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Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh says a longtime, well-informed international source told him that significant Jeffrey Epstein material remains inside government files and has not yet been made public by the Justice Department. According to Hersh, the withheld material includes evidence concerning Epstein's connections to both foreign and domestic intelligence services, particularly Israel's Mossad and the FBI. Hersh describes his conversation with the source as “distressing” and says the undisclosed records could create problems for current and former members of the Trump administration if they are eventually released. The report comes as questions continue to mount over whether the government has fully complied with demands for transparency surrounding the Epstein files and whether intelligence-related material has received anything close to the congressional or media scrutiny applied to Epstein's social and financial relationships.The claims remain allegations attributed to Hersh and his source, not independently established facts, but they add another layer to the broader fight over what the federal government is still withholding. Hersh's reporting suggests that Epstein may have had relationships or performed services involving several foreign governments, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia, while lawmakers have separately begun examining the possibility of intelligence connections. The most politically significant portion of the report is the suggestion that unreleased information could implicate or embarrass people associated with Trump's past and present administrations, particularly because the Justice Department has already faced intense criticism over redactions and withheld Epstein material. If Hersh's account is accurate, the central question is no longer simply what remains hidden in the Epstein files, but why intelligence-related records allegedly sitting inside government archives have remained outside the public release and largely beyond serious congressional examination.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:'Distressing discussion' on withheld Epstein files reveals 'problems' for Trump: report - Raw Story
People will spend thousands of dollars on a piece of jewelry, then balk at paying an expert to tell them what they actually bought.Karen Howard has always found that fascinating.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with veteran gemologist, former appraisal business owner, and Jewelry Appraisers Coach founder Karen Howard for a conversation about expertise, value, trust, mentorship, and what happens when decades of experience become something worth passing on.Jewelry appraisal turns out to be considerably more complicated than looking through a loupe and declaring something shiny.An appraiser has to understand gemology, grading, scientific valuation, construction, markets, history, ethics, technology, and sometimes enough research to defend an opinion in court.Karen and Hersh explore the difference between evaluation and valuation, why lab-grown diamonds have complicated the market, how technology is changing the profession, and why the story attached to a piece of jewelry can matter almost as much as the number attached to it.That last point became part of Karen's own practice. Her personal wedding-ring appraisal includes the story of the ring so her children, and someday their children, will know where it came from. She began offering clients the same opportunity.But the bigger story is Karen's own transition.After more than two decades running an appraisal business, a personal crisis forced her to reconsider what she wanted to do next. She kept remembering former students asking for help with all the things their technical training hadn't prepared them for: clients, ethics, business decisions, and simply surviving that difficult first year.So she built the resource she wished existed.Karen is now coaching new jewelry appraisers and has completed her first book, From Startup to Success: A Practical Guide for Jewelry Appraising, currently in editing.Along the way, Hersh and Karen explore something that applies far beyond jewelry:When the thing you're selling is accumulated knowledge, experience, and judgment, discounting it changes what people believe it's worth.At its heart, this episode asks:What happens when you've spent decades becoming an expert and realize your most valuable work may be teaching someone else what took you years to learn?“From Challenges to Unstoppable: Your roadmap to Professional Success in Jewellery Appraising"Freebie URL: https://zpr.io/UDZw3nC6bJrZ“The Art of Work-Life Balance"https://docs.google.com/document/d/196wzpW54Uq2nT6PafgCNTjxi-D9x_5kz/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116369053099329677903&rtpof=true&sd=trueCall Booking URL: https://zpr.io/rSijC9AarKM6--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
Text us here! Hersh, I don't want to alarm you by the title but I didn't know how to spell what happened today. This was a shotgun episode. I should have known that it was going off the rails from the beginning because I allowed someone else to start the show... We had a bunch of wonderful feedback that spurred a bunch of discussions in many directions. Deacon Dusting absolutely demolished a popular song which is what prompted the invented words in the episode title and then ends the show by talking about his huge family members who could sing... Enjoy! Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
GHOST TRAIN – Countries around the world have built high-speed rail – why has it failed to catch on in the U.S.? An ambitious state-run project connecting L.A. and San Francisco is vastly behind schedule and has seen costs balloon. One private company is hoping it can succeed where the public sector hasn't – but that too faces challenges. Correspondent Jon Wertheim reports on the state of high-speed rail in the U.S. – which has become a stand-in for a broader question: can America still build big things? David M. Levine is the producer.ONE MOTHER'S STORY – Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son Hersh was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. On his 328th day in captivity, Hersh was executed in a tunnel in Gaza. Now, Rachel Goldberg-Polin is trying to figure out how to live after losing her child. Anderson Cooper interviews Goldberg-Polin about Hersh and her grief, and speaks with Or Levy, a released hostage who was in captivity with Hersh, and credits him with helping to save his life. Katie Brennan is the producer.WILD CONCERTO – Acclaimed drummer of The Police Stewart Copeland and celebrated British naturalist Martyn Stewart have created Wild Concerto, a pioneering album that mixes authentic animal sounds with original music. It's based on Stewart's unparalleled audio archive of the world's wild inhabitants. Correspondent Bill Whitaker joins the pair at the iconic Abbey Road Studios as Copeland and Stewart give Mother Nature's orchestra the star treatment. Heather Abbott is the producer.
This is a sneak peek from the members-only edition of Inside Call Me Back. Dan is joined by Jon Polin to answer questions from young Jewish adults and teenagers about how to reconcile personal Zionism with those who commit violence against Palestinians in the name of Zionism. They also discuss the pressures and social costs faced by American young people who stand up for Israel and how to handle some of those tough conversations. Learn more about Jon's new project, Foundry 515 here. Beyond Dispute by Daniel Taub Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl ___ Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. For the full episode, subscribe here to - Inside Call me Back ____ You can access the full episode here, where Dan and Jon answer listener questions about: - The social cost for American teens and young adults who stand up for Israel - How to find Jewish joy outside of religious observance - What the hostage crisis broke in Israeli society - Did Hersh have an impact on his captors? - How Jon, Rachel and others are finding a new “why” after Hersh's tragic death - Why Jon chose to make Aliyah More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
Ben Butcher spent nearly three decades helping shape some of the most recognizable entertainment brands in the world, including five years at Disney, twelve at Pixar, and ten as SVP of Creative at Funko.Then he decided to build something of his own.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Ben, founder and CEO of Kaleidos Creative, an artist-led company creating original characters, stories, and intellectual property from the ground up.The challenge is radically different.At Disney, Pixar, and Funko, the audience already existed. The characters already carried meaning. At Kaleidos, Ben and his team have to create that connection before anyone knows what the characters are supposed to mean.Hersh and Ben explore how beloved brands can eventually become trapped by their own history, why creative freedom still has to coexist with commercial reality, and what changes when an artist moves from contributing to someone else's world to becoming responsible for the whole thing.They also get into AI, and Ben offers a refreshingly human reason Kaleidos has chosen not to build its creative process around it: the messy middle is the part they actually love. The mistakes, experimentation, collaboration, and evolution are not inefficiencies to eliminate. They are the creative experience itself.At its heart, this episode asks:What happens when someone who spent decades building other people's worlds finally decides to create one of his own?https://kaleidoscreative.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
What happens when the life that pays the bills is only part of who you are?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with author T.A. Thompson, who has spent more than a decade in commercial insurance while building a very different creative life as a fiction writer.His novel, The Mark, lives in a post-apocalyptic world where people die by 22 and the protagonist, Alexandra, has somehow made it to 25.Which means everyone sees her as old.That premise opens the door to something bigger than dystopian fiction.Hersh and T.A. explore what happens when a label helps people understand what you do, but also compresses what makes it different.They get into the difficulty of becoming known for a new identity, why writing the book may be easier than helping people discover it, how rejection changes the way a creator sees the work, and why dark humor can make the truth easier to face.They also explore the tension between being an insurance professional who writes and becoming an author who happens to work in insurance.At the center of the conversation is a question that applies far beyond publishing:How do you help people understand what you've created without reducing it to the nearest familiar category?https://tathompsonwriter.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
What happens to your authority when the organization, title, and familiar identity fall away?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with executive coach, leadership advisor, and Change Clarity founder Sharon McLaughlin for a conversation about leadership, identity, transition, and what it takes to move people through relentless change.After more than three decades inside large organizations, Sharon recognized that leadership was never created by rank. The title may grant responsibility, but the ability to build trust, create clarity, and bring people with you comes from somewhere deeper.Hersh and Sharon explore:Why expertise does not automatically translate into leadershipThe difference between managing change and leading people through itWhat remains when professional identity is separated from a titleWhy leaders tend to under-communicate during uncertain timesHow constant change creates fatigue and emotional saturationThe distinction between moving from A to B and leading people all the way throughHow to evolve publicly without abandoning the credibility already earnedAnd why authority ultimately comes back to who you areSharon also shares what she learned while moving from municipal government leadership into an independent advisory practice and discovering that the value she brought to the organization had never belonged to the organization.At its heart, this episode asks:When the title disappears, what are people still willing to follow?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
Text us here! Hersh, today is likely the most monu-mental (heavy on the mental) day we have ever experienced on Pod'N Me. I know these descriptions can be a bit oversold but I made a huge apology to start the program and I really don't know what the outcome will be... will it change the future of the show? The boys then moved to trash my burdensome preaching and we yodeled our way thru a great song and followed it all up with a Main Character Year segment that honored our beloved backstabbing (you'll hear) Songleader. Enjoy! Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
Text us here! Hersh, we went forward with our new segment that is full of main character energy and this week the main character is Deacon Dustin Wakley, who was brought forth back in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty. He told about his struggle with long hair and arcade games... some big confessions on this episode... Before we got to all of that, Brooks told of some recent fan encounters and used it as an opportunity to completely offend me... I should be able to get over it and hopefully show back up next week. Enjoy! Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
Is your product the mission...Or simply the expression of it?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with scientist, entrepreneur, and Karviva founder Dr. Angela Zeng for a conversation about purpose, trust, branding, and the challenge of building a company without sacrificing its soul.After years in medical research, Angela discovered that creating an exceptional product wasn't enough.The real challenge was helping people understand why it exists.Together, Hersh and Angela explore:Why quality alone doesn't create a successful brandThe growing gap between marketing claims and consumer trustThe difference between selling ingredients and sharing a philosophyWhy founders shouldn't disappear behind their productsHow mission creates meaning beyond marketingThe role of traditional wisdom in a modern marketplaceWhy authenticity is becoming a competitive advantageAnd what happens when a founder finally steps into the storyAt the heart of the conversation is a simple recognition:People don't build relationships with bottles. They build relationships with belief.https://karviva.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
