This Show is All About You: Recent Episodes
KKNW | Hubbard Radio
Welcome to This Show is All About You hosted by JDK Wyneken - author, historian, poet, and social commentator with lots to say on lots of things. Join him every week as he explores what it means to be you, by hearing about him and his take on the world around us as found in history, current affairs, literature, media, sports, and whatever else there is to explore. Take what you want from JDK’s unique outlook and good humor, all with a healthy dose of emotional intelligence, personal connection, and strategic irreverence for the Way Things Are Usually Done.
Episode 121: "Projecting about 'Socialism' - Just Stop It Already" Following up on the feedback he received from last week, JDK digs into all the ways in which commentators on all sides of the political spectrum misunderstand the idea of Socialism, and how they erroneously use the term as both a slur and as a target for emulation or condemnation. Bringing us back to the core focus of respecting the integrity and value of every human being, JDK posits a full-throated call to a decidedly different focus, no matter where we stand on the political and social spectrums.
Episode 120: "Methinks Doth Projects Too Much" In a hard hitting episode about history, JDK lays out an energetic defense of why and how the recent indictments of former president Trump are not anywhere close to resembling the judiciary systems in Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union. Along the way, he also lays out why using such comparisons is corrosive and harmful to our individual and collective connections to reality and to ourselves.
Episode 119: "Reframing Wellness - A Conversation with Jill Beck" JDK welcomes a special guest to this week's show - Jill Beck, founder and CEO of "Go Long", a Wellness Concierge service. Jill focuses on the "Sandwich Generation" of people (40s / 50s), who often are taking care of kids and parents and putting their own health last in their lists of "to do's" Jill helps cut through that by helping people connect with what truly matters in their day-to-day lives, what they want to be doing in the future, and finds them the idea people and professionals with which to work to reach their goals. After listening to this stimulating conversation, be sure to reach out to Jill using the links below. And, if you mention that you found about her on this show, she will give you a 20% off discount! http://golong.me/ http://golong.substack.com/ jill@golong.me
Episode 118: "Whose Side Are You On, Anyway?" JDK focuses this week on a story about Nancy Cunard, an early-twentieth century European intellectual and writer who challenged her fellow writers to take a stand by openly stating their "side" in the Spanish Civil War (1937-39), which pitted a democratically elected left-wing government against the fascist-driven Nationalist movement led by Francisco Franco. For Cunard, it was vital for leading thinkers then to take sides in the larger ideological struggle epitomized by the Spanish Civil War. How applicable is that question to us today in the midst of the political and ideological battles going on in the US, and the literal battles being fought in Ukraine and being threatened in Asia? JDK explores where history can and cannot guide us on this question, and asks us to take a good look at ourselves before we "take a side" on these - and any other - important matters.
Episode 117: "When Square Scrubbers Don't Work" This week, JDK asks us to consider why we tend to unify with one another over news-breaking tragedies rather than over the day-in-day-out gifts and commonalities of life. Why do we lose our sense of unity with others so quickly after a tragedy? What would it look like if we recalibrated our perceptions of - and approaches to - those with whom we disagree? Using a story from a famous near-tragedy, JDK challenges us to take a better look at ourselves and our capacity for connection and change.
JDK relays a story about his recent road trip through rural America, where he found himself in conversations and situations that illuminated a lot about how some define freedom, how others practice it, and how we all understand it for ourselves and for others. In light of the recent Supreme Court rulings, such an examination of what we all mean by "freedom" can tell us a lot about ourselves and, perhaps, about how we want to be going forward.
