Podcasts about Upworthy

What does it mean to be a "good enough" mother in the midst of chaos, chronic illness, and creativity? In this episode, Ashley Fenker shares the story behind her book Good Enough Mother: Stories and Essays, and how the isolation of the 2020 pandemic sparked her return to writing. In our conversation today, Ashley opens up about her struggles and the healing power of journaling, reflection, and creative expression. This honest conversation explores the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood—and the freedom that comes with letting "good enough" be enough.Links Discussed in This Episode |Previous Episode: The Opt-Out Family with Erin Loechner (EP339)Previous Episode: Intentional Learning at Home with Erin Loechner (EP200)Previous Episode: Minimalist Living: The Big Apple with Elizabeth Passarella (EP159)Connect with Ashley:WebsiteBook: Good (Enough) Mother by Ashley Fenker InstagramAbout Ashley|Ashley Fenker is the author of the new release, Good (Enough) Mother: Stories and Essays, which ranked #1 Top New Release on Amazon. It was distinguished as a recipient of Awards & Accolades from Kirkus Reviews and it was selected by editors to be featured in the May 1, 2025 issue of Kirkus Reviews Magazine. Her articles and essays have appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Upworthy, HuffPost, HelloGiggles, Fathom Magazine, Scary Mommy, Coffee + Crumbs, and more. Her essays have gone viral, bringing in hundreds of thousands of page views from readers across the globe. She lives in a quiet country house in Maryland with her husband and their growing family.Episode Sponsors |Clear Intentions would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you've been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I'd love to help you achieve your goals! We'll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away.  For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Armoire and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/clear* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast2093/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jessica Baladad, six-year cancer survivor, is the creator of Feel For Your Life, a free mobile application that provides resources on how to perform self breast exams and when to get screenings, while allowing users to track and monitor their changes and set reminders. An unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at 33 years old empowered Jessica to channel her experience into a mission that is changing the way women advocate for their medical care. It's the first of its kind created by a breast cancer patient and has been downloaded tens of thousands of times all over the world. In 2024, Jessica implemented an AI feature into the app to help patients interpret and better understand pathology reports from their breast cancer screenings. Jessica's history with breast cancer catalyzed her dedication to building Feel For Your Life. She's the fourth generation on her paternal side of the family to be diagnosed with the disease, and yet, no known gene mutation has been found in her lineage. She first learned how to do a self breast exam after having a benign tumor removed at 18, and nearly 15 years later, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma after performing a routine self exam in the shower. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, 24 rounds of radiation, a hysterectomy and 10-hour flap reconstruction. Since launching the app, Jessica has expanded her advocacy into healthcare reform. She has helped write legislation in the State of Tennessee to promote risk reducing measures against cancer and disease. Billed as the Feel For Your Life Act, it requires high school students to learn about self breast exams, testicular exams and skin exams. Additionally, Jessica has spoken out against insurance companies before members of Congress. She is working to eliminate quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) scores, Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and co-pay accumulators. Jessica plans to grow her efforts further by working with medical providers, patients and vendors to bridge the gaps that keep individuals from getting access to the care they deserve. Jessica has been featured on Good Morning America, Tank's Good News, USA Today, The Dave Ramsey Show, UpWorthy and several national and international media outlets. She's worked with the NFL on their Crucial Catch Campaign to promote cancer screenings, received the Hometown Hero Award from Ponce Law on Nashville's Fox 17, has been recognized by the National Breast Cancer Foundation for her leadership initiatives and was the recipient of the Mona Lisa Foundation Grant in 2023. In 2020, the NFL's Crucial Catch Campaign partnered with Jessica to spread awareness about the importance of screenings being missed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She serves as an active committee member of the Tennessee Advocate for Breast Cancer (TA4BC) group. Learn more:https://www.feelforyourlife.com/meet-jessicahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabaladadhttps://www.instagram.com/jessica.baladad/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/jessica.baladad/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/JessicaBaladad01/ Email: jessica@feellforyourlife.com

Creativity isn't reserved for a select few—it's a universal trait that can spark profound change. In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset®, Larry Sprung interviews Kyle Scheele, renowned keynote speaker and “Patron Saint of Crazy Ideas.” Kyle shares his unique journey of transforming wild ideas into impactful projects, emphasizing the importance of creativity, persistence, and community in unlocking potential. Kyle discusses: How embracing creativity in everyday roles can lead to unexpected success The pivotal moments that shaped his career, including selling T-shirts and pitching to Urban Outfitters Overcoming fear and excuses to embrace opportunities, as demonstrated by his TikTok journey Encouraging creativity within teams by valuing and seeking input from all stakeholders The lessons learned from his ventures, including the power of persistence and collaboration And more! Resources: Mitlin Financial   The JOY and Productivity Journal by Lawrence Sprung  Download Your Free Copy of the Couple's JOYful Money Guide Connect with Larry Sprung:  LinkedIn: Larry Sprung Instagram: Larry Sprung Facebook: Larry Sprung X (Twitter): Larry Sprung Connect with Kyle Scheele:  Website: Kyle Scheele TikTok: Kyle Scheele Instagram: Kyle Scheele LinkedIn: Kyle Scheele Facebook: Kyle Scheele About our Guest: Kyle Scheele has been called “the patron saint of crazy ideas”. Whether he's having a Viking funeral for the regrets of 21,000 people, hosting the world's first fake marathon, or gaining a million TikTok followers in just 25 hours, Kyle is always on the lookout for crazy ideas that produce wildly outsized outcomes. Over the last decade, his projects have been featured in outlets like Fast Company, WIRED, The Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, UpWorthy, Goalcast, and more. His videos have been viewed over 250 million times, and he has spoken to hundreds of thousands of audience members across the United States. More than anything, Kyle hopes that his story can inspire others to chase their own crazy ideas and become the people they were meant to be. Disclosure: Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site.

The word influencer gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean in today's digital world? It's more than just followers and filters—it's about impact, leadership, and showing up authentically on the world's biggest online stages. Rachel Levin, the force behind RCLBeauty101, is redefining what it means to be a digital creator, musician, and entrepreneur. With over 14 million YouTube subscribers, 4 million Instagram followers, and 1.4 million TikTok fans, she's a trailblazer shaping trends and setting new standards across multiple industries. Her debut single, Myself, and latest release, IDWABF, continue her mission of empowering and inspiring audiences worldwide. In This Episode, We Cover: What it really means to be an influencer in 2024 How Rachel built a massive platform while staying authentic The evolution of content creation and personal branding Balancing creativity, business, and mental health in the digital space How to use influence to inspire, empower, and create real impact Not everyone wants to be an influencer, but we all have the power to influence. Whether it's in your career, community, or creative work, the key is showing up with intention, purpose, and heart. Connect with Rachel Levin:  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOn2ipDFGKckPixQ7MXd_OA  YouTube RCL Beauty: https://www.youtube.com/rclbeauty101  IG: https://www.instagram.com/rclbeauty101/?hl=en  Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/rclbeauty101?locale=en-US  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rclbeauty101?lang=en   Link To Single: “Lost In My Mind”  Related Podcast Episodes: The Power of Positive Social Media: Insights from Upworthy's Lucia Knell | 261 How To Land Your TED Talk and Skyrocket Your Personal Brand with Ashley Stahl | 250 Creating A Connected Community to Grow Your Business with Kami Guildner | 221 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

On this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John sits down with Jeff Harry to explore the transformative power of play and positive psychology in the workplace. They discuss the vital role of human resources in creating psychological safety and combating toxic work environments. Jeff shares insights on how leaders can foster a positive workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being, engagement, and innovation. The conversation delves into the necessity of proper training and support for leaders to adapt to the evolving workforce. Whether you're an HR professional, leader, or simply interested in building better workplace cultures, this episode offers actionable strategies to shape the future of work.ABOUT JEFFJeff Harry combines positive psychology and play to heal workplaces, help teams build psychological safety and assist individuals in addressing their biggest challenges by embracing a play-oriented approach to work. Jeff was selected by BambooHR & Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers and has been featured in the NY Times, Mashable, Upworthy, Huffpost, Shondaland, Wired, NPR, NatGeo, & Forbes. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day. Over the past 15 years of facilitation and speaking, Jeff's main goal has been to help work suck less by assisting leaders in building a playground workplace atmosphere that motivates their staff to do their most vibrant work.

Welcome to The Mental Breakdown and Psychreg Podcast! Today, Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall discuss mathematical hole that students find themselves in when they are given zeros. Read the article from Upworthy here. You can now follow Dr. Marshall on twitter, as well! Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are happy to announce the release of their new parenting e-book, Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child Part 2: Attention. You can get your copy from Amazon here. We hope that you will join us each morning so that we can help you make your day the best it can be! See you tomorrow. Become a patron and support our work at http://www.Patreon.com/thementalbreakdown. Visit Psychreg for blog posts covering a variety of topics within the fields of mental health and psychology. The Parenting Your ADHD Child course is now on YouTube! Check it out at the Paedeia YouTube Channel. The Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Health Child Part 1: Behavior Management is now available on kindle! Get your copy today! The Elimination Diet Manual is now available on kindle and nook! Get your copy today! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channels, Paedeia and The Mental Breakdown. Please leave us a review on iTunes so that others might find our podcast and join in on the conversation!

Welcome to The Mental Breakdown and Psychreg Podcast! Today, Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall discuss mathematical hole that students find themselves in when they are given zeros. Read the article from Upworthy here. You can now follow Dr. Marshall on twitter, as well! Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are happy to announce the release of their new parenting e-book, Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child Part 2: Attention. You can get your copy from Amazon here. We hope that you will join us each morning so that we can help you make your day the best it can be! See you tomorrow. Become a patron and support our work at http://www.Patreon.com/thementalbreakdown. Visit Psychreg for blog posts covering a variety of topics within the fields of mental health and psychology. The Parenting Your ADHD Child course is now on YouTube! Check it out at the Paedeia YouTube Channel. The Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Health Child Part 1: Behavior Management is now available on kindle! Get your copy today! The Elimination Diet Manual is now available on kindle and nook! Get your copy today! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channels, Paedeia and The Mental Breakdown. Please leave us a review on iTunes so that others might find our podcast and join in on the conversation!

Today, we are joined by Gabriel Reilich, the Head of Content and Innovation at GOOD and Upworthy, and Lucia Knell, the Vice President of Upworthy, to chat about their newest book, Upworthy Good People. Published by National Geographic, this feel-good book contains 101 handpicked stories of human decency.About the Guest:GABRIEL REILICH is the head of content and innovation at GOOD & Upworthy. Devoted to his mission of spreading optimism, he believes the internet can be a force for good and is dedicated to leveraging it to amplify the best of humanity. Throughout his career, he has created content and crafted impact campaigns for numerous respected brands, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations such as Google, GoFundMe, and the World Food Programme. He enjoys looking for cool rocks, listening to classic country music, and perfecting puns. A native of Los Angeles, he graduated with honors from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in political science. He lives in Los Angeles.LUCIA KNELL is the Vice President of Upworthy, where she's worked since 2014. She's spent her career championing the belief that the internet can and should be used as a tool to unite us vs. stoke division. Her expertise in social media has garnered millions of engagements and catalyzed a movement to combat negativity online. An ardent advocate for mental health, she also believes in the power of taking breaks from the internet. Her work has been covered in the New York Times, Glamour, Vogue, Fast Company, and the mental health publication Made of Millions. Originally from New York, she is a proud cum laude graduate of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, with a B.A. in Spanish Literature. She is a dancer, choreographer, and FM radio enthusiast and enjoys cheering people on at marathons. She splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City.https://www.upworthy.com/https://books.disney.com/book/upworthy-good-people-stories-from-the-best-of-humanity/https://www.facebook.com/upworthyhttps://www.instagram.com/upworthy/https://twitter.com/upworthyhttps://www.youtube.com/user/upworthyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upworthyAbout the Host: Following the crumbs in the chaos is a full-time job as a Productivity Coach. As a busy mom of three and the founder of Chaos N' Cookies, keeping moms from crumbling is my main objective. After gaining 10+ years of experience as a Director of Marketing helping build multiple 6 & 7-figure businesses for other women I've created the Chaos Control System to equip moms to overcome their own objections so they can live the life they want to live and start that business they have always wanted. The Family Playbook, or standard operating procedure, is the tool every mama needs to save time and stress-less when chaos ensues at home. For new biz owners, I also help simplify systems on social media and other business platforms to automate processes to get their business up and running quickly and efficiently with how-tos and hands-on coaching. I have helped hundreds of women to be more productive and self-sufficient in their homes and businesses allowing them to reclaim control of the chaos....

