Education Episodes
Hear from revolutionary educators transforming how we think about learning, teaching, and student success.
98: Shireen Jaffer on her journey from Pakistan to the US at age 7, the duality she experienced growing up in Palo Alto, transforming education
Show notes: In this episode, Shireen and Jeffrey discuss her journey from Pakistan to the US at age 7 and the incredible sacrifices her parents made to make it possible. We also cover the duality she experienced growing up in Palo Alto, the variety of jobs she worked from ages 12-18, when she realized what’s valuable in life vs. in our educational system, transforming education, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-y4xdKbGgSY Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/23/24 Shireen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenjaffer/ https://www.instagram.com/shireenjaffer_/ Skillify: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillify/ https://www.skillifynow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/skillifynow/ https://www.facebook.com/Skillify/ https://twitter.com/skillify Other resources: https://cosmosinstitute.substack.com/ Bio: I'm a people-obsessed product builder based in San Francisco. I was born in Pakistan, won the luck lottery at age 7 and immigrated to Palo Alto, where I was bred to solve real world problems and build my first business at 17. While attending USC full-time, I bootstrapped my first company Skillify to challenge our societal obsession with college and helped 150,000 high school students get real world exposure via internships and mentors. I focused on impact and profitability from day 1 and scaled Skillify programs to 220 schools by the time I graduated three years later. I'm so proud to have helped hundreds of thousands of students discover what they love, and be recognized as Forbes 30 under 30 for work I love doing. The longer story? I can tell you live - say hi at Shireen@skillifynow.com Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:42 - What Motivates you? 3:46 - Immigrating 13:06 - Early Life in US 19:08 - Education 25:50 - Skillify 31:02 - Changing People's Lives 44:03 - Life After Skillify 1:10:20 - Education, Vocation 1:16:58 - Most Grateful for 1:18:02 - Snap Your Fingers
94: Christina Dent on approaches to addiction that reduce crime and empower families
Show notes: In this episode, Christina and Jeffrey chat about her incredible book, Curious: a foster mom’s discovery of an unexpected solution to drugs and addiction, as well as how End It For Good has evolved since their last conversation and the “staircase to recovery” as well as growing support for different types of recovery journeys. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/me_HTcqo-P4 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/30/24 Christina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinabdent/ https://www.instagram.com/christinabdent/ End It For Good: https://enditforgood.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeHW4zajtl0os_z-LkzXZ8qiH9Bsg3KCUprRz5cqqGWcIWBgdp7iQQxoCxuYQAvD_BwE https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/ https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/ https://twitter.com/EndItForGoodMS Contact - Curious@enditforgood.com Other resources: Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction - https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Discovery-Unexpected-Solution-Addiction/dp/B0CMCDV8VP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I74YGFPXBVD9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P3QhsNIPa0w36dbtXZtkeddL5vuGou8YhJX21rk2Fp4oIuTI6VB6B2Tl04RrBExAUj3fbibSt7sHFNhbl_PG8WR7g3piyzrNkgBPKsIGP25p3bZt7kTYUwCoM1IFI513gaanjpKxqe-toAexq4Nct3GxwRbmVk3n_VZEyYg_BEwvck3vZ3BGAMh7hMWEV7lOUlkhyIhDk4UndTOYgB9GiniXJgAm_VvaDgpW4ygmPek.C6h21av_RSPCGELOw1AgGMEGPLZtC3j3BRHaRVauIco&dib_tag=se&keywords=Curious%3A+A+Foster+Mom%27s+Discovery+of+an+Unexpected+Solution+to+Drugs+and+Addiction&qid=1715710051&sprefix=curious+a+foster+mom%27s+discovery+of+an+unexpected+solution+to+drugs+and+addiction%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1 Bio: Christina is an author, TEDx speaker, and perpetual question-asker. She grew up in a conservative, Christian home and earned a degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Belhaven University. As a young adult, Christina assumed she had a solid understanding of how the world works. That changed when she and her husband became foster parents in 2014. The neat bow she had tied around her mental box of how the world works began to unravel. What had previously been a category of people in her mind, people addicted to drugs, now had a name, face, and an infant son sleeping in the extra bedroom down the hall. Her foster care experience gave her an up-close look at the realities of addiction, drug use, and the far-reaching impact of our drug laws. This became the catalyst for months of reading, questions, and listening as she tried to reconcile her beliefs as a Christian with the pain and suffering she saw first-hand. What she learned changed her mind. The laws she thought were the answer to keep people from using drugs she now saw as causing more harm than help to people made in God’s image. Christina founded End It For Good out of her desire to invite others to listen to the voices directly impacted by our drug laws. She hopes that more people will explore the root causes of drug-related harm and consider a different approach. She wrote the book Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction to share her story and the research and experiences that changed her mind about the best path forward to help people thrive, even in a world where harmful drugs exist. Christina is married to her college sweetheart Thomas, and they live in Ridgeland, MS, with their three sons. On the weekends, you can find her biking, in a hammock reading a biography, or playing board games with the family. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:40 - End It For Good 5:47 - How Has EIFG Evolved? 10:33 - Curious 23:17 - Curious on Audio Book 26:16 - Origin Story 32:29 - Life After Publishing Curious 39:39 - Sentencing in Real Time 47:34 - Regulated Vs Street Drugs 52:33 - Rehabbing Yourself 57:53 - Staircase to Recovery 1:04:17 - Transcending Religion 1:12:50 - Engagement Around Curious 1:16:11 - When Work Affected Change 1:20:45 - Snap Your Fingers 1:23:37 - How to Support
