Next Steps Forward

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, who has served in the rabbinate for over twenty years, is a popular motivator, mentor and inspirational speaker, who will bring his unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom and insight to help the Next Steps Forward audience better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Throughout his appearance on the program, he will focus on varying topics including Judaism in the 21st century, examining the human experiences found in the Torah, how ancient texts relate to our lives, inspiration for others to realize their own unique potential, and timeless stories and strategies which will enable the audience to maximize every moment while leading a life of impact and legacy.

Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek is honored to welcome legendary auto racing driver, Bobby Rahal, who most famously won the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 to the program. In an 18-year career spanning F1, Can-Am, Le Mans/IMSA and CART, Mr. Rahal's name is widely known across the world having garnered three CART championships, along with wins at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1987 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races. Chris is honored to know Mr. Rahal personally, having founded the nonprofit SoldierStrong which benefits greatly from Mr. Rahal's many philanthropic efforts. Throughout the hour, Mr. Rahal will discuss his iconic career in auto racing, his role as a principal at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and his focus on philanthropy and bettering the communities in which his businesses serve.

Judy Isaacson Elias founded Heroes to Heroes in 2010 as a tribute to her father, Irving M. Isaacson, a World War II veteran, as a way to honor the service of all veterans, especially those with moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. She joins program host Dr. Chris Meek to discuss how Heroes to Heroes invites U.S. military veterans of all faiths - and even no faith - who have attempted suicide, or are on a path to self-destruction, to join their 12 month, research-based, non-denominational program. She will speak on her profound belief that healing comes from a sense of belonging, a spiritual/faith connection and finding forgiveness. You won't want to miss out on Judy's appearance if you are interested in engaging more with the topics of overcoming shame and guilt, connecting with a “higher power,” and what it takes to achieve forgiveness.

Ashlee Boyson is the author of the blog and book series titled “The Moments We Stand,” which tells the story of her family's journey of healing after the infidelity and murder of her husband Emmett in 2011, just months after giving birth to their fifth baby. In this installment of Next Steps Forward she joins Dr. Chris Meek to share Emmett's story and the unique experience she has been given to reflect on her journey as a guest on national media platforms, such as Dateline, Dr. Phil, True Crime Daily, and many others. After feeling alone for many years she found her voice through the pain and will speak about her current work as an advocate for victims and families impacted by loss and grief and will also touch on other topics such widowhood, murder and infidelity. In an effort to help others not feel alone, she has grown to love sharing her story to help shine light on a path for others still stuck in the dark, a place she knows all too well. Ashlee believes that each day is a gift and feels grateful for the grace and hope she has found in her story and speaks to the truth of the light she knows shines within all of us.

In this installment of Next Steps Forward, host Chris Meek celebrates the 200th episode of the program! After first seeing Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Senior Pastor at 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan, on a news segment where he discussed his focus on the topics of faith, politics, human trafficking, race and mental health, Chris specifically invited Pastor Sewell to be the special guest as he encapsulates the focus of the program exceptionally well. Pastor Sewell was born and raised in Detroit and grew up in a physically and verbally abusive home. High school was a challenging time for him as his father went to prison and his younger brother was killed. He became heavily involved in drugs and drug-dealing and became a gang leader in east Detroit. His life ultimately took a dramatic turn when he had a “Damascus Road” encounter with Christ that set his heart on fire! Pastor Sewell serves as an example not only for how pastors should guide their congregations in matters of faith but also how faith leaders can play a role in guiding their congregations effectively and appropriately on the most pressing political issues of our time. He will surely leave a lasting impression on the Next Steps Forward audience, just as he has left a lasting legacy on his congregation and the wider community of the Motor City.

Saqib Qureshi is a Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he received his PhD in International Relations and Epistemology. His work has been featured in the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur. He has produced two films and, in 1996, the BBC One documentary, Al Dawaah, the first television documentary about the Muslim community in any Western country. He joins program host Dr. Chris Meek to discuss his most recent book “Being Muslim Today: Reclaiming the Faith From Orthodoxy and Islamophobia.” Throughout the hour he will discuss key topics regarding his book including his inspiration for writing a book on Islamophobia, his goal for the book and hopes for the audiences' take away from it, common misconceptions about Islam that he seeks to address, and some of the most significant impacts of Islamophobia on Muslim communities. In addition, he will speak in-depth about what people of other faiths should understand about the origins of Islam and its early history, how Muslims view God and the key attributes of God in Islam, and how Islam addresses the issues of justice, compassion and loving one another. Please join their informative discussion!

