Podcast appearances and mentions of greg bodzioch

“Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.”Robert Kennedy Much like artists, leaders are visionary. They see things that no one else sees, and break the mold of what is considered normal. Not bound by the shackles of conformity, leaders are original in their thinking and in what they produce, whether it is art, technology, athletics, etc. Silicon Valley is unique for many reasons, and arguably the most compelling reason is that it is full of original and innovative leaders. Russ Ewell sits down with Tom Schaffernoth, the CEO of Nearchus Inc, and Greg Bodzioch, the co-founder of E-Sports, to discuss the necessity to have passion in leadership.Episode referencesNozomi Morgan - “The Art of Passionate Leadership”Tiger WoodsJack NicholasLothar MatthäusGianluigi BuffonPistol PeteMichael JordanMagic JohnsonLarry BirdJFKRobert KennedyLarry PageMartin Luther King Jr.E-SportsFoot-eye coordinationNearchus IncBob DylanSteve JobsMarc ChagallGary P Pisano - Creative Construction: The DNA of Sustained Innovation

Russ Ewell sits down with Greg Bodzioch and Ray Kim to discuss the background and growth of E-Sports. What began as an effort to have kids with both typical and special needs play soccer together on a small Foster City field, has now expanded nationally and internationally, and grown into multiple programs, including E-Soccer, E-Hoops, E-Karate, and more, partnering with schools like USF and St. Mary’s. Advocacy and inclusion for people with special needs is crucial, but, as USF’s slogan indicate, we can “change the world from here.”Episode ReferencesE-SportsDigital ScribblerChange The World From Here

The 5 Levels of Inclusion is an inclusion philosophy developed by Russ Ewell years ago to help guide people on how true inclusion is a holistic approach. Russ sits down with his friend Greg Bodzioch and San Jose State University student Jackson Schaefer, who is studying Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities for his Kinesiology degree and has been a coach in the inclusive soccer program E-Soccer for the past 5 years.Their discussion is sparked by the recent articles of Chris Kaposy and Ruth Marcus. There is a level of dehumanization of individuals with special needs that is neglected in society. This dehumanization can be solved if inclusion is embraced by each person. Often our view of those with special needs results in just sympathy but inclusion is not just the sympathy of those who have special needs but empathy matched with action, because inclusion is not just showing up or bringing a group of individuals with special needs on an outing, but engaging them on all the levels of humanity. They also touch on why Silicon Valley and the Bay Area could be a catalyst location for Comprehensive Inclusion in societies around the world. The 5 Levels of Inclusion: Community – This is social inclusion which can be physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. Connection – This is emotional inclusion, which results in meaningful relationships between typical and special needs individuals. Contribution – This is intellectual inclusion, where the individual with special needs develops a sense of dignity, as they use their ability to make a personal or group contribution to the community. Contemplation – This is spiritual inclusion where the individual is able to pursue some form of meaning and purpose. Comprehensive – Comprehensive inclusion occurs when the individual has experienced 1-4, and benefits from the latest scientific and medical research, as they grow into adulthood and an ever improving quality of life.

Digital Scribbler has launched its pilot episode discussing the benefits and necessity of creating an inclusive environment for everyone. The founders of the internationally known inclusive program, E-Soccer, Russ Ewell and Greg Bodzioch, discuss how they went about beginning the program.With the “e” standing for “exceptional,” E-Soccer was meant to bridge the gap between children with special needs and their neurotypical peers. Since its start in 2001, the program has exponentially grown, expanding from a single soccer field in the Bay Area to programs across the country and world. Today, kids can participate in not only E-Soccer, but a variety of E-Sports as well, ranging from E-Hoops to E-Dance.As Russ and Greg discuss in the podcast, this program is so much more than something to do on a Saturday morning. It provides friends and companions for kids with special needs throughout the rest of their lives, and imparts a perspective and heart to neurotypical children that they will carry with them forever. To find out more about the program, go to e-sports.org to learn how to get involved.Take a listen as they share their story on the first episode of "Digital Scribbler"