Life 2.0

A Matter of Grace

What are the odds that best-selling author and celebrated journalist Cathleen Falsani would win a trip at a fundraiser-throw a dart at a map that lands on Malawi, she and her husband, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, Maurice Possley head off on an adventure, and in a matter of grace... meet a little 10-year-old boy named Vasco, who had a serious heart condition, and in doing so, steal their hearts in a moment, and...eventually become their son? It's a miracle of the highest spiritual significance, and a reminder that whatever you are seeking...is seeking you. 10 years later, we revisit their incredible journey. We also talk about the latest book by Cathleen and co-author Jenny Dyer- "The End of Hunger: Renewed Hope for Feeding the World." Once you listen to the podcast, and are ready to take an action step to make sure you help a child keep their belly full-just click the link to "Corbin's Legacy" make a donation of any amount, and this incredible organization will take care of the details.

Calypso Memories

When 18 year old Richard Hyman volunteered to drive a truck for famed oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1973, he couldn't have imagined just saying "yes" to that job, would eventually lead to many ocean voyages and adventures. Months later, he flies to Mexico's Yucatán and boards the world famous ship- RV Calypso- and camps on an uninhabited island to study lobsters. From there he sails south along the 180-mile Belize Barrier Reef, filming the spawning of thousands of grouper and a visit from singer songwriter John Denver, who begins writing the lyrics to "Calypso" a song that became an anthem for millions. Richard is the founder of "Future Frogmen" a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and public charity that works to improve ocean health by deepening the connection between people and nature and the author of- Frogmen: The True Story of My Journeys With Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the Crew of Calypso.

"Calypso" & "Eclipse" by John Denver. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Earth Day 2020 with Bill Kurtis

It's been one-half century since the first official "Earth Day" was held on April 22nd 1970. Over the past five decades, there have been some great improvements in our collective efforts to clean-up the mess we've made of and on the planet, but also some serious setbacks as well. Bill Kurtis, respected journalist, documentary filmmaker and award winning producer, shares his insights and perspectives on the "State of the Planet" and if he feels that there is still a reason for hope, when it comes to life on earth. "Amazon" by our friend, the late, great John Denver.

Embracing Fear

Ya gotta like a guy who could be George Thorogood's stunt double and names his dog "Lucas" after Lucas McCain in "The Rifleman" but as if that's not enough, Thom Rutledge is a best-selling author, highly regarded psychotherapist and a down home soul, who fought his own demons and teaches others how to do the same. In a day and age when fear is the main ingredient in life, Thom shares his concept that embracing fear is the way to go, and that "The Ripple Effect" is all important, when it comes to not letting the headlines destroy your lifelines. 

JUST SHOW UP

Dr. Robin Smith, is one of the founding voices of the Oprah Radio Network, a NYT best-selling author, highly sought after executive performance coach and ordained minister with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. After an extended hiatus, Dr. Robin is most definitely "back on call" and right on time, as we are immersed in the middle of a world-wide pandemic. This conversation is not just an ear popping, belief busting adventure in authenticity, but also riddled with inspirational nuggets of wisdom from one of the premiere voices of truth as it pertains to your life experience, and the power of "just showing up."

TBT with Brad Meltzer

On "Throwback Thursday" we are turning the dial back to 2015-when I was on the CBS Radio Play.it platform. Its my conversation with NYT best-selling author and History Channel guy Brad Meltzer. But-before all that- I gotta get my rants in about what was going on in the world five years ago-different headlines-same lifelines. 

The Monday Memo

Well here we are...navigating uncharted waters...or...are we? While some of the numbers are staggering and the influences, opinions and observations are many, human behavior doesn't change much when push comes to shove-and the sad example of Typhoid Mary once again comes full circle. 

On The Road... Again.

Disclaimer: This is the shallow end of the pool as it pertains to any serious eye opening, brain jarring, knuckle scraping, break through insights about the human condition-except how quickly a somewhat normal person can go ballistic over a piece of machinery that isn't working as advertised. That being stated, it was a vast, week-long maze of regional jet travel, hanging out with country music star John Berry, eating my way through Nashville, the near demise of my trusty, dusty Dell laptop, and my subsequent return to Chicago. Then it was on to the bustling metropolis of Appleton, Wisconsin wherein I met Jorge, the Yoda of the IT universe, and all was well again in the world...for now. If you have ever wanted to take a hammer or other blunt object to your laptop or PC...this episode is for you.

Episode #100-Back to The Future

I'm back from a month-long hiatus, and we've officially hit the 100th episode of Life 2.0. 

Wasn't sure what was going to get me back into the bully pulpit of podcasting, and as it turns out, the catalyst was a trip "Back to the Future" to my alma mater, Schurz High School in Chicago, and conversation with four students in their junior year (and a full class in the audience as well)-as to how they see the world-with a measured dose of perspective from the guy who sat in the same chairs as they do now, back in 1974.

I was in fact able to get in the desk chair-but getting out...meh. I've gained four or five pounds since Nixon was president.

I've done thousands of shows in the past two decades plus, incredible conversations, enlightening perspectives, salient points, from the famous and infamous-however- whenever I talk with young people, I am reminded that all is not lost, and that they are far more informed, connected and passionate about their place in the world than we give them credit for.

HIGHER GROUND

My self-imposed hiatus ends today, on New Year's Eve 2019. This is the 99th episode-filled with rants, raves and reflections about the past 365 days, the ongoing impact of my conversations with some of the most incredible people in the world, why making "New Year's Resolutions" is not a good idea, why I am no longer the sheriff of "Truth Town" and a few thoughts about my old buddy John Denver, who would have turned 76 today. 

Hold on to your lug-nuts, we are moving into a new decade.