Episode 115: "A Future Needs a Past" On this Juneteenth, JDK explores the story of Opal Lee, an activist who led the charge to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Her story is one of overcoming racism and violence, and one of patient - if urgent - advocacy and perseverance. In short, it is a decidedly human story that we can all connect with, should we so choose. Remember to visit and contribute to our show sponsor, Airway Science for Kids, at airsci.org For ways to continue providing assistance, please consider contributing your money, time, and / or talents to uaws.org and supportukrainenow.org
Episode 114: "One Man in a Great Crusade" With the anniversary of D-Day this week, JDK tells the unique story of one man - Norwood Thomas - who fought that day and went on to live a remarkably "normal" life, punctuated by a number of memorable moments later in life. It's a very human story from start to finish, and a way to connect with the humanity of those who lived - and fought - in circumstances quite different from our own. To see Norwood for yourself (and someone else you might recognize), check out this link via show sponsor, Airway Science for Kids: https://youtu.be/ekIa7RP9WRQ
Episode 97: "The 2022 Human Spirit Episode"JDK wraps up the show's run through 2022 by taking a unique look back on the biggest stories in the news - both good and bad - and reflecting on what it can all mean for each of us, depending on how we see ourselves and act in the here and now. Underneath it all are some big and inspiring things that unite us all as humans, and can bring forward all the positives we choose to prioritize. Happy Holidays to all!
Episode 96: "One Man's Show"JDK begins a multi-episode look back on 2022 by sharing with listeners what his past year has looked and felt like, with a number of updates on things like his writing projects, his efforts to publish his book, and how his day-in-day-out relationships with himself and others have grown and shifted over the past year. It's a decidedly personal episode that, he bets, will resonate with you in some way.
Episode 95: "This World Cup Runneth Over and it's Making A Mess"JDK takes a close look at the controversies surrounding the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, and uses it as a lens to examine how and why we as sports fans make the choices we do to support events, sports, and leagues that don't often match up to the ethical standards we so often demand of ourselves and others. While no clear answer exists, just sitting with the tensions involved can be instructive in helping us see the why of what we do.
Episode 94: “Innies and Outies”
Inspired in equal measure by last week’s launch of the Artemis I rocket to the Moon and the approaching Thanksgiving holiday in America, JDK discusses the connections we have between exploring outer space(s) and our inner spaces of spirit, emotion, and intuition. What emerges is yet more exploration and discovery that can - if we choose - improve our own inner landscapes and then transform outer ones.
Episode 93: "Predictions Are Stupid"
The midterm elections surprised us all - but why?? It's the question JDK asks us all to consider in this episode as we figure out why the forecasted "red wave" made only a splash. Could it be that our own focus on trying to control outcomes - predictions - could be a major problem for us? Are there better ways to frame and understand how elections work? To what degree is the history of elections helpful or harmful in ascertaining where the country is at any given moment? Take a listen and hear JDK's suggestions while you consider some of your own.
Episode 92: "And That Is An Encouraging Thought"
With the midterm elections imminent, JDK builds on his thoughts from last week's episode to discuss how we can each show up for ourselves and others in these uncertain, stressful times. Using a heartfelt favorite book / film series that has a bunch of Hobbits and wizards in it, he talks about what lessons we can draw from its characters - moving forward in any circumstances, allowing outside externals to do as they will, and developing perseverance rooted in the hope and faith that things can work out for better in the long (maybe longer or longest) run. It's what he means every week when he signs off with, "Chins Up, Everyone!"
Episode 91: “Our Internals > Those Externals”
With the US midterm elections looming and fear and angst on the increase, JDK asks us all to step within and connect with our own feelings and life compass first. Why? And how can that possibly help us? Listen to find out, then pay close attention to how you feel after what he says, and you’ll experience what he means.
Episode 91: “Just Another Day? Yes, and No Way”
JDK talks about all the remarkable events - some well known, others not-so-much, really - that have happened on this date in history. It’s a fun way to learn more about the past, yes, but also about ourselves when we look at the history of ANY day of a given year. Take a listen and give it a try in your own life!
Episode 90: “‘Success’ is Really Like a Good Beef Stew”
Fresh off the disheartening season-ending defeat of his beloved hometown baseball team, JDK brings in his friend and co-host of the “Breaking Up With Our BS” podcast, Tawny Sanabria, to talk about how we envision, define, and pursue ‘success’ in our lives and what unnecessary hurdles we can inadvertently put in our own way. If success matters to you, this is a can’t miss episode!
Episode 89: "Tony Soprano Was Wrong, And That Doesn't Have to be a Problem"
On this year's Indigenous People's Day and Columbus Day, JDK examines the historical roots of each and challenges us all to take a good look and why and how we infuse holidays with meaning in the first place. Perhaps we need to become more comfortable with the paradoxes we face when it comes to honoring history, individuals, and groups and ask ourselves why we want every conversation about them to be easy and free of discomfort. Any changes we want to see out in the world, after all, probably need to start inside us to have any chance of happening. So why not start here?
Episode 88: "Dipping Into the Mailbag"
JDK addresses recent questions he's received from listeners all over the world (yes, the world!) about everything from the war in Ukraine to the upcoming midterm elections to the recent excitement surrounding his favorite baseball team (hint: the Drought is Over!!). Be sure to send in your questions for future mailbag episodes!
Spurred by some recent experiences and realizations about himself, along with some big global developments in regards to women's rights, JDK dedicates this episode to addressing other men directly about how and why they view women the way they do - however that might be. Asking tough questions alongside sharing his own challenges, he asks men to consider taking a far closer look at themselves when it comes to women. From there, contributing to a more equitable environment for women becomes possible.
Episode 86: “Meet the Originals”
In honor of Girls in Aviation Day (September 24th), JDK welcomes esteemed historian Sarah Byrn Rickman to the show to discuss the WAFS - Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron. These were first female pilots employed by the US Army during WWII to ferry new combat aircraft from manufacturing centers to training airfields and shipping docks for transfer to war zones. These women - along with the WASP that followed them - paved the way for women to eventually be given the chance to fly in the military in all roles, though getting there took decades. Be sure to share this episode with any young women you know for inspiration!
Episode 85: "The Give and Take of Transitions"
Upon requests from listeners, JDK takes an episode to discuss two major transitions in the world this past week - the sudden, successful Ukrainian offensive against Russian invasion forces in Eastern Ukraine, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. What do these important transitions mean for each of us, or for the world at large? What are the key questions to ask about them? Take a listen to hear JDK's take, as well as some other thoughts that might be worth considering.
Episode 84: “Talk About the Passion”
JDK welcomes back Julia Cannell, Executive Director of Airway Science for Kids, to the show to talk about passion — whatever that might be, in whatever areas of life give us meaning. Whether it’s in helping kids discover their passion and potential, or adults reengage with it, Passion and possibility often go hand-in-hand. And, with that, often comes a desire for us to push past our old ideas, fears, and self-imposed limits. What, then, can result? It could be a life with even more meaning then we once thought possible….
?Episode 83: “We Are Like Baseball, And That’s A Good Thing, I Swear”
JDK basks in the summer sunshine this week to talk about his favorite game and why it teaches him so much about what makes life so great - and so real. Baseball and life have so much in common, even in their rough parts. If it isn’t baseball for you, what is it that illustrates life to you so well? Whatever your answer, maybe it’s time ti reconnect with it and share it with someone new.
JDK goes solo this week to discuss the ramifications of last week's FBI search for and removal of classified documents - including top secret documents about nuclear weapons - from former president Trump's home in Mar-A-Lago, Florida. In particular, JDK looks at what the anti-law enforcement rhetoric that resulted from some quarters indicates about where we stand as a country and what options we may be able to find to reduce the growing danger we fear is threatening the country. As with so much of life, those answers start with the questions we ask ourselves, no matter where we stand politically, and who we stand alongside or against.
Episode 81: "Yes, I Can Help Ukraine" - Part II
JDK welcomes Tanya Zayka back to the show for a continued conversation about her work with the Ukrainian Association of Washington State to provide relief to displaced refugees inside Ukraine. Listen to firsthand accounts of amazing stories of how one person's work can literally end up helping thousands more, and get specific ideas and information on how you, too, can help similarly. Be sure to visit the UAWS by visiting www.uaws.org to find out more about how you can help, whether you live in the state or not.
Episode 80: "Yes, I Can Help Ukraine" - Part I
JDK welcomes a special guest to the show, Tanya Zayka of the Ukrainian Association of Washington State, for a heartfelt and powerful discussion about the extensive relief efforts that are still underway to help the people of Ukraine as they continue to resist the brutal Russian invasion of their country. Tanya shares about growing up in Ukraine, her country's history, her relief projects and those of many other individuals. These include shipping winter clothing, medical supplies, and even NICU machines for newborns to war torn areas. It is both a sobering and inspiring series of stories, and Tanya also provides clear advice on how each of us can take simple steps that will literally save lives. Such action is urgent, as the need for aid in Ukraine is only growing....
Be sure to catch Part II of this important conversation with Tanya in next week's episode.
Episode 79: "Building A Better Lightning Rod"
JDK welcomes screenwriter Troy Hunter to the show, their conversation focused on the personal and professional challenges involved in getting writing of any kind into the public sphere as novels, movies, television series, etc. They discuss the roots of their inspiration(s) to write, what makes for good storytelling, and how we can each stay the course when the breakthroughs we seek take a long time to arrive (if ever). Whatever your creative interest, there is great stuff in this episode for you!
Episode 78: “You Wrote Me Back….”
JDK welcomes Cherry O’Neill to the show, eldest daughter of music legend Pat Boone and author of the groundbreaking and NYT bestselling memoir about her recovery from Anorexia Nervosa, “Starving For Attention.” Hear Cherry’s powerful story of recovery and about the years of work she has done since to help others suffering from addictions and other life challenges. It started with her writing back every person who reached out to her after reading her memoir…..
Episode 77: “Cherry Picking On July 4th”
JDK put on his historian cap on this Independence Day holiday, taking aim at what he sees as deeply flawed uses of history in the recent SCOTUS rulings, our false lionization / demonization of historical figures, and our understanding of what it means to have Rights.
Episode 76: "The Right's Persecution Complex Gets Its Closeup"
JDK flies solo this week, discussing the ramifications - intended by the political Right and otherwise - of last week's SCOTUS rulings on abortion, guns, school vouchers, and expressions of faith in public schools. With a focus on opportunities for connection and conversation between all sides of these debates, he poses hard questions to those on the Evangelical Christian Right and to those who remain silent in the face of them. In particular, he wonders to what degree the Right - and anyone else, really - is ready for the Law of Unintended Consequences to emerge from these landmark decisions.
Episode 75: “Connecting Image with the Soul”
JDK talks with Bruce Pflaumer, founder and CEO of Michael Bruce Image Consulting, about his life experiences as a Black man working in the highest levels of global fashion and corporate styling. Listen in on a conversation that touches on how inclusion works in business, on the Juneteenth holiday, and on the challenges involved for each of us in how we understand and identify ourselves.
Episode 74: “Playing Catch Up”
JDK gives updates on goings on with past guests, then introduces newer listeners and readers to all the various parts of what makes him Him. Hear about his novel, his podcast adventures, his foray into performance coaching, how he combines cooking with Motown, and more!
Episode 73: “Bringing the Past - And Other Cool Stuff - to Everyone”
To commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, JDK welcomes Jay Gaskell to the show, who was the cameraman with JDK and others on the Virtual Field Trip three years ago to Normandy for the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day. Live-streamed to the internet and watched by thousands during and since, Jay captured more footage than anyone else and was the “window” for all those people to get an experience beyond what most get unless they were there. Along the way, the power of community was on display. Join Jay and JDK for their conversation and learn where to see their footage for yourself!
Episode 72: "What We Choose To Remember"
For this Memorial Day holiday, JDK does a solo episode to reflect on the tragedy of the Uvalde, TX school shooting before spending the rest of the episode reflecting on what we remember on this holiday and why - and what it may say about who we are today and going forward.
Episode 71: “Two Truths Side-By-Side”
JDK welcomes Mark Frazier to the show, a black man who just retired after a 24-year career as a police officer. Join them for a heartfelt conversation about Mark’s life experiences with racial profiling, as well as his deep belief in, and support for the crucial civic mission of law enforcement and his fellow officers. The truths of both are something each of us can hold in an effort to bring about the more peaceful and equitable lives we all seek out.
Episode 70: “For the Love of Odin”
JDK welcomes in Maria Bartlow and her daughter, Monica Franks, to discuss their campaign to find a kidney donor for their son / brother, Odin. Join them to hear about what each of us can do to help that happen (it’s easier than you might think), as well as a conversation about what it’s like when parents and children have to “switch” roles in caretaking. Be sure to visit JDK’s website at wordsbyjdk.com for all the info you need to do your part in helping Odin.
Episode 69: “Crossroads Friends”
JDK welcomes Dr. Kevin Simpson to the show, a longtime friend, colleague, and partner in studying and teaching about the Holocaust. Join them for a conversation about how psychology and history share common goals and power to illuminate, and hear about Kevin’s book, “Soccer Under the Swastika.” Throughout it all, hear two longtime friends connect over their shared experiences, missions, and interests, with an eye towards continuing their support of each other on their unique life journeys.
Episode 68: “Attaboy, Girl”
JDK welcomes Julia Cannell, Executive Director of Airway Science for Kids, to the show to talk about the organization’s mission to help historically excluded youth, as well as how her life story prepared her to do this work and live her purpose. Be sure to have your daughters, moms, and sisters listen, too!
Episode 67: “Like Fathers, Like Sons?”
JDK launches his new one-hour format with a quick look at the week’s news, followed by a open, honest conversation with his father about their shared experiences as pastor’s kids, the life lessons they’ve learned and continue to learn, what bothers them most about the world, and why Parmesan cheese just might be the King Of All Cheeses.
Episode 66: “An Illumination of the Soul”
JDK asks us all to consider why we often treat history as a burden to hold and defend, rather than as a way to illuminate what is true about ourselves. Is it fear of what we might see? What we might lose? And what could be possible for us if we stopped being so afraid of the “unknowns” that history can often make known to us?
?Episode 65: “The ‘Fascists’ Next Door”
As evidence mounts of widespread Russian military crimes against civilians, JDK takes a hard - and decidedly angry - look at what he sees as Putin’s criminal “weaponization” of history and terms like ‘Nazi’ and ‘fascist’ to justify these crimes. Amidst it all, too, are warnings for all of us to be careful with those same words.
Episode 64: “The Way (Out) of War”
JDK talks about how the very different approaches that Russia and the West have in envisioning, preparing for, and fighting wars go a long way in explaining why Russia is losing the war in Ukraine AND how the West can best prevent the war from becoming something larger.
Episode 63: “The Bear in the Backyard”
JDK continues his examination of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by responding to questions from listeners about how the US and its allies “didn’t see this coming” from Putin. Part of the answer is in the successive failures by every presidential administration since the end of the Cold War to truly understand the Russian “bear” on its own terms and in its own context.
Episode 62: “What Do We Learn From Here?”
JDK continues his discussion of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by answering a few questions from listeners and from his producer, Stacy Heller, about how all of this came to be and what paths there may be to move forward towards peace.
JDK continues his look at some of the history behind the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, and digs into the ideological underpinnings of Vladimir Putin’s worldview. Along the way, he also suggests the West / rest of the world has work to do in learning more about Russia and its historical connections with its neighbors.
Episode 60: “Ukraine Matters” With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominating the news, JDK puts his historian’s hat back on to discuss some of the historical roots of the conflict, which go back further in history than many realize.
Episode 59: “Road Trips and Friendships”
JDK welcomes in Seth Moorman, his longtime friend and host of the fabulous ‘Athletic Obscura’ podcast, for a lively discussion about their shared road-trip experiences together, and why such trips can do so much to build and maintain the bonds of our closest friendships.
Episode 58: “Loving the Rock Steady Soul Singing”
In this Valentine’s Day episode, JDK takes listeners deep into the historical origins of the holiday, highlights some myths about it, talks about some no-longer-practiced traditions, and discusses ways to reframe our experiences of the holiday in ways that might be more honest and helpful to us. And, somehow, he weaves in Motown music and pregnancy as metaphors….?
Episode 57: “Stripping Off The Armor”
In this episode, JDK pulls the curtain aside to give listeners a glimpse of what it looks and feels like when he’s down, when he “armors up” and hides when he feels vulnerable or threatened, and how he seeks to grow from sitting in those uncomfortable spaces.
Episode 56: "Seasoned to Taste"
After a weekend spent making a favorite family recipe, JDK reflects on what the experience has him wondering about when it comes to our sense of self and our personal relationships. What "ingredients" do we have in ourselves and in our relationships that are required for the "dish" to work? When do we know when and how to add or subtract ingredients? What happens when we get tired of a "dish" for a while and need time away from it? Take a listen and see what comes up for you.
Episode 55: “The Obstacle is the Way”
JDK follows up last week’s show about Martin Luther King, Jr. by wondering aloud about what a personal, connected conversation with MLK would have been like, and what it could teach us about how to pursue dreams, connect despite our differences, and use the obstacles to those things as the way to achieve them.
JDK observes this year’s MLK Day by taking listeners through MLK’s famous “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” Written in 1963 in the midst of the battle against segregation, the letter still resonates today in several ways, and JDK highlights its call for all of us to embrace - and not fight against - the discomfort we often feel around the personal, social, and political issues we face today.
Episode 53: “Fearing Fear Itself”
JDK kicks off the second year of the show by looking back on the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, providing insights from history and psychology on what we can each do in response to what he calls the “Social Depression” affecting America today.
Episode 52: JDK commemorates one year of the show by visiting with his producer, Stacy Heller, about the twists and turns the show has taken since its debut. From its origins to its new directions, take a listen back at how the shows journey matches his own personal journey.
Episode 51: “We Don’t Need No Stinking Resolutions”
JDK welcomes in his producer and friend, Stacy Heller, to talk about their dislike of New Year’s resolutions and what they think works far better than those in improving our lives and well being.
Episode 50: “The Sannyasi Santa”
JDK explores the historical roots of Santa Claus, talks about why he believes Santa is Real, and explores how acts of giving can be the most connective - and transformative - acts to change our lives for the better.
Episode 49: “A History Nerd’s Q and A Episode”
JDK opens up his mailbag to answer questions he received from listeners about last week’s episode on the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. In the process, he debunks some conspiracy theories and provides some ideas on how history can - and should - inform our present as well.
Episode 48: “The Week After Infamy”
JDK dives into his grandmother’s World War II scrapbook as a portal to talk about the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Take a listen to hear what’s in the scrapbook and how we can relate today to an event that happened “so long ago.”
Episode 47: “Time, Treasures, and Talents” On the eve of “Giving Tuesday,” JDK explores the value of giving money, time, and talents to one of the (literally) millions of different nonprofits that operate in the U.S. and elsewhere. JDK provides resources and guiding questions to help us decide how we can best help in the area(s) of interest to us, along with challenges to take a good personal look at our motives in doing so.
Episode 46: “Thanksgiving Hits and Mythses”
JDK separates history from myth in the Thanksgiving holiday as celebrated in both the U.S. and Canada, and poses a challenge for us all in how we commemorate and celebrate all we have to be thankful for; must we base it all on flawed notions of “tradition”? Or would we be better served by just being thankful?
Episode 45: “Put 346 Names On Your Wall”
JDK does a sharp turn this week to present a kind of “open letter” and offer an opportunity to the giant Boeing company, who recently admitted responsibility for two crashes of its 737 MAX jets due to the failure of an onboard system that its pilots didn’t even know existed. It’s a show about the crossroads where accountability, a focus on people first, and profitability meet and how even giant companies can do a “living amends” to the customers they’ve failed.
Episode 44: “In the Common Purpose”
JDK focuses this week on the roots and practices of Veterans Day, encouraging us to treat it as a day of personal connection with those veterans we know. Join him for a journey down memory lane to meet the two vets he knew best - his maternal grandparents, both of whom served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
Episode 43: “Here Come the Holidays”
With Halloween in the rear view mirror, JDK invite us all to start reframing the now-arrived holiday season through new lenses, ones that focus on connecting with ourselves, others, and with areas where we hope to grow. In the process, we can also put aside many of the emotional difficulties the holidays can stir up.
Episode 42: “Dune and Gloom”
JDK embraces the coming of Halloween week by discussing the allure - and reasons for it - of dystopian fiction stories. Combining his thoughts on the recent film release of “Dune” with his knowledge of the history of dystopian works by George Orwell and others, JDK asks some important questions about the power of Fear in our lives.
Episode 41: “We Are All Full of Shatner”
JDK reflects on actor William Shatner’s recent voyage into space, with particular focus on Shatner’s words after returning to Earth. Using those words to point out the importance of our own external and internal journeys that change our lives, JDK also presents a challenge to commercial space companies to go even further - and faster - in their efforts to get more people into space.
Episode 40: “The Dog Ate My Happiness Project”
JDK reflects on what would’ve once been a disastrously difficult week, but wasn’t this time for reasons having to do with self care and focusing on finding meaning in life rather than pursuing “happiness.”
Episode 39: “Before We Wait Til’ Next Year” JDK puts on his baseball thinking cap to talk about the dangers of expectations in our lives; his favorite team - the Seattle Mariners- again missed the playoffs, but take a listen to find out why that’s not really what matters most in the story of their season.
Episode 38: “Big Bird Could Save the World”
JDK focuses on the lessons about cooperation we can apply today from two legendary Americans - the aviation legend Edgar Gorell, and Big Bird. Yes…THAT Big Bird.
Episode 37: “Greetings From the Flight Deck”
JDK again calls in from the road - this time from Portland, OR - where he’s on an adventure with Airway Science for Kids, a nonprofit that helps historically underserved kids find career pathways in aerospace. But the ASK story is about people first, and aerospace second, as JDK found out to his delight.
Episode 36: “Remembering 2,977”
JDK provides some thoughts and historical perspectives about how we remember and commemorate the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As the years continue to pass, how can we continue to - or start to - live better lives in honor of those we lost that day?
Episode 35: “Networking is Life, Part II”
Jenni Butz returns for more discussion about networking, with a focus this week on the challenges individuals and businesses face in becoming good networkers, and how the changing global economy is producing important conversations about equity and inclusion in business and in networking.
Episode 34: “Networking is Life”
JDK welcomes special guest Jenni Butz - a networking expert with Business Networking International - for a discussion about howand successful networking and relationship building in business and in life is so vital.
Episode 33: “Everyone Just Calm the Down”
JDK takes a deep breath after a very full and challenging week. And, thanks to a short conversation with a fellow author, he remembered and reconnected with the importance of historical perspective and staying calm. With that in mind, he discusses the centrality of Calm in our daily lives and in overcoming the challenges we face - even global ones.
Episode 32: “Let’s See How This Goes”
JDK detours from his regular programming to address the sudden collapse of Afghanistan to the Taliban, discuss where he thinks our focus should be, and to tell a story from the 1975 collapse of South Vietnam that might be helpful to hear and remember.
Episode 31: “A Blow Up in Montana”
JDK recounts the tough true story - and the lessons learned from it - of the 1949 Mann Gulch wildfire and the young, brave “smokejumpers” who parachuted in to fight it. Behind it all is a larger question - how do we find or make meaning out of tragedy or failure?
Episode 30: “We’ve All Earned Our Wings”
JDK announces a new sponsor for the show - Airway Science for Kids - and outlines a few adjustments he’s making to the show. He then tells the illustrative story of Galina, a woman whose story you’ve likely never heard before, but one you will likely never forget.
Episode 29: “Our ‘Best Idea’” JDK rolls into the studio from his road trip through several jewels of the National Park system, and reflects with Stacy Heller on them as hallmarks of freedom that exist alongside their not-so-spotless origins.
Episode 28: “The Road to Minidoka”
JDK calls in from Casper, Wyoming to reflect on another great American pastime; the summer road trip. Besides noting the joy and freedom of taking the road less traveled, JD also takes a moment to discuss the sites we try to pave over or ignore. Such is the case with Minidoka, one of ten Relocation Centers Japanese Americans were forced to stay from 1942-1945. JD reminds us that the only way past, is through.
Episode 27: “On Past Times and Pastimes”
JDK continues his reflections on Freedom by discussing the power and freedom he finds - and America long has, too - in his favorite sport: baseball.
Episode 26: “Four Freedoms”
JDK launches a monthlong look at “freedom” with a historical recap of its roots in America. Then, with some help from FDR, he outlines what he sees as the four key elements of “internal” freedom.
Episode 25: “The Heat of the Moment”
Sweltering in the worst heat wave the Pacific Northwest has ever seen, JDK calls in to chat with Stacy Heller about the pros and cons of word “unprecedented” when we each find ourselves in crisis.
Episode 24: “The Tyranny of Memory”
JDK digs into the differences between history and memory, and how the latter not only often smears the former, but also can cripple our personal growth when confronting our personal histories.
Episode 23: “The Gunfighter in the Mirror”
JDK delves into the challenges of learning about - and owning - our individual and national pasts while also not being trapped by them in our daily lives.
Episode 22: “Getting Ourselves Right With History”
JDK kicks off a month long look at how we understand and explore our history, whether it be individual, national, or global. The key takeaway? We can decide how history affects us on a daily basis - not the other way around.
Episode 21: “Playing With Freedom”
JDK reflects on Memorial Day by discussing how and why Play - this month’s topic - is perhaps the best way to honor the sacrifices of the fallen in our daily lives.
Episode 20: “Playing Grace”
This week JDK and his guest, Grace Heller, talk about how she engaged in Play as a child, how that shaped her as a young adult, and what it all suggests for how families engage in Play.
Episode 19: “My Fly Day Play Day”
JDK talks about all the Play he witnessed recently by observing children being introduced to the fun of flight; through their eyes, he saw so much more - and so can we.
Episode 18: “At the Top of the Play Parade”
JDK continues his monthlong look at Play by looking at some data on why Play is vital for child development- and hence, for our continued healthy growth as adults, parents, and humans. Be sure to catch his weekly Play challenge for you!
Episode 17: “JDK’s May Play Challenge”
JDK kicks off a month-long exploration of Play with some ways to understand it and benefit from it, then puts forward a challenge for all of us to try this month - a month of Play!!
JDK wraps up his month-long look at creativity by recapping the Oscars and reflecting on how important other people are in his - and anyone’s- creative processes and life experiences.
Episode 15: “The Unintended Consequences of Butterflies”
As he continues his discussion of creativity, JDK takes aim at the myths thrown around about history and suggests that the unintended consequences of our creativity are the best things for us, are inescapable in life, and shouldn’t stop us from taking creative risks.
JDK welcomes guest Mary Gleason, an Executive Intuition Coach, to discuss the interplay between intuition and the creativity that exists in each of us
JDK kicks off a monthlong exploration of Creativity with a quick look at Albert Einstein’s wisdom, then asks us to consider Creativity as an action more than a “trait.”
A tired JDK discusses his challenges in taking intentional time to Rest as part of Resilience, and posits a few ideas on what quality Rest can look like.
Episode 11: “Her Story Is All About...Wow”
JDK continues his look at Resilience by interviewing Tennyson Jacobson, host of “Common Ground: The Podcast”, her story of fighting off a double home invasion in 2013 and her journey beyond that to help others find hope and resources in recovering from trauma
Episode 10: “”She’s All Right in the Left Seat” JDK continues his look at Resilience by discussing a historical example of it - the brilliant pilot Jackie Cochran, the WASP program, and how it helped shape the rise and resilience of the women’s rights movement.
JDK brings in resilience expert Tawny Sanabria for a deeper dive into this month’s topic - and for practical tips for developing true resilience without burning ourselves out.
Episode 8: “Are We All Just Full of Grit?”
JDK kicks off a month long conversation about Resilience by exploring - and questioning - the latest buzzword concept meant to help us all become our best selves: “Grit.”
Episode 7: “Just Say ‘Venn!’” JDK wraps up his monthlong reflection on various forms of love by focusing on our community circles. And, he again goes to his favorite TV show - MAS*H - for inspiration.
Episode 6: “Saying ‘Just Friends’ is Like Saying ‘Just Oxygen’”
Who better to talk with JDK about the love between friends than one of his friends? Stacy Heller joins JDK on this episode to talk about the ways in which friendships define love so radically.
This week, JDK tackles the power - both the mythological and the real - of romantic love. He explores how, at its best, romantic love is actually about freedom, and he even gives you a rose to take with you into Valentine’s Day.
Sail the turbulent seas of Love with JDK this week, when he talks about how that navigation starts with loving ourselves.
Join JDK as he slows himself down to discuss the power of Vulnerability and Healthy Risks to conquer Fear and unravel Myths.
JDK talks about how the old adage, “The Truth Will Set You Free,” actually works - and why the alternatives don’t.