosted by Jackie Congedo, will inspire you to get to know your character strengths and explain why you might feel better about the world once you do. Episode Resources: Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ Take the character strengths survey for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/ Find out about upstander trainings and professional development with character strengths https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/trainings-and-offerings/ Visit the VIA Institute on Character: https://viacharacter.org/ Thanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for supporting this series https://www.mayersonfoundation.org/   This episode made possible with generous support from the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/storytelling/   Some resources Jake relies on for strengths work and historical context: Jewish Immigration to Australia - https://sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/news/international-migrants-day-waves-of-jewish-migration-to-australia/ A scholarly article of the above - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14443058309386871  Anti-Jewish Violence in Poland after Liberation - https://www.yadvashem.org/articles/general/anti-jewish-violence-in-poland-after-liberation.html  Strength Spotting & Elevation - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ryan-Niemiec-2/publication/342716477_Character_strengths_cinematherapy_Using_movies_to_inspire_change_meaning_and_cinematic_elevation/links/5f033e0345851550508dce79/Character-strengths-cinematherapy-Using-movies-to-inspire-change-meaning-and-cinematic-elevation.pdf  Golden Mean - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ryan-Niemiec-2/publication/333222366_Finding_the_golden_mean_the_overuse_underuse_and_optimal_use_of_character_strengths/links/5d091fda92851cfcc6229856/Finding-the-golden-mean-the-overuse-underuse-and-optimal-use-of-character-strengths.pdfSend a text

One act by one person in one moment can have lasting effects, and  when we use our character strengths, there’s no limit to the kind of positive ripples we can start! That's the Upstander Ripple Effect. Hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge bring you the first podcast from the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Included in this episode, hear the story of Sister Nancy Linenkugel, a Catholic nun who  forged a friendship with Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank, and the scrapbook of their connection that now lives in our archives. Also, catch part of our conversation with Elisha Wiesel, an upstander who is carrying on the legacy of his father, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel. Join us here - where upstanders are everything.Connect with us: Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CincyHHC/ X: https://x.com/cincyhhc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holocaustandhumanity/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holocaustandhumanity Episode Resources: Learn more about us https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/ This episode generously supported by the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Visit our YouTube channel, where you can find all our videos and full episodes of Hear My Story, including Sister Nancy Linenkugel and Elisha Wiesel.  https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanityTake the character strengths survey for free https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander/assess-your-character-strengths/ HHC statement on Israel and antisemitism https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/never-again-is-now/ Elie Wiesel Foundation https://eliewieselfoundation.org/ Read Co-host Kevin Aldridge’s most recent columns https://www.cincinnati.com/staff/2647297001/kevin-s-aldridge/ Find out more about Brothers N Motion, the story shared by Kevin https://ceaicincy.org/brothers-n-motion/ News stories mentioned: https://president.osu.edu/story/message-042924  https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/campus-antisemitism-surges-amid-encampments-and-related-protests-columbia-and-other https://www.yahoo.com/news/nazi-flag-put-outside-home-214147620.html https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2024/05/01/daily-briefing-divisive-confederate-flags-harrison/73532024007/ https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2024/03/19/antisemitic-banner-hung-over-cincinnati-freeway/73018939007/ Send a text

We pick up the second part of our conversation with Neal, one of the founding researchers in the field of positive psychology. Neal helped us lay the groundwork to understand the science of character strengths, and how they are key to unlock our potential to be upstanders. Our top character strengths represent what we value most in the world, what is most essential about us, Neal explains. When we are faced with difficulty, our strengths can shine through, if we look for them. Noticing that will give you something to look for the next time you rise to meet a challenge – what character strength did I just lean on? Bravery? Kindness? Hope? Reflecting on that can bring new appreciation of yourself and your ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. Neal shared how knowing ourselves through the lens of character strengths can shed light on everything from our career goals to what we do in our off time, but we hope you remember first and foremost how your character strengths can be the way you stand up against injustice. That is what makes an upstander!Questions about character strengths? Email us your thoughts [email protected] Resources:Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center – holocaustandhumanity.orgTake the character strengths survey for free: Assess Your Character Strengths | Personality Assessment (holocaustandhumanity.org)Visit the VIA Institute on Character: VIA Character Strengths Survey & Character Reports | VIA InstituteThanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for supporting this episode: Home - Mayerson FoundationThis episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/storytelling/Send a text

Character strengths are the key to unlocking your potential to do good that you may never have heard of before. We sat down with one of the founding fathers of the field of positive psychology, Dr. Neal Mayerson to break down the science, and how it’s changing lives around the world.Nearly 25 years ago, Neal and a select few colleagues practicing in the field of psychology were using all the available tools of the time to help their patients be free from the effects of mental health struggles, and it still wasn’t enough to satisfy them. They felt their patients needed not only less depression and anxiety, which they could sometimes achieve, but more fulfillment, purpose, and happiness. So they set out to discover a better way. The result is the field of positive psychology, and the development, through years of scientifically validated research, of 24 unique character strengths that exist in all people across space, time, and culture. Once you learn about the strengths that naturally come to the forefront in your own personality, you can harness them in ways that can change your life, and the lives of others. In the first part of our conversation, Neal goes in-depth on his personal experience developing this field of science, and how it is used every day in educating people about being an upstander here at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.Questions about character strengths and being an upstander? Email us your thoughts [email protected] Resources:Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center – holocaustandhumanity.orgTake the character strengths survey for free: Assess Your Character Strengths | Personality Assessment (holocaustandhumanity.org)Visit the VIA Institute on Character: VIA Character Strengths Survey & Character Reports | VIA InstituteThanks to the Mayerson Family Foundation for supporting this episode: Home - Mayerson FoundationThis episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling  https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/storytelling/Send a text

WHAT YOU DO IN THIS MOMENT MATTERS.The world needs more upstanders — people who stand up for themselves and others in the face of injustice — bending the arc of humanity toward its better nature. The first podcast from the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center features inspiring untold stories of courage and resilience from those who survived the Holocaust, curated exclusively from our archives. We’ll introduce you to people activating their character strengths to stand up for justice in our world today. And we’ll show you how to tap into your own strengths to become an upstander right now. Chief External Relations Officer at the Holocaust & Humanity Center Jackie Congedo joins co-host Kevin Aldridge, Opinion Editor at the Cincinnati Enquirer, in sharing these stories and thoughtful perspectives on what’s happening in the world today. The Upstander Ripple Effect will remind you that you can start ripples of change right where you are, right now.  The Upstander Ripple Effect is a production of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Coming soon.Send a text