Text us here! Hersh, as we often talk about on this trash heap of a podcast, we went down the proverbial lane today with the Generation Z Boy and I think it make him feel special which is what we are after here at Pod'N Me... affirming, non-offensive, special feelings... We had a segment that would completely make the day of anyone, especially if you are in his shoes and want to be first at everything.... You'll see what I am typing about.We also discussed some great topics like: cool books (literally), and as always the boys had some ministerial advice. We talked some about the slack in hearing from all of your friends in the feedback world... Enjoy! Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
Episode: 140 RAISING PPA assessment and treatment from the Ground Up: In Conversation with Jeanne Gallée In this episode you will discover: · Assessment and Intervention Aren't Separate — Conversation itself can double as both. By listening closely and responding to what a client offers, in a "more art than science" way, clinicians gather meaningful data and provide support at the same time, rather than treating these as two distinct phases of care. · Rigid Testing Can Erase the Person Behind the Diagnosis — Traditional standardized assessments often serve the goals of an institution or research protocol more than the person being assessed. Frameworks like RAISE and the PACT scale shift the focus toward strengths, natural conversation, and what someone can still do, rather than repeatedly measuring decline. · PPA Needs Its Own Identity and Training Path — Because primary progressive aphasia sits uneasily between post-stroke aphasia care and traditional dementia care, clinicians often receive little formal training in it. A global survey found major gaps in education and confidence, underscoring the need for dedicated resources, like Dr. Gallée's PPA roadmap, built specifically for this population. Do you ever wish you could step back in time and undo the missteps and errors of the past? What if you had the opportunity to build something from the ground up? Certainly, knowing what you know now, you could begin in a better place. But of course, there's always pitfalls with new beginnings, even with the knowledge of lessons from the past. You could, however, make a positive impact on that new beginning. Welcome to the Aphasia Access Conversations podcast. I'm Jerry Hoepner, a professor from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and co-facilitator of the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp, Blue Gold Brain Injury Group, Mayo Brain Injury Group, Young Persons Brain Injury Group, Brain In-Cog, and Thursday Night Poets. I'm also a member of the Aphasia Access Podcast Working Group. Aphasia Access strives to provide members with information, inspiration, and ideas about their aphasia care through a variety of educational resources. I'm privileged to introduce today's guest, Dr. Jeanne Gallée, who is a clinical scientist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington. Dr. Gallée is a licensed speech language pathologist practicing in the greater Washington state area. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences at Wellesley College in 2016 and Doctor of Philosophy at Harvard University in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology in 2021. She has been recognized as a Distinguished Early Career Professional by ASHA and a Distinguished Scholar by the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia. Her work is dedicated to improving assessment practices and functional outcomes for individuals living with aphasia and neurodegenerative conditions. Jerry Hoepner: Jeanne, it's really nice to see you again today, and to have this opportunity to have a conversation with you as a recent recipient of the Tavistock Scholar Program, and to talk about your work with individuals with primary progressive aphasia. So, thanks for being "on" today for the conversation. Jeanne Gallée: Thank you so much for having me, Jerry. I'm really honored to be here. Jerry Hoepner: Likewise, I'm really excited for this conversation, and as I just alluded to, I wanted to congratulate you on being awarded the first Tavistock Scholar with an emphasis doing work in primary progressive aphasia, and I thought maybe I could get your thoughts on being selected as a Tavistock Scholar. Jeanne Gallée: Thank you. It feels honestly incredibly remarkable in the sense that I think it represents a shift in how we're thinking about the separate diagnoses of progressive aphasia versus an aphasia that's due to an acute injury. And I'm really honored to be a part of that. I think there have been many discussions growing over the years, and I think we're seeing that shift in how we do think about addressing assessment and intervention and general care for people across the aphasia continuum. Jerry Hoepner: Agreed, I think there's been so much growth in the last five years in that area. I can remember at the outset of the pandemic, having discussions about "What do we do with people with primary progressive aphasia who were a part of our aphasia group? Should they be a part of our aphasia group? How do we pivot to that in an online context?" and it feels like we've come so far in our conversation about where primary progressive aphasia fits in in all of those different contexts. Jeanne Gallée: Right, I entirely agree, and I think the journey of my own work has already evolved in so many ways that I couldn't have imagined, like you say, five years ago I completed my doctoral work March 2021 and just seeing the phenomenal amounts of change that have really taken place since then has been incredible, and I feel very lucky to be part of that momentum right now. Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely, it's exciting to see these things move forward. And one of the differences that I see is primary progressive aphasia started out within the Life Participation Approach, just soundly from day one, as opposed to a lot of aphasia care, which has kind of evolved from this medical model, and how refreshing it is to see something built from the ground up. Done right, so to speak. I don't know if you have thoughts on that piece… Jeanne Gallée: No, I do. I think that's a really interesting point. I think I might be part of the camp that at times feels like progressive conditions get a little bit lost in the rehabilitation space, but I think you're absolutely right. I think the absence of pharmacological treatment, or a cure that has long standing effects for these progressive conditions has made rehabilitation specialists much more attuned to focusing on quality of life, life participation, maintaining autonomy, and so forth. So, I think I forget that perspective sometimes. Perhaps from the space that I work in, I tend to be in a more interdisciplinary environment where I feel on the opposite end. I'm often asked for justification for providing these types of services, and that fits in nicely with our previous discussion on how we do see that differentiation and how people with aphasia due to a progressive condition may be siloed from people who have the more quote unquote traditional aphasia symptoms. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, that's a really good point. And you know, referring to those previous conversations we discussed that need for primary progressive aphasia to have a space of its own. It's tricky because it doesn't fit into post-stroke aphasia quite right, and it doesn't fit into the Alzheimer's and dementia world quite right. So, yeah, it's nice to see this developing in the Life Participation kind of context, really excited about Anna Volkmer's conference dedicated to primary progressive aphasia. Yeah, what an excellent point, that even though we feel like it's great to build it from the ground up, there's still people in that interdisciplinary context, who are very much looking at this, like,"Justify this. How is having conversations and doing activities with someone justifiable, as a, you know, as a skilled intervention?" Jeanne Gallée: Right. I think a lot of it comes back to misunderstandings about the scope of our profession. So, coming from the speech language pathology standpoint, we may have a perspective that other providers may not. And it's interesting, particularly when that confusion or disconnect happens in conditions that are communication led, where we see the symptoms primarily touching upon our ability to interact verbally or non-verbally to communicate. And it's fascinating, and I think speaking to that silo, we see PPA having been a relatively new and still considered very rare condition, but there's so much overlap with other conditions, right, in the kinds of symptoms that we see and there's so much where, as any speech pathologist with experience in acquired neurogenic communication disorders, we can see that we can apply our skill set, but again, likely due to the terminal nature of the condition, we end up seeing providers taking it a different route, or saying either there's only the pharmacological route, or we just let it lie or let it be as is, which we wouldn't do with any other condition. We wouldn't say that for someone with ALS. We would want to provide them the supports, even if they're temporary, to improve quality of life. So, it is an interesting, almost cultural phenomenon as well. I think. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, that I think it's really fascinating, and I'm so glad you brought that up. It reminds me of kind of the phrase, the company we keep, right? It's easy to be amongst, you know, people who are in the [Life Participation Approach to Aphasia] LPPA world, who think the way that we think, and who do the way that we do. And I do a lot of work in the area of cognitive communication disorders with acquired brain injuries, and so forth, and there's been a remarkable shift in the last five years there as well towards a more Life Participation bio psychosocial approach, and some of the work that I've been passionate about for years has been more and more accepted. So you feel like when you're in that company of all of your people that everything's all good, but it also reminds me of something that my friend Natalie Douglas always says, which is that "We need to be out there amongst others who need to understand the importance of this kind of a perspective, and sharing that." And when you talked about those other professionals, I really didn't think about that until you said that. Right, really important to get them on the same page, and to help them understand why this is so important. Jeanne Gallée: Right? And I think that's where the conference that you mentioned, the first PPA only conference that's taking place this summer in London, is so special because one of the reasons why we were so motivated to have this type of a conference is that there wasn't really the space at the typical aphasiology conferences, and then the larger neurology-based conferences, or more broadly dementia-based conferences, also didn't quite feel like a home. I think, especially their studies of quality of life, in particular, we're really not seen as rigorous in those contexts. So, this conference, what's nice is that we have that uniting force of everyone being focused on PPA, but it's super interdisciplinary, and that I think will really promote some fantastic conversations. Jerry Hoepner: Wow, that's really encouraging and exciting to see that move forward. I'm not in the primary progressive aphasia world, although when we're at aphasia camp and things like that, certainly that's a part of my role. But as soon as I saw the call for papers come out, I'm, you know, texting and messaging all of my PPA folks to say, "Did you see this? This is great. Are you doing something?" It's very exciting. So, I'm excited to see where that moves in the future and to hear how things go this time around. That's great. Jeanne Gallée: Likewise, I'm really excited, and I do really believe it will lead to a whole future cascade of collaboration. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, amazing. Well, before we delve into your amazing work, I've been reading your articles, and it's been just a pleasure to read it. I'm always impressed with how certain themes of importance can come across in different areas of our field, and it's been fun to see that. I wonder, because I'm looking at the list of collaborators, just some incredible collaborators on that list, in those papers, I'd love to hear a little bit about your mentorship, both in primary progressive aphasia and kind of thinking about the Life Participation quality of life kind of context as well. Jeanne Gallée: Yeah, I think in hindsight my mentorship experience seems more linear than it did in the moment. And I think it goes back to my original journey in my doctoral program. The program I was in, the Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology program at Harvard was a little bit different from others, where we didn't apply to work with a specific mentor, but truly just to get into the program. And they encouraged a pretty extensive shopping period to work with a variety of mentors to get a feel for topic area, mentorship style, and so traditionally first year students didn't even have any experiences, they just focused on the very time-intensive and rigorous coursework. I came in and started my first experience with Evelina Fedorenko at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who had worked with an undergrad. And that I think from the get-go gave me a very holistic view. I think, of the ways in which we could think about language, and in particular, the language network. So, there I was working on MRI studies of what activations do we see in the language network. In response to linguistic stimuli. And we were working with undergrads at MIT who were all healthy between the ages of 18 through 30, and I just felt at a certain point that I had this growing interest towards thinking about what happens when something goes wrong. So when it's atypical processing of language. I first thought I might be interested in pediatric population, so I was all over the place, but through the partnership that my program had with the MGH Institute of Health Professionals, I ended up having this amazing opportunity to be mentored by Evelina Federenko, as well as Sophia Vallila Rohter at the Institute of Health Professions, as well as the Frontotemporal Disorders Unit at Mass General Hospital, through my actual clinical training. So I had this quite hefty consortium of mentors, and I think that has its own set of challenges, right? It's a little bit less mentor-directed and more on the student to say, "This is exactly what I want to work on." But I think that allowed me to build a network of experiences and mentors, and that just has bled into every experience I've had since then. I also think the pandemic, you brought that up before, had a huge role in this, and all of a sudden people were very, very open to virtual meetings and connections and wanted connection. I think everyone felt very stuck at home and wanted to find more people and to find meaning and Anna Volkmer and I had the opportunity to meet at the Academy of Aphasia in Macau in 2019. And honestly meeting her in our connection has been also one of those launching pads for me to really jump out into the world of international collaboration. So all that to say, I think a lot of chance encounters and just a lot of plunging into possible conversations head first has led to this phenomenal mentorship team. And a lot of people who I collaborate with now I see as my inadvertent mentors, and that includes Anna, that includes Maya Henry at UT Austin, Amy Mooney in Oregon, just people who have consistently volunteered their time to mentor me in ways in which I can only say I would have never expected. Jade Cartwright and I have had such a phenomenal collaboration over the past few years as well, where we just had the same interests, and Zoom allowing, we were able to build on those. Jerry Hoepner: That's really an amazing answer to that question. I love the term inadvertent mentors, because I just think that those are the best mentors, where you're as much a mentor to them as they are to you. And it's just this really reciprocal relationship, but it's also built on this organic, like passion and interest for the same kinds of topics. Where it's not forced and that's a really nice kind of look back on your entire process. I was also struck by the term "mentor shopping", or "mentor shopping period", whatever. And I think that's really great that you had an opportunity for that not to be so mentor-led, and I mean it clearly shows through when you talk about your clinical experience and how that was connected to your research experience, and kind of all used to create this amalgamation of who you are. I mean, it's clear in talking with you, it's clear in reading your work that you have that strong, multi prong kind of basis. It's not just research, it's not just this specific area of research, it's really broad and the clinical connection is there, so that makes a lot of sense when I hear you talk about that, for sure. Jeanne Gallée: Oh, thank you. Yeah, I think in hindsight, again, it seems more linear, and in the moment it sometimes felt a little wild, I will say, in terms of just wrangling what do I actually want to pursue, and how. And I'm still figuring that out. But I think this community of collaborators and mentors is truly what has kept me in the field and as well. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, I think when you can connect with other people who are passionate about the work that you're doing. I can't imagine sitting at alone in my office doing a project, and I mean it's just so much more fun when you're doing it with other people. And other people who can expand the way that you think, which I'm sure everyone that you've mentioned on that list really does, when you can say, "Well, I think we should do it this way" and someone says, "Have you thought about…" and it just completely wrecks your world in a good way, "Like, oh my gosh, I didn't think about that, that's so exciting!" and then you just get into this back and forth. Yeah, very fun to hear about that. And again, it clearly shows through in the work that you do. In our previous conversations, you also mentioned this idea, and this again built on those clinical foundations that your initial mission was really to help develop interventions for people with primary progressive aphasia, and then you kind of got not off track, but inadvertently focused on working on assessments. You mentioned that there's just such a need, and this is so common in a lot of areas, but there's a need for more person-centered, ecologically valid strength-based assessment, and that the traditional measures just don't tell us enough. So, I'm really excited to talk about the work that you're doing on assessment, and how that brings us closer to what we need from an intervention standpoint, too. Jeanne Gallée: Yeah, so that really is at the heart of what has been my experience. Also, right from the get-go, we started talking about the differences, or the possible differentiation that the field has historically taken in thinking about post-stroke aphasia versus primary progressive aphasia. One of my first real PPA projects in my doctoral work was meant to be a naming treatment study for people living with PPA, and one of the roadblocks I kept hitting was also my mentors and reviewers telling me that I was trying to add too many things. And in that process I realized I don't think just using something that exists for post-stroke aphasia is going to be the best way to address the patients I'm seeing right now. And it's not because there's something wrong with that treatment. That treatment was not designed for these individuals. And that led to many more rabbit holes, and you know me really just feeling this existential crisis of "Well, why are we working on the stimuli that we are, and why are we asking questions about these ones?" And I have so much respect for the assessments that exist, and the individuals behind them, and the time they invested in making them. I am also of the belief that we can move forward and improve our processes. There are certain assessments that may be widely used and have so much again power behind them. You know, we have best associated certain assessments with characterizing a diagnosis, but what I ended up seeing in my placements and throughout my clinical work is that many assessments serve more of a mission of an institution or a research protocol than the person being assessed. And in the face of a person with a terminal condition who is using their precious time to serve you in that space, I just think it's so much more important, or that much more important, to really consider what is most functional for them. What will serve them? And how we, how can we give back to that person? And again, part of that emotion, I think, comes from having worked in many research-centered spaces, where someone might not get intervention afterwards, or they might not understand why they are participating in up to five hours of assessment, and I think that's where that passion for focusing on reprioritizing the patient or the client really came from. Jerry Hoepner: I think that attention to "what's in it for them", is really important and clearly based in kind of where your heart is at and where your clinical mindset is at. Because it's easy to go in and say, "Well, we need this data. We need all the data that we get." but to what end, right? Like, how is it going to help? And how is that going to give us any more information about how to help this person, then what they can't do, right? So, I appreciate that mindset a lot, you know. It makes me think, and this is a little off track, and we didn't talk about this question earlier, but what a shift it will be clinicians working with people with primary progressive aphasia, and how they'll be able to shift from using kind of the existing tools that were out there for other purposes to moving towards tools that are designed specifically for people with PPA, and maybe just a snapshot of your thoughts about that piece. Jeanne Gallée: So I think it's really important to know where the field comes from, the work in which it was grounded in. So, I think it, it makes sense to talk about standardized assessment scores. It makes sense to talk about, you know, the specific assessments that can help us quickly differentiate presentations or needs, right? So, using the symptom-led approach, can we identify specific behaviors really quickly in a standardized way? I think the issue comes in when we stop being dynamic in how we use them. It's very easy to use an assessment in a way that feels rote. It feels just like a test, and it's like you said, "just collecting data for the purpose of collecting data." And lose that aspect of humanity. And maybe I'm putting words in other clinicians' mouths, but especially when a certain condition is rare, like PPA is. You may not have very much experience with seeing someone with PPA, or any type of progressive condition, and feel really stuck and needing to be in the motivation of being really professional, sticking to a certain set of tests. "This feels right." Right, this is what someone told me to do. I can fill this out, and there's something very potentially vulnerable or scary about just going with your gut in those moments. And what Anna Volkmer and I have spoken about so often is just the power of having a conversation with someone, and seeing what you can learn from that conversation, not only about the person themselves, but their communication behaviors. And how you can get so much from that conversation, including the trust and comfort of the client in front of you. Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely, yeah. One of the things that I think about when you're talking about that is, in working with people with acquired brain injuries and traumatic brain injuries one of the things I've learned is they will tell you, or they will ask, right? They'll say, "What is this? "What kind of information is this giving you?" "Why do we have to do this stupid test?" And I think that's good. I think that's a mindset that we should have when we're thinking about all of the assessments that we do. Why are we doing this? Is this really necessary? And they're very willing to say, "If it's necessary, that's fine, I'll do it, but are you getting something from this that I'm not seeing?" Right, I love that question, and I think it speaks to what you just said, right? Like, there's so much information that we can gather from conversations, from our interactions with people, we should be thinking about getting that, and if we're doing something else, we should have a why directly following, yeah. Jeanne Gallée: Yes, the why is so important, and you're right. Sometimes we do just need to get certain information. I think for me, one of the most striking moments early on in my training was having small talk. You know, just conversation with a person with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, and thinking, "Wow, this all feels quite typical. I'm curious about why they're here? What their testing will look like…" and then moving on to the Boston Naming Test and immediately seeing the challenges that came. That dichotomy is really helpful to have in those moments, but again, there's the argument of why are we asking about the name abacus, right? Why are we using that right now, and how does that represent how someone is performing functionally in their everyday life? Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely, yeah, totally. I agree. Can you share a little bit about the RAISE framework, which I really love, because it relates to the way that I think about assessment from the standpoint of counseling, like you build on relationships and connections. William Miller is famous for saying, "The last thing you should ever do at the beginning of a session is assessment." You're beginning of a relationship with someone, don't assess first thing. So, I love that piece, and then thinking about the pact, and I'll let you kind of expand those, but I'll let you unpack them – ha ha- but how that starts to move us towards intervention. Jeanne Gallée: Right. So the RAISE assessment framework was really built out of those conversations, and I guess realizations on my own part about that discomfort with the really rigid end that assessment can…I'll restate that. The rigidity that assessment can have, so again speaking to really, really standardized sets and rigid protocols of specific measures that someone uses, and like you said, having the experience of multiple research participants, as well as patients, asking "Why are we doing this? I know I'm not good at this. Why are we doing it again and again?" And in those moments, not feeling like I had the power to really justify exactly why we were doing everything, apart from, "Oh, this is important for the research study." Which it was, but just feeling like there was that aspect of humanity that was missing, and coming up with my own toolkit in those moments to fill in those blanks. So right after the completion of my PhD, Anna Volkmar and I started speaking a lot more about the power of conversational assessment. And then that led into conversations where we worked with Anne Whitworth, Deborah Hersh, and Jade Cartwright, where again, through the power of Zoom across all times. I was pregnant with my first, and meeting everyone usually at midnight my time. I already was nocturnal at that point! Where we would just be discussing all of these issues, and what was amazing about this is that, particularly Anne and Deb come from more of the post-stroke aphasia world, and had these amazing principles grounded in those populations where Deborah Hersh had also really come forward with the concept of therapeutic assessment. So as you had said assessment and intervention shouldn't be separate, they belong together and coexist at all times if we're smart about it. And what we ended up doing, first informally and then formally through the more official Delphi process is coming up with a set of principles as a framework for assessment. So, to take a step away from, "Oh, it's just Lucy Goosey, we're having a conversation and chit chat." What we're actually promoting is a pretty structured set of principles to guide the ways in which we can cultivate assessment for individuals with PPA and their loved ones. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, absolutely. I was kind of scanning on my computer, I was trying to think of the name. I love this name of the article, where it says, 'Please don't assess me to death, or something like that. Jeanne Gallée: Yes, yeah. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, and, and thinking about that whole entire process from beginning to end as a relationship, as you know, not discreetly assessment, not discreetly intervention, I think it's just really important. Can you talk a little bit about the PACT and kind of where that has moved things in terms of the assessment piece, but also kind of set a set up for intervention and what that looks like? Jeanne Gallée: Great, so the PACT the Progressive Aphasia Communication Toolkit kit builds off of what we put forth with the RAISE assessment framework. So with RAISE we promote that the relationship might be temporary, it might be a single interaction, or it might be long term, and we cultivate that through conversation and then the PACT is a set of scales that leverages that conversation, we take that natural or as natural as can be interaction and use it to come up with a concrete framework of communication strengths. So that might all sound very esoteric. To make that more concrete, there are four scales to the PACT. They're all clinician ratings, where the clinician is asked to look at a pre-recorded conversation that would occur naturally in a clinical or research context, and then on a scale from four to zero, rate the person speaking's strengths. So within the domains of speech and voice, as well as language and social pragmatics, as well as discourse, and the point or the purpose of that was to really anchor a person's communicative ability in one of these more natural environments with a provider. We collect so much phenomenal qualitative data, but at times it can feel challenging to quantify it and the hope with the PACT is that we can quantify our very real, possibly subjective evaluation of a person's communication at a certain moment in time. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, and what I love about that, and you might have a slightly different thought about this, because you're deeper into it, but from an assessment standpoint, you can then do that all the way through. You can say, "Here's where they are this year, here's where they are next year, here's where they are the year after that, or you know, two years ago, or whatever your lens is at that point." You can do that without kind of this constant repeating of, "Okay, let's see how bad you are today compared to a year ago, or compared to two years ago." Just a very different mindset. And I love the focus on "What can you still do? What what's working? And how can we leverage what's working to really help you to actually communicate today?" As opposed to saying, "Oh boy, the ship is sinking." which is kind of the typical approach. Jeanne Gallée: Yes, that exactly what you're saying. The tendency tends to focus on what's no longer there. And while that might be helpful in clinical trials to characterize a person's performance diagnostically and the trajectory of a diagnosis over time. It really does not serve the person who goes home after the assessment, nor their loved ones to help them maintain that autonomy and quality of life, and also caregiver burden. And that is actually one of the points I really love about the PACT, is it builds on that RAISE aspect, that final tenant of evolution or adaptation over time. There's no repeat measure conflict here, where you know something might seem familiar. One of the unique parts of the PACT is that the clinician doesn't fill out the scale while they're talking to the person, they're really just recording them talking, so it is on the clinician side where, as often as they'd like to, they could implement the structured prompts of the PACT and then fill out the scale and see how performance might vary over time. They might see effects of context of the conversation, or the environment, or maybe the time of day, you know, phase of life, but it remains a way to use that really important information you gather through these conversations without recreating a testing environment frequently. Jerry Hoepner: I really love that framework. I think there's a lot of room for that to be used in other contexts as well. I just think it's really a wise way of thinking about it. I also, you just mentioned caregivers and caregiver burden in this context, and how does that fit into this entire RAISE framework, the PACT, and so forth. Jeanne Gallée: I think for both the RAISE assessment framework as well as the PACT the carers play an essential role in the sense that if they are available and present in the patient's life, then they are involved in the process. And so within the RAISE framework, the care partner is involved to provide feedback or to be given feedback, and in the PACT the same occurs, where if they are present at the time of the conversation, they are involved in the conversation. What I tend to do in the people I have piloted the PACT, I say come in as you would naturally, but then also take a step back. Let the person that with PPA that we're talking to take the lead, but I want you to interact as you would naturally. And then they're separately also asked to comment on the strengths that the person with PPA has. Their feedback is so integral because if they are present in a person's life, they play an essential role in promoting anything that we do work on in speech therapy. Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely, yeah, really well said. And I wanted to dig in, partly because I have envy of this figure, the roadmap figure for PPA, and I think it really sets up well for as we think about professionals out there too, like what's the roadmap, not just for the person and their partner, but what's the roadmap for clinicians, future clinicians, all of that. Maybe you can talk a little bit about that figure. Jeanne Gallée: I'd be delighted to. So, this was one of those, I would say classic for me moments where I had an idea and went to PowerPoint and started playing around with a visual of what I was thinking. The roadmap paper in no way is meant to be the only guide for how we can work with a person with PPA, but was really born out of discussions with Amy Mooney, as well as Zoe Ezzes, and Kristin Schafferr Mendez through the National Aphasia Association about the possible gaps in education or preparation a person might experience when first working with people living with PPA. There are so many ways in which we could say, "Oh, just work on this exact task. Work on these.." and that can feel so lost and unanchored, unmoored moreover. And I wanted to provide the clinical toolkit that I've been using to help me think about my broader approach. So to not get lost in the weeds, but just generally think about what's my purpose here, what's my journey, and so at the center of this road that I created is the tenant of providing that person-centered care, like we aim to with the RAISE assessment framework, so really bringing it back to establishing that honest and holistic and person-centered relationship with your client and their care partners. And focusing on creating a journey that's unique to the client that I think can feel hard when there are so many unknowns with a condition like PPA, where you're always working with an interdisciplinary team. Which you may or may not have contact with. So the first part of this roadmap is really defining your role. Who are you as a professional, and what kinds of support can you provide, and part of defining your own role includes defining your role relative to the rest of the interdisciplinary team. How can you provide a different approach from the neurologist or the neuropsychologist who play vital but very different roles in a person's care journey? Part of that definition also includes advocating across professions, so a classic conundrum that people with communication-led disorders face is that they may not have certain challenges in other domains, but their communication results in a domino effect of difficulties. And so, as the speech language pathologist, coming up with ways in which you can provide supports to other providers or your client to improve their communication can be essential for that comprehensive care. That might include coming up with a communication notebook that has a single page related to specific questions or common topics when talking to the neurologist or the physical therapist or other providers. And then part of this roadmap includes referring out. So having the humility and confidence to say I can't help with this in the ways that you may need. I will either refer you to a specialist within our field or outside of our field to help with these specific aspects, and I think that's just responsible care. Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely. Really well described, and such a perfect. A segway to my next question. I always tell my students, assessment isn't just the first and last session that you're working with someone, and the same goes for intervention, right? It's not excluded from the beginning and the end, right? Like, you can't do intervention on day one, you can't do it on the last day, right? I think we kind of silo those things as well, you know, we assess and we intervene every day side by side. Can you share a little bit of your perspectives on this? And, and how that relates to kind of what we just talked about in terms of that roadmap? Jeanne Gallée: Yeah, I think part of the challenge with some of these concepts is that it's very helpful to have experience in working with individuals, whether it is through formal speech therapy or elsewhere, to feel comfort with the unknown. Because a lot of it relies on your ability to listen and to respond to what you notice. You may inadvertently put in assessment by asking follow-up questions to a point a person made when you were talking about their commute. Ad you may offer different technological supports or just visual supports to your client in that conversation in a way to build up supports to see, "Oh, do we see a difference in how they're responding to what I'm saying? And how I provide support? Or when I dial it back, do we see a completely different direction?" So, it is this beautiful, possibly more art than science approach of responding to what a person is giving you. And there are so many individual differences in all of us. I always joke about how when I used to collect data on the picture description using both age match controls and people with PPA, I would almost burst out laughing when some of the controls provided responses, because I would get one to two sentences sometimes because see the difference in motivation. A person who does not have a communication concern, does not see the need to show exactly what they can do. And would benefit from some encouragement to show exactly how much they can say, whereas a person with PPA, who might have an Aphasia Quotient that recognizes their aphasia, might speak for five to 10 minutes to show exactly everything that they can accomplish. And so I think having that in your back pocket is really important when it comes to thinking about coming up with your recipe of all the ingredients of your assessment and intervention approach and counseling approach. So, I think that's where most of my work comes from, is that there is no one size fits all, but there are certain ingredients or components that we need to apply, and the exact ratios depend on the person you're working with. Jerry Hoepner: That is such a good description of dynamic assessment and intervention and how that I agree, probably more art than science. And that's hard for people who want a black and white answer, like "Step one…" but it's so true, and, and being effective in working in this context, that really moves us nicely into a recent paper that you did, those global perspectives on the management of PPA, and I was struck by the numbers here. Only 40% of respondents said that they had received training in primary progressive aphasia at their university, and they identified all of these needs, right, like online instruction, sample tools, and activity dealing with end of life care and trainings for end of life care. When you mentioned counseling, that totally relates to what we're up against in terms of counseling, right? No one feels confident or has very good self efficacy. Tey don't know if what you know the lines are, what part is theirs and what part is someone else. And I think just really important to like I said, lay out a roadmap and help people to understand what we were just talking about in terms of that art and science of how do you navigate this space when it has to be individualized for every person, and that can feel uncomfortable for a lot of people. So, I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on that, and kind of what you learned from that context. Jeanne Gallée: Yeah, so this research study. Was really an amazing endeavor on part of everyone who was involved. It felt like a grassroots effort to find the speech language pathologists around the world who aren't associated with a particular institution who do work with primary progressive aphasia. So of course it will never be a fully representative sample of every clinician who does so, but I do think we worked very hard to cast a wide net. So we used a snowball method. I contacted almost 40 institutions and governing bodies to find speech language pathologists who do have experience with PPA, because while more and more non-specialist providers will be seeing this patient population, we wanted to hear from the people who currently are in the field and creating their own expertise and toolkits to work with these individuals. So, what we found is that a lot of people are out on their own creating their own wheels, so to speak. And it just really led to that beautiful conclusion of now with the power of our globalization of education and sharing of resources, we can come up with a resource that's shared worldwide. Of course, there will be adaptations to fit different contexts, cultures, languages, but one of the issues has been that the systems of care for PPA have often relied upon very specific individuals. And that's reflected in the educational level. Even I was in the master's program between 2017 and 2019, I didn't hear about PPA formally in my coursework, and if it was mentioned we did not go into any of these aspects of specialized care. Part of that might have been because I didn't take very specific courses that then you know were optional or precluded, so I might have missed it, but I really didn't receive that education in the classroom. I received it through my clinical training, which I would argue is possibly even more valuable, right? You have that experiential training. But I think for clinicians who might want to transition in their careers, or you know, inadvertently in their place of work, are transitioning based on who shows up, that is a huge disservice. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, agreed. And it's a complex issue, right, because I can remember actually teaching about this back before Tom [Sather] was in my department. I taught the aphasia class and the acquired cog class, and I was thinking, like, where do I talk about primary progressive aphasia? Do I talk about that in acquired com? Do I talk about that in aphasia? Do I do it in both? Where do I talk about end of life care, and like, how does that fit in, because that's, you know, at that point I was teaching dysphasia, too. Believe it or not, and I'm like, it's kind of there, it's kind of here, it's kind of, it's kind of in counseling, it's all right. So that makes it tricky to have kind of a uniform message when it's all over the place. And love to just get your thoughts on that too. Like, where do you put that stuff? Like, it's it's PPA, it's end of life care, it's aphasia, it's right, it's counseling, it's so many things at once. Jeanne Gallée: It is so many things at once, and I do think that speaks to the fact that it may well need its own class as part of progressive conditions. Jerry Hoepner: Yeah. Jeanne Gallée: But I do think a large part of what we share there is that understanding of we may also need to shift the identity of who we think about when we think about life care. And when we think about a progressive condition. Since a huge flavor, so to speak, of PPA is the fact that it is early onset, and especially with our cultural shifts, and you know, people starting families later in life. The face of a person with PPA looks very different from, at least in my childhood, of what looked like typical Alzheimer's disease dementia. And it's a younger, possibly more dynamic working person, possibly with little kids at home. And I think that's where that symptom-led approach has been most beneficial for my practice. Where we think about "What are you experiencing and how is it impacting your life?", rather than saying "This is the diagnosis, let's put you over here in this box." Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, the idea of putting it in a box and siloing things really resonates in this context, and I love what you said about identity, right? The identity - what we all have in our mind's eye when we think about end of life care is not the typical person with primary progressive aphasia. Like I can remember as an elementary school student visiting the nursing homes and singing to the residents and things like that, and this was not, this was not the group of people that we were thinking about in that context. Very, very different, and I just think that's a really good mindset shift to recognize how actually broad that is. I'm sure there's people listening to this who work in, you know, end of life pediatric care who want to slap me in the face right now, but right, we have such a different mindset when we're thinking about end of life care, and that reset that you just made super important. Jeanne Gallée: Yeah, yeah, and easier said than done, I think, As well as just seeing who shows up to the University of Washington support groups, and just the own perspectives that individuals bring there. But I think we can do it. I think, as a field, that will be the way in which we can become the best generalist provider, so to speak, where we take general principles of addressing symptoms or situations, and then apply those to diagnoses across the spectrum. Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely, really well said, and a great place to kind of wrap up our questions, but I want to give you the opportunity, are there points that you want to share before we kind of close our conversation? Things that we missed. Jeanne Gallée: I think the general thread throughout our conversation has just spoken to the power we do have as providers or researchers working with patients with primary progressive aphasia or related conditions, I think when we feel that our expertise in the newest theories or approaches might be lacking, we can always rely upon our empathy and full body listening, just to bring in elements that go across the lifespan, and that in of itself can lead to so many honest and transparent choices in our clinical care that can best serve our communities. I think we are much more empowered than we think we are. Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely, that's a really important thread through many places where clinicians feel uncomfortable. They've got it there and they just have to gain that confidence, and being empowered to step into those moments. Well said. Well, Jeanne it's been just a really fun conversation. I'm sure we could talk all afternoon, but I look forward to catching up to you at future conferences and things like that. It's been my pleasure to have this conversation. So, thank you for being a part of it. Jeanne Gallée: Right back at you, Jerry. Thank you so much. This has been a really fun conversation, and like you said, I hope to meet in person in the near future. Jerry Hoepner: Agreed. On behalf of Aphasia Access, thank you for listening to this episode of the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. For more information on Aphasia Access, and to access our growing library of materials, please go to www.aphasiaaccess.org. If you have an idea for a future podcast series or topic, email us at info at aphasia access.org Thanks again for your ongoing support of Aphasia Access. Resources and Readings 1) The RAISE Assessment Framework: Gallée, J., Cartwright, J., Volkmer, A., Whitworth, A., & Hersh, D. (2023). "Please Don't Assess Him to Destruction": The R.A.I.S.E. Assessment Framework for Primary Progressive Aphasia. American journal of speech-language pathology, 32(2), 391–410. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00122 Gallée, J., Volkmer, A., Whitworth, A., Hersh, D., & Cartwright, J. (2024). Applications of the R.A.I.S.E. Assessment Framework to Support the Process of Assessment in Primary Progressive Aphasia. American journal of speech-language pathology, 33(5), 2280–2290. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_AJSLP-24-00085 2) A roadmap for clinicians just starting to work with PPA: Gallée, J. (2023). A Roadmap to enhance care for people living with primary progressive Aphasia: What Can Be Done Now?. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 8(5), 847-862. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-0002 3) Aspects of language functioning in early and late-onset Alzheimer's disease dementia: Gallée, J., Gibbons, L. E., Choi, S. E., Lee, M., Scollard, P., Trittschuh, E. H., Mez, J., Saykin, A. J., Foldi, N. S., Mukherjee, S., & Crane, P. K. (2025). Facets of language performance in early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease dementia. Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 21(9), e70705. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70705 4) The Progressive Aphasia Communication Toolkit (in production at Alzheimer's & Dementia, but here is the preprint): Gallée, J., Cartwright, J., Henry, M. L., Mooney, A. R., Stark, B. C., Volkmer, A., Dietz, A., Nakano, C., Battista, P., Beales, A., Beber, B. C., Cadório, I., Caldwell, M., Davies, K., Ezzes, Z., Gauch, M., Graney, T., Grobler, S., Haley, K. L., Hausmann, A., … Crane, P. K. (2025). The Progressive Aphasia Communication Toolkit (PACT): A Strengths-Based Approach to Multidomain Evaluation for Intervention. medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences, 2025.11.25.25340904. https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.11.25.25340904 5) A global survey on SLP perspectives on the management of PPA: Gallée, J., Cartwright, J., Grasso, S., Jokel, R., Lavoie, M., McGowan, E., Pozzebon, M., Beber, B. C., Duboisdindien, G., Montagut, N., Norvik, M., Sugimoto, T., Townsend, R., Unger, N., Winsnes, I. E., & Volkmer, A. (2024). Global perspectives on the management of primary progressive aphasia. Scientific reports, 14(1), 19712. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70156-5 6) Aspects of language functioning in early and late-onset Alzheimer's disease dementia: Gallée, J., Gibbons, L. E., Choi, S. E., Lee, M., Scollard, P., Trittschuh, E. H., Mez, J., Saykin, A. J., Foldi, N. S., Mukherjee, S., & Crane, P. K. (2025). Facets of language performance in early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease dementia. Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 21(9), e70705. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70705
Influence isn't about convincing people.It's about helping them see something differently.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with psychologist, behavioral scientist, and Influence51 founder JonRobert Tartaglione for a conversation about persuasion, perception, positioning, and why even brilliant ideas struggle when people don't know where to place them.After years studying psychology at University College London, the University of Chicago, and Cambridge, JonRobert realized the hardest part wasn't understanding human behavior.It was helping organizations understand why it mattered.Together they explore:Why expertise doesn't automatically create understandingThe difference between influence and manipulationHow people decide what to believeWhy demonstrations outperform explanationsThe challenge of building something that doesn't fit an existing categoryWhy many experts struggle with self-promotionHow trust creates openness to new ideasAnd why changing someone's mind is far more human than tacticalAlong the way, JonRobert shares how he built Influence51 by translating academic research into practical tools leaders can actually use.At its core, this episode explores a question every founder eventually faces:What happens when your work makes perfect sense... once people experience it?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Hakeem Bourne McFarlane for a raw, powerful conversation about addiction, identity, masculinity, discipline, and what it actually means to choose yourself.For Hakeem, “Choose Yourself” is not a slogan. It was born from grief, collapse, masking, substances, jail, and the long work of rebuilding a life from the inside out.Hersh and Hakeem explore:Why choosing yourself is not selfishThe difference between being a good man and being good at being a manHow achievement can become camouflage for griefWhy discipline is freedom, not punishmentThe danger of masking pain with productivityHow public accountability can become an integrity loopWhy what we consume shapes who we becomeHow vices quietly become identity substitutesAnd why your story should be the root of your brandHakeem also shares the five-pillar Choose Yourself process, his path through addiction and recovery, and how he turned personal transformation into a community, movement, and message.At its core, this episode asks:What version of yourself are you choosing when nobody is watching?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
[5.5 HOUR LONG SHOW! JOIN THE PIZZA FUND! $12 level. https://podawful.com/posts/2659] THE GENERATIONAL RUN NEVER ENDS. PODAWFUL PREDICTED IT! It's confirmed, Mersh took Icedanc3r on the CUCK CRUISE, and Royce's BULL, the Incredible Sulk, dished all the details. Nightwave was nothing but cope and superchats TRASHING Mersh, his audience has turned against him. Join the Henchmen on this victory lap, past Mersh's place to drop off some brochures, and onto the boat trip of a lifetime. PLUS: Kevin Scampoli is still in love with HERsh, going on a cuck tour to buttmog himself, while getting DMCA'd offline. VIDEO: https://youtube.com/live/nTCoWfwciMI Buy A Shirt: http://awful.tech PODAWFUL is an anti-podcast hosted by Jesse P-S
Some people follow trends.Rick Stark has spent his career finding them before they have names.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with action sports entrepreneur, media executive, and brand builder Rick Stark for a conversation about timing, trust, category creation, and why the biggest opportunities often begin as communities everyone else overlooks.From launching the National Inline Skate Series before the X Games existed to helping grow World of Dance into a global phenomenon, Rick has repeatedly found himself at the intersection of culture and commerce, recognizing potential long before the market catches up.Together they explore:Why timing matters as much as talentHow niche communities become global movementsWhat sponsors often misunderstand about cultureThe balance between commercialization and authenticityWhy relationships outperform transactionsThe role trust plays in long-term partnershipsHow to recognize opportunity before it's obviousWhy entrepreneurs need people who believe before everyone else doesRick also shares the surprising story behind the return of the National Inline Skate Series and why building Team USA for rollerblading may become the next chapter in a career built on seeing what's possible before others do.At its core, this episode asks:How do you recognize a movement before the rest of the world calls it one?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
[5.5 HOUR LONG SHOW! JOIN THE PIZZA FUND! $12 level. https://podawful.com/posts/2659] THE GENERATIONAL RUN NEVER ENDS. PODAWFUL PREDICTED IT! It's confirmed, Mersh took Icedanc3r on the CUCK CRUISE, and Royce's BULL, the Incredible Sulk, dished all the details. Nightwave was nothing but cope and superchats TRASHING Mersh, his audience has turned against him. Join the Henchmen on this victory lap, past Mersh's place to drop off some brochures, and onto the boat trip of a lifetime. PLUS: Kevin Scampoli is still in love with HERsh, going on a cuck tour to buttmog himself, while getting DMCA'd offline. VIDEO: https://youtube.com/live/nTCoWfwciMI Buy A Shirt: http://awful.tech PODAWFUL is an anti-podcast hosted by Jesse P-S
What if getting dressed wasn't about fashion?What if it was about recognition?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with celebrity stylist Jenni Lee for a conversation that starts with clothes and ends somewhere much deeper.After decades styling actors, musicians, and public figures, Jenni discovered the real transformation never happened in front of the camera.It happened in the fitting room.Together they explore:Why clothes tell your story before you doThe difference between fashion and identityWhy success often outpaces someone's self-imageHow visibility changes what we need from our wardrobeWhy style is less about shopping and more about recognitionThe surprising psychology behind confidence and clothingWhat AI can imitate... and what it never willHow getting dressed can become an act of self-trust instead of self-consciousnessAlong the way, Jenni shares stories from Hollywood, New York Fashion Week, and the dressing rooms where she's watched people see themselves differently for the very first time.At its heart, this episode explores a simple idea:Your best outfit doesn't change who you are. It helps other people meet the version that's already there.Website: https://www.jennileestylist.consulting/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Sébastien Night, founder of One Take AI, for a conversation about positioning, perception, product evolution, and the challenge of building something people haven't seen before.One Take AI started as a video editing platform.At least that's what many people think.But as the product evolved, Sebastien realized the real value wasn't editing videos. It was eliminating the part of content creation that experts never wanted to do in the first place.That distinction matters.Because when a product changes, perception often lags behind.Hersh and Sebastien explore the gap between what a company builds and what the market believes it builds, and why explaining something clearly doesn't guarantee people understand its true value.Together they discuss:Why customers buy outcomes, not featuresThe danger of being mistaken for the wrong categoryHow One Take evolved from neuroscience-based editing to AI-powered delegationWhy product vision should start with customer outcomesThe challenge of building in a crowded AI marketplaceHow demonstrations outperform explanationsThe difference between a tool and a solutionAnd why category creation requires changing how people think, not just what they knowAlong the way, Sebastien shares the surprising customer research that helped shape One Take's direction and reveals why the future of AI may be less about software and more about intelligent team members.At its core, this episode explores a challenge every founder eventually faces:What happens when your audience understands what you do... but misses what makes it valuable?Website: https://www.onetake.aiPersonal site: https://www.sebastiennight.comPress: https://www.sebastiennight.com/in-the-press.htmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiennightYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneTakeAI/videos?sub_confirmation=1--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Mara Smith, founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila, for a conversation about founder-led brands, perception, scale, and the challenge of building something that can stand on its own.Mara didn't set out to build a tequila company.A former attorney, corporate strategist, and stay-at-home mom, she set out to build something of her own. What she discovered was a gap in the market: a premium, additive-free tequila that reflected her values and appealed to consumers who wanted quality without pretension.But building the product was only the beginning.As Inspiro grows, Mara faces a challenge familiar to every founder:How do you make sure people understand what you've built when you're no longer there to explain it?Hersh and Mara explore:The founder's dilemma of control versus scaleWhy consistency matters more than perfectionHow products communicate when the founder isn't presentThe difference between a product story and a founder storyWhy approachability became a core brand valueHow personal values shape business identityThe challenge of being interpreted by distributors, retailers, and customersAnd what happens when a brand starts developing a personality of its ownAlong the way, Mara shares the story of launching a tequila company during the pandemic, building a woman-led brand in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and learning to let go of the need for everyone to tell the story exactly the way she would.At its heart, this episode explores a question every founder eventually faces:When people encounter your brand without you there, what version of the story are they meeting?https://inspirotequila.