Kristi Wells joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward as a leading expert in the fight against human trafficking in the United States. She co-founded Safe House Project, a nonprofit organization combating trafficking in America, in 2017. Inspired to take action after becoming aware of the high volume of this criminal activity, juxtaposed with the lack of safe and supportive housing options for those who have experienced trafficking, under Kristi's leadership Safe House Project has quickly become a unifying leader of the anti-trafficking field. Through her efforts the organization has raised millions of dollars which have allowed them to support the launch of new safe homes across America for trafficking survivors to find healing. Throughout the hour she will discuss the importance of a coordinated, collaborative, public-private national response to trafficking, how her vision and commitment via Safe House Project have significantly impacted the lives of survivors through survivor identification, serving survivors as they depart trafficking situations and prevention, as well as how to address the policy side of eradicating human and sex trafficking.

Dr. John Berger, an environmental science and policy specialist and a Senior Research Fellow at The Pacific Institute, joins Dr. Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to discuss his book “Solving the Climate Crisis: Frontline Reports from the Race to Save the Earth,” a book he spent more than six years researching as he traveled the nation and abroad to gather a sweeping array of perspectives. A graduate of Stanford and the University of California, Dr. Berger has written more than 100 articles on climate change and transitioning to clean energy for such publications as Scientific American, the Los Angeles Times, and the Boston Globe. He has also been a consultant to the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, corporations, utilities and Congress. In addition to his book, he will discuss how the understanding of climate change evolved over the past few decades, what a national climate plan could look like, why he believes climate-change denial exists, and the most pressing challenges the world faces today due to climate change.

Tony Trzeciak is a Philadelphia native, husband and father of four. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012. Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Kilo Company, Tony completed a combat tour in Afghanistan and a humanitarian mission in Haiti with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Sadly due to injuries and medical malpractice Tony was paralyzed, which led to many life-saving surgeries, depression, suicide ideation and drug abuse. Tony has triumphed over those daunting challenges and is using his life experiences to help other veterans and military members in need of help and support. Today, he channels his passion for finance into his roles as an angel investor, entrepreneur, and work on AI projects in finance and sports with chata.ai. As the personification of resilience, personal empowerment and personal well-being, Tony joins Dr. Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to discuss how he managed to navigate through the worst times and come out on the other side stronger, how his experiences with paralysis changed and reinforced his sense of purpose, his transition from a military mindset to a business mindset and how he evaluates risk as an entrepreneur.

Special guests Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Resa Lewiss join program host Dr. Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward. Dr. Landry is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and an emergency medicine physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She has nearly a decade of experience mentoring students and early-career professionals. She's also a healthcare contributor for Forbes, an entrepreneur, and a keynote speaker. She co-founded Writing In Color, a nonprofit that teaches the craft of writing. Dr. Lewiss is a professor of emergency medicine at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She's also a TEDMED speaker, TimesUp Healthcare founder, entrepreneur, award-winning educator, mentor, and point-of-care ultrasound specialist. She hosts the Visible Voices Podcast, amplifying content in the healthcare, equity, and current trends spaces. Dr. Landry and Dr. Lewiss speak about “MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact,” the book they authored which was published by HarperCollins in April 2024. During their conversation they will define what MicroSkills are and how they are different from “regular skills” or what are thought of as traditional workplace skills, what inspired them to focus on MicroSkills as opposed to larger competencies or hard skills in the workplace, and how hard it is not only to develop MicroSkills but develop and maintain the right ones so that we're effective and continue them.

Rachel Pearson, founder and chief executive officer of Engage for Women, joins program host Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to speak about promoting women's economic security. Engage for Women is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting women's economic security through bipartisan and common-sense solutions. Rachel has extensive experience in elective politics, providing strategic planning and counsel for Fortune 500 companies, leading associations, social impact organizations, nonprofits and individuals. Her dedication to bringing together members of Congress, senior staff and corporate leaders is widely recognized by both sides of the aisle as unique and constructive. It was that drive for coming together to find common-sense solutions that inspired her founding of Engage for Women in November of 2018. Throughout the conversation Rachel will speak about her inspiration for focusing on bipartisan solutions for women's economic security despite growing partisan divide, the factors that lead women to economic insecurity that may or may not affect men as profoundly, in what ways the gender wealth gap influences women's long-term economic stability compared to men and many other weighty issues relating to economic security, voting trends and bipartisan policy making.

Emiliana Vegas, EdD, has been highly recognized for her career working to inform education policy in the so-called Global South. She has been a leading economist at the World Bank, division chief of education at the Inter-American Bank, and co-director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. She is currently a professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In this installment of Next Steps Forward, she speaks with program host Chris Meek about her book “Let's Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference,” which serves as a practical and encouraging guide for everyone, no matter their age, who wants to make a positive change through their professional life - from ensuring access to quality schools and clean water to improving healthcare and creating safer communities. Throughout her experience she will touch on topics including what exactly international development is, an explanation of the five main types of International Development Organizations, how her job as a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education factors into her international development work and her general advice for college students.

