GoodRally

Santa Claus is one of the most oft-depicted figures in history. He appears so often, and in so many contexts, that it can be easy to skip over a pretty important question: how did Santa become Santa? In this episode, we tackle this question, and many others, with the aid of a very capable guide, author Tim Slover. Tim has spent the better part of his life thinking, speaking, and writing about our favorite yuletide gift-giver. In fact, Tim created a novella, entitled The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus, that clears up the stickiest misconceptions that surround Santa Claus. And what's more, the story also exists as an 8-episode dramatic audio reading. Tim walks Rob through the evolution of the project, which is sure to make you think twice about your relationship with The Man With the Bag! Do you believe?   Grab your own copy of The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus here: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Chronicles-Legend-Santa-Claus/dp/1400118654   And binge-listen to the full Christmas Chronicles series here: http://www.classical89.org/programs/christmaschronicles/episodes/

Gratitude is a straightforward enough concept when you’re surrounded by bounty, you’re getting lots of invites to parties from your friends, and when everything is generally going according to plan. But when life goes off the rails, when the cash runs out, or when health fails, feeling grateful can seem like an impossible feat. Today, you’ll hear from an amazing woman named Lisa Allred, whose own struggle against darkness had a lot to do with finding a path toward gratitude.

Mark Metry didn't feel like he really fit in at school. A child of recently-immigrated parents, he felt disconnected from his peers, shy, and awkward. But there was one other happy trait that set him apart: his hustle. Mark's thirst for learning, and the desire to create, led him from one success to the next. Now, he's the founder of a company and the host of Humans 2.0, a podcast all about the intersection between self-development and technology. And he's just getting started.  Learn more about Mark's work and subscribe to his podcast at  https://www.markmetry.com/  

This hope-filled episode of GoodRally focuses on mental health. It may surprise you to learn that 35% (perhaps more) of people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Maybe that figure even includes you. In one way or another, issues like anxiety and depression touch all of us. Today's guest, a licensed therapist name Emma McAdam, noticed that educational resources on mental health were in short supply for many people. In response, she launched a channel featuring small, bite-sized video lessons that help viewers build better habits and learn about how the mind works. It's Therapy in a Nutshell!  To learn more about Emma's important work, check out her YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpuqYFKLkcEryEieomiAv3Q/videos And visit her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapyinanutshell/  

It's the Season 2 opener! This episode introduces us to Greg and Lori Bunce, an amazing husband and wife duo. Back in 2007, their family decided to put on a little play in their backyard for their neighbors--and little did they know what they were getting themselves into! Now, more than 10 years later, their ever-growing productions continue to bring entertainment--and no small measure of hope--to their community.  Learn more about Bunce Backyard Productions at http://www.buncebackyard.com/ Support their efforts at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Bunce-Backyard-Productions  

When someone we love passes away, how can we find the embers of wisdom within the ashes of loss? What are the lessons to be learned? And why can’t the process be more straightforward or defined?    This very personal story on loss, grief, and hope comes to us from Rachel Woodbury. She and her husband went through something most parents fear--the passing away of a child. And though every story like this is painfully unique, there are a few patterns that tie them together. So if you’re navigating your own difficult journey, or know someone who is, our hope is that what Rachel learned can help you too. 

When you watch a romantic movie, you pretty much know what to expect: when the guy first meets the girl, things don't go so well. But with time, they warm up to each other, and things seem to be headed in a great direction. Then something happens that threatens to break them apart. But at the last second, our couple realizes that they can't live without each other, there's a big reconciliation, and everyone ends up happy. But love in real life isn't always like that. Often, unconditional love shows up as quiet dependability--the assurance that no matter what, your true love has your back. Today's guest, a down-to-earth guy named Rohan Shearer, tells the story of how the concept of unconditional love has influenced his marriage to his sweetheart Jeni. It's not always flashy, but it's always true. 