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Jimi Gibson, visibility strategist, researcher, and former professional magician, for a conversation about perception, authority, AI, and why being excellent at what you do is no longer enough.Jimi's core belief is simple:Invisible owners create invisible companies.But this conversation goes far deeper than social media tactics or personal branding advice.After studying hundreds of businesses and their visibility across search engines, AI platforms, and digital ecosystems, Jimi discovered a growing divide between organizations that are easily found, understood, and trusted, and those quietly disappearing from consideration altogether.Hersh and Jimi explore:Why expertise alone no longer guarantees visibilityHow AI evaluates authority and trustThe difference between being known and being understoodWhy business owners often hide behind their logosThe danger of becoming a generic "smudge" in the marketplaceHow specificity creates authorityThe role of opinion, conviction, and perspectiveAnd why AI increasingly favors people over brandsAlong the way, Jimi shares the childhood story that shaped his view of identity, a bank campaign called Thumb Buddy that taught him the value of embracing what makes you different.At its heart, this episode explores a question many leaders avoid asking:If someone encountered your business tomorrow, would they find you... or a generic version of everyone else?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
Text us here! Hersh, what a privilege to have you here.. if you still are after 6 years. Can you believe that we have been recording this show for 6 years. What a ton of fun we have had and we really did have a serious discussion about how to land the plane, so to speak. You will have to listen to see what we came up with. Some of the show ending discussions could have been due to the fact that our very own Deacon shared how a routine sales encounter led him to being essentially a TV star, you might say... talk about a whole nuther (big way of saying another) level of success. I hope you enjoy the episode... there are several other topics we discussed that I cannot recall but I know they were important... Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Hadley Nightingale, founder of New Zealand Property Buyers, for a conversation about control, resilience, identity, and what happens when life refuses to wait until you're ready.Hadley launched his business during one of the hardest periods of his life. COVID. Separation. Litigation. Uncertainty. The kind of season that makes people put plans on hold.Instead, he built.But this conversation isn't really about real estate.It's about what happens when you stop waiting for the perfect conditions and start focusing on the things you can actually influence.Together, Hersh and Hadley explore:The difference between control and responsibilityWhy victimhood can become its own form of paralysisHow adversity changes the way we leadWhat confidence really is and how people borrow it from one anotherWhy information overload often disguises fearThe psychology behind indecisionAnd what it takes to keep moving while life remains unresolvedAlong the way, Hadley shares how years of legal battles, setbacks, and rebuilding forced him to confront a difficult truth:The things consuming the most emotional energy were often the things he had the least ability to change.At its core, this episode explores the gap between circumstances and agency, and how successful people learn to keep building long before certainty arrives.Because sometimes the breakthrough isn't solving the problem.It's deciding not to let the problem define the next chapter.https://www.instagram.com/hadleynightingale/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun gets smart with Don Weber, executive coach, communication advisor, and former intelligence professional, for a conversation about trust, perception, leadership, and what people reveal without realizing it.Don spent more than 15 years working in international intelligence, where understanding human behavior wasn't theoretical. It was essential. Today, he helps leaders, executives, and organizations navigate communication, influence, and decision-making under pressure.But this conversation goes beyond body language, negotiation tactics, or executive presence.Hersh and Don explore the deeper challenge of perception: what people communicate without saying, how trust is established, and why genuine connection remains one of the rarest business skills in an increasingly distracted world.Together they discuss:Why people often miss what matters most in conversationsThe difference between information and observationHow trust is built before words are spokenWhat leaders reveal under pressureWhy relationships still outperform algorithmsThe cultural differences between credibility and self-promotionHow technology is changing human connectionAnd why the ability to truly see another person is becoming increasingly valuableDon also reflects on his own transformation from a career built around secrecy, deception, and hidden motives to a life centered on transparency, coaching, service, and helping others succeed.For Hersh, this conversation carries a special resonance. Beyond Don's expertise lies something equally compelling: a deep commitment to integrity, curiosity, and treating people with respect. Those qualities show up throughout the discussion, making this episode as much about character as communication.At its heart, this episode asks a simple question:What becomes possible when we spend less time performing and more time paying attention?https://www.instagram.com/drweberspeaks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-weber/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with author and organizational advisor Jonathan David Lewis for a conversation about leadership, identity, uncertainty, and what happens when the problem isn't the strategy.For years, Jonathan helped companies solve positioning and branding challenges. But over time, he began noticing something strange:Organizations would achieve clarity around who they were and what they stood for, yet growth would still stall.The issue wasn't messaging.The issue was deeper.Hersh and Jonathan explore the growing gap between external branding and internal identity, and why leadership today increasingly requires more than strategy, systems, and execution.They discuss:Why branding has become an inside-out disciplineThe difference between business problems and identity problemsHow uncertainty reshapes leadershipWhy clarity alone doesn't create momentumThe hidden cost of inconsistencyHow character becomes a competitive advantageThe challenge of leading through disruption and changeAnd why the founders who feel "something is off" should pay attentionJonathan also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Rebuilders, arguing that today's leaders aren't simply navigating change. They're rebuilding in the middle of it.At its heart, this episode explores a question that sits underneath business, branding, and leadership:Who are you when certainty disappears?Because the answer to that question shapes everything that follows.For pre-orders and purchases: https://www.mckeewallwork.com/book-review/the-rebuilders-daily-foundations-for-the-leaders-we-need/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
When Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son, Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, she became a prominent spokesperson for the families of Israeli hostages. Throughout Hersh's captivity, and then after his murder, Goldberg-Polin, who was born in Chicago and emigrated to Israel in 2008, argued that Israel's priority should be to bring the hostages home, and that the killing of all innocents, Israeli and Palestinian, must stop. She advocated with Israeli politicians, Pope Francis, and other leaders, and she addressed the Democratic National Convention in 2024. She recently spoke with David Remnick about her new book, “When We See You Again,” and how she has continued her work as a public figure despite unending grief. “People are desperate for us to be angry . . . to feel things that I think that they assume they would feel if they were in the position that we are in. But the truth is, I'm open to feeling anything,” she reflects. “I put Hersh in the ground on September 2, 2024. After that, I'm in a completely different universe.” Further reading: “Gaza's Broken Politics,” by Mohammed R. Mhawish“The End of Israel's Hostage Ordeal,” by Ruth Margalit“Why Hamas Agreed to Release the Hostages,” by Isaac Chotiner“Hope and Grief in Israel After the Gaza Ceasefire Deal,” by Ruth MargalitThe Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
When Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son, Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, she became a prominent spokesperson for the families of Israeli hostages. Throughout Hersh's captivity, and then after his murder, Goldberg-Polin, who was born in Chicago and emigrated to Israel in 2008, argued that Israel's priority should be to bring the hostages home, and that the killing of all innocents, Israeli and Palestinian, must stop. She advocated with Israeli politicians, Pope Francis, and other leaders, and she addressed the Democratic National Convention in 2024. She recently spoke with David Remnick about her new book, “When We See You Again,” and how she has continued her work as a public figure despite unending grief. “People are desperate for us to be angry . . . to feel things that I think that they assume they would feel if they were in the position that we are in. But the truth is, I'm open to feeling anything,” she reflects. “I put Hersh in the ground on September 2, 2024. After that, I'm in a completely different universe.” Further reading: “Gaza's Broken Politics,” by Mohammed R. Mhawish “The End of Israel's Hostage Ordeal,” by Ruth Margalit “Why Hamas Agreed to Release the Hostages,” by Isaac Chotiner “Hope and Grief in Israel After the Gaza Ceasefire Deal,” by Ruth Margalit New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
You've heard of side-by-side concerts, but what happens when adult amateur musicians don't just drop in for a night, they move into the orchestra for an entire week? We sit down with conductor Nicholas Hersh to unpack the Baltimore Symphony Academy, a rare program where participants rehearse and perform shoulder to shoulder with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians in a true “fantasy camp” for orchestra lovers.We talk through what the week actually feels like: immediate sectionals, deep coaching from BSO players, chamber music options, multiple rehearsals that build real ensemble habits, and a final showcase concert that brings it all together on a major stage. Nicholas explains the tricky planning behind the scenes, from managing oversized wind and brass sections to pairing participants with professionals on the stand, and he shares how the mentoring culture changes the energy for everyone in the room.Then we go bigger. Why does this kind of lifelong music making matter right now? Nicholas makes the case that playing music together may be one of the most human things we can do, and that orchestras can serve their communities by creating serious, joyful spaces for people who play for love. We also close with practical advice for young musicians: build a wide tool belt, stay open to new genres, and give your career more than one path forward.If you enjoy stories about orchestral life, conducting, adult music education, and the real purpose of classical music, subscribe, share this with a musician friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.For more information on Nick: https://www.nicholashersh.com/You can also find Nick on Instagram: @nicholashershFor more information on the Academy: https://www.bsomusic.org/education/academy/If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestral repertoire audition coachings, check out www.theCelloSherpa.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads & YouTube: @theCelloSherpaFor more information on our sponsor: www.CLEAResources.com
Text us here! Hersh, we wanted to give honor to the memory of some folks that fit in the category “of whom the world was not worthy.” I had a book sent to me a few weeks ago that I wanted to discuss and show honor to the ministry of the Lloyd family. We also had quite a discussion about emotional appeals. We had some new voice mail feedback and a few laughs in the process. God bless & Enjoy! Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