Beverly Gooden, author of Surviving: Why We Stay and How We Leave Abusive Relationships and creator of the viral social media movement #WhyIStayed, joins program host Chris Meek in this edition of Next Steps Forward. Listed as one of the top social change hashtags of 2014 by Forbes and named one of the “top 10 hashtags that started a conversation” by Time magazine, Ms. Gooden will discuss what prompted her to start the hashtag, the immediate reaction to the movement and how the greater dialogue about domestic violence is different today as a result of the hashtag. As someone who understands that it's not always simple or easy to leave and that there can be practical reasons why someone stays, she will walk through some of the reasons that women do choose to stay in abusive relationships and what someone should do to protect themselves from physical violence or even death once they are able to leave an abuser. Ms. Gooden speaks from personal experience and works to reframe the conversation and narrative surrounding abusive relationships, prompting listeners to ask “Why did he hit her in the first place” instead of “Why didn't she leave?”

Julie Kliegman is a writer and editor who was previously the copy chief for Sports Illustrated. Before that, she was the copy editor at The Ringer, weekend editor and breaking news contributor at The Week, and a news fellow at BuzzFeed. Her writing on a wide variety of topics has appeared in many news outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vulture, Vox, The Verge, Bustle, Washington Monthly, and more. She is also a frequent guest on radio programs and podcasts. She joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to discuss her first book “Mind Game: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes,” how the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes are different from non-athletes, how life changes - such as injuries and retirement - can do a number on the mental health of athletes and give an inside look at her next book project about sports trailblazer Renee Richards.

Danielle Cobo is a former Fortune 500 senior sales manager and renowned for empowering individuals with the grit, resilience and courage to thrive both professionally and personally. She joins program host Dr. Chris Meek to draw from her more than 15 years of corporate experience to speak in-depth about how to build high-performing teams that increase sales, productivity and employee retention. Even amid the upheaval of downsizing, restructuring and acquisitions, she propelled her team to a number-one national ranking, demonstrating how her resiliency motivated her to earn four consecutive national Sales Excellence Awards. She will provide insight into the importance of adaptability, how and when to ask for help and the power of words to shape our actions.

In addition to being a lecturer at the University of Bath, Dr. Caroline Hickman has a background in mental health social work and has worked closely with a number of community mental health projects. Her background lends itself to her unique focus on examining the impacts of climate change on mental health and anxiety, particularly eco-anxiety and distress, eco-empathy, trauma, moral injury and the impact of climate anxiety on relationships. She joins Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek to discuss her 2021 quantitative global study into 10,000 children and young people's emotions and thoughts about climate change, the range of therapeutic approaches she is working to develop in response to ecological distress and why climate change anxiety must be treated differently than other anxieties.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, who has served in the rabbinate for over twenty years, is a popular motivator, mentor and inspirational speaker, who will bring his unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom and insight to help the Next Steps Forward audience better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Throughout his appearance on the program, he will focus on varying topics including Judaism in the 21st century, examining the human experiences found in the Torah, how ancient texts relate to our lives, inspiration for others to realize their own unique potential, and timeless stories and strategies which will enable the audience to maximize every moment while leading a life of impact and legacy.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, who has served in the rabbinate for over twenty years, is a popular motivator, mentor and inspirational speaker, who will bring his unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom and insight to help the Next Steps Forward audience better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Throughout his appearance on the program, he will focus on varying topics including Judaism in the 21st century, examining the human experiences found in the Torah, how ancient texts relate to our lives, inspiration for others to realize their own unique potential, and timeless stories and strategies which will enable the audience to maximize every moment while leading a life of impact and legacy.

Program host Chris Meek is pleased to welcome Ruth Rathblott back to Next Steps Forward to further speak on issues of inclusion and diversity, the freedom of accepting your differences and rising above life's challenges. Ruth, a licensed social worker, TEDx speaker, award-winning former CEO and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion expert and strategist, was born with a limb difference and is now committed to creating inclusion for all. In this appearance, Ruth will also focus on her most recent book “Unhide & Seek” which offers a blueprint for uncovering the person you are meant to be - both in your career and in your personal life. The book focuses on embracing your differences, performing at your best, building meaningful connections and becoming a leader. If you feel as though your true potential has yet to be discovered, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Prior to joining the Texas Public Policy Foundation in the fall of 2021 as the Distinguished Senior Fellow for Border Security, Rodney Scott served as the 24th Chief of the United States Border Patrol. In this installment of Next Steps Forward, he joins program host Dr. Chris Meek to discuss his three-decade career in the Border Patrol, under both Republican and Democrat administrations, earning the respect and admiration of agents, colleagues, and partners alike while working to successfully enforce our nation's laws and secure our borders. Throughout the hour Mr. Scott will speak extensively about the analysis and recommendations he makes on federal, state and local border security efforts through his work with America's leading state-based think tank.