Mike Murphy is a pretty normal guy. He hails from Texas, enjoys cycling, and appreciates a good Western movie. Early on in his life though, he discovered that he had a particular knack for music. And far from limiting his pursuit of music to the professional sphere, he's used his gifts to join the fight against a particularly insidious disease--Multiple Sclerosis. He's an average guy with an above-average cause.  Find out how you can help find a cure for MS by visiting https://www.nationalmssociety.org/    

Welcome to the sweetest episode yet! Honey is a beloved and mysterious substance--crystalline and gooey, it's been enjoyed by humans and animals alike for thousands of years. Join Rob for a tour of local beekeeper Ken Tschannen's farm, where we'll learn more about the amazing honeybee, and just how much we all depend on its efforts.  Join the effort to save the bees: https://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/ Learn more about keeping your own bees: http://www.abfnet.org/  

Some decisions can take a long time to make. Whether to marry someone. Which car to buy. Where to go on vacation. But in some cases, we make decisions incredibly--even frighteningly--quickly. This can be especially problematic when we're talking about choices that impact other people. The truth is that we may not be as rational (or fair) as we think we are. But today's guest, Howard Ross, has dedicated his life and career to helping individuals and organizations take an honest look at the unconscious biases that shape the decisions they make. So come with an open mind--this is something we can all work to improve.  Learn more about Howard's work by visiting http://cookross.com/  

Melissa Dohme was a normal teenager--active, popular, and in a relationship with a nice guy. But then, the nice guy turned not-so-nice. In fact, he turned abusive, and even homicidal. Suddenly, Melissa found herself fighting for her life. But out of the horror of that experience, Melissa has deliberately chosen hope and abundance, when it would have been so easy to surrender to the darkness. And now, she's helping other victims to do the same.    You can find more information about Melissa's work at handsacrossthebay.org. Additional domestic/dating violence resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233National Dating Abuse Helpline - 1-866-331-9474, or text loveis to the number 22522

Every once in a while, you come across people who are so infectiously passionate at what they do that you can't help but root for them. Joe Buono and Tristan Clarke are classically-trained musicians using an unlikely (even silly?) instrument to break down the barriers around classical music. Learn how these super-talented guys are using the humble melodica to share their love of great music, and joy, with a whole new generation of listeners and learners. Whether it's Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, or Stevie Wonder, it'll sound great. Learn more about the Melodica Men at  https://www.melodicamen.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Melodicamen/  

The struggle to find harmony between professional and personal demands is real. In a story full of magic and genuine awe, guest Margie Duffy describes a cycling journey (literal and figurative) she takes in Ireland after a tough career setback. What she learns about work-life balance--and herself--changes everything. It's Ireland by Bike, on this episode of GoodRally.

Be prepared to meet an incredible couple on this one! Larry and Vicki Davis have spent over 20 years together as husband and wife, serving and healing the people around them. And if you didn't know any better, you'd think that they've always been as united as they are now. But not so--they've come a long way, and their love story is all about doing the right thing, even when it seems impossible.

Sometimes it's hard to be positive--especially when you feel like you're the only person in the room who sees the glass half-full. That's why it's exciting when you learn that there are actually a lot more hopeful people around than you first realized! In this episode Rob discovers that there's a hundred-year-old service organization called Optimist International, staffed by thousands of volunteers who believe in bringing out the best in their youth, their communities, and themselves. So take courage--you're no longer the only optimist in the room! Learn more about Optimist International by visiting www.optimist.org.    

Personal and professional success can be something of a black box. In this episode, Rob talks to author Jeff Haden, whose new book The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win offers actionable advice for accomplishing big things, again and again. Get your copy of Jeff's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Motivation-Myth-Achievers-Really-Themselves/dp/0399563768/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514845837&sr=8-1&keywords=the+motivation+myth+jeff+haden Support for GoodRally this week comes from pajanket.com.

Santa Claus is one of the most oft-depicted figures in history. He appears so often, and in so many contexts, that it can be easy to skip over a pretty important question: how did Santa become Santa? In this episode, we tackle this question, and many others, with the aid of a very capable guide, author Tim Slover. Tim has spent the better part of his life thinking, speaking, and writing about our favorite yuletide gift-giver. In fact, Tim created a novella, entitled The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus, that clears up the stickiest misconceptions that surround Santa Claus. And what's more, the story also exists as an 8-episode dramatic audio reading. Tim walks Rob through the evolution of the project, which is sure to make you think twice about your relationship with The Man With the Bag! Do you believe?   Grab your own copy of The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus here: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Chronicles-Legend-Santa-Claus/dp/1400118654   And binge-listen to the full Christmas Chronicles series here: http://www.classical89.org/programs/christmaschronicles/episodes/

As far as holidays go, Christmas wields a massive amount of influence. It's a singular season for a multitude of reasons, both secular and sacred. For retailers, it's a make-or-break dash. For shoppers, it's about the same. But when we strip away all the commerce, what do we find? When the hustle-and-bustle quiets down, what do people tend to retain when they reflect on their Christmas memories? Rob sets out to find the answer, and finds stories about surreptitious acts of kindness, Christmas trees that attack, and memories of brothers who have passed on.

Some stories are just too big to tell in one episode. This is one of them. In this two-part special, we dive into the resurgence of the Japanese visual art form known as ukiyo-e. A style dating back to the 17th century, Ukiyo-e peaked in the 1800’s and essentially slept through the 20th century. But recently, a visual artist named Jed Henry, and a traditional woodcarver and printer named David Bull, combined forces to inject new life into the classic form. The first episode focused on Jed, while this second part features David. You can learn more about the amazing work David and Jed are doing (as well as secure a print of your own) at https://www.ukiyoeheroes.com/ See dozens of mesmerizing videos of David at work at his YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSrgKjevPmNZxCAyTZP5cQ And learn more about David's other projects at http://www.woodblock.com/  

Some stories are just too big to tell in one episode. This is one of them. In this two-part special, we dive into the resurgence of the Japanese visual art form known as ukiyo-e. A style dating back to the 17th century, Ukiyo-e peaked in the 1800’s and essentially slept through the 20th century. But recently, a visual artist named Jed Henry, and a traditional woodcarver and printer named David Bull, combined forces to inject new life into the classic form. This episode focuses on Jed, while part two features David. For more information on Jed’s designs, visit www.ukiyoeheroes.com.

In 1675, Isaac Newton wrote a letter in which he spoke about the help he had received in his work from previous generations. He remarked, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Though this immortal statement applied specifically to scientific discovery, the same could be said of the grandchild-grandparent relationship. Grandparents play a huge role in shaping the early worldview of their grandkids, offering supplemental support, validation, fun, and acceptance. Ultimately, it's impossible to estimate just how profound the lasting impact of grandparents can be. But we can still try, right? This episode of GoodRally offers accounts from three normal people whose lives have been forever changed by their grandparents.

In many communities, homelessness (and its associated challenges) is a persistent problem. And sometimes, the remedies designed to alleviate suffering, while technically meeting basic needs like nutrition and shelter, fail to acknowledge the humanity of the recipients. This is the story of one woman and her family, whose drive to create positive change in their community led them to found a restaurant that nourishes body and soul of all that pass through its doors. Through creativity, research, and no small amount of grit, she and her family are uniting patrons of all backgrounds, and doing it all with dignity and love. We hope you're hungry.

Harps. Hawaii. Yurts. A trio of seemingly disconnected words. And yet, in this first full episode of the GoodRally podcast, we find all three wrapped together in beautiful harmony. Tomasi and Irene Tukuafu are a power couple whose almost-magical dwelling perfectly matches their sublime (and musical) approach to life. They've spent years having adventures together, as well as building and sharing instruments with others. You've just got to meet them. 

If you casually flip on the TV, browse through the social media landscape, or tune in to the radio, you'll likely be presented with a never-ending array of stories focusing on negativity. Whether it's the latest political scandal, a celebrity's fall from grace, or a personal slugfest that plays out on Facebook, much of the information we consume tends toward the downward-facing. And things are pretty much the same in our entertainment selections--so-called true-crime stories offer real-life accounts of homicide, hatred, and prejudice. We can do better. This podcast was created with the belief that the world is still a wonderful place full of good people. Each episode will feature a bit of evidence that things aren't as bleak as they might seem. There are people learning, overcoming, and achieving amazing things every day. And rather than denying that real-life problems exist, this program seeks to help you recharge your batteries so that you can "rally" and get back to fighting your own good fight, whatever that may be. Host Rob Callan kicks off the podcast in this introductory episode.