In this episode, Michael sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Sarasota County, for a conversation about nonprofit leadership, board engagement, and the role arts and culture play in building a stronger community. Brian shares how his background as a drummer shapes the way he leads, listens, and helps others succeed. He also discusses the Alliance's work as a connector and advocate for Sarasota's arts ecosystem, the evolution of its board, the importance of building trust through consistency, and why arts issues are deeply connected to community issues like affordable housing, economic impact, tourism, and quality of life. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Brian Hersh, Chief Executive Officer, Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County (04:30) What does the job entail? (06:50) Interacting with the board in a member driven organization (08:45) Helping the board keep the interest of the Arts Alliance first (11:15) How did the board evolve? (14:00) Bell work for the board (15:20) Lead, follow, or get out of the way (16:00) Building trust with the board and members (21:30) How often do you meet with the board, board chair, and committees? (28:10) What is coming up next for the Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County? (31:15) Recapping with Read Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun rolls out the insight with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, investor, author of Non-Food Franchising, and two-time Inc. 5000 founder, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, ownership, and the misunderstood world of franchising.While many people hear the word "franchise" and immediately think fast food, Jon has built his career helping entrepreneurs discover opportunities in high-growth, non-food sectors ranging from home services and senior care to B2B consulting, wellness, property services, and beyond.Hersh's conversation with Jon explores why franchising continues to attract professionals seeking greater control over their future, and why the biggest obstacle often isn't information. It's decision-making.They dive into:Why non-food franchises often outperform traditional assumptionsThe difference between entrepreneurship and franchise ownershipWhy timing is never perfect for a major life transitionThe mindset shifts required to move from employee to ownerHow fear, confidence, and identity shape business decisionsThe appeal of proven systems and support structuresAnd why many successful franchisees never considered their industry beforehandJon also shares his own journey from corporate leadership to franchise ownership, including the risks he took, the lessons learned from failure, and how helping others achieve business ownership has become his mission.Practical, encouraging, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a reminder that ownership isn't about eliminating risk. It's about choosing the right risk.https://franbridgeconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sizes things up with Kurt Uhlir, globally recognized growth operator, CMO, speaker, inventor, and servant leadership advocate, for a conversation about personal branding, leadership evolution, visibility, and the growing tension between who we are and who the market thinks we are.Over a career that has included more than 60 acquisitions and exits, an $880 million IPO, multiple high-growth companies, and advisory work ranging from startups to the White House, Kurt has built a reputation as one of the leading operators in growth and go-to-market strategy.But this conversation focuses on something deeper.Hersh and Kurt explore what happens when personal evolution outpaces public perception, and how leaders can navigate the increasingly complex relationship between reputation, algorithms, visibility, and identity.They discuss:Why servant leadership transformed Kurt's approach to businessThe challenge of identity lag as capabilities evolveHow Google and AI increasingly shape public perceptionWhy personal brands need intentional structureThe difference between authority and authenticityHow speaking and operating strengthen each otherWhy leaders should share failures, not just victoriesAnd what happens when visibility expands faster than clarityKurt also shares practical insights on building influence while remaining grounded in values, integrity, and service, along with lessons learned from leading teams, scaling companies, and navigating a rapidly changing digital landscape.Insightful, candid, and highly relevant, this episode is a masterclass in personal brand stewardship during an era when algorithms increasingly help tell our stories.https://kurtuhlir.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Nik Hall, founder of Revive Marketing Partners and former CPG founder, to talk about scaling brands, building teams, and what separates sustainable growth from expensive mistakes.After building and exiting an eight-figure consumer products company, Nik turned his attention to helping brands navigate one of the world's most competitive marketplaces: Amazon.But as Hersh and Nik explore, success on Amazon isn't really about Amazon.It's about understanding customers, creating meaningful differentiation, hiring the right people, and building businesses around sound fundamentals rather than hype.Together, they discuss:Why founders often struggle after early tractionThe difference between product innovation and product-market fitHow to identify whether a product can actually succeed on AmazonWhy hiring values-aligned people matters more than résumésThe dangers of building for an exit instead of building a great businessWhat founders misunderstand about competition and customer behaviorAnd why clear communication often beats clever marketingNik also shares lessons learned from scaling his own company, including costly mistakes around valuation thinking, growth strategy, retail expansion, and leadership.Practical, candid, and packed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in building businesses that work in the real world, not just on spreadsheets.https://revivemarketingpartners.com/home--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with business storytelling consultant John Elbing, creator of the Story Building methodology, for a lively conversation about empathy, narrative, marketing, and why so many companies tell the wrong story.With a background spanning software engineering, project management, startups, digital marketing, finance, and improv comedy, John brings an unusual blend of analytical thinking and creative intuition to the challenge of brand positioning.His core belief is simple but often overlooked:The strongest brand stories are built from the customer's perspective, not the company's.Hersh's conversation with John explores what happens when organizations become so focused on their products, features, and expertise that they lose sight of the emotions, motivations, and experiences of the people they serve.They dive into:Why empathy is the foundation of effective storytellingThe connection between improv comedy and marketingHow businesses can identify the right audience fasterThe difference between storytelling and business storytellingWhy niche positioning creates stronger brandsHow customers mentally rehearse buying decisionsAnd why recognition always comes before persuasionJohn also shares insights from his book Story Building, including practical ways companies can clarify their messaging, improve conversions, and create stronger customer engagement without resorting to gimmicks or buzzwords.Funny, thoughtful, and highly practical, this episode is a reminder that great stories don't start with the company. They start with the audience.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Peter Thomas, Head of Higher Education at the Conversation Design Institute and advisor to AI coaching platform DignifyX, for a thoughtful conversation about reinvention, technology, relationships, and what happens when time stops feeling theoretical.Over a career spanning academia, innovation, research, conference design, and emerging technologies, Peter has built a reputation for helping organizations navigate change while staying focused on what matters most: people.But this conversation moves beyond AI and innovation.Following a life-changing kidney cancer diagnosis, Peter found himself confronting the one constraint every person shares but rarely acknowledges: time.Hersh's conversation with Peter explores how that experience sharpened his decision-making, deepened his relationships, and accelerated his willingness to say yes to meaningful opportunities and no to distractions.They discuss:Why the people you work with matter more than the work itselfHow AI is reshaping learning, coaching, and communicationThe surprising connection between mortality and clarityWhy execution matters more than authorityHow to eliminate catastrophic risk and move fasterThe role of community in conferences, education, and innovationAnd what it means to build a legacy through people rather than accomplishmentsPeter also shares insights from his work in conversational AI, performance coaching, nonprofit leadership, and higher education, along with reflections on friendship, intentionality, and living with urgency without losing perspective.Wise, deeply human, and unexpectedly energizing, this episode is a reminder that reinvention isn't something that happens someday. It's something we choose now.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with former Disney leader and customer experience strategist Vance Morris for a conversation about loyalty, systems, culture, and why customer experience is never accidental.After rising through leadership roles at Disney, Vance found himself starting over from scratch after bankruptcy and career collapse. Instead of chasing glamorous industries, he applied Disney-level operational thinking to “unglamorous” businesses like carpet cleaning, home services, and local service companies — transforming ordinary customer interactions into memorable brand experiences.Hersh's conversation with Vance explores what actually creates loyalty at scale, and why emotional consistency matters far more than flashy branding.They dive into:Why Disney runs on systems, not magicThe hidden operational discipline behind memorable experiencesHow small businesses can create premium customer loyaltyWhy customer experience is an identity decision, not a tacticThe difference between “selling” and building relationship glueHow onboarding protects culture as companies growAnd why brands break when employees lose connection to the storyVance also shares practical examples from both Disney and his own businesses, including how a simple welcome gift increased sales dramatically, why “friends knock, salespeople ring the bell,” and how brands can create experiences even inside routine transactions.Funny, tactical, and surprisingly philosophical, this episode is a masterclass in turning ordinary businesses into unforgettable ones.https://www.vancemorris.comhttps://www.deliverservicenow.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/https://www.youtube.com/@Deliverservicenow--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
Text us here! Hersh, I want to put a colossal (big word for huge) disclaimer on this episode, but when I think about it, I need to have a disclaimer on this entire podcast. I don't really know how all hasn't been a target of offense at this point. As we meandered thru the topics today, the boys let loose on some advise like they usually do and would you know it, they gave an example of how to run a missions service... When you hear that part, you will understand, if possible, the title of today's show. As always, thanks for listening and please say tell me that you noticed that there was no description on last week's episode.... Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Kian Saneii, founder and CEO of Independa, for a powerful conversation about aging, technology, trust, and the emotional infrastructure of caregiving.After more than 25 years leading major technology companies including WebSense, AT&T Bell Labs, and FileNet, Kian shifted his focus toward something deeply personal: helping families stay connected to aging loved ones without sacrificing dignity, independence, or humanity.That mission became Independa, a platform designed to help older adults remain socially engaged, medically supported, and emotionally connected using familiar devices like televisions, tablets, and phones.But as Hersh and Kian explore, this conversation goes far beyond technology.Together, they dive into:Why aging has been culturally branded around decline instead of wisdomThe difference between independence and isolationHow simplicity creates trust in technologyWhy healthcare often prioritizes longevity over quality of lifeThe emotional role technology can play inside familiesAnd how brands earn permission to become part of people's livesKian also shares how Independa rejected invasive “Big Brother” monitoring models in favor of respectful engagement, connection, and empowerment, allowing families to preserve memories, communicate effortlessly, and support loved ones with greater peace of mind.Thoughtful, moving, and deeply human, this episode reframes aging technology not as emergency response, but as a tool for dignity, connection, and belonging.https://independa.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Justin Giuffrida, founder of Citizens, for a conversation about growth, culture, mentorship, and the hidden risks of scaling too fast.Citizens has grown rapidly in a hospitality industry where culture is often the first thing sacrificed in the race to expand. But Justin has taken a different approach, one rooted in a simple philosophy: earn the right to grow.Hersh's conversation with Justin explores what happens when a founder chooses long-term integrity over short-term momentum, and why protecting the soul of a business can require slowing down when everyone else is speeding up.They dive into:Why scaling before you're ready creates hidden instabilityThe danger of growing for optics instead of substanceHow mentorship shaped Justin's evolution as a founderWhy preparation and self-awareness matter in leadershipThe difference between passion alone and strategic alignmentAnd how Citizens built a roadmap toward 40 locations without sacrificing cultureJustin also shares how his thinking evolved from “opening one location” to building a multi-market hospitality brand with intentional systems, growth pipelines, and long-range planning.Grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable growth and founder maturity.https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-giuffrida-02187769/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Jennifer Dalton, founder and CEO of BrandMirror, to unpack what personal branding really means in today's rapidly changing professional world.With more than 20 years of experience in brand and business strategy, Jennifer helps executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders clarify their value, increase visibility, and communicate with greater confidence and authenticity. But her path into personal branding started long before BrandMirror, from growing up in an entrepreneurial household to leading marketing initiatives at Capital One and later launching her own business after earning her Executive MBA from Georgetown.Hersh's conversation with Jennifer explores the growing importance of self-awareness, visibility, and thought leadership in a world where traditional career paths are disappearing almost as quickly as new ones emerge.They dive into:Why personal branding isn't personal braggingHow young professionals can stand out before they know exactly what they want to doThe difference between visibility and authenticityWhy feedback is essential for understanding how you're perceivedThe role of AI in personal branding and where human authenticity still mattersAnd how consistency, curiosity, and generosity build long-term trustJennifer also shares practical insights on helping leaders articulate their value, build meaningful professional visibility, and avoid burnout while staying top of mind.Thoughtful, energizing, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is a reminder that personal branding isn't about ego. It's about contribution, clarity, and connection.https://brandmirror.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