Donna Orender is a powerhouse executive whose innovative leadership shaped some of the most recognizable brands in the sports industry. She is the former president of the WNBA, PGA Tour Senior Executive, and current CEO of Orender Unlimited. She is a nationally-recognized business leader, innovative thinker, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and author. She joins Next Steps Forward program host Dr. Chris Meek to speak about how she uses her passion for making a difference and draws on her extensive experience in sports, entertainment, media businesses, as well as her careers as a professional basketball player and hall of fame athlete, to connect women and girls in the service of building community within her many endeavors, particularly the not-for-profit Generation W which she launched in 2012. Throughout the hour she will discuss what drives her passionate pursuits, her secrets for achieving success, the importance of elevating the voices of women and girls, and her expertise on leadership initiatives, organization development and culture shaping.

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio is a leading authority on helping senior leaders make more inclusive decisions for themselves and their organizations. Having advised some of the largest for-profit and non-profit companies in the world, she joins program host Chris Meek to discuss her experiences as an award-winning expert on race and gender and leadership strategy. Discussion topics will include what led Paola to first become interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and why she decided to make it the focus of her career, what companies can do to attract more diverse applicants, tips for removing implicit bias during the interview process and why onboarding is crucial to increasing diversity. From entry-level to the boardroom, Paola's experience and tips are sure to have powerful impacts on the companies who apply her expertise.

On this installment of Next Steps Forward, program host Chris Meek speaks with Dr. Beth Kurland, a clinical psychologist with three decades of experience. She is a TEDx Talks speaker, sought-after public speaker and a mind-body coach. She is also the author of three award-winning books: Dancing on The Tightrope: Transcending the Habits of Your Mind and Awakening to Your Fullest Life; The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes: An Eight Week Guide to Reducing Stress and Cultivating Well-Being; and Gifts of the Rain Puddle: Poems, Meditations and Reflections for the Mindful Soul. In her latest book You Don't Have to Change to Change Everything: Six Ways to Shift Your Vantage Point, Stop Striving for Happy and Find True Well-Being, she writes about not trying to change yourself but instead meeting yourself where you are and how to go about doing that. The hour-long interview will focus heavily on the concept of “change” and Beth will elaborate on why we don't have to “change to change everything” and how change comes about if we're not exactly changing ourselves.

Kendall Gammon is a sought-after keynote speaker with a presence that's quite different from what you'd expect from a 15-year NFL veteran known for his physical strength. He attended Division II Pittsburg State University where he was captain of the 1991 National Champion Gorillas and was voted most inspirational by his teammates. During a fulfilling 15-year NFL career that included 4 years each with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, and his final seven years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kendall played in the 1995 Super Bowl and a 2005 Pro Bowl. Today, in addition to his speaking engagements, he is recognized for his role as a Color Analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network Broadcast team where he broadcasts alongside “Voice of the Chiefs” Mitch Holthus. Kendall joins Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek to speak about harnessing the power of emotional strength, which he believes is the key to quality of life, and how to improve emotional communication within yourself and others. As the audience will find, he is not afraid of being vulnerable and his storytelling will take listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions chalk full of laughter and inspiration.

Kristi M. Rogers is a leading executive and former senior government official with extensive international leadership experience in the public and private sectors. She joins program host Chris Meek to discuss the strategic advice and counsel she is regularly sought after for issues relating to security and disaster response, federal government contracting, the role of business in complex and dynamic environments (including markets emerging from conflict), public-private partnerships, and crisis communications. As the managing partner and co-founder of Principal to Principal, a strategic positioning company operating at the most senior levels of business and government, she will speak to constructive approaches that can be taken to address today's multifaceted public policy issues, how she assists organizations with successfully addressing complex challenges, and the challenges, rewards and lessons she has learned in having successfully launched, managed and grown two companies with overseas operations.

Peggy Willms is innately and passionately wired to help others discover the healthiest version of themselves as a certified personal trainer, sports performance nutritionist, and health, wellness and life coach. Well known as the host of the internationally syndicated radio show The Coach Peggy Show, she joins Chris Meek to bring her expertise on all things wellness to the Next Steps Forward audience. Peggy knows there is no wellness “fix” - wellness is a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. She will walk the audience through how she helps individuals re-wire and rid old habits by designing new ones, identifying pain points and extinguishing all excuses. Through her coaching, she helps others find their current “punctures” and solutions whether that means focus on preventative care, nutrition, exercise/movement, relationships, organization, or sleep. For those seeking real life strategies and to implement sound tools to regain control, you will not want to miss out on Peggy Willms' advice!

Dr. Marie Murphy is a non-judgmental coach for people involved in infidelity. She is trained and certified as a life coach, with her training coming from the Life Coach School and Martha Beck's Wayfinder life coach training. Her bachelor's degree is in sociology and human sexuality studies from San Francisco State University and she earned a Ph.D. in the sociology of sexuality from the University of California, San Diego. For years, she researched and taught about many things related to sex, sexuality, love, romantic relationships and family life. Her training and work in these realms have given her countless insights into the human experience and how we can deal with the many challenges associated with being human. She joins program host Chris Meek to discuss the both fascinating and uncomfortable topic of infidelity and her success in counseling people who are actively cheating or actively engaging in some kind of infidelity throughout the process of repairing their relationships. Many of those in the audience will think of cheaters as bad people but Dr. Murphy will provide perspective on why it is important for there to be support and empathy, or at least understanding, for people who are actively cheating as many might be experiencing something missing in their own lives.

Travis Conover is an actor, film producer and president of StoryTeller Film Company. He made his on-screen acting debut, co-starring in The Trial of Everett Mann, which won several awards throughout some of the largest film festivals in the world, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Shortly after, Travis booked an acting and producing role in The Penitent Thief, which hit theaters in 2020. During Travis' career, he has written and produced several short and feature films. After becoming aware of the disturbing realities of human trafficking, he dedicated himself and his work in acting and film production to anti-human trafficking advocacy, which can be seen in his latest film project, Lions and Lambs. He joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to discuss his journey as an actor, his passion for ending human trafficking for good, and how he and other actors are flipping the script on Hollywood which for far too long has ignored and even contributed to human rights injustices.

Stacy Blakeley is the CEO of The Policy Circle, a national organization that informs, equips, and connects women to be more impactful citizens. Founded in 2015 on the belief that the free market is the best means to unleash human potential, the organization has grown to include 15,000 members in all lower 48 states. The Policy Circle has built a proven model to boost civic literacy and equips its members to lead at the local, state, and national levels through solutions-oriented programming and approachable training. Stacy is a noted public speaker who engages audiences in constructive dialogue and inspires citizens to take action in their communities as positive change-makers. Throughout Stacy's appearance on Next Steps Forward, she will discuss The Policy Circle's advice to women to “be more curious and less furious” and it's work to help women do just that, as well as why civil discourse and civic engagement is so crucial in today's society, why The Policy Circle focuses its efforts on getting women involved in public policy and debate due to wealth transfer, women out-voting men and women only holding one-third of elected positions; and the two gaps in politics and policy that the organization is concerned about, which includes the confidence gap and the competence gap. For those audience members who are looking to become leaders in their communities and develop skills and qualities needed to do so, this is a conversation that you won't want to miss!

Singer, songwriter, musician and producer Julius Adams is music and music is Julius Adams. His love for music extends from his own love for people, as the Next Steps Forward audience will find as he joins program host Chris Meek to promote his new single, “Healer.” Healer is a beautiful song about God being able to heal you from anything, whether it's sickness, disease, mental illness, financial issues, or heartbreak. Healer is meant to encourage listeners and let them know that God can heal them, that he loves them and he will never leave them. Julius will discuss how he uses music as an avenue to bring light to the lives of others, how he creates music with the goal to make listeners feel love, hope, happiness and closer to God, and provide insight into his own faith and relationship with God. As the audience will find, there is something for everyone in his music.

Dr. Sherry Davis Molock, is a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Dr. Molock teaches undergraduate and doctoral courses in clinical psychology and conducts research on the prevention of suicide and HIV in African American youth. Thirty years ago, she first discovered her calling was to help prevent suicide among Black people, as rates of suicide continued to rise in Black adolescents. Since then, she has been adamant that Black churches could lead the way on teen mental health and suicide prevention and has worked diligently to implement suicide prevention programs for Black youth in predominately Black churches. In addition to her work in psychology, Dr. Molock and her husband, Guy Molock, Jr., are the founding pastors and Pastor Emeriti of the Beloved Community Church – United Church in Christ in Fort Washington, Maryland. Their ministry focuses on “family healing” that is designed to bring spiritual, physical, and emotional healing to the community. She joins program host Dr. Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to discuss a reluctance in the Black community to acknowledge mental health problems, how her work continues to challenge misconceptions about Black people and suicide, how faith leaders can recognize mental health issues within their own congregations and ensure their parishioners are comfortable speaking about them, and both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for her HAVEN Connect Workshops.

Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek is honored to speak with Dana Perino, co-anchor of FOX News Channel's morning news program America's Newsroom and co-host of The Five, about her career as an American political commentator, bestselling author and role as White House press secretary under President George W. Bush. Perino will speak about the lessons that she has learned throughout her career on how to maintain a level head and find success in the face of adversity. No conversation with Perino would be complete without talking in-depth about her time working for President Bush and, of course, politics in general, including how to navigate relationships with individuals in the workplace or in our families who have different political views. In addition, Perino will share the inspiration behind her latest book “Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (by a Former Young Woman)” and why men, and not just women, should consider reading her book. Perino serves as an inspiration for young women and all Americans alike and, throughout the hour, will share with the audience how they too can feel empowered and achieve their goals.

At a moment when the nation seems intractably divided and incapable of addressing our long-term challenges, a single movement, No Labels, is working to get Washington past the brain-dead politics of Democrats vs. Republicans. It's the brainchild of Nancy Jacobson, described by New York Times columnist David Brooks as No Labels' “undeterrable” leader. Having spent her early career helping Gary Hart and Bill Clinton remake the Democratic Party, Jacobson worked for Sen. Evan Bayh for fifteen years before launching No Labels in 2010. Over the past few years, host Chris Meek has used Next Steps Forward as a platform for civil discourse when it comes to politics. Ms. Jacobson and her organization have charted a path for what civil yet effective political conversations and actions should and can look like for Americans. Throughout the hour she will give a voice to America's often ignored political majority, which is overshadowed and drowned out by the extremes of the two major parties. This will be a conversation rooted in civility, which regardless of political beliefs, audience members can all be appreciative of.

Danielle Freitag, co-founder and executive director of Action169, is on a mission to empower women to overcome substance use and to enable those in sexually exploitative industries to know their intrinsic worth. As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, she has worked in a variety of settings as a counselor and advocate to provide direct support, care and counseling for women in recovery. She joins Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek to speak about the trauma-informed, faith-centered counseling program she created that promotes holistic restoration through evidence-based practices, including the creative arts. As an overcomer of severe addiction and the commercial sex industry, Danielle's captivating story of transformation will inspire hope in the audience and leave them with solutions to overcome in their own lives .

“If we're going to overcome anything, it's our mindset around it. It is how fast we come to grips that life is not going to return to a previous state of existence.” Do you have a desire and/or need to overcome adversity in your life? John Register helps individuals overcome their fears and attack life's obstacles in his motivational and inspirational speeches through a three-step process of reckoning, revision and renewal. Host Chris Meek welcomes John back to the program to illuminate the three step process of overcoming and to share more about his definition of “new normal” and how to come to terms with exactly what that means. A two-time Paralympian, Paralympic Games silver medalist and Persian Gulf War veteran, John learned how to amputate his own fears. Now he guides others as they begin to do the same, by encouraging them to discover the stories that reside within them and unlearn or relearn the things they already know. Catch up with John Register and better position yourself to amputate your fears!

Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek is honored to welcome legendary auto racing driver, Bobby Rahal, who most famously won the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 to the program. In an 18-year career spanning F1, Can-Am, Le Mans/IMSA and CART, Mr. Rahal's name is widely known across the world having garnered three CART championships, along with wins at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1987 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races. Chris is honored to know Mr. Rahal personally, having founded the nonprofit SoldierStrong which benefits greatly from Mr. Rahal's many philanthropic efforts. Throughout the hour, Mr. Rahal will discuss his iconic career in auto racing, his role as a principal at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and his focus on philanthropy and bettering the communities in which his businesses serve.

Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek is honored to welcome legendary auto racing driver, Bobby Rahal, who most famously won the Indianapolis 500 in 1986 to the program. In an 18-year career spanning F1, Can-Am, Le Mans/IMSA and CART, Mr. Rahal's name is widely known across the world having garnered three CART championships, along with wins at the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1987 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races. Chris is honored to know Mr. Rahal personally, having founded the nonprofit SoldierStrong which benefits greatly from Mr. Rahal's many philanthropic efforts. Throughout the hour, Mr. Rahal will discuss his iconic career in auto racing, his role as a principal at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and his focus on philanthropy and bettering the communities in which his businesses serve.

Dr. Gary Reiss is a licensed clinical social worker and certified trainer in process-oriented psychology in private practice in Eugene and Portland, Oregon, who joins program host Chris Meek on Next Steps Forward to discuss his work teaching process-oriented psychology worldwide for more than 35 years. His specialties include family therapy, sex therapy, working with coma patients, worldwork in hot spots in the world, organizational development and integrating process work with different spiritual traditions. He is the director of The International Peace Group and the founder and director of the Rivers Way Community Clinic in Portland, Oregon. In addition to finding the time to do all that, he's the author of 14 books, including Healing History, Process-Oriented Facilitation and Getting off the Wheels, a Process-Oriented Approach to Personal and World Liberation. Throughout the hour, Dr. Reiss will draw on his extensive experience teaching, counseling and facilitating individuals and groups to walk the audience through how he has developed unique techniques for applying process oriented awareness skills with the goals of enhancing deep development while reducing suffering, both personally and collectively.

Samantha Baltadonis, owner and CEO of Strive Solutions and senior manager at a Fortune 5 company where she provides Organization Development Consulting and Leadership and Transformation Coaching, joins program host Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward. Sam advocates for creating healthy organizations that prioritize the well-being of individuals, emphasizing that kindness and empathy do not need to be separate from exceptional business results. She will speak to her mission to fundamentally alter corporate America's approach to workplace expectations and engagement by leveraging trauma-informed leadership to go beyond emotional intelligence to understand the psychological and physiological elements to overstimulation and burnout. She will walk the audience through how she empowers leaders to respond to the complex and evolving needs of their teams with empathy and compassion. Listeners will be inspired to take control of their lives and align with their true values and desires to enable true, lasting transformation.

On this installment of Next Steps Forward, Strategic Communications Executive Jackie Gulley joins program host Chris Meek to discuss her experiences as an executive in global communications, marketing, and digital strategy advising clients on executive coaching, brand development, corporate strategy and media relations. Through her work in corporate branding, she built a strategy of outreach and advocacy for business executives with regulators, third party groups, think tanks, trade associations, influencers and media. Jackie's experience in corporate life served as the launching pad for her career as an executive coach - with her years leading global employee communications, crisis and issues management, strategic messaging, and executive communications, she developed the tools and methodologies to help her clients succeed. As she will share with the Next Steps Forward audience, her secret to success is understanding the dynamic and ever-evolving role of leaders today. Audience members are encouraged to tune in to learn about how Jackie expands the presence and creates strategies to thrive for businesses and high achieving executives, increases productivity and visibility for employers and their businesses and helps entrepreneurs grow and expand.

Donna Rice Hughes is the President and CEO of Enough Is Enough ® (EIE), an internationally known internet safety expert, author, speaker and Emmy-Award winning producer. She joins Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward to share her vision which helped to birth the internet safety movement in America at the advent of the digital age and how, since 1994, she has been a pioneering leader on the frontlines of U.S. efforts to make the internet safer for children and families. Throughout the hour she will share steps to prevent internet-initiated crimes against children through education, equipping and empowering parents, educators and caring adults with the knowledge and resources they need to protect children, as well as cyber security risks and dangers related to social networking, online gaming and mobile devices. Ms. Rice Hughes uses evidence-based curriculum to equip adults to implement both safety rules and software rules when it comes to youth's internet enabled devices.

Fundrage founder Maria Underwood brings her over ten years of experience in fundraising, business and social media strategy to the Next Steps Forward audience, offering her unique knowledge of the how and why behind donor giving. Throughout her appearance on the program, she will discuss the success she has experienced in all types of fundraising campaigns, including major events, corporate sponsorships, peer-to-peer fundraising, grassroots grant writing and major gifts, as well as trends in the nonprofit sector, what drives millennial giving and secrets to success for digital fundraising. The audience will gain insight behind her mantra “Don't get mad, get giving,” and will be inspired to give to the causes that the mean the most to them.

Stan Gibson is passionate about delivering powerful stories, science-based research and real world strategies that help high-achieving leaders experience renewed energy, uncover creative solutions and unleash their team's true potential! The corporate executive turned author, entrepreneur, speaker and success coach, joins Chris Meek in this installment of Next Steps Forward to share his message that will both inspire and engage the audience to find greatness. Mr. Gibson's mix of strategies found on both the athletic field and in the business world are timely to leaders wanting a reset at home and in the workforce. Those looking for information about transformative and powerful leadership strategies and training will find just that and more throughout the hour!

Eric Caron served honorably for 25 years as a distinguished Special Agent and Diplomat for the U.S. Government, where he held senior positions within Homeland Security and INTERPOL and managed world-wide covert operations relating to Iran, China and Russia's illegal acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. He joins program host Chris Meek in this installment of Next Steps Forward to discuss his endeavors in furthering the interests of U.S. National Security, including his work leading covert operations relating to human trafficking, child pornography, terrorism, money laundering and drug smuggling. Mr. Caron has spent his life lending both his knowledge and expertise to the country's continuing fight against crime, evil and terrorism - and will now share with the audience the realities of his experiences and important information about the current state of America's national security today and what more needs to be done to protect our nation. A believer in John Adams' wise words, “We are a nation of laws, not of men,” Mr. Caron will spend the hour driving home the important point that no man or institution is above the law.

Program host Chris Meek is honored to welcome Bishop Donna L. Hubbard to Next Steps Forward. Chris has been proud of his commitment to bring forth guests who have worked tirelessly on the frontlines to combat human trafficking to share their stories, educate and offer hope to all of those who have suffered the horrors of being trafficked and to America at-large. Bishop Hubbard joins him to share her own experiences of being trafficked and how becoming incarcerated offered her a way out and led her to finding God. Upon her release she founded Women at the Well Transition Center, a non-profit ministry providing direct services to rescued, trafficked, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women throughout the United States. Bishop Hubbard is a world recognized and respected Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert and Survivor Leader, who will provide awareness, education and critical information to empower those who have experienced trafficking and place us all in the position to decrease the likelihood of exploitation throughout her appearance on the program.

Brittany Dunn, a national leader working to eradicate human trafficking in the United States and COO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project, joins program host Chris Meek in this edition of Next Steps Forward. Prior to the Safe House Project, Brittany spent 10 years in international business development at CareerBuilder.com. Brittany earned a B.A. in Economics and English from Wellesley College. She graduated top of her class with an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Pi Sigma Alpha, Wellesley Alumnae Association, the Naval Officers' Spouses Club, and is an active member in her church. Brittany received the CEO Circle Award from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is a military spouse, the mother of two, a lifelong learner, a world traveler and a protector of the vulnerable. Human trafficking is an issue that once you sink your teeth into it, you cannot turn away from the issue - Brittany believes that we all have a responsibility to face and combat the evil that is human trafficking. Through her work through the Safe House Program she has increased survivor identification via education and training, served survivors as they exit their specific trafficking situations and spearheaded policy on the state and federal level to create comprehensive solutions. Throughout the hour, Brittany will establish how to serve survivors without re-victimization, speak to how deep relationships allow us to work to meet the needs of survivors holistically and the need to not only focus on a survivor's victimization.

Brittany Dunn, a national leader working to eradicate human trafficking in the United States and COO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project, joins program host Chris Meek in this edition of Next Steps Forward. Prior to the Safe House Project, Brittany spent 10 years in international business development at CareerBuilder.com. Brittany earned a B.A. in Economics and English from Wellesley College. She graduated top of her class with an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Pi Sigma Alpha, Wellesley Alumnae Association, the Naval Officers' Spouses Club, and is an active member in her church. Brittany received the CEO Circle Award from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is a military spouse, the mother of two, a lifelong learner, a world traveler and a protector of the vulnerable. Human trafficking is an issue that once you sink your teeth into it, you cannot turn away from the issue - Brittany believes that we all have a responsibility to face and combat the evil that is human trafficking. Through her work through the Safe House Program she has increased survivor identification via education and training, served survivors as they exit their specific trafficking situations and spearheaded policy on the state and federal level to create comprehensive solutions. Throughout the hour, Brittany will establish how to serve survivors without re-victimization, speak to how deep relationships allow us to work to meet the needs of survivors holistically and the need to not only focus on a survivor's victimization.

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio is a leading authority on helping senior leaders make more inclusive decisions for themselves and their organizations. Having advised some of the largest for-profit and non-profit companies in the world, she joins program host Chris Meek to discuss her experiences as an award-winning expert on race and gender and leadership strategy. Discussion topics will include what led Paola to first become interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and why she decided to make it the focus of her career, what companies can do to attract more diverse applicants, tips for removing implicit bias during the interview process and why onboarding is crucial to increasing diversity. From entry-level to the boardroom, Paola's experience and tips are sure to have powerful impacts on the companies who apply her expertise.

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio is a leading authority on helping senior leaders make more inclusive decisions for themselves and their organizations. Having advised some of the largest for-profit and non-profit companies in the world, she joins program host Chris Meek to discuss her experiences as an award-winning expert on race and gender and leadership strategy. Discussion topics will include what led Paola to first become interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and why she decided to make it the focus of her career, what companies can do to attract more diverse applicants, tips for removing implicit bias during the interview process and why onboarding is crucial to increasing diversity. From entry-level to the boardroom, Paola's experience and tips are sure to have powerful impacts on the companies who apply her expertise.

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio is a leading authority on helping senior leaders make more inclusive decisions for themselves and their organizations. Having advised some of the largest for-profit and non-profit companies in the world, she joins program host Chris Meek to discuss her experiences as an award-winning expert on race and gender and leadership strategy. Discussion topics will include what led Paola to first become interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and why she decided to make it the focus of her career, what companies can do to attract more diverse applicants, tips for removing implicit bias during the interview process and why onboarding is crucial to increasing diversity. From entry-level to the boardroom, Paola's experience and tips are sure to have powerful impacts on the companies who apply her expertise.

Kim Borchers, president and owner of Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting, joins program host Chris Meek on this installment of Next Steps Forward. Her firm focuses primarily on placement of senior talent at the highest levels of state and federal government along with management development. Before opening her firm, Kim was the Executive Director of Leadership Development at a national think tank, the Foundation for Government Accountability, where she created and launched the organization's Talent Bank Project. Kim has spent 20 years in the grassroots movement fighting pornography in her public library. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and currently serves as Republican National Committeewoman for the great state of Kansas. Kim provides fresh perspectives on topics central to civic engagement, including why some voters may be disengaged with politics at the local level, strategies for successfully combating public apathy towards the electoral system, and how to encourage bipartisan cooperation and consensus. For those interested in fostering civic engagement in their own communities or who are taking their first steps in becoming more involved in political processes, Kim has a wealth of knowledge that will not only inspire but provide tangible steps for action.