Social media was originally designed to bring us closer together. Today, it's becoming increasingly apparent that algorithms reward those who stoke outrage and anxiety, while moments of genuine good get swept into the digital ether. Amidst an epidemic of loneliness and disconnection, we need reminders of the fundamental goodness in people, now more than ever. An Instant New York Times nonfiction Bestseller, GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, highlights the breadth, depth and beauty of the human experience through over 100 true stories handpicked from members of Upworthy's online community. The brains (and hearts) behind Upworthy, Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell, asked questions through Upworthy's Instagram like “What's the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? and “Who's the teacher who changed your life?” They pored over thousands of responses in the comment section, conducted hundreds of interviews, and worked closely with their online community to create GOOD PEOPLE. An essential counterbalance to today's daunting news cycle, this deeply moving book is emotional nourishment for navigating modern life, both online and off. Rippling with wit, compassion, and courage, each chapter offers a restorative opportunity to shift your perspective to find moments of decency and kindness in the everyday.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Due to a clerical error, the dads recorded a normal episode instead of a monthly bonus. So... everyone gets the bonus!!! It is brought to you by a listicle from Upworthy. The dads go through the 17-item list of Advice that Teens (allegedly) Aren't Ready to Hear. In the patron-only bonus, Eli recounts a truly insane encounter in his neighborhood. Like for real, you cannot miss this one. Join the Facebook Group! facebook.com/groups/dearolddads For comments, email thedads@dearolddads.com For extended episodes, bonus content, and most importantly, for an AD FREE SHOW, make sure to pledge on Patreon!

If you feel like your “tone” and level of emotion are being policed, #tunein because this is the #advancingwomenpodcast episode for you! Scrutiny of women's speaking patterns is the latest frontier in an endless barrage of judgment and undermining women face. It is yet another way to blame women. An attempt to shift the emphasis to fixing women versus doing the hard work of fixing #genderbias Tone policing (when someone focuses on how something is said, rather than what is actually being said) often involves critiquing the emotional tone, volume, or manner of speaking, rather than addressing the substance of the message itself. This can be a way to dismiss or silence someone, especially when their words challenge the status quo or express frustration, anger, or vulnerability. In essence, it shifts the conversation away from the content of the message to the way it's delivered, often in a way that reinforces power imbalances. We need to recognize tone policing and comments about upspeak and vocal fry for what they truly are…not a peeve that needs to be professionally developed away but rather, an attempt to silence women. At its core, this policing is about power and status, and who is allowed to have it. Tune in to see how we can learn to recognize and interrupt these bias patterns and put the kibosh on this new version of the tired “fix the women” narrative. As always, it's not your fault, but it is your problem, so don't miss this episode to learn more about tone policing, upspeak, and vocal fry and how to put the kibosh on this new “fix the women” narrative. For more about Dr. DeSimone and the Advancing Women Podcast Website: https://advancingwomenpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancingwomenpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancingwomenpodcast/ References: Business Inside Men Use Upspeak and Vocal Fry Too https://www.businessinsider.com/men-use-upspeak-and-vocal-fry-too-2015-8   NPR From Upspeak To Vocal Fry: Are We 'Policing' Young Women's Voices? https://www.npr.org/2015/07/23/425608745/from-upspeak-to-vocal-fry-are-we-policing-young-womens-voices   The Conversation https://theconversation.com/keep-an-eye-on-vocal-fry-its-all-about-power-status-and-gender-45883#:~:text=Vocal%20fry%20is%20a%20distinct,of%20belonging%20in%20that%20tribe Time https://time.com/5006345/what-is-vocal-fry/ Upworthy https://www.upworthy.com/what-is-vocal-fry-and-why-doesnt-anyone-care-when-men-talk-like-that Examples of male vocal fry https://the-toast.net/2015/07/22/examples-of-male-vocal-fry/

In this episode, Jay speaks with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the creator of Feel For Your Life—a groundbreaking app providing tools for breast self-exams, health tracking, and AI-based pathology interpretations. Key Points:

Show Notes/Description:

It will be a big year for the Children's Museum of Findlay... Executive Director Kora Burtch talks about the many changes that are coming in 2025 (at 12:53) --- The perfect way to start the New Year off on the right note... a collection of 101 hand-picked Upworthy stories of human decency which remind us that the world is full of Good People (at 22:32) --- Throwback Thursday: What's the big deal about New Year's Resolutions, anyway? Is there a better way to set goals that you can actually make happen in 2025? (at 45:22)

In this episode, we explore the importance of the narratives we surround ourselves with, as highlighted by our guest, Gabriel Reilich, the head of content and innovation at Upworthy and author of the book Good People. Gabriel discusses the profound effects of uplifting stories and how they can reshape our perceptions and empower us to engage more positively with the world around us.We discuss George Gerbner's "Mean World Syndrome" theory and its modern-day implications, emphasizing the need to consciously balance our media consumption. Positive stories are not just feel-good content; they can fundamentally alter our outlook, creativity, and leadership.Join us as we uncover the power of good thinking and positive storytelling to inspire better leadership, creativity, and a kinder world.Key Learnings from the Episode:The Power of Humility and Generosity: Dale Schroeder's life teaches us that extraordinary impact comes from focused intention, modest living, and generous actions.Media Influence on Perception: George Gerbner's theory of "Mean World Syndrome" highlights how media consumption can distort our view of reality and affect our creativity and leadership abilities.Ripple Effect of Kindness: Positive actions and stories can create far-reaching impacts, benefiting many individuals beyond the initial act.Mindful Media Consumption: Being intentional about the stories and media we consume can help maintain a more hopeful and accurate perspective of the world.Everyday Interactions Matter: Seemingly small acts of kindness can have profound effects on others, offering solace and support during challenging times.Get full interviews and daily content in the Daily Creative app at DailyCreative.app

In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, we dive into building a healthy online environment—for yourself, your community, and the greater good. Our guest, Lucia Knell, Vice President of Upworthy and author of Good People: Stories From the Best of Humanity, shares her insights on harnessing social media for positivity and connection. Upworthy is known for uplifting and inspiring content, and Lucia has spent her career advocating for using the internet as a tool to unite rather than divide. Lucia's expertise has driven millions of social media engagements and inspired a movement to combat negativity online. Beyond her work, she's an advocate for mental health and believes in the power of digital detoxes—something I wholeheartedly support.  Takeaway: It's hard to be what you don't see, but when you look for the good and share it, positivity becomes contagious. The world needs more good, and so do you—so let it in, share it, and watch it grow. Connect with Lucia:  Website:  https://www.upworthy.com/  Book: https://books.disney.com/book/upworthy-good-people-stories-from-the-best-of-humanity/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/upworthy/  Related Podcast Episodes: Loneliness And The Value Of Connection with Kasley Killam F*@! Social Media with Nicole Kalil Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Social media was originally designed to bring us closer together. Today, it's becoming increasingly apparent that algorithms reward those who stoke outrage and anxiety, while moments of genuine good get swept into the digital ether. Amidst an epidemic of loneliness and disconnection, we need reminders of the fundamental goodness in people, now more than ever. An Instant New York Times nonfiction Bestseller, GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, highlights the breadth, depth and beauty of the human experience through over 100 true stories handpicked from members of Upworthy's online community. The brains (and hearts) behind Upworthy, Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell, asked questions through Upworthy's Instagram like “What's the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? and “Who's the teacher who changed your life?” They pored over thousands of responses in the comment section, conducted hundreds of interviews, and worked closely with their online community to create GOOD PEOPLE. An essential counterbalance to today's daunting news cycle, this deeply moving book is emotional nourishment for navigating modern life, both online and off. Rippling with wit, compassion, and courage, each chapter offers a restorative opportunity to shift your perspective to find moments of decency and kindness in the everyday. Inside, you'll find beautifully illustrated storiesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

GABRIEL REILICH is the head of content and innovation at GOOD & Upworthy. Devoted to his mission of spreading optimism, he believes the internet can be a force for good and is dedicated to leveraging it to amplify the best of humanity. Throughout his career, he has created content and crafted impact campaigns for numerous respected brands, nonprofits, and non- governmental organizations such as Google, GoFundMe, and the World Food Programme. He enjoys looking for cool rocks, listening to classic country music, and perfecting puns. A native of Los Angeles, he graduated with honors from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in political science. He lives in Los Angeles.LUCIA KNELL is the Vice President of Upworthy, where she's worked since 2014. She's spent her career championing the belief that the internet can and should be used as a tool to unite us vs. stoke division. Her expertise in social media has garnered millions of engagements and catalyzed a movement to combat negativity online.An ardent advocate for mental health, she also believes in the power of taking breaks from the internet. Her work has been covered in the New York Times, Glamour, Vogue, Fast Company, and mental health publication Made of Millions. Originally from New York, she is a proud cum laude graduate of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, with a B.A. in Spanish Literature. She is a dancer, choreographer, FM radio enthusiast and enjoys cheering people on at marathons. She splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City.You know Upworthy, the beloved social media community 100 million strong. Upworthy Good People is a book published by National Geographic of 101 handpicked stories of human decency.http://upworthy.com

THIS BOOK WILL UPLIFT YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT if you've ever seen Upworthy on the internet you know they share positive and uplifting stories about all kinds of stuff, and now they have a new book out full of stories of human decency. I'm talking to Gabriel Reilich and Lucia knell from Upworthy about the new book that would probably make an excellent Christmas gift, just saying. Find it here.

We talk a lot about the bad side of social media, but what about the good stuff? Sharon sits down with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, the creators of the viral Instagram account, Upworthy, to discuss their uplifting and thought-provoking NYT Best Selling book, “Good People.” Together, they explore the power of sharing stories that shine a light on human decency, giving us a much needed break from the negativity that often dominates our feed. What's the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? Or the teacher who had the most impact on your life? Those are the stories Gabe and Lucia want to highlight. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson 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

The son who traveled 2,500 miles to save his parents' dog. The stranger who picked up the tab for a girl who was trying to buy a prom dress at Goodwill. The airport janitor who stopped to feed and comfort a stranded passenger. These are some of the small and big acts of kindness website Upworthy compiled into a new book, “Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity.” We listen back to our August conversation with the editors and hear from you: What is a memorable act of kindness you have received or given? Guests: Lucia Knell, co-author, "Good People: Stories From the Best of Humanity "; Knell is the vice president of the media company Upworthy. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Glamour and Vogue, among other publications. Gabriel Reilich, co-author, "Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity"; Reilich is the head of content and innovation at the media companies Good and Upworthy. He developed the Upworthy Instagram account which now has five million+ followers.