From the Inside Out: With Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein
Send us Fan MailRachel Goldberg-Polin on Faith, Grief, and Meaning After Hersh's Captivity | From the Inside OutHosts Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein interview educator and author Rachel Goldberg-Polin about her book When We See You Again, her family's life in Jerusalem, and the loss of her son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken hostage from the Nova Music Festival on October 7 and later murdered after 328 days in captivity. Rachel recounts her path into Orthodox Jewish life starting in eighth grade at an Orthodox day school, describes how tefillah and Torah have sustained her, and shares how Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning—relayed to her through released hostage Or Levy—became a tool for enduring suffering by finding purpose. She discusses Modeh Ani, trust in Hashem amid uncertainty, grief as an expression of love, “toxic positivity” versus “tragic optimism,” and verses and teachings that frame this world as a hallway to the next.EPISODE SPONSORSColel Chabad Colel Chabad is one of Israel's oldest continuously operating charities, supporting families with food security, widows & orphans, and emergency relief. Their Pushka (Charity Box) App makes it easy to turn inspiration into action with simple daily giving—small “micro-donations” that add up to real impact over time. To join thousands of daily givers, download the Pushka App on iOS or Android and start giving today: https://pushkapp.cc/Inside Discover and donate to Colel Chabad here: https://colelchabad.org/ OKclarity.comFinding the right therapist or coach can be one of the most challenging parts of seeking help — even with a great referral, the person isn't always the right fit. That's where OKclarity.com comes in. OKclarity.com is an online platform featuring hundreds of Jewish therapists, psychiatrists, coaches, nutritionists, and support groups, where you actually get to meet the person through videos and introductions before deciding whether to move forward with a first session. More than 10,000 people have already benefited from OKclarity.com, and it's not just a directory for those seeking help — if you're a mental health practitioner, therapist, or coach, you can list yourself on the platform too, so the people who need you can find you. Visit OKclarity.com today: https://go.jcn.io/OtfUxlShefa Living & Yeshiva of Glade Valley:Shefa Living is a warm, growing Jewish community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina — offering families the rare combination of natural beauty, affordable living, and authentic Torah life, all in one place. At the heart of the community is Yeshiva of Glade Valley, a school built on the understanding that every child is created with a unique soul, unique strengths, and unique needs. With small classrooms, close rebbe and morah relationships, strong Torah values, and a deep focus on emotional balance, confidence, and creativity, it's a place where children can truly feel seen — and where families can breathe a little deeper. Learn more here: https://yeshivagv.com/GUEST BIORachel Goldberg-PolinRachel Goldberg-Polin is an educator, mother, and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller When We See You Again. Born in Chicago and now based in Jerusalem with her husband Jon and their daughters, Rachel became a voice that moved millions during the 328 days her son Hersh was held hostage in Gaza after being taken from the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. Hersh was murdered in captivity alongside five other hostages. Through her writing and speaking, Rachel continues to share the rare wisdom, faith, and tragic optimism she has carried through unimaginable loss — opening up something in the souls of everyone she touches.You can find Rachel's new book here: https://a.co/d/0hhTa1wK CHAPTERS00:00 Meet Rachel Goldberg-Polin01:59 Tzedakah and Opening Blessing02:59 Choosing Torah and Mitzvot06:01 First Day at Orthodox School09:13 Learning Shabbat and Davening11:51 Always Learning Jewish Wisdom13:17 Hersh and Frankl in Captivity20:16 Sponsor Break OkClarity21:37 Trusting Hashem Without Answers26:38 Modeh Ani After October 734:56 Broken Heart and Kintsugi39:57 Living With Loss and Telling Truth42:58 Book Not a Memoir43:37 Hallway to Next World46:11 Living Without Answers46:57 Nova Festival Chesed48:43 One Act of Kindness52:26 Love Stronger Than Death54:58 Finding Joy After Loss59:13 Broken but Still Me01:02:33 Toxic Positivity Antidote01:04:55 Hashem Gives and Takes01:07:14 Thank God I Believe01:07:59 God Doesnt Ask Us01:12:13 Closing Quotes and BlessingsCOMMUNITYJoin the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 101, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have:
In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with inventor Charlie Schertz and marketing strategist Stephanie Yeager to talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of bringing an entirely new product category to market.Charlie, a seasoned medical device engineer with more than 20 years of experience and over 50 patents, created Mosey after watching parents and grandparents freeze through outdoor sports games. Applying his background in thermodynamics and heat transfer, he developed a wearable, weatherproof thermal wrap designed to keep people dramatically warmer than traditional blankets, without batteries or external heat sources.But inventing the product was only half the battle.Hersh's conversation with Charlie and Stephanie explores what happens when a product is so original that people don't even have language for it yet, and why branding, messaging, and customer psychology become critical in helping the market understand what it is.They dive into:The 41 design iterations behind MoseyWhy innovation requires relentless testing and refinementThe challenge of naming and positioning a completely new productHow marketing language shapes customer perceptionWhy “a confused mind never buys”And how rapid ad testing helped uncover Mosey's real audienceStephanie also shares the company's scientific approach to marketing experimentation, using fast, low-cost click testing to refine headlines, messaging, and customer targeting before scaling ad spend.Funny, practical, and full of entrepreneurial insight, this episode is about persistence, invention, and learning how to communicate something the world hasn't seen before.https://www.getthemozy.com/https://www.facebook.com/Get-The-Mozy-106071994234683/https://www.instagram.com/get_the_mozy/https://www.tiktok.com/@get.the.mozy--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/
On October 7, 2023, Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son Hersh was taken from the Nova Music Festival into Gaza. For 330 days, she and her husband John fought to bring him home; meeting with world leaders, speaking at the UN, and wearing a piece of tape on their chests with the changing number of days he'd been held captive. Hersh was murdered in captivity on day 330. In this raw and unforgettable conversation, Rachel sits down with Danielle to talk about her new book When We See You Again (NYT bestseller). She opens up about the reality of living inside grief, the pressure society places on people to “heal,” why she rejects toxic positivity, the philosophy of “tragic optimism” that now guides her life, and why she refuses to let her humanity break.In this episode, she shares: The final two texts Hersh sent his parents and what they meant Why Rachel calls herself "disordered" The story behind the tape that millions of people around the world started wearing "Toxic positivity" vs. "tragic optimism" — and the Viktor Frankl quote that Hersh lived by How Rachel held space for the suffering of mothers in Gaza while her own son was held there The one question she still can’t answer: “How are you?” Why Rachel says motherhood changed “the DNA” of who she is in the world The Jewish mystical idea that reframes why we're here at all What it means to mother a child who is no longer in this world Why Rachel says “hope is mandatory” even after unimaginable loss "Every soul comes to this world to do one act of kindness." The teaching that helps Rachel make sense of Hersh's life and her own Grab a copy of Rachel’s NYT bestselling book When We See You Again here Follow Rachel + her family on Instagram hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Text us here! Hersh, great to have you back with us, as always. We had a special guest on today to talk about his education as a driver and he was a delight to have on the program. Of course, all the rest of the crew was here and we talked about a bunch of relevant topics like: our favorite childhood hymns, bluegrass music, and some great old jokes! I think you will enjoy the way we seamlessly meandered through the show almost as if time came to a dragging drip! We even had some dinosaur talk! We settled where the gospel ship is parking when it comes to dock to take us to somewhere... we just hope all of us a worthy to get on the boat, if you will and I hope you will... Support the showConnect with us at https://www.podnme.org/https://youtube.com/@devinbirdsongEmail devin@podnme.orgFollow us on Instagram @podn_mePersonalities on Pod'N MePastor: Devin BirdsongDeacon: Dustin WakleySongleader: Brad CottrellHershall: Jud IngramNews Anchor, Dink Burbank: Josh SmithGen Z Boy: Brooks Birdsong
When Rachel Goldberg-Polin buried her son Hersh, she heard part of herself go into the ground with him. She joins host Noam Weissman to discuss her new memoir, sharing how writing became a way to survive unbearable grief and asking what it means to keep going when the person who was your whole world is gone. Drawing on Jewish theology, Viktor Frankl, and a prophetic journal entry Hersh wrote as a teenager, Rachel wrestles with how hope and despair can coexist. When We See You Again, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Jon Polin https://whenweseeyouagainbook.com/ This episode was sponsored by Neil and Pam Weissman. To sponsor an episode or to be in touch, please email noam@unpacked.media. Check out this episode on Youtube. This podcast is brought to you by Unpacked, an OpenDor Media brand. ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Jewish History Nerds Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Wondering Jews
In her moving and beautiful book, When We See You Again, Rachel Goldberg-Polin writes about her love for her son, Hersh, who was stolen from a musical festival on October 7, 2023, and executed after 328 days of being held hostage. While I completely understand the instinct to turn away, I also really hope you will stay with us for this conversation, if you can. Rachel is incredible, and there are so many gifts to be found in her words. She told me stories that made me laugh, that stunned me, that were utterly profound, and that will stay with me forever. If you have ever wondered why we're here—or what your “why” is—I think you will also be changed by Rachel, too. For the show notes, head to my Substack.
Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ What does grief actually look like, and what does it mean to live with it? In this live conversation recorded at Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center on the eve of Yom HaZikaron, Rachel Goldberg-Polin joins Dan Senor to reflect on love, loss, faith, and the story behind her new book, about the loss of her son, Hersh, who was taken hostage on October 7 and later killed in captivity. This conversation explores how Rachel understands suffering, why she rejects the idea that grief “gets better,” and how she holds onto faith, love, and what she calls “tragic optimism.” It is a raw and deeply human discussion about what remains when everything changes, and what it means to keep going. Purchase Rachel's book here: When We See You Again. In this episode: - Life before October 7 and the meaning of Shabbat in Rachel's family - The morning of October 7 and the moment everything changed - What it was like to advocate for Hersh while he was in captivity - The discovery that Hersh knew his family was fighting for him - The night Rachel and her family learned he had been killed - Why Rachel rejects the idea that grief fades over time - “Toxic positivity” vs. “tragic optimism” - What grief really is, and what it reveals about love This episode is sponsored by American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs (AFINS). For a brief video on Buddy Line and to support the program, visit AFINS.us/warriorcare. More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
Anderson Cooper spoke with Rachel Goldberg-Polin, an American Israeli mother whose son, Hersh, was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and then executed. Editor's note: This podcast is an extended version of the interview that was broadcast on 60 Minutes on Sunday, April 19, 2026. This extended version was condensed for clarity. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump has threatened to take - or make a deal for - whatever is left of the regime's highly enriched uranium stockpile - a key component to building nuclear weapons. HEU removal operations can be high stakes and dangerous, but the U.S. has successfully done it before in 1994 – safely removing 600 kilograms of weapons grade uranium from Kazakhstan after the fall of the Soviet Union. Correspondent Cecilia Vega reports on the covert operation, code named Project Sapphire, and if it could be the blueprint for how to get HEU out of Iran. Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son Hersh was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. On his 328th day in captivity, Hersh was executed in a tunnel in Gaza. Now, Rachel Goldberg-Polin is trying to figure out how to live after losing her child. Anderson Cooper interviews Goldberg-Polin about Hersh and her grief, and speaks with Or Levy, a released hostage who was in captivity with Hersh, and credits him with helping to save his life. Acclaimed drummer of The Police Stewart Copeland and celebrated British naturalist Martyn Stewart have created Wild Concerto, a pioneering album that mixes authentic animal sounds with original music. It's based on Stewart's unparalleled audio archive of the world's wild inhabitants. Correspondent Bill Whitaker joins the pair at the iconic Abbey Road Studios as Copeland and Stewart give Mother Nature's orchestra the star treatment. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices