The Compassionate Achiever Podcast: Recent Episodes
WCSUMedia
Tracy and Chris wrap up the season for the summer as Chris is literally packing his house to leave WCSU and move to Virginia. We cover cures for hug withdrawal, the eternal search of for the best chocolate milk around and Chris gives chaste a whole new meaning. Stay safe and have fun this summer and let us know how you are compassionating. Keep an eye on our social media for updates and we'll see you in a couple months.
Along with the rest of the country and the world, Tracy and Chris are trying to come to grips with the events of the last 10 days following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. This is just the latest example of what is an all too common occurrence here in America. It's a very difficult time and we're all just trying to figure out how to feel and how to deal with this.
Compassionate used to be considered a verb. It was good enough for Abraham Lincoln, John Quincy Adams, and Alexandre Dumas. Shouldn't it be good enough for you? We at the Compassionate Achiever Podcast think it is. Call it out when you see someone compassionating and be a compassionator yourself.
We're celebrating! We'll we're talking about it anyway. Another thing that's been made new during this time are celebrations. Birthdays, graduations, commencements are all still happening whether we're allowed to gather or not. Tracy and Chris have some suggestions for how to make them special and how celebrating can help others and you succeed.
Whether it's a purebred show dog, a rescued rabbit, or a foster wallaby we love our pets. Pets can help us learn to be better, more understanding, and yes more compassionate people. This week Chris and Tracy break down how helping others, even non-humans, can fuel success.
This week Chris and Tracy are looking at school and work during the coronavirus quarantine. Some things are brand new, some things are more familiar but it's all still pretty strange.
As we acclimate to our "new normal" what are some of the best ways to stay connected to the people in our lives or even reach out to new ones? Chris and Tracy, as always, have tips to help you succeed in whatever it is you're trying to do and become a compassionate achiever.
What makes a business successful and "good" during normal times? Do those same values and policies work in a... less normal time? Chris and Tracy are here with some advice and analysis on what's working and what's not and what's compassionate and what's not during this unprecedented era of social distancing in which many businesses have been forced to change significantly or close entirely.
How do you see your glass? Half empty? Half full? How do you feel about that? Wouldn't you rather just refill the glass? I mean it's your glass, right? Why shouldn't you refill it? Go ahead and fill up that glass!
Compassionating can be tough under ideal conditions and even harder when we're all stuck at home. In some cases not seeing the people we'd like to and in other seeing a lot more of the people we maybe weren't prepared to. Tracy and Chris are here with some tips on how to keep your compassion up even when physically distancing from the world at large.
We're all still adjusting to our new reality. Many of us are working from home, we're isolating from friends and family, and lots of our entertainment options are limited or gone. It's tough to be by oneself and not get lonely but Chris and Tracy are here to talk it out and give you some tips on how to make it through this strange time.
You may be distancing yourself from others and teleworking and locked down in your home but have no fear Chris and Tracy are here! After an all too long hiatus it's time to get your compassionate achieving on. Today is a catch up but there's plenty of helpful tips and advice in the weeks to come. Please excuse any technical hiccups as we all figure out how to do this from very separate and (in some cases) very silly places.
This was a tough one. The holidays aren't always full of joy and good cheer for everyone. Many people including those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and other conditions can find this time of year very difficult. Chris and Tracy get into this heartbreaking but very important topic on this week's episode.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Thanksgiving Episode…The crew of TCAP ’slice’ through some table talk troubles and discuss how to make compassion the ‘centerpiece’ of your holiday.
The second of a two part series on DNA and compassion. This episode focuses on the implications of knowing more about our DNA through companies such as 23 & Me. The crew of TCAP discuss the experience of finding out about "new" siblings through DNA testing and the long reach of Genghis Khan.
This is the first of a two part series on DNA and compassion. The crew of TCAP focus on genetic editing and the ethics surrounding it. We cover everything from the film GATTACA to the importance of telomeres.
This episode of TCAP was inspired by the Netflix documentary "When They See Us". The story is based on five young New York boys of color who were falsely accused of beating and raping a jogger in Central Park. They became known as the Central Park 5 and they were all exonerated after serving time in prison. The crew of TCAP discuss their story in ways that help us explore the topics of forgiveness and justice.
Is identity politics constructive or destructive to society? Can it possibly be both, especially when seen through the lens of compassion? The TCAP crew tackle these questions and others about identity politics in this episode.
Which “rule” do you follow in trying to live a good life? The “Golden” or “Platinum” rule? The TCAP crew examines both rules through the lens of compassion by asking the question: which rule is more compassionate? The idea of following the “Emerald Edict” as an option is introduced too! The discussion is based off of Dr. Kukk’s following blog article: http://chriskukk.com/golden-v-platinum-rule/.
Tracy Day and Dr. Chris Kukk are back from a slightly extended summer vacation and are more than ready to get back into it. There's a little catch up, a little preview of things to come, and the latest check in with Tracy on how many chromosomes she currently has.
Tracy and Chris sign off for the summer. Have a great break and we'll see you next semester. Thanks for listening and please reach out if you have any topics you'd like to hear the show cover when we come back in a few weeks.
www.compassionateachiver.com https://www.wcsu.edu/podcasts/ https://www.facebook.com/CompAchieverPod/ https://twitter.com/compachieverpod https://www.instagram.com/compachieverpod/
Is Mr. Beast (YouTube sensation) a compassionate achiever? Does doing some good outweigh doing some bad or does the bad automatically negate the good? Does it matter why you do something nice, such as donating to charity, or should we not question a person’s motives for doing something nice? From Mr. Beast's giant cereal bowl stunt to his buying an entire store’s stock of products, his viral videos have TCAP asking a lot of questions about what compassion is and isn’t in this episode.
Is donating always a good thing? The crew of TCAP discuss the Notre Dame Cathedral controversy and place it in a broader societal context. Tracy and Chris cover everything from taxes to the relatively new concept of “social entrepreneurship” in trying to understand how compassion and capitalism interact with each other.
Dogs, humans and compassion. Claire Boettcher, an expert in training dogs, helps us to strengthen our LUCA (listen, understand, connect and act) skill set specifically in regard to our canine friends. Claire walks us through “leash anxiety,” provides several pointers/tips for all types of dog owners and explains how helping dogs has helped her better understand people. After listening to Claire, you’ll understand why whomever said it’s a “dog-eat-dog” world had it all wrong!
Thanks to Claire for this weeks Compassionate Achiever of the Week:
Canine Companions for Independence - http://www.cci.org
A deep dive into the connection between compassion and success across different aspects of life with Matt Bodnar, the host of “The Science of Success.” Matt not only helps us explore the definition of success but guides us through the “Zone of Discomfort.” We also learn about fear’s role in attaining our goals and compare end-results of the ‘exercise of power’ with and without compassion. If you’re interested on walking the path of success, Matt offers a few ’steps’ on how to get there.
The college admission scandal. Our guest for this episode, Jay Murray (Assistant V.P. for Enrollment Services at WCSU), helps us to understand the broader lessons of the college admission scandal by addressing questions such as: 'What should and can we as a society do about the problem?' and 'Is the scandal a symptom of more wide-ranging and deeper concerns?' We discuss not only the culture of cheating but also what compassion is and is not when thinking of ‘helping’ someone (i.e., the parents were not being compassionate in ‘helping’ their children get into the colleges under investigation). It appears that we've moved beyond the “Varsity Blues” into the “Varsity Black & Blues”!
From Lassie to Flipper to our pets, many of us have experienced or seen compassion from the animals in our personal lives and/or on our television screens. The crew of TCAP takes a ‘trot' down the path of compassion using animals as our guides to explore the question: Are human-beings animals of compassion? Are we born to live the life of Thomas Hobbes (“short, nasty and brutish”) or Calvin & Hobbes or something in between? We cover some neuroscience of emotion and we go ‘old school’ on the compassionate achiever of the week. Whether you’re into barks or meows, this episode has a lot to tweet about! (NOTE: The episode was inspired by Frans de Waal’s new book “Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us About Ourselves.”
New York Times book review: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/25/books/review/frans-de-waal-mamas-last-hug.html)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tarra-and-bella-elephant-loses-mans-best-friend/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INa-oOAexno
Journalism and compassion. The crew of TCAP explore the issues of vanishing local papers, controlling publishers and propaganda in journalism and how all of that affects our levels of compassion. Pete, Tracy & Chris specifically discuss the difference between “empathy fatigue” and “compassion fatigue” and help you to understand the meaning of “compassion fade.” Is there such a thing as the “arithmetic of compassion”? Also, find out why ProPublica is our compassionate achiever of the week.
https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2012/compassion-is-not-journalisms-downfall-its-journalisms-salvation/
https://ethics.journalism.wisc.edu/2008/06/16/practicing-compassion-in-an-unbiased-journalism/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compassion_fatigue_in_journalism
Cultural insensitivity in the world of fashion. From Burberry to Gucci to Prada, major brands have recently been marketing products that are demeaning to many people. TCAP discusses whether the companies are doing it out of ignorance or as part of strategic marketing plans. How anyone could believe that “Blackface” or a “noose” would be ‘good ideas’ for marketing any product is mind-boggling and should never be considered ‘in fashion.'
Awards Shows — Great songs and amazing movies move you into not only feeling something more than you thought you could but also to act. The stories we hear (songs) and see (movies) open up channels of compassion within all of us. This episode of TCAP is about exploring the different stories of the Grammys and Academy Awards.
A rabid fan and a compassionate person. Can they be one and the same? The crew of TCAP tackles the issue of being compassionate while in the midst of toxic fandom. With the Super Bowl recently concluded, baseball spring training upon us, and comic cons scheduled throughout the year, how can we keep our compassion when “our team” is the arch-rival of “their team” or when you find yourself as a Marvel fan in the middle of a crowd of DC fanatics? Also, find out which baseball fans “win” our compassionate achiever of the week.
Compassion through pain and illness. How do you keep compassion flowing when pain and/or illness has you feel like you’re falling? TCAP crew discusses how to build and then ride a wave of compassion through and to recovery (compassion can both be an agent for and structure of healing). Topics such as self-compassion and places like the University of Iowa are highlighted in this episode.
Wé McDonald, The Voice season 11 finalist, is a living example of how bullies ‘face the music’ when they are met with the power of compassion. Wé (pronounced way) discusses not only how music has helped her overcome bullying but also how ice cream helps to unlock her “positive inner voice”…now that is a ‘delicious’ Wé to live! TCAP crew and Wé also dive into the importance of a support network and the messages of self-compassion found in her lyrics. Get your earphones ready and be prepared to turn the volume Wé up!
https://www.wemcdonaldmusic.com
https://befearlessbekind.hasbro.com/index.php/2018/10/25/no-bully-and-hasbro-announce-national-singing-competition-i-have-a-voice/
https://www.pbs.org/video/voice-star-we-mcdonald-shares-experience-bullying-wmfmwf/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNbYA-Y5En4
Parenting through compassion. When it comes to parenting, we all have a lot to learn (and never stop learning)! Tracy, Pete and Chris (all of whom are parents in different stages of parenting) discuss how compassion can help all of us who choose to become moms and dads be better parents. They cover topics that include: (1) the difference between being a compassionate versus empathetic parent, (2) what is the “act of non-doing” as a parent and when should you “do” it? and (3) organizations and tools specifically geared toward parenting.
- http://www.momlifeyo.com
- https://leftbrainbuddha.com/hard-to-be-a-kid-tips-compassionate-parenting-compassion/
Compassion resolution revolution! The crew of TCAP explore New Year’s resolutions through the perspective of compassion. What is the difference between a “high” and “low” resolution? What the heck is “compassion gravity”? A new show for a new year with a new take on what resolutions are and how you can achieve them.
Season four of TCAP (The Compassionate Achiever Podcast) is where we introduce and follow a new format for the show. Each episode will follow a four segment structure for any given issue we discuss. The segments or—as we call them—cornerstones of the show are: (1) What is the 'compassion-success link' in the issue? (2) What is the difference between a 'compassionate versus an empathetic response' to the issue? (3) How do you ‘LUCA' a given issue? (4) Who is the 'compassionate achiever' of the week in relation to the issue?
Who is a compassionate achiever and is compassion a value, virtue, or verb? We explain what this cornerstone is in an abbreviated episode.
We integrate all the cornerstones for the first time in episode 1.
Season four of TCAP (The Compassionate Achiever Podcast) is where we introduce and follow a new format for the show. Each episode will follow a four segment structure for any given issue we discuss. The segments or—as we call them—cornerstones of the show are: (1) What is the 'compassion-success link' in the issue? (2) What is the difference between a 'compassionate versus an empathetic response' to the issue? (3) How do you ‘LUCA' a given issue? (4) Who is the 'compassionate achiever' of the week in relation to the issue?
The cornerstone of LUCA (Listen to learn; Understand to know; Connect to capabilities; Act to solve) is highlighted by the TCAP crew.
We integrate all the cornerstones for the first time in episode 1.
Season four of TCAP (The Compassionate Achiever Podcast) is where we introduce and follow a new format for the show. Each episode will follow a four segment structure for any given issue we discuss. The segments or—as we call them—cornerstones of the show are: (1) What is the 'compassion-success link' in the issue? (2) What is the difference between a 'compassionate versus an empathetic response' to the issue? (3) How do you ‘LUCA' a given issue? (4) Who is the 'compassionate achiever' of the week in relation to the issue?
This cornerstone episode briefly covers the difference between compassion and empathy.
We integrate all the cornerstones for the first time in episode 1.
Season four of TCAP (The Compassionate Achiever Podcast) is where we introduce and follow a new format for the show. Each episode will follow a four segment structure for any given issue we discuss. The segments or—as we call them—cornerstones of the show are: (1) What is the 'compassion-success link' in the issue? (2) What is the difference between a 'compassionate versus an empathetic response' to the issue? (3) How do you ‘LUCA' a given issue? (4) Who is the 'compassionate achiever' of the week in relation to the issue?
This first episode of season four briefly highlights what the cornerstone of the ‘compassion-success link’ is. The following three episodes will explain the other three cornerstones in 10 minutes or less.
We integrate all the cornerstones for the first time in episode 1.
Tracy, Pete and Chris highlight past episodes by discussing how season 4 will be both different and similar to season 3. Won’t you walk the “bridge” between 3 and 4 with us?
Can you be both naughty and nice at the same time? The TCAP crew, in this episode, not only explore the meaning of nice and tackle holiday stress, loneliness & depression but they also provide strategies for solving some holiday family problems and list their top three holiday films. The articles discussed include: https://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2017/11/20/your-biggest-holiday-problems-solved/ https://www.good.is/articles/history-of-nice-meaning https://www.webmd.com/depression/holiday-depression-stress#1
It’s the giving time of year. This episode of TCAP is focused on several questions about giving. Is giving the same thing as compassion? Can you give too much? Should you ’sprinkle’ or ‘chunk’ your giving? Are different types of giving (i.e., money vs. time) better than others? The book discussed was Adam Grant’s Give and Take and the Nicholas Kristof article is “Forget Trinkets. These Gifts Change Lives” (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/01/opinion/sunday/kristof-holiday-gift-guide-2018.html)
Tracy, Pete, Chris and the newest member of the TCAP crew (Tina a.k.a. T-N-T) discuss the impact of social media on compassion and vice-versa. We hear a lot about the absence of compassion in social media but is it true? While some may start ‘flame wars,’ compassionate achievers put them out!
Racism, hate and the power of compassion. TCAP (The Compassionate Achiever Podcast) crew addresses the issues of racism and hate through the lens of compassion as experienced—believe it or not—by people and plants (yes plants). Tracy and Chris cover not only some history about racism (i.e., The Kerner Report called “The America of Racism” and the recent Milton Eisenhower Foundation report called “Healing our Divided Society: Investing in America Fifty Years After the Kerner Report”) but also recent statistics (i.e., from the FBI) and television shows focused on it (i.e., "Darren Brown: The Sacrifice” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpUpNv9uNSI NOTE: on air we mistakenly called it “The Push,” which is another episode by Darren Brown). We can make a better world where racism is gone and compassion is everywhere. Plant article: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23831791-300-feedback-mean-words-wilt-plants-ikea-tells-schoolchildren/
It's that time of year again...no, not the replacement of your refrigerator's water filter...Thanksgiving! In the first installment of our second annual two-part Handling the Holidays special, Chris and Tracy lay down some strategies for keeping your gatherings with family and friends happy and heartburn free. From cutlery placement and seating arrangements to underage subway rides and discussion topic limitations they've got all you need to give thanks without receiving grief. Enjoy the episode and have a very happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at TCAP.
Compassionate Halloween? Is that even a thing? The podcast crew discusses how kindness is a part of Halloween and how some people and communities have turned Halloween into a compassionate holiday. Come join some compassionate ghosts and goblins in this special Halloween episode.
Who let the dogs out?! A different take of “Snakes on a Plane”! Our podcast crew discusses the depth of 'compassionate validity' of therapy, service, and emotional support pets. Should the difference between service dogs and emotional support pets be the dividing line for determining which animals are allowed in planes and/or in stores? Is there a link between petting a dog and the release of oxytocin (known as the moral molecule or cuddle hormone)? Find out why the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is our compassionate achiever of the week.
Education “reimagined" in a “combined” way. Our guest for this episode, Cath Fraise, is the founder of Workspace Education (http://workspaceeducation.org) where learning occurs through a combination of “unschooling” techniques. She explains how compassion, creativity, and innovation all play roles in creating an education space where “learning is reimagined” for not only the children but also their parents. Workspace Education is a place where learning and compassion are brought together to create success!
The crew of “The Compassionate Achiever Podcast” discuss the first season of the television show “The Good Place.” Tracy, Pete, and Chris explore questions such as “can you fake until you make it?” and “can you turn a ‘bad place’ into a ‘good place’?” There are spoilers for the first season so don’t blame us if we ‘forked’ up!
The 'Compassionate Achiever' walks into Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. We spend this episode walking through “the neighborhood” using the newly released documentary about Mister Rogers (“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”) as our guide for visiting topics ranging from prejudice to today’s #MeToo movement.
Video gaming, compassion and “unschooling.” This episode looks at the connection between video games and compassion from the perspective of kids…specifically from the perspectives of Cade (14), Quinn (12) and Cole Kukk (11). Is there a link between video games and violence? Are there video games where compassion is the key for ‘leveling up’? While we address these questions and more, we also get introduced to the concept of “unschooling” and its importance to successful learning.
Safe spaces, trigger warnings, and disinviting speakers. Should we have 'safe spaces' in universities and should teachers at all levels of learning provide ’trigger warnings’? To have or not have safe spaces...what is the compassionate answer? The articles discussed in this episode are: (1) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/27/books/review/splintering-william-egginton-coddling-greg-lukianoff-jonathan-haidt.html and (2) https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-topic-on-campus-civil-discourse-101-1534325402?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=9.
The Great American Read. PBS is hosting a nation wide read-a-thon this year via “The Great American Read” (https://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/home/) and the podcast team covered a few of the 100 titles through not only the lens of compassion but also a debate about whether the list is based more on a popularity contest rather than excellent writing. We were joined by a reading expert, Debbie Parker, with the hope of inspiring not only reading but voting for your favorite books.
Do you want to know something you probably don’t know but should? Over 95% of medical devices (from birth control and heart devices to knee and shoulder replacements) in the United States are not tested or regulated before they are implanted in Americans. An American first grader goes through more testing than over 95% of American medical devices and it is having serious health consequences across the country. The podcast crew is joined by a leader (and compassionate achiever) in America’s effort to regulate medical devices, Angie Firmalino of ASHESnonprofit (https://www.ashesnonprofit.com). This episode was inspired by the Netflix documentary, The Bleeding Edge. See http://www.medicaldeviceproblems.com for more information about problems with medical devices.
Does compassion matter in artificial intelligence? The podcast team addresses this question using the AMC television show HUMANS and newspaper articles from both The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
Travel and compassion. Can the two words go together without any sense of irony? This episode is about the role that compassion (or the lack of it) plays in traveling. We were inspired to do this show by a Wall Street Journal article on airplane evacuations (https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-dangerous-decision-air-passengers-keep-making-1533132796?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1) and a New York Times piece on Airbnb (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/03/opinion/airbnb-is-the-new-nato.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region).
Team player? Do you know the difference between coordinating and collaborating? The podcast crew tackles the idea of whether “you can be too much of a team player” and explores why knowing the differences between coordination and collaboration are important when managing teams. This episode was inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/you-could-be-too-much-of-a-team-player-1532352464?mod=hp_lead_pos11.
Where’s the compassion in healthcare? The short answer is nurses! Our focus for this episode is healthcare and what can be done about the lack of compassion seemingly rising in the field. We also have a surprise nursing guest join us. We start the episode, however, discussing 6 very different books (fiction and nonfiction) that have compassion as a central component of their theme…we wanted to help you fill your summertime reading list.
How do you spell ‘spies' in the United Kingdom? K-I-D-S. This episode explores the United Kingdom's use of children as spies (this is for real) and specifically asks if using kids in such a role is compassionate and effective. For those of you interested in reading more about this topic, here is The New York Times article that inspired us to do this episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/world/europe/uk-undercover-child-spies.html.
Reflecting on past episodes and looking forward to the new season. Tracy, Chris, and Pete (CA Podcast’s engineer and producer) discuss not only past guests and issues but also how the next season of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast will be structured. This is one time where looking forward and backward simultaneously won’t trip you up! Thanks for being a part of our show.
Here is our reflection on another of our favorite episodes with Danbury Masjid Imam Usman Akhtar
Reflecting on past episodes and looking forward to the new season. Tracy, Chris, and Pete (CA Podcast’s engineer and producer) discuss not only past guests and issues but also how the next season of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast will be structured. This is one time where looking forward and backward simultaneously won’t trip you up! Thanks for being a part of our show.
Here is our reflection on one of our favorite episodes with guest Elin Hilderbrand.
Tracy and Chris are back after a short summer break to start Season 3 of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast. The first episode of the new season focuses on the topic of suicide and how compassion can play a role is reducing the increasing numbers of people taking their own lives. The episode was prompted by the celebrity suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade.
Reflecting on past episodes and looking forward to the new season. Tracy, Chris, and Pete (CA Podcast’s engineer and producer) discuss not only past guests and issues but also how the next season of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast will be structured. This is one time where looking forward and backward simultaneously won’t trip you up! Thanks for being a part of our show.
Here's our reflection on the episode with Emeryville, CA Chief of Police Jennifer Tejada.
Reflecting on past episodes and looking forward to the new season. Tracy, Chris, and Pete (CA Podcast’s engineer and producer) discuss not only past guests and issues but also how the next season of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast will be structured. This is one time where looking forward and backward simultaneously won’t trip you up! Thanks for being a part of our show.
This is our reflection on the fifth episode of the first season in which Chris and Tracy talk to Steve Martin of Love146.
The first in a series of episodes in which Tracy and Chris look back at some of their favorite shows over the past 2 seasons of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast and reflect on the journey so far.
Reflecting on past episodes and looking forward to the new season. Tracy, Chris, and Pete (CA Podcast’s engineer and producer) discuss not only past guests and issues but also how the next season of The Compassionate Achiever Podcast will be structured. This is one time where looking forward and backward simultaneously won’t trip you up! Thanks for being a part of our show.
The trials and tribulations of volunteering. Tracy is back from her volunteering in Kenya and she and Chris discuss “the lessons learned” from her experience. This is both an emotional and inspiring episode. NOTE: the societal issues covered in this episode are child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Volunteerism or “why people volunteer” is our focus for this episode. Tracy and Chris discuss the reasons behind, for, and against volunteering. Tracy's recently scheduled volunteer trip to Africa is our launching pad for the discussion.
Tony Vengrove, Founder and CEO of Miles Finch Innovation and Makery Coworking, is our guest for this episode. Tony has helped numerous companies unlock innovative ideas hidden within their own walls. Our discussion includes ideas such as job crafting and the compassion-innovation connection. We discuss the differences between not only compassion and empathy but also creativity and innovation. Tony also talks about how to create an “idea climate” in any organization: “creativity raised to the power of belief divided by logic raised to the power of doubt.” There’s no doubt that you’ll find Tony informative and engaging! http://www.milesfinchinnovation.com and https://www.makerycoworking.com.
Donna Cimarelli, founder and CEO of the Maren Sanchez Home Foundation, is our guest for this episode. Donna started the Foundation after she lost her daughter to school violence. Our topics range from how to identify and handle ‘emotional manipulation’ to how to find resilience through and after a tragedy. The Foundation offers two types of workshops (Herself Defense Course and Herself Awareness Program) and its website is: http://marensanchezhomefoundation.org.
Glori Norwitt, Women’s Center of Danbury Chairperson, is our guest for this episode. The Center helps both women and men in sexual assault and domestic violence situations. Listening to Glori, you’ll understand why the #MeToo movement is about “us”...it’s about the structure and meaning of our relationships at home, school, work and really everywhere. Glori provides us with not only “compassionate tools” that we can use to help others address sexual and domestic abuse crises but also the telephone numbers for her Center’s hotlines:
Sexual Assault—203-731-5204 Domestic Violence—203-731-5206 Headquarters/Office—203-731-5200.
The web address for the Women’s Center of Danbury is: http://wcogd.org.
Maya Soetoro-Ng, Ceeds of Peace cofounder and director of the Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution at the University of Hawaii, is our guest for this episode. Our Hawaiian inspired discussion included subjects such as the problem of loneliness, the importance of teaching values in education, and even her famous brother, President Barack Obama. This podcast with Maya is about not only compassion, courage, and conflict resolution but also purpose, power, and people. Mahalo nui loa (many thanks) for listening.
https://www.ceedsofpeace.org
http://www.peaceinstitute.hawaii.edu/index.html
Andrea Gartner, the founder and CEO of “Pour Me,” is our guest for this episode about how to find ‘balance’ in life while building a startup company. Andrea leads us through a wide range of topics that include insights into how we can live a fulfilling life while making a rewarding living. Andrea is a living testament to how helping others can fuel your own success and her discussion with us about how she built a business while building a community provides practical advice on how to do exactly that. Just as town libraries are considered the “living rooms” of their communities, this episode shows how local businesses such as restaurants and cafes can succeed by becoming their community's ‘kitchen tables’ where we all take time to talk over our favorite food and drinks. Cheers!
Tom Matt, the host of Boomers Rock radio talk show, is our guest for this episode. From discussing inter-generational collaboration in the workplace to overcoming drug and alchohol abuse, our conversation with Tom is about how to not only live life large but live a largely compassionate life (especially through “BEisms”).
“Black Mirror” and compassion. In this episode, which was inspired by the television show “Black Mirror," Tracy and Chris discuss the connections (or non-connections) between technology and compassion. From using social media to being governed by algorithms, technology is in almost every part of our daily lives. This episode is about taking the time to look into our own “black mirrors” for the purpose of reflecting upon how technology can be used for constructive and destructive purposes. If breaking a regular mirror leads to seven years of bad luck, do you know what breaking a black mirror leads to? A new smartphone (listen to the episode to understand why).
We start the new year with “understanding” (the “U” in LUCA). Tracy and Chris talk about the effects of intuitive versus deliberative thinking when it comes to understanding and solving problems. The discussion ranges from understanding what “The Human Advantage” is to understanding what the perfect cup of coffee includes. Enjoy your ‘perfect’ cup while you listen to this episode.
Handling the Holidays" podcast. Tracy, Pete, and Chris talk about the “craziness” of Christmas and how to compassionately make it through the holiday season: building a "gratitude attitude," unlocking your "multiple identities," and finding your “Silver and Gold.” We wish you all an enjoyable holiday season and a compassionate new year!
@compachieverpod
Dr. Joan Palladino, Chair of WCSU’s Nursing Department, is this week’s guest. We discuss how the compassion of colleagues and leaders can strengthen a work environment where trauma and tragedy are constants. If you’re interested in learning more about the power of self-compassion, a “good cry,” and empathy fatigue (as opposed to compassion fatigue), Dr. Palladino has you covered better than any health care plan!
Imam Usman Akhtar, the Imam/Director of Religious Affairs at the Danbury Masjid, is our guest for this episode. We explore the connections between Islam, compassion, and success as well as some misconceptions about living life as a Muslim. Usman shows us how the Quran offers one path to walking life as a compassionate achiever.
Tracy and Chris have some tips to help you survive your holiday gatherings compassionately, some new traditions you may want to try with your own families, and a homework assignment for our listeners. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Compassionate Achiever Podcast.
Cliffe Knechtle, the Pastor of Grace Community Church in New Canaan, CT and host of “Give Me An Answer,” is our guest for this episode. We discuss a wide range of topics ranging from the role of compassion in Christianity to how to maintain compassion for others while they are seemingly attacking you for your beliefs.
Elin Hilderbrand, The New York Times bestselling author of over 20 novels, is our guest for this episode. We explore the role that compassion can play in writing as well as explain the meaning of ‘Hilderbranders’ and #mamastrong. From overcoming writer’s block to confronting cancer, Elin’s interview is one filled with hope and inspiration.
Mr. Farooq Kathwari, CEO of Ethan Allen, is the guest for our first-ever “live audience” podcast. The students of the Kathwari Honors Program help Tracey and Dr. Kukk navigate—through their questions to Mr. Kathwari—a wide range of topics regarding the power of compassion in achieving goals on the personal, professional, and international levels. We had fun doing the episode and we hope that you have fun listening to it.
Marilyn Turkovich, the Executive Director of The Charter for Compassion International, is our guest for this episode
Jennifer Tejada, Police Chief of Emeryville, California (and Marin County’s first female chief of police), is our guest for this podcast episode. We discuss how the combination of mindful meditation and law enforcement training creates more effective, compassionate, and resilient police officers. Chief Tejada helps us write the “ticket” about mindful policing.
Dr. Jim Schmotter, the former President of Western Connecticut State University (2004-2015), is this week’s guest. Our show weaves the threads of education, economics, innovation, and compassion together in ways that reflect Jim’s careers and passions in life.
Jane Davis, the President and CEO of Ability Beyond, is the guest for this episode. We explore a purpose driven life where people come first through Jan’s work at Ability Beyond, a company that provides job training and placement for people with disabilities. If you are interested in what makes a determined, devoted, and meaningful life, then you’re in for a treat.
When was the last time that you had to deal with a difficult person? Do you wish you could have handled it a bit better? Our co-hosts talk about some different ways that you can walk a compassionate path when dealing with difficult people.
David Mitchell, the National Director of Philanthropy at World Vision U.S., is our guest for this episode. World Vision is one of the largest international humanitarian relief and development organizations serving people living in extreme poverty all over the globe. David discusses the role of compassion in not only building a strong community anywhere in the world but also how it can help to address political-economic problems. Get your virtual passport ready because David takes us on a world-wind tour of how one compassionate organization is trying to eradicate poverty.
Dr. Michael Finkelstein, the founder and medical director of Sun Raven: The One of Slow Medicine, is our guest for this podcast episode. Dr. Finkelstein explains not only the role that compassion can and should play in medical treatment but also the importance of "slow medicine". We talk about how "the process" is more important than "the goals" in attaining a healthy life and why we should clearly understand the fact that "we are what we do". Dr. Finkelstein made a "house call" to our studio and you, the listener, get all the benefits (including his unending dose of compassionate wisdom) with no co-pay!
We know what happens when there are too many “cooks” in the kitchen but what happens when there is more than one “Kukk” on a podcast? Elly Kukk (Reiki Master Teacher, Parenting Educator, and Chris’ wife) joins the podcast to discuss the role of compassion in parenting and marriage.
Our guest for this episode, Jim Kennedy (CEO of The Network Support Company), has woven compassion with business and technology to become a successful entrepreneur. We discuss the differences between a workplace filled with “sharks" compared to one filled with “dolphins”as well as ideas for how to create a work environment where compassion drives success at all levels. Jim also offers insights into how compassion can be used as a synergistic source for business and local community engagement on issues ranging from religious diversity to healthcare.
Love146 (https://love146.org) brings the concept of a compassionate achiever to life on the organizational level. Steve Martin, Love146’s CEO, is our guest for this episode where we explore not only how the name of the organization is connected to its purpose of stopping child trafficking and exploitation but also how compassion plays a role in balancing personal anger and frustration. We discuss how anyone can make a positive difference in the world and how we all can try to avoid “compassion fade."
William Beattie is the featured compassionate achiever for this episode. We discuss how individual and community success can both grow through the combination of compassion and religion. We use the efforts of the nonprofit and non-governmental organization he founded called Jericho Partnership (http://jerichopartnership.org) to highlight compassion’s role in personal and communal development.
This episode features the compassionate achiever Scarlett Lewis. She started the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement (http://www.jesselewischooselove.org)—after losing her six year old son Jesse in the Sandy Hook tragedy—in the hope of bringing social-emotional learning (SEL) to every school. If you want to learn how compassion, resilience, and “choosing love” can turn an elementary school tragedy into an educational program that benefits every child, take time to listen to Scarlett.
Episode Two
Part II of the introduction to the Compassionate Achiever Podcast. A compassionate achiever is someone who attains success by helping others.
Part I of the introduction to the Compassionate Achiever Podcast. This episode provides an overview of “The Compassionate Achiever.” We discuss the link between compassion and success and the four steps to becoming a compassionate achiever: Listen, Understand, Connect, and Act (LUCA).
A short introduction to the Compassionate Achiever Podcast and the co-hosts: Dr. Christopher Kukk and Tracy Day. The podcast is based on the book called “The Compassionate Achiever” (http://compassionateachiever.com) and it’s about discovering how to “Unleash the compassionate achiever within you to unlock success."