You may well have heard of Upworthy. Upworthy is a media brand that focuses on positive storytelling. They have millions of followers on social media and email subscribers, who tune in to hear good news. Upworthy recently came out with a book, that focused on key areas of human goodness, and it is just stories. Just incredible stories of the best of humanity that people share with them each and every day, at a great amount. The book is called Good People and I was really curious as to what led the authors to sift through the stories and land on certain categories, such as chapter one which is, "The Kindness of Strangers." They shared how many stories came in of what we generally call, random acts of kindness. Following is my conversation with the authors, Lucia Knell who is Vice President of Upworthy, and Gabriel Reilich who is head of content and innovation. I think you'll find a really uplifting, inspiring and honestly, equipping discussion here. It really bolstered my faith, which bolsters...everything. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to sign up for your FREE 60-day trial Get 20% off your first probiotic membership order at pendulumlife.com/drivesyou Go to cozyearth.com/driven and use code DRIVEN for an exclusive 40% discount Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Gail Lukasik grew up in the suburb of Parma. Her mother, an avid moviegoer, took her Friday nights to the local movie theater. That's where she fell in love with stories of all kinds. Her dream was to be a movie star, a ballerina or a writer. As luck would have it, she realized two of her three dreams. She was a member of the Cleveland Civic Ballet Company. And she's the author of five mystery novels, a memoir, a book of poetry, and numerous poems, essays, and short stories. After earning a PhD and MA in English with a specialization in writing poetry, Gail decided to write a mystery novel at the urging of her son. Destroying Angels, the first book in her Leigh Girard mystery series, was described by Kirkus Reviews as “a riveting debut thriller.” She went on to write two more books in the series, Death's Door and Peak Season for Murder, which won a Lovey Award for Best Traditional Sleuth. The Lost Artist, her stand-alone mystery, reflected her love of the visual arts and 19th century history. In 2017 Gail's memoir, White Like Her: My Family's Story of Race and Racial Passing, captured national and international attention. The Washington Post named the book one of the most inspiring stories of the year. After she and her “lost” New Orleans family appeared on NBC's The Today Show, her memoir reached the top 100 book on Amazon and led to her appearing in the short documentary film, History of Memory. The film won a Tribeca Film Award (Amazon Prime). Her section of the film, “The Secret Album,” tells her mother's story of passing. Gail's many of years of teaching on the university level segued into a vibrant speaking career. She's given numerous presentations at libraries, books groups, genealogical and historical organizations, and was on BBC World News, WGN-TV Morning News Show, WTTW's Chicago Tonight and CBC Radio Canada, to name a few. She's also lectured on diversity and the writing process at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Kenyon College and Northwestern University. Her articles about coming to terms with her mixed-race identity were published in The Washington Post, Mic.com, Salon.com, Independent.co.uk, Upworthy, Mis. Magazine and The Daily Beast. Wanting to return to her mystery roots, Gail wrote her fifth mystery, The Darkness Surrounds Us, a Gothic, historical mystery. Two historical events inspired the book—the 1918 Spanish flu and the rise of utopian communities in the 19th century. Still an avid moviegoer, Gail lives in Libertyville, Illinois with her husband. Web: https://www.gaillukasik.com ► Luxury Women Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... ► Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... ► Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsa... ► Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.

Are things really as bad as they seem? Has Gen Z given up hope for the world? And why was the father of positive psychology a lifelong pessimist? SOURCES:Albert Bandura, professor of psychology at Stanford University.David Brooks, author and opinion columnist. Andrew Grove, former C.E.O. and chairman of Intel Corporation.Kalev Leetaru, founder of the GDELT Project.Steven Maier, professor of behavioral neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder.Michelle Obama, attorney, author, and former first lady of the United States.Steven Pinker, professor of psychology at Harvard University.Amanda Ripley, journalist and author.Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University.Edward Zigler, professor emeritus of psychology at Yale University. RESOURCES:"Chicken Littles Are Ruining America," by David Brooks (The Atlantic, 2024).Generations, by Jean Twenge (2023).Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker (2018)."The Short History of Global Living Conditions and Why It Matters That We Know It," by Max Roser (Our World in Data, 2016)."Learned Helplessness at Fifty: Insights from Neuroscience," by Steven F. Maier and Martin E. P. Seligman (Psychological Review, 2016)."Short- and Long-Term Consequences of Stressor Controllability in Adolescent Rats," by Kenneth H. Kubala, John P. Christianson, Steven F. Maier, et al. (Behavioural Brain Research, 2012).The Better Angels of Our Nature, by Steven Pinker (2011)."Forecasting Large-Scale Human Behavior Using Global News Media Tone in Time and Space," by Kalev Leetaru (First Monday, 2011)."Motivational Aspects of Changes in IQ Test Performance of Culturally Deprived Nursery School Children," by Edward Zigler and Earl C. Butterfield (Child Development, 1968)."Failure to Escape Traumatic Shock," by Martin E. P. Seligman and Steven F. Maier (Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1967).Upworthy. EXTRAS:"Why Is U.S. Media So Negative?" by Freakonomics Radio (2021).

In this inspiring episode of I sit down with Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Nell from Upworthy to discuss their heartwarming book, Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity. We explore the power of small acts of kindness, the impact of storytelling, and how positivity can counteract the negativity in today's world. Takeaways: The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Even small, seemingly insignificant acts can leave a profound and lasting impact on someone's life. Combating 'Mean World Syndrome': Focusing on positive stories can restore faith in humanity and counteract the overwhelming negativity in media. Storytelling as Connection: Sharing personal stories fosters empathy and reminds us of our shared humanity. The Role of Teachers: Inspirational educators leave lifelong impressions, shaping the way students see the world and themselves. Practical Positivity: Tips for curating your social media experience to balance information with uplifting content and mindfulness. — Want to Learn more about Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell? Instagram, X, Facebook: @upworthy — Don't be shy come say hi: andrea@human-content.com and podcasterandrea.com Watch on YouTube: @educatorandrea Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — A Human Content Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking for the good in life can be challenging when things seem dark. But no matter how rough life might be, amazing things still happen in the world. Lucia Knell, the Vice President of Upworthy, curates uplifting content that inspires millions of people on social media. She's now the author of a book called Good People, in which she shares heartwarming stories from their community. She's no stranger to mental health struggles and is acutely aware of how mighty kindness and compassion can be. Some of the things we talk about are: The impact newsfeeds have on our perception of the world How to curate a social media feed that is good for your mental health The power of small acts of kindness How to start seeing more good in the world Strategies for managing your mental health Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Links & Resources LuciaKnell.com Upworthy.com Good People 7cups.com Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Offers From Our Sponsors Uncommon Goods — Get 15% off at UncommonGoods.com/stronger Wildgrain - Get $30 off your first customized box when you go to Wildgrain.com/STRONGER AirDoctor — Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code STRONGER to receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! ButcherBox — Sign up at butcherbox.com/stronger and enter code stronger at checkout to receive a whole turkey, turkey breast, or a spiral ham + $20 off Shopify — Sign up for your dollar-per-month trial at Shopify.com/mentallystronger AquaTru — Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to AquaTru.com and use promo code STRONGER at checkout! GhostBed — Join the 60,000 happy customers that have found their perfect mattress with GhostBed. Check out GhostBed.com/stronger and use code STRONGER at checkout for 50% off your order today. Jenni Kayne — From now through the end of November, shop the @JenniKayne sale and get 25% off at jennikayne.com/stronger15 #jennikaynepartner Branch Basics — Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code stronger at branchbasics.com/STRONGER #branchbasicspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Pozeznik is the Founder and CEO of Quirk, a personal branding and career consulting firm that helps accelerate women executives' careers. She works with mid-six- to seven-figure executives to showcase their unique professional qualities during career transitions. Kate's clients include executives and leaders at Google, Amazon, Meta, and other notable organizations. She has been featured in articles on Buzzfeed, AARP, and Upworthy. In this episode… Sometimes, C-suite executives seem to have it all in their careers. However, many of them — especially women — have become stagnant in their journeys, longing for more fulfilling opportunities. How can personal branding, resiliency, and risk-taking elevate your career? Having struggled with networking, gaining confidence in her skills, and achieving fulfillment, Kate Pozeznik understands the frustration of identifying an ideal career path. She encourages high-salaried women to develop a personal brand representing their values, mission, and purpose. This unlocks professional opportunities that align with your career goals. Kate also advises taking small, calculated risks to develop resilience to challenges and build confidence. Join Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she interviews Kate Pozeznik, the Founder and CEO of Quirk, about embracing risks and creating an impactful personal brand. Kate shares how she helps women define personal success, how she turned her side gig into a career opportunity, and how C-suite executives can communicate their value propositions.

Jessica Baladad, five-year cancer survivor, is the creator of Feel For Your Life, a free mobile application that provides resources on how to perform self breast exams and when to get screenings, while allowing users to track and monitor their changes and set reminders. An unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at 33 years old empowered Jessica to channel her experience into a mission that is changing the way women advocate for their medical care. It's the first of its kind created by a breast cancer patient and has been downloaded tens of thousands of times all over the world. In 2024, Jessica implemented an AI feature into the app to help patients interpret and better understand pathology reports from their breast cancer screenings. Jessica's history with breast cancer catalyzed her dedication to building Feel For Your Life. She's the fourth generation on her paternal side of the family to be diagnosed with the disease, and yet, no known gene mutation has been found in her lineage. She first learned how to do a self breast exam after having a benign tumor removed at 18, and nearly 15 years later, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma after performing a routine self exam in the shower. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, 24 rounds of radiation, a hysterectomy and 10-hour flap reconstruction.Since launching the app, Jessica has expanded her advocacy into healthcare reform. She has helped write legislation in the State of Tennessee to promote risk reducing measures against cancer and disease. Billed as the Feel For Your Life Act, it requires high school students to learn about self breast exams, testicular exams and skin exams. Additionally, Jessica has spoken out against insurance companies before members of Congress. She is working to eliminate quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) scores, Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and co-pay accumulators. Jessica plans to grow her efforts further by working with medical providers, patients and vendors to bridge the gaps that keep individuals from getting access to the care they deserve.Jessica has been featured on Good Morning America, Tank's Good News, USA Today, The Dave Ramsey Show, UpWorthy and several national and international media outlets. She's worked with the NFL on their Crucial Catch Campaign to promote cancer screenings, received the Hometown Hero Award from Ponce Law on Nashville's Fox 17, has been recognized by the National Breast Cancer Foundation for her leadership initiatives and was the recipient of the Mona Lisa Foundation Grant in 2023. In 2020, the NFL's Crucial Catch Campaign partnered with Jessica to spread awareness about the importance of screenings being missed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She serves as an active committee member of the Tennessee Advocate for Breast Cancer (TA4BC) group.https://www.feelforyourlife.com/meet-jessicahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabaladadhttps://www.instagram.com/jessica.baladad/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/jessica_baladad?lang=enhttps://www.facebook.com/JessicaBaladad01/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

In this episode of The Healers Café, Manon Bolliger, FCAH, RBHT (facilitator and retired naturopath with 30+ years of practice) speaks with Jessica Baladad about her journey as a breast cancer survivor, the creation of the Feel for Your Life app, and how it empowers individuals to perform self-breast exams, track changes, and navigate their health with greater confidence.  For the transcript and full story go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/jessica-baladad   Highlights from today's episode include: Jessica Baladad  So let's say you have a screening, and you get this pathology report back, and you're reading it, and it's like, what does this mean? I don't understand it. And you start Google things, and it doesn't make sense. So I took the guesswork out of that.   Jessica Baladad  06:01 Yeah. So we even have a little term in the breast cancer community called scanxiety, where you are afraid of getting scans and exams. I mean, they're necessary, and we joke about it, but it's real that we have that fear of getting scanned,   Jessica Baladad  And so, you know, it's...people have a lot of different feelings about it, but ultimately, I want women to understand how their screenings work, how the pathology is done, and what they can do to empower themselves to get through that fear, because knowledge helps overcome that anxiety.   ABOUT JESSICA BALADAD: Jessica Baladad, six-year cancer survivor, is the creator of Feel For Your Life, a free mobile application that provides resources on how to perform self breast exams and when to get screenings, while allowing users to track and monitor their changes and set reminders. An unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at 33 years old empowered Jessica to channel her experience into a mission that is changing the way women advocate for their medical care. It's the first of its kind created by a breast cancer patient and has been downloaded tens of thousands of times all over the world. In 2024, Jessica implemented an AI feature into the app to help patients interpret and better understand pathology reports from their breast cancer screenings. Jessica's history with breast cancer catalyzed her dedication to building Feel For Your Life. She's the fourth generation on her paternal side of the family to be diagnosed with the disease, and yet, no known gene mutation has been found in her lineage. She first learned how to do a self breast exam after having a benign tumor removed at 18, and nearly 15 years later, Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma after performing a routine self exam in the shower. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, 24 rounds of radiation, a hysterectomy and 10-hour flap reconstruction. Since launching the app, Jessica has expanded her advocacy into healthcare reform. She has helped write legislation in the State of Tennessee to promote risk reducing measures against cancer and disease. Billed as the Feel For Your Life Act, it requires high school students to learn about self breast exams, testicular exams and skin exams. Additionally, Jessica has spoken out against insurance companies before members of Congress. She is working to eliminate quality-adjusted life-year & QALY ; scores, Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and co-pay accumulators. Jessica plans to grow her efforts further by working with medical providers, patients and vendors to bridge the gaps that keep individuals from getting access to the care they deserve. Jessica has been featured on Good Morning America, Tank's Good News, USA Today, The Dave Ramsey Show, UpWorthy and several national and international media outlets. She's worked with the NFL on their Crucial Catch Campaign to promote cancer screenings, received the Hometown Hero Award from Ponce Law on Nashville's Fox 17, has been recognized by the National Breast Cancer Foundation for her leadership initiatives and was the recipient of the Mona Lisa Foundation Grant in 2023. In 2020, the NFL's Crucial Catch Campaign partnered with Jessica to spread awareness about the importance of screenings being missed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She serves as an active committee member of the Tennessee Advocate for Breast Cancer & TA4BC&  group. When Jessica is not working on patient advocacy, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places, attending sporting events with her husband and photographing animals.   Core purpose/passion: To help prevent breast cancer by starting checkups and screenings early. Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X   ABOUT MANON BOLLIGER, FCAH, RBHT  As a de-registered (2021) board-certified naturopathic physician & in practice since 1992, I've seen an average of 150 patients per week and have helped people ranging from rural farmers in Nova Scotia to stressed out CEOs in Toronto to tri-athletes here in Vancouver.  My resolve to educate, empower and engage people to take charge of their own health is evident in my best-selling books:  'What Patients Don't Say if Doctors Don't Ask: The Mindful Patient-Doctor Relationship' and 'A Healer in Every Household: Simple Solutions for Stress'.  I also teach BowenFirst™ Therapy through and hold transformational workshops to achieve these goals. So, when I share with you that LISTENING to Your body is a game changer in the healing process, I am speaking from expertise and direct experience". Manon's Mission: A Healer in Every Household!  For more great information to go to her weekly blog:  http://bowencollege.com/blog.  For tips on health & healing go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/tips    Follow Manon on Social – Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter | Linktr.ee | Rumble   ABOUT THE HEALERS CAFÉ:  Manon's show is the #1 show for medical practitioners and holistic healers to have heart to heart conversations about their day to day lives.  Subscribe and review on your favourite platform: iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Libsyn | iHeartRadio | Gaana | The Healers Cafe | Radio.com | Medioq |   Remember to subscribe if you like our videos. Click the bell if you want to be one of the first people notified of a new release. * De-Registered, revoked & retired naturopathic physician after 30 years of practice in healthcare. Now resourceful & resolved to share with you all the tools to take care of your health & vitality!  

Hal interviews Board of Water and Power Commission President Richard Katz about the challenges the DWP faces due to climate change and how they prepare for hot weather. Then, Gabe Reilich and Lucia Knell of Upworthy join Hal to talk about their new book "Good People:  Stories from the Best of Humanity." 

Let's end the week on a positive note. Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell share a few much-needed life-affirming stories handpicked from Upworthy's community of millions.

People are fundamentally good and the internet can be a tool to unite people rather than divide them. That's not just wishful thinking for Gabe Reilich and Lucia Knell. They work for a media platform launched in 2012 called Upworthy that amplifies moments that reveal the best in us. They put some of the most meaningful stories in a new book that offers reassurance that the world is full of decency and kindness. The book is called Upworthy - Good People: Stories From the Best of Humanity.

Gabriel Reilich is Head of Content & Innovation at Upworthy. He is the co-author of Upworthy - GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity. 15 Daily Steps to Lose Weight and Prevent Disease PDF: https://bit.ly/46XTn8f - Get my FREE eBook now! Subscribe to The Genius Life on YouTube! - http://youtube.com/maxlugavere Watch my new documentary Little Empty Boxes - http://littleemptyboxes.com This episode is proudly sponsored by: BUBS Naturals makes my favorite collagen, pure and unflavored, perfect for mixing into any drink, soup, or even recipes! Your hair, skin, and nails will thank you. Visit BUBSNaturals.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off. Timeline Nutrition makes MitoPure—a purified form of urolithin A, a powerful pomegranate post-biotic which can support mitochondrial health for increased energy and longevity. Go to http://timelinenutrition.com/genius for 10% off of your order.  OneSkin is a non-toxic skincare company for minimalists utilizing their revolutionary OS-01 peptide which can reverse signs of skin aging according to their research. Visit http://oneskin.co/max and use code MAX for 10% off.

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles interviews Gabriel Reilich, the head of content and innovation at Good and Upworthy. They discuss the power of intentionality in combating the negative effects of social media and the importance of seeking out stories of human goodness. The conversation delves into the impact of positive stories on our brains, social connections, and overall well-being. Gabriel also shares a personal story from his upcoming book, "Good People, Stories from the Best of Humanity," highlighting the transformative power of kindness and connection.Full show notes and resources:  https://passionstruck.com/gabriel-reilich-on-stories-inspire-real-change/SponsorsBabbel: Unlock the power of learning a new language with Babbel's innovative system. Passion Struck listeners can get 60% off their subscription at Babbel.com/PASSION.Hims: Regrow your hair before it's too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Experience luxury for less with Quince's premium products at radically low prices. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/PASSION.For more information about our sponsors and promo codes, visit: passionstruck.com/dealsIn this episode, you will learn:The importance of intentionality in living an intentional lifeThe three Bs to fight against the momentum: broaden, balance, and beautifyThe mission of Upworthy to showcase the positive side of human natureThe power of sharing stories of human goodness and kindnessThe concept of moral beauty and its impact on individualsThe triple ripple effect of kindness on the giver, receiver, and observerThe significance of balancing positivity with acknowledging real challengesThe role of everyday heroes in fostering connection and positivityThe impact of mean world syndrome on individuals' mental stateThe agency and empowerment found in everyday interactions and moments of kindnessConnect with Gabriel Reilich: https://www.gabrielreilich.com/Order Passion StruckUnlock the principles that will transform your life! Order my book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life. Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, this book has earned accolades such as the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Order your copy today and ignite your journey toward intentional living!Catch More Passion StruckMy solo episode on 7 Reasons Why Acts of Kindness Are More than Meets the EyeCan't miss my episode withJames Rhee On How You Lead Change through KindnessWatch my episode with Dacher Keltner on the Hidden Power of Moral BeautyCatch my interview with Katy Milkman on Creating Lasting Behavior Change for GoodListen to my solo episode on The Importance of Empathy to Your LifeIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! Even one sentence helps. Be sure to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you!

Do you want to make work that makes a difference in the world? Work that shows the true beauty of humanity? If this sounds like you, you may fear that it might not reach the audience it deserves as the algorithm seems to reward divisive and fear-mongering content. Today's guest is author and Vice President of Upworthy, Lucia Knell. Lucia has a depth of knowledge on how seeing and sharing stories of human goodness can profoundly impact our personal well-being and inspire positive change. Her story is proof that there's a way forward for good. From this conversation you'll learn:-How to create and grow your work from an authentic and optimistic point of view. -How to embrace the vulnerability of believing people are generally good.-Tips for creating better boundaries with social media that support mental health.-How community-driven content can foster genuine connections.-Why it's important to maintain your creative passions, no matter what your job is!More on Lucia: Lucia Knell is the vice president of Upworthy, a media platform dedicated to sharing the best of humanity with the world. She's spent her career championing the belief that the internet can and should be used as a tool to unite people vs. stoke division. During her tenure at Upworthy she developed the @Upworthy Instagram account, which now has 5 million followers (and counting). She is the co-author of Upworthy's new book,GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, published in partnership with National Geographic Books. A fierce advocate for mental health access, she strongly believes in the power of taking a step back from social media and engaging in the real world. She is a proud cum laude graduate of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio with a B.A. in Spanish Literature and Dance. She splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City.-Remember to subscribe/follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. Please leave us a rating and review- it helps SO much in getting the show out there. And tell a friend about the show- podcasts are very personal and tend to be spread person to person. If this show helped you or made you smile, share the love :) Follow the show: @unleashyourinnercreative  Follow me: @LaurenLoGrassoHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The son who traveled 2,500 miles to save his parents' dog. The stranger who picked up the tab for a girl who was trying to buy a prom dress at Goodwill. The airport janitor who stopped to feed and comfort a stranded passenger. These are some of the small and big acts of kindness website Upworthy compiled into a new book, “Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity.” We'll talk to the editors and hear from you: What is a memorable act of kindness you have received or given? Guests: Lucia Knell, co-author, "Good People: Stories From the Best of Humanity "; Knell is the vice president of the media company Upworthy. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Glamour and Vogue, among other publications. Gabriel Reilich, co-author, "Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity"; Reilich is the head of content and innovation at the media companies Good and Upworthy. He developed the Upworthy Instagram account which now has five million+ followers.

In this episode, Dr.G has the pleasure of speaking with Lucia, the Vice President of Upworthy, a platform dedicated to uplifting storytelling. With a strong background in media and a passion for positive narratives, Lucia has played a pivotal role in shaping Upworthy's mission to counteract negativity in media. Her commitment to mental health awareness and community support shines through as she shares her insights on the transformative power of positive media. #socialmedia #mentalhealth #wellness Upworthy's Instagram: @upworthy Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and overview of Upworthy (00:30) - Discussion on negative content in media and its impact on mental health (01:17) - Upworthy's approach to positive content and its effects during COVID-19 (03:21) - Examples of uplifting content during the pandemic (04:50) - The current state of positive vs. negative content in media (06:52) - The importance of balancing serious topics with solution-oriented stories (08:19) - The impact of negative news on motivation and mental health (10:32) - Memorable uplifting stories from Upworthy (13:27) - The story behind the Upworthy Good People book (14:33) - A touching story of a waitress becoming a civil rights attorney (19:54) - The impact of childhood experiences on the perception of safety (21:02) - Personal story of support during a mental health crisis (24:17) - The importance of human connection and kindness (26:24) - Discussion on the power of dance and movement for mental health (29:00) - The therapeutic effects of dance and authentic expression (34:44) - The spiritual aspect of dance and connecting with inner child (38:40) - The importance of authentic self-expression (41:35) - Experience with somatic-based dance and channeling energy (44:28) - The unifying power of dance and movement (47:56) - The potential of the internet for positive impact (49:53) - Personal relationship with technology and setting boundaries (54:39) - The impact of constant digital consumption on mental health (57:48) - The benefits of reading books as an alternative to digital media (01:00:50) - Book recommendations and the importance of fiction (01:03:33) - Closing thoughts on Upworthy and the importance of positive content === Thank You To Our Sponsors! AquaTru Go to https://aquatru.com and use code DRG for 20% off all products. Kion Use my link to save 20% at GETKION.COM/DRG Nuzest Go to https://nuzest-usa.com/drg and use code DRG for 20% off all products. === Be sure to like and subscribe to #HealThySelf Hosted by Doctor Christian Gonzalez N.D. Follow Doctor G on Instagram @doctor.gonzalez https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gonzalez/

Today on AirTalk, we take a look at the future of the sports streaming market. Also on the show, Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich talk about their new book ‘GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity;' we celebrate the movies that put labor and its workers front-and-center; our TV critics review the latest shows; and more. Why the future of the sports streaming market is under scrutiny (00:17) Upworthy's latest book “Good People” documents the best of humanity (21:33) The movies that capture labor & the workplace (50:56) Our TV critics review the latest shows (1:22:56)

Our special guest today is Sarah Moshman, an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured on Netflix, PBS, Upworthy, Marie Claire, CNN, and Good Morning America. Sarah has directed and produced 3 feature-length documentaries: The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things, Losing Sight of Shore, and Nevertheless. She has also directed several narrative shorts including Unbound and A Mother is Born. Sarah is dedicated to telling stories that uplift, inform and inspire as well as showcase strong and complex female role models on screen. Sarah is honored to be the Artistic Director of the non-profit arts and filmmaking organization Look what SHE Did! and the leader of their newest filmmaking program for women over 30: Look what SHE's Doing! Today we'll discuss her career and focus on her documentary, Losing Sight of Shore.

TALK TO ME, TEXT ITAt 57, I've often wondered about the pressures of aging and maintaining beauty in a society obsessed with youth. This morning, we're sharing an eye-opening article from Upworthy that dives into the emotional and societal impacts of losing youthful beauty. I'll share my own personal struggles and beauty routine, the big bucks behind the beauty industry, and the line between natural and enhanced looks. It's an honest conversation about aging gracefully and the emotional rollercoaster it can be.Switching gears in the second half, we're tackling some hot-button current events. From Hunter Biden's latest headline to a rather shocking report from the New York Post about Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign team manipulating Google search results, we've got a lot to unpack. Media manipulation and transparency are on the table today, and you'll want to stick around for these eye-opening discussions. It's a mix of personal musings and timely news that promises to keep you both engaged and informed. Exit bumper Not A Democracy Podcast Network made by @FuryanEnergySupport the Show.Tip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Blog - Carol ReMarksX - Carol ReMarks Instagram - Carol.ReMarksFacebook Page - Carol ReMarks Blog

This episode of the HR L&D Podcast is sponsored by Deel, the all-in-one Global People Platform that simplifies how you manage the entire global team lifecycle. Hire and onboard talent in over 150 countries in minutes. Run payroll in over 100 countries with one click. Offer competitive benefits, equipment, and equity from a single dashboard. From contractors, direct employees, EOR, and more, you can manage them all in one place with Deel.Book a demo now: https://www.deel.com/inbound-general?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_hrld-nickday-mar24_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_hrld-nickday-audio_enWelcome to "The HR L&D Podcast," where we dive deep into transformative ideas in the human resources and learning & development space. I'm your host, Nick Day, and today we're exploring a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of workplace culture – the concept of play. In a new study by Brigham Young University, teams that played a collaborative (video) game together for just 45 minutes were able to increase their productivity on a task by 20%.Increase productivity 20%—who doesn't want that?Well to help us understand how we can achieve these gains today is Jeff Harry who has a rich background in L&D and he also combines insights from psychology with practical strategies to help companies cultivate more engaging and creative workplaces.Jeff was selected by BambooHR & Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers and has been featured in the NY Times, Mashable, Upworthy, Huffpost, Shondaland, Wired, NPR, & Forbes. Jeff has also worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day. In the episode we cover:The Role of Play in the Workplace: How play enhances innovation, resilience, and happiness.Creating Psychological Safety: Ensuring employees feel seen, heard, and valued.Practical Integration of Play: Incorporating play into HR and L&D strategies.Cultural Shift Towards Play: Developing a workplace culture that fosters creativity.Steps for HR Leaders: Practical actions to encourage a playful and innovative environment.Addressing Toxicity: Identifying and resolving toxic leadership issues.Adaptability and Future Trends: Embracing change and experimenting with new ideas.Advice for Leaders and New Professionals: Encouraging self-discovery and adaptability.Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaConnect with Jeff:Website - https://www.rediscoveryourplay.com/consultingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffharryplaysSign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Connect with Nick Day:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Of course, if you

In this episode, James explores an Upworthy article, "A helpful chart to explain the difference between support and 'toxic positivity'
Can positivity be “toxic”? "By Sarah Schuster Connect with James on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. Because I'm a LinkedIn snob, please add a note to the connection request to let me know you heard me on the podcast to ensure your connection request is accepted.   Can't wait to hear from you.  Be sure to stick around to the end for the dad joke! If you love the podcast, please subscribe to it on your fave podcast player, rate it, and leave a review. Also, please share it on social media.  P.S., If you're a tech entrepreneur looking for a co-founder, visit James' startup, Kabila, to download the co-founder matching app.  P.P.S., And check out James' book, The More You Hustle, The Luckier You Get: You CAN be a Successful ParentPreneur on Amazon, you will love it!

Founder Amy-Willard Cross discusses the mission and operations of Gender Fair, the first consumer rating system for gender equality. Gender Fair aims to measure and promote gender equality within consumer-facing companies by utilizing data and the UN Women Empowerment Principles. Amy highlights the importance of transparency and data-driven insights to create social change, emphasizing that gender equality in corporate practices benefits not just women but overall fairness in the workplace. Gender Fair evaluates companies across five categories: women in leadership, employee policies, diversity reporting, supplier diversity, and philanthropy for women. Amy also shares how Gender Fair has incorporated technology to increase its impact, including an app and browser extension that allow consumers to easily access company ratings on gender equality. These tools enable users to make informed purchasing decisions based on a company's gender equality practices. The app features functionalities like barcode scanning and logo recognition to provide real-time information about products. Amy emphasizes the significance of making gender equality data accessible and actionable for consumers, believing that collective consumer power can drive corporate accountability and fairness. Throughout the conversation, Amy discusses the challenges and successes of building Gender Fair, the importance of leveraging economic power for social change, and the role of technology in facilitating gender fairness. She also touches on the broader impact of Gender Fair's work in promoting fair business practices and the potential for future expansions, such as a B2B database for procurement. Gender Fair (https://www.genderfair.com/) Follow Gender Fair on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/begenderfair/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GenderFair/), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/genderfair). Follow Amy-Willard Cross on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-willard-cross-genderfair/). Follow thoughtbot on X (https://twitter.com/thoughtbot) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/). Transcript: CHAD: This is the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots podcast, where we explore the design, development, and business of great products. I'm your host, Chad Pytel, and with me today is Amy-Willard Cross, the Founder of Gender Fair, the first consumer rating system for gender equality. Amy, thank you so much for joining me. AMY-WILLARD: Well, I'm very happy to be talking to robots, giant and small. CHAD: [laughs] We'll try not to smash into each other too much on this show. I think we probably have a lot to learn from each other rather than conflicting. AMY-WILLARD: I think so. CHAD: Let's just get started by digging in a little bit to what Gender Fair actually is in terms of what we mean when we say a consumer rating system for gender equality. AMY-WILLARD: It's about data. So, I was originally a journalist. I've written for a living my whole life: books, magazines, articles [laughs], you know, radio shows. I wanted to do something to promote equality in the world. And I realized that data is one way that you can want to have commercial value. Data has value that isn't, like, just blah, blah, blogging, and also, data can create social change. So, I decided to do something like, you know, we know fair trade has created great change as has, you know, marine stewards certified. And also, I was inspired by something that the Human Rights Campaign, the LGBTQ organization, does, which is called the Guide to Corporate Equality. So, our goal is to measure how companies do on gender and then share that with the public. And I didn't just make this up. We use a set of principles called the UN Women Empowerment Principles, which look at eight different sort of areas of an organization. And so, we created metrics that are based on these UN Women Empowerment Principles and also based on what is findable in the public record. We rate consumer-facing public companies, you know, like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, the shampoos that you use, the cars that you buy, the airplanes you ride on. And we look at five major categories, such as, like, women in leadership. We look at employee policies like parental leave, and flex time, part-time, summer Fridays. I'll be curious to know what you do at Giant Robot. I bet you have good ones. And then, we also look at diversity reporting. Our company is upfront with their attempt to bring more diversity into the workforce and also supplier diversity. I don't know, are you familiar with supplier diversity, Chad? CHAD: I am because we often are a supplier, so... AMY-WILLARD: You are. So, when they ask you if you're diverse...but one way companies, especially the big companies that we rate on this public database, they can make a big impact by trying to buy from women and minority-owned businesses, right? When procurement spending is huge. That's a metric that people may not know as well, but it's one that I would encourage every business to undertake because it's not that expensive. And you could just intentionally try to move capital into communities that are not typically the most rewarded. The last category that we measure is philanthropy for women, and that's important. People say, "Well, why do you measure philanthropy?" One, because the amount of philanthropy that goes to women and girls is 1.5% of all donations, and it used to be 1.8. So, pets get more money than women. I don't know how that makes you feel, Chad, but it doesn't make me feel very happy. I mean, I suppose if you're Monster Beverage and you don't have any women clientele, one, it's okay if you don't score well on your gender metrics; just meet the basic fairness. But maybe Monster Beverage doesn't have to donate to the community of women. But if you're making billions of dollars a year selling a shampoo, I would sort of think it's fair to ask that there's some capital that goes back the other way towards the community of women. So, that's the measurement. So, we could do it...and we do it for small companies like yours, too. I imagine your company would do well from the little bit I've talked to people on your staff. It sounds like you have a lot of women in leadership. And I don't know your policies yet, but I'm sure you...I bet in Massachusetts I know you have parental leave anyway in the state, but you're a more progressive state. But I think this is something that all of your listeners can benefit from is putting a gender lens on their operations because a gender lens is a fairness lens. And it includes usually, you know, this includes people who are not just all the same men, White men. So, it helps all businesses sort of operate in a more fair way to put a gender lens on their operations. And it's not hard to do. CHAD: So, one of the things that jumped out at me, in addition to just the Gender Fair mission, as I was learning about Gender Fair, is that you have an app and a browser extension. And so, that's part of why you're on the show, not only do we care about the impact you're having. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. Yeah [laughs]. CHAD: But you're a tech company. Did you always know as you got started that you were going to be making an app and a browser extension? AMY-WILLARD: Well, yes, that was the beginning because you have data. You have to make it used. You have to make it available, right? Personally, I like to see it on packages. But yes, we've had two iterations of the app, and I'm sure it could always get better and better. The current one has a barcode scanner and, also, it can look at a logo and tell you, "Oh, this soda pop is not gender fair. Try this soda pop, which is gender fair." And it can make you a shopping list and stuff like that. But, you know, tech is only good if people use it, so I hope they do. I mean, the idea is making it more accessible to people, right? I would like to have it as a filter, some easy tech. We've talked to big retailers before about having a filter put on online shopping sites, right? So, if I can choose fair-trade coffee, why can't I choose gender-fair shampoo? I like it when people can use technology to create more fairness, right? If this is a great benefit to us if technology can take this journalism we do and make it accessible and available and in your hand for someone, you can do it in the store, for Pete's sake. You could just go on the store shelf, and that's pretty liberating, isn't it? When you think of it. It should be easy to know how the companies from which you buy are doing on values that you care about. So, I never really thought of it as a tech. I wish it was better tech, but, you know, I'd need millions and millions of dollars to do that. CHAD: [laughs] Had you ever built in any of your prior companies, or had been directly responsible for the creation of an app? AMY-WILLARD: No, but I did actually once when I worked at the major women's magazine in Canada, I did hire the person who created the first online sort of magazine in Canada, and she made money, so I felt good about that. I plucked her from...she was working as sort of tech support at the major...what do you call those? Internet providers in Canada. But no, I had not, and so I relied on experts. I had a friend who was on the board of Southby, and he helped me find a tech team. I went through a few of them and, you know, it's hard to find. Like, where do you go and find people who will build something for you when you're a novice, right? As a journalist, I don't really know anything about building technology, and I certainly wasn't about to start at my age. It was definitely a voyage of discovery and learning, and I don't think I really learned much coding myself. CHAD: That's okay. AMY-WILLARD: That's okay [laughs]. CHAD: But was there something that sort of surprised you that you didn't anticipate in the process of creating a digital app? AMY-WILLARD: Oh gosh. Well, you know, of course, it's difficult, and there's lots of iterations, and there's lots of bugs. And in every business, mistakes are part of what people...in the construction industry, they'll tell you, "Mistakes are just going to happen every day. You just have to figure out how to fix each one." But, no, it's a difficult road. So yeah, I wish I could have coded it myself. I wish I could have done it myself, but I could not. But yeah, it's good learning. And, of course, you know, I think anyone who's going to start building a company with technology...if it were me now 10 years ago, I would have actually done some coding classes so I could just even communicate better to people who were building for me. But I did learn something, but not really enough. But it's a very interesting partnership, that's for sure. CHAD: And there is a lot of online classes now... AMY-WILLARD: Right [laughs]. CHAD: If someone is out there thinking, oh, you know, maybe that's good advice. And there's a lot of opportunities for sort of an on-ramp, and you don't need to become an expert. AMY-WILLARD: No. CHAD: But, like you said, even just knowing the vocabulary can be helpful. AMY-WILLARD: I think that would have been useful. Yeah, definitely useful. But I definitely, like, you learn a little bit as a text-based person. You learn the rigor of just sort of, like, you have to think in ones and zeros. It either is or isn't. That helps. I learned that a little bit in working with tech devs. The last version we did actually white labeled off of someone who had created a technology to do with...it was to do with building communities online. And their project failed, but it had enough backbone that we were able to efficiently build what we needed to on top of what they built. CHAD: Oh, that's really...was it someone you knew already, or how did you get connected? AMY-WILLARD: Yes, they knew one of our partners in New York. We tried it first as a community project. It didn't really work. And then, we realized it could actually hold our data at the same time. So, my first iteration of the app was different. But yeah, anyway, we've built it a couple of times, and I could build it even more times... CHAD: [laughs] AMY-WILLARD: And make it even better and better. CHAD: So, on the sort of company side of you've worked with companies like Procter & Gamble, MasterCard, Microsoft, do you find it difficult to convince companies to participate? AMY-WILLARD: What we do is data journalism. We don't contact the companies. We have researchers. We have journalists go and look through the SEC data and CSR reports and collect the data points on which we measure them. So, no one has to cooperate with us to get the data. It's journalism. It's not opt-in surveys, which is a very common...when I first started, no one was measuring women, and now there's lots of different measurements. And they're often pay-to-play surveys, so they're not really very valuable. Ours is objective and fully transparent journalism. But then afterwards, our business model how we typically used to pay for this is that companies that did well on our index were then invited to be quote, "certified." And this was a business model that was sort of suggested to us at the Clinton Global Initiative, to which I belonged in 2016. And they loved what we were doing, using the free market to drive gender equality. Because, you know, our whole point is that women and people who care about women and equality, we have a lot of power as consumers, or as taxpayers, or as tuition payers, or as donors to nonprofits. And whenever you give money to an organization or a company, you have the right to sort of ask questions about the fairness of that organization. Well, that's our whole ethic, really. I answered that question and came around to a different idea, but yes, no. So, the companies do participate to be certified, and some of them are interested and some of them are not, and that's fine. We do projects with them sort of like when we...we've talked about MasterCard, and we did a big conference with them in New York. This is pre-pandemic. And then, we did a big, global exhibit with P&G, and Eli Lilly, and Microsoft at TED Global, which was very fun. It was all about fairness. And it was great to talk to technologists such as yourself. And we made a booth about fairness in general, not just about women. And we had a fairness game, and it was very interesting to just discuss with people.  I think people like to think about fairness, right? I don't know if you have children, but little children get very interested in the idea of what's fair very early on. Yeah, so some companies participate...now we have companies...we do some work in B2B procurement which is something that your listeners might be interested in thinking about is that just, like, supplier diversity. If I were purchasing your services, your company services, I would ask about the gender metrics of your organization. I already learned they're quite good. So, big companies buying from other companies can put a gender lens on their B2B procurement. And so, that's a project we're doing with Salesforce, Logitech, Zoetis, Andela, which is another tech provider, and Quinnox, which is a similar sort of tech labor force, I believe. And so, we're going to be releasing a database about B2B suppliers. Actually, I should make sure that you get on it. That's a good idea. CHAD: Yes. AMY-WILLARD: That's a good idea because then it's going to be embedded in procurement platforms because this is a huge amount of money. It's even probably more...it could be more money than consumer spending, right? B2B spending. So, I'm excited about working with more companies on that to help promulgate this data and this idea because it's an easy way to drive fairness in a culture. When the government isn't requiring fairness, at least large companies can. And in some countries, actually, the government requires its vendors to do well on gender. Like, Italy now has a certification for gender, the government does, and companies that do well are privileged in RFPs and also get a tax deduction. CHAD: I don't want to say something incorrect, but I think the UK has, like, a rule around equity in pay... AMY-WILLARD: Yeah, absolutely. You're absolutely correct. CHAD: And yet they don't have equity in pay, the data shows. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. And we don't have that in the United States. It's voluntary in the U.S. We measure that, actually, too. That's seven points over a hundred points scale is whether they, one, publish the results of their pay study. In the U.S., though, we do it in a way that isn't rigorous as the way they do it in the UK. In the UK...you're great to remember that, Chad, in the UK, I mean, I wish my government did that. In the UK, companies report on the overall salaries paid to men and the overall salaries paid to women. So, that means if, you know, all the million-dollar jobs are held by men, it shows very clearly, and all the five-dollar jobs are held by women, it shows very clearly there's an imbalance. And in the United States, we just say, "Oh, well, is the male VP paid the same as a female VP?" That's sort of easier to do, right? CHAD: When we've talked with some larger companies about different products we're creating or those kinds of things, sometimes what I hear is they're looking for big wins, comprehensive things. And so, I was wondering whether you ever get pushback or feedback that's like, "Well, not that your issue is not important, but it's just focused on one aspect of what our goals are for this year." AMY-WILLARD: Right. Yeah, that's always a hard thing because when I think about fairness to half of the population, it's a hard thing for me to think that's not hugely important. CHAD: Yes. AMY-WILLARD: I have a really hard time, but yes, of course, we get that a lot. And, you know, quite frankly, when we did this B2B project with Logitech and Zoetis, they would ask their vendors, like, the major consulting companies and big companies, to take a SaaS assessment that we do. We have a SaaS product that private companies can take, or just instead of doing our journalism, they can just get their own assessment. And they were very, very reluctant to do this. That was just, you know, half an hour. It was a thousand-dollar assessment. And it took many months to convince these companies to do it. And that was their big customers. So, yes, it is very hard to have...what's the word? Coherence on what one company wants versus what a big company wants, and it's hard to know what they want. And it's, yeah, that's a difficult road for sure. And it changes [laughs]. CHAD: Part of the reason why I asked is because from a product perspective, from a business perspective, at thoughtbot, we're big fans of, like, what can be called, like, niching down or being super clear about who you are, and what you believe, and what you offer. And if you try to be everything to everybody, it's usually not a very good tactic in the market. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. That's right. CHAD: So, the fact that you focus on one particular thing like you said, it's very important, and it's 50% of the population. But I imagine that focus is really healthy for you from a clarity of purpose perspective. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. But at the same time, now there's lots of...when I started in 2016, there weren't a lot of things in this space, and now there's many, many, many, many, many, many, so corporations that want to sort of connect to the community of women or do better for women. There's many different options. So, there's many flavors of this ice cream. Even though we're niche, the niche is very crowded, I would say, actually, and people are very confused. I mean, I think I remember hearing from Heineken that they're assaulted daily by things to, you know, ways to support women in different organizations and events. And they said they took our call because we were different. But yeah, there's many competitors. But, I mean, that's the main thing. In any business, in any endeavor in life, one has to show one's value to the people who may participate, and that's a challenge everywhere, isn't it? CHAD: Yeah. AMY-WILLARD: But the niching down thing is...and interesting we hear a lot these days is that women are done. We've moved on from that. Now we care about racial equality, and we say, "That's a yes, and… We can't move on." CHAD: Well, the data doesn't show that we've moved on. AMY-WILLARD: The data doesn't show that at all, and we're going way backwards, as you well know. So, I mean, actually, I don't know if you know, there's something called the named executive officers in public companies. Are you familiar with that? The top five paid people. CHAD: Yeah. AMY-WILLARD: They have to be registered with the government. Well, that number really hasn't changed in six years. That's where the big capital is, and the stock options, and the bonuses, and the big salaries. So, to me, that's very important that I would like, you know, rights and capital to be more...well, I want rights to be solid and capital to be flowing. And so, that's what we hope to do in our work. MID-ROLL AD: Now that you have funding, it's time to design, build, and ship the most impactful MVP that wows customers now and can scale in the future. thoughtbot Liftoff brings you the most reliable cross-functional team of product experts to mitigate risk and set you up for long-term success. As your trusted, experienced technical partner, we'll help launch your new product and guide you into a future-forward business that takes advantage of today's new technologies and agile best practices. Make the right decisions for tomorrow today. Get in touch at thoughtbot.com/liftoff. CHAD: So, going back to the founding of Gender Fair, when did you know that this was something you needed to do? AMY-WILLARD: I wanted to serve, you know, you want to be useful in life. And I wanted to do work in this field that I care so much about. As I said, I think I told you I started doing journalism before, and I realized anyone could take the journalism, and they could, you know, Upworthy would publish things we would create and then not pay us for it. And I thought that's crazy. But it's interesting talking to my husband. My husband's, like, a very privileged White guy. And I remember he said something to me very interesting. He said, "You either have power, or you take it." And he said, "Women have all this power." So, he helped me understand this. Like, you know, I think sometimes as women or communities that are underserved, you start thinking very oppositionally about what you don't have. But at the same time, you can realize that you do have this power. So, what we're trying to do with Gender Fair is remind people they have this economic power, and they can use it everywhere, you know, in addition to our consumer database. I told you that we're doing a B2B database this year. And we also...I think next week I'm going to release a database of 20,000 nonprofits looking at their gender ratings. That was done as a volunteer project by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if you know them. So, yeah, this is an ethic that you can take everywhere in your life is you have this power, even as a consumer. Chad, even in your little town, you can ask your coffee shop if they pay fair wages. Like, this is just a way of looking at the world that I hope to encourage people to do. CHAD: Along the journey of getting started, I assume you ran into many roadblocks. AMY-WILLARD: Mm-hmm. CHAD: Did you ever think maybe this is too hard? AMY-WILLARD: Oh yes. Well, not in building. In building, you're very optimistic, you know, it's just like when you're writing your first book. You think it's going to be a bestseller. Like, you build something, and you think the whole world is going to use it right away, and you're going to...I did have a great...when I first launched, I had a wonderful, I had, you know, press in Fortune. I had Chelsea Clinton. I had big people writing about us. Melinda Gates has written about us many, many times. The fact that...well, I've always wanted to build, like, a consumer revolution of women, and I'm going to keep at it. But it's very daunting. It's very daunting when you're trying to move a boulder such as, you know, big institutions and companies that don't really want to change, and they're not motivated to do it. So, yes, those are my roadblocks. It's not creating the massive amount of change that I wanted to do. And I'm not going to give up, but, yes, it is very daunting, and it's very daunting to see how little people care. Some people don't care about it, but some people in power don't care about it. But I think if you asked, you know, regular women, they would say, "We would like fair pay. We would like equal opportunity. We would like paid parental leave." They would want all these things, and hopefully, together, we can fight for them. CHAD: Well, and, like you said, the premise of what you're doing is you're focused on the power that you do have, which is the dollars that you spend with these companies. I think that's such a smart angle on this because especially for...it seems like the core in terms of the consumer-facing companies. That's so inherent in what this is. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. CHAD: Yeah, the angle of empowering consumers, and giving them the information, and leveraging the power that consumers have with these companies seems really smart to me... AMY-WILLARD: That's right. If it works -- CHAD: As opposed to individually going to the companies and saying, you know -- AMY-WILLARD: "Please make it." Yeah. And some people would refute your use of the word empower because that implies that people don't have power. So, when I give speeches...I have a pair of beautiful gemstone red pumps, and I say it's the ruby slippers. We had this power all along. We just were not exercising it. But this power will only work, Chad, if it's done in the aggregate. So, our challenge is to reach the aggregate of American women. I have to, you know, I have to go reach 50 million women this year. That's my goal. Reach 50 million women with this message that we have the power in the aggregate to make change. And that's the only way this will work. If it's just one by one, it really doesn't. When I first launched, I found when I showed the app to people on the lower end of the economic scale, like, you know, people in the cash register; they understood this more than middle-class women. They understood the fact that if all women come together and, you know, buy from this company or don't buy from this company based on how they treat women, they understood that as a collective power. Whereas middle-class women who don't have as many struggles didn't really groove to that idea as quickly, which I thought was very...to me, it was very interesting, you know, individuals feel more powerful on the higher end of the social scale. They may or may not -- CHAD: That is interesting. AMY-WILLARD: Yeah. So, yeah, that's my goal. We'll see if I can do it. That's going to be my life's work, I think, Chad. CHAD: How do you reach 50 million people? AMY-WILLARD: I don't know. That's what I'm going to think about. You know, we're talking to different people about campaigns. We actually stopped the consumer work during the pandemic because it just, you know, everything changed. And so, now, this year, we're going back. I don't know; I mean, I guess if Ryan Reynolds tweeted about me, you know, that would help. If [laughs] anyone listening has any ideas how to reach 50 million women...no, maybe 3 million is what I need to create social change. CHAD: I imagine that it doesn't just come down to spending money on advertising. One, you might not have that money. AMY-WILLARD: No. And that would be, you know, that also would be not in the ethics of what Gender Fair is, for example, right? That means I would be paying money to Facebook and basically Facebook, I guess, and Google. If you look at the major spends of nonprofits, they're advertising with these big tech giants. And so, we have...actually, we have some partnerships with large women's organizations, and I think that's the way we hope to spread that. And if I had money for advertising, I would want to spend it with other women's organizations, or women's owned media, or women influencers. There's another idea I talk about in my work I call the female domestic product, and so talking about how much money women earn or capital we control. And the more we can grow that female domestic product, the more we can achieve equality actually. I always say, in America, you get as much equality as you can pay for sadly. CHAD: I was just about to say, "Sadly." AMY-WILLARD: Sadly, yeah. It's true. We still don't have the Equal Rights Amendment. A hundred years. CHAD: Well, 50% of the population would say, "Why do we need an Equal Rights Amendment [laughs]?" AMY-WILLARD: All men are created equal, but yeah, it's quite astonishing. I don't know. Do you have daughter, too, or just a son? CHAD: I have a son, and my younger one is non-binary. AMY-WILLARD: Well, I'm sorry to be so binary. Excuse me. CHAD: It's okay. AMY-WILLARD: Well, interesting. And that's great, too, isn't it? Because we see how fluid gender is and their rights are just as important as a woman's rights. And these are, you know, women and non-binary people are often excluded from things. And so, we are all working together just to create fairness. I'm sure that the same thing happens in your family, too. CHAD: Yeah. I think fairness is one of those things. Sometimes equality is not necessarily the same as fairness. AMY-WILLARD: Yes. CHAD: But I think, like you said at the top of the show, fairness is something that we seemingly learn very early on. But one of the ways that it comes across is I'm being. It is unfair to me, especially in little kids, at least with my kids [laughs]. AMY-WILLARD: Of course, yes. CHAD: That was the thing that they learned first and caused them the most pain. And it was very difficult for them to see that something was unfair for somebody else. So, I remember saying to my kids when they were little, "Fair doesn't mean you get your way." AMY-WILLARD: That's right. Not fair. CHAD: Right [laughs]. AMY-WILLARD: It's true. But then, you know, it's funny. When I talk about equal pay, I often say to people, "When I used to cut cakes for my children, I cut equal slices, and I didn't put them under the table," like, you know what I mean [laughter]? So, why are we so cagey about the slices of economic pie we give to one another? I mean, there's no reason why pay has to be secret, right? If it's fair. You could easily talk to people. Well, you know, Chad gets paid more money because he's the CEO, and he does the podcast, and he has to talk to the bank, you know what I mean? So, you could easily explain that to people. And I don't know why we have to keep salaries a secret from one another. It seems very irrational to me and not really a part of fairness. CHAD: Yeah. Yep. That's something...so, all of our salary bands at thoughtbot are public on the internet. AMY-WILLARD: Cool. On the internet. Oh, I'm very impressed. CHAD: Yeah. So, you can go to thoughtbot and use our compensation calculator. You enter in your location, what role you have. AMY-WILLARD: Oh. So, you do it for other people. Oh, that's cool. That's a great service. And that was just some sort of tech that was sort of pro bono tech that you all built for the world. CHAD: Yeah, we created it for ourselves. AMY-WILLARD: And then you shared it. CHAD: Mm-hmm. AMY-WILLARD: Then you open-sourced it. Great. Well, I bet you have a lot of happy employees. CHAD: I like to think so [laughs]. I do think that there is an inherent understanding of fairness. And when people ask how we do things at thoughtbot or how we should do things, I say, "How do you want it to be?" I think that guides a lot of how we do things and why a lot of stuff we do is just common sense. And it's not until ulterior motives or maintaining power comes into play where the people in power don't want to give it up. Because, like you said, people don't understand that by giving someone else a bigger piece, they think that that means their piece is smaller. AMY-WILLARD: Right. Or they just think they deserve it. I was reading last night about succession planning and CEOs. And apparently, a lot of them just stay...oh, sorry, in big public companies, not in their own companies, they stay on way too long. And all these consultants are saying it's the four Ps, you know, position, privilege, pay, and then...I forget the other one. But one of them was jets. They don't want to give up their jets. So yeah, I think when you have things, it seems fair, and sharing them seems...giving up some of what you have seems unfair. But I do think humans can see fairness. But sometimes, when you have a lot, it's hard to see it. You're able to justify why it may be not unfair to people who don't have as much as you do. But anyway, I can't change human nature, but most people do understand fairness. I think you're right about that. CHAD: Well, one thing...I noticed...so, you're a Public Benefit Corporation. AMY-WILLARD: Yes. CHAD: Did you set out to be a Public Benefit Corporation from day one? AMY-WILLARD: Yes, you know, originally, when it came to how was I going to pay for this, the first part I paid myself with my own money. I hired MBAs. I hired researchers. I built the tech. And then, I wasn't sure how I was going to pay for it going forward. But I knew I didn't want to become a nonprofit because, in my mind, there are so many things that...there are so many problems that women have that need to be solved by nonprofit organizations, planned parenthood first among them. Like, I don't want to take money away from women's organizations that help women fleeing abusive homes. So, I wanted to see if I could pay for this in the private sphere, which we've been able to do, and not have to seek donations because, really, I felt very strongly about not taking money out of that. That's part of the FDP, the part of the female domestic product, but the part that's contributed by people philanthropically. And there isn't a lot of philanthropic dollars going to women, as I mentioned before. So, yes, I knew definitely I wanted to be a Public Benefit Corporation. And there's no tax benefits to that, you know, I don't know if you are yet, but... CHAD: No, it's something that we've looked at, but it's very attractive to me. AMY-WILLARD: Right. And there's also the private version of it being a B Corp, which is also very useful. It's an onerous process. Public Benefit Corporation isn't quite as onerous, I don't believe. I mean, we're in Delaware and New York, but it just says that you're, I mean, we exist for the public good. I'm not existing to make millions of dollars. I'm existing to create social change. And some organizations don't want...are leery of working with us because we're not a nonprofit so that's to assuage them. Well, it's not really about...we're not about enriching shareholders. It's just a different way to pay for it. But yeah, I would encourage all companies to look into being a Public Benefit Corporation or do a B Corp assessment or a Gender Fair assessment. It helps them, you know, operate in a world that is increasingly more values concerned. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago, it wasn't so on the top of mind of many people. We were coming out of, you know, warring '80s capitalism. But nowadays, the younger people, especially, are very focused on issues of fairness and equality. So, I think those tools making business better that way are very useful. CHAD: Well, I would encourage, you know, everyone listening to go check out the app, if you're at a company, to look at doing the assessment. Where can people do those things? AMY-WILLARD: Ah, well, yeah, I would encourage them to do all those things. You're right, Chad. I would encourage you to download the app and check some of your favorite brands. It's very simple. Do the paid subscription. And then, if you're a company, you can do an online assessment. You just go Gender Fair assessment, and you'll find it. If you're a business and would like to participate in our B2B database, you can also do the assessment, or there's a coalition for Gender Fair procurement, where you can get information. We had the prime minister of Australia speak at our launch. It was quite excellent. We'll be launching our nonprofit. Actually, I think it's already online. It's called genderfair-nonprofits.org, if you want to see how your favorite nonprofits do. But, basically, we're here to help any business or organization do better on gender. And you can email me amy.cross@genderfair.com. And I would love to help anyone in their journey for fairness of any kind. Yeah, many ways to participate. Just go to genderfair.com or genderfairprocurement.com. CHAD: Awesome. Amy, thank you so much for sharing with us. I really appreciate it. And thank you for all the good that you're doing in the world with Gender Fair. AMY-WILLARD: Well, I appreciate the way you're running your company in a very new, interesting, and apparently ethical way. Privately, I could look at your website and your career page and figure out how you're doing. But it sounds, to me, when I've talked to people, that you're doing very well. And I honor your curiosity about learning from others. CHAD: Awesome. Well, listeners, you can subscribe to the show and find notes along with a complete transcript for this episode at giantrobots.fm. If you have questions or comments, email us at hosts@giantrobots.fm. You can find me on Mastodon @cpytel@thoughtbot.social. This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot and produced and edited by Mandy Moore. Thanks so much for listening, and see you next time. AD: Did you know thoughtbot has a referral program? If you introduce us to someone looking for a design or development partner, we will compensate you if they decide to work with us. More info on our website at: tbot.io/referral. Or you can email us at: referrals@thoughtbot.com with any questions.

Building your personal brand is not just a nice to do, it is a must-do. No matter how introverted or against social media you are -  building your personal brand is critical on so many levels. During our conversation with Kate Pozeznik, who is a personal branding expert, she shares her views on how, why, and what you need to do to build your personal brand.  One of the most important aspects of building your brand is to know that 70% of employers evaluate candidates by watching what you say and how you say it. This is one important way for employers to keep an eye on how you are being inside and outside of your place of employment.  We also discuss how our identity gets tied to our careers and that we are so much more than our careers. We are leaders, moms, sisters, community activists, friends, thought leaders and the list goes on and on. Our identity is not what we do but more about who we are, what are we known for, our values, and to make it personal and yet still professional. So building your brand and being authentically you is more important than ever. Kate shares wonderful tips on how to get started such as updating your LinkedIn profile and using Canva to create a banner for your backdrop.  But it's not just about having a LI profile, it's about setting yourself up as a thought leader and many of us think “What do I have to share that would interest others?” Chances are if you are thinking that someone else is thinking the same thing you have the opportunity to engage with other like-minded individuals.  She also recommends you google yourself – by conducting a social media audit you ensure that what is online is reflective of who you want the world to see and get to know. These are just a couple of her tips, have a listen to learn more and if you have questions please feel free to reach out. Or if you know someone who would gain from listening to this episode of the WIL Talk podcast please do share with them. Kate Pozeznik is a personal branding expert and founder of Quirk. She has been cited in Buzzfeed, AARP, and Upworthy. She is also an ADHD and mental health advocate, avid traveller, Salsa and bachata dancer and so many more interests. If networking is not your thing, maybe it's time to start loving it. Visit us at www.wilempowered.com to learn about our own demand networking course and move from hating it to loving it. Monthly we host live Q&A sessions where you build your networking skills, ask questions and make new connections.  #personalbranding #networking #connecting #identity #wilempowered #wiltalk

I'm not gonna lie…I'm addicted to listicles…not the click-baity ones that have sub-headlines like “and you won't believe #6!”…I'm only interested in the ones that offer interesting or weird facts…usually that means Buzzfeed, Bored Panda, Upworthy, Laughing Squid—you know the kind…“today I learned” and “I was today years old when I discovered”…that sort of thing… Here's one…there is a species of moth that lives in the amazon jungle that drinks the tears of sleeping birds…it'll sit on a bird's neck, stick a long proboscis under the bird's eyelid, and slurp away the tears…I know! Right?... Here's another: until the 1800s, polite people didn't eat bananas because their shape made them an “immoral fruit”…importers had to hire women for ads showing them eating bananas to prove that there was nothing wrong with them… Okay, okay…one more…and I'm sorry if this is going to trigger you…if you take public transit, approximately 15% of the air you breath contains human skin…all those floating specs you see in the sunlight?...skin…gross, but I love this stuff… A big part of my job is searching for facts, although most of what I'm looking for involves music…I've heard that if you play hip-hop to a wheel of cheese as it's maturing, the cheese will have a stronger flavor and aroma…as late as 1948, you could win an Olympic medal for music…and if you want to play music for you dog, choose Reggae…scientists have proven that that's the music they like the most… Over the course of the year of researching and writing this program, I run across all kinds of weird facts…most I can incorporate into various shows…others, not so much… But these orphaned facts need a home…so once every 12 months, I devote a program to clearing out all this information from post-it notes, highlighted passages in books, pages torn from newspapers and magazines, and various files on my computer and throw them all into one program…what you do with this stuff is up to you…this is the annual show I call “60 mind-blowing facts about music in 60 minutes”… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization.He's known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, CNN, Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, TEDx, TVONE, Creative Mornings, USA Today, NBC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) National Magazine, NBC News, AJC, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, and Upworthy. These campaigns have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.Terence has authored seven books and three traditionally published works, including: I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People, When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together, and All God's Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity, all with InterVarsity Press.He also has a children's book coming out with IVP Kids that he co-authored with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Zion Lester, which deals with homelessness, belonging, inclusion, and encouraging children to serve others with empathy and compassion.Terence has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including being named one of Atlanta's top 500 leaders by Atlanta Magazine, being named one of Coca-Cola's History Shakers, receiving the National Urban League Humanitarian Award, Brawny Giant Award, the American Express NextGen Award, the SCLC Social Advocacy Award, Atlanta Voice's 50 under 50, the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks, Fulton County Schools Service Award, and Plywood People's Innovator Award.To stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com

Eli Pariser, Executive Director of MoveOn at 23, and founder of UpWorthy, talks to me about creating healthy online spaces, and democratic activism that builds up democracy rather than tearing it down.

About Brea Brea Schmidt is a Pittsburgh-based writer, speaker and photographer who aims to empower and connect women by creating a safe space to have conversation about the issues that weigh on their hearts. A former professional sports sales leadership executive, Brea took a leap of faith in 2011 to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur and started the newborn, children and family photography business Photography by Brea. She launched The Thinking Branch in 2016 after discovering her passion for wanting to connect women and help mothers feel less alone as she raised three young children herself. Brea was a 2019 “Best Writing” Iris Award nominee at the annual Mom 2.0 Conference, and was recently named one of 5 Must-Follow Influencers in Pittsburgh Magazine's 2019 “Best of the ‘Burgh” Issue. She is a staff writer for Her View From Home, and has had her writing published on or covered by ABC News, Love What Matters, Babble, PopSUGAR Moms, ForEveryMom, Upworthy, MyLifeSuckers and more. She was also nominated as a Northeast Ohio Parent Hero in the December 2017 issue of Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine. In addition to hosting a weekly Facebook live on Sundays, Brea has been a featured speaker for a variety of mom-based and female-entreprenuer-based groups about the importance of self care in our fast-paced world. About HR Like a Boss HR Like a Boss centers around the concept that with the right passion to be and think different, HR and business professionals can do amazingly awesome HR. People who do HR like a boss understand business concepts, what makes people tick, and how to approach HR as more than a compliance or cost center. This podcast builds the foundation for John Bernatovicz's book, "HR Like a Boss." If you're ready to take your HR career to the next level, this is the podcast for you. Share any comments with bridgette@willory.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/willory/message

Laura Carney joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about pluck, endurance, and being the biggest advocate for your book, writing about unresolved grief, what to do to reclaim memory, the truth about marketing your memoir including pitching early, befriending reporters, and building community, how to engage on social media, preparing for your book launch, and her new memoir My Father's List.  Also in this episode: -transforming trauma -making a person's death part of our story -letting go of the book   Books mentioned in this episode: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Turning Pro by  Steven Pressfield Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum Wild by Cheryl Strayed Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehesi Coates Running Home by Katie Arnold   Laura Carney is a writer and copy editor in New York. She's been published by the Washington Post, the Associated Press, The Hill, Runner's World, People magazine, Guideposts, Good Housekeeping, The Fix, Upworthy, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper and other places, and her book My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free is being published by Post Hill Press in June 2023. Her work as a copy editor has been primarily in magazines, for 20 years, including Good Housekeeping, People, Guideposts, Vanity Fair, and GQ.  My Father's List is Laura's story about completing the 54-item bucket list of her late father, who was killed in a car crash when she was 25, in six years. Connect with Laura: Website: bylauracarney.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfatherslist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myfatherslist Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/lac30 – Ronit Plank is a writer, teacher, and editor whose work has been featured in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Writer's Digest, The Rumpus, American Literary Review, Hippocampus, The Iowa Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named a 2021 Best True Crime Book by Book Riot and was a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards, the Housatonic Book Awards, and the Book of the Year Awards. Her fiction and creative nonfiction have been nominated for Pushcart Prizes, the Best of the Net, and the Best Microfiction Anthology, and her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' Eludia Award. She is creative nonfiction editor at The Citron Review and lives in Seattle with her family where she is working on her next book.   More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Sign up for monthly podcast and writing updates: https://bit.ly/33nyTKd Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ More about WHEN SHE COMES BACK, a memoir: https://ronitplank.com/book/ More about HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE, a short story collection: https://ronitplank.com/home-is-a-made-up-place/ Connect with Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://twitter.com/RonitPlank https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank   Background photo: Canva Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

I am so honored to have Dr. Terence Lester back to chat about his thought-provoking new book, All God's Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity.In this Part 1, Steve & Terence cover topics such as:Terence's near fatal auto accidentHis receiving his Ph.D.The inspiring story that was the impetus for launching Love Beyond WallsDismantling unrecognized prejudice"The Talk" that Terence and other black parents have to have with their childrenSteve shares his white privilege storyTerence's take on "color blindness."Black history and the importance of it being taught accurately in schools to future generationsThe controversy of removing confederate statuesMuch more!Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization.He's known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to homelessness, poverty, and economic inequality. His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, CNN, Good Morning America, Essence Magazine, TEDx, TVONE, Creative Mornings, USA Today, NBC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) National Magazine, NBC News, AJC, Black Enterprise, Rolling Out, and Upworthy. These campaigns have been viewed by millions of people worldwide.Terence has authored seven books and three traditionally published works, including: I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People, When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together, and All God's Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity, all with InterVarsity Press.He also has a children's book coming out with IVP Kids that he co-authored with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Zion Lester, which deals with homelessness, belonging, inclusion, and encouraging children to serve others with empathy and compassion.Terence has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including being named one of Atlanta's top 500 leaders by Atlanta Magazine, being named one of Coca-Cola's History Shakers, receiving the National Urban League Humanitarian Award, Brawny Giant Award, the American Express NextGen Award, the SCLC Social Advocacy Award, Atlanta Voice's 50 under 50, the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks, Fulton County Schools Service Award, and Plywood People's Innovator Award.To learn more, please visit:https://terencelester.org/https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org/Instagram: @imterencelesterTo stay connected with Better Place Project and for updates and behind the scenes info, please follow us on social media:Website:https://www.betterplaceproject.org/ Instagram: @BetterPlaceProj To follow Steve on Instagram@SteveNorrisOfficialFacebook: Facebook.com/BetterPlaceProjectPodcastTwitter: @BetterPlaceProjEmail: BetterPlaceProjectPodcast@gmail.com