92: Sanjay Rawal on peace via arts, sports, food systems, and social justice
In this episode, Sanjay and Jeffrey discuss his upbringing as the son of two Indian immigrant professors, why college is a waste, moving to NYC to be part spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy’s community, making films, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/_Bzue3rFmiQ Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/24/24 Sanjay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjay-rawal-586108247/ https://www.instagram.com/mrsanjayr/ Illumine: https://illumine.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/illumine-service-foundation-inc/about/ https://www.instagram.com/illumineservice/ Food Chains - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vw-qTCW8fo Ocean Monk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOeB1grhfBc Gather - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfSGB-aSo6A Other resources: https://www.wingsofamerica.org/ https://malaika.org/ Bio: Film Director with a track record of making feature-length human rights and human interest documentaries, all of which have been distributed on major streaming platforms. I moonlight as the Executive Director of a small nonprofit just as a way to stay connected to a number of issues. Past life as a consultant/project developer to governments, nonprofits and large cap private equity firms. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 5:28 - Education 9:11 - Early life 12:57 - Early Career 19:04 - Documentaries, Food Chains & Ocean Monk 23:13 - Running as a Religion 29:30 - Measuring Success 33:14 - Financing Films 35:50 - Gather 40:38 - What's Next 46:11 - The Late Game Process 48:24 - What's Next for Jeff 50:13 - Volunteer Work 53:09 - When Work Affected Change 55:27 - Most Grateful for 57:33 - Snap Your Fingers 1:03:49 - How to Support
84: Gillian Rabin on impact filmmaking and women’s rights
In this episode, Gillian and Jeffrey discuss her lifelong passion for being on stage, acting and production, desire to tell important stories, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lSfcw68eaPg Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 11/29/23 https://gillianrabin.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@gillian_ray https://www.instagram.com/gillianrabin/ https://www.facebook.com/gillian.rabin/ https://www.l8theofficialshort.com/ https://www.geniusmesh.com/ https://resolvemediagroup.com/ Other resources: https://www.gawinlist.com/ Bio: From singing herself to sleep in her crib at night to singing on the stage, Gillian’s passion for performance has never wavered. Her love for storytelling, empathetic connection, and creativity is the driving force for everything she does— from writing to acting to marketing. Pursuing her passion, Gillian moved to Atlanta where she attended Oglethorpe University on a Georgia Shakespeare Full-Tuition Scholarship. After four years of studying, rehearsals, writing, internships, and performances, Gillian graduated valedictorian with a BA in Theatre and a BA in Communication & Rhetorical Studies. Gillian has had the honor of working with People Store Talent Agency as both a Film & Television Intern and as an actor before she signed with AWA and Robyn Bluestone Management. You can see Gillian’s array of characters in Emergency, Gigi & Nate, The ReEducation of Molly Singer, and as a recurring on The Big Door Prize on Apple TV. Gillian is grateful for the opportunities she’s had to work with phenomenal directors, actors, writers, and producers, and excited for upcoming projects with talented storytellers. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 6:07 - Education 10:15 - Early Career 20:27 - Goals 28:06 - L-8 Short Film 37:41 - L-8 Process 49:15 - How to Watch L-8 52:42 - Where Do You Go from Here? 58:30 - When Work Affected Change 1:06:54 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:14:29 - Most Grateful 1:15:32 - Snap Your Fingers 1:18:57 - How to Support
81: Laxmi Parthasarathy on reestablishing trust in journalism
In this episode, Laxmi and Jeffrey discuss her multicultural upbringing, underrepresentation in media, working in radio in Rwanda, the complexity of launching global news bureaus, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/keFJS7cm6Fw Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/18/23 Laxmi: https://www.instagram.com/lsarathy/ Global Press: https://globalpressjournal.com/ https://www.globalpress.co/# https://www.instagram.com/globalpressjournal/ https://www.facebook.com/globalpressjournal/ https://twitter.com/GlobalPress Other resources: https://trustingnews.org/ Styleguide.globalpressjournal.com https://mediaimpactfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GlobalPressReport_IntlNews_March2023_Final-1.pdf https://a.co/d/eZVF56x Bio: Laxmi Parthasarathy is the Chief Operating Officer of Global Press, an international news organization that trains and employs local women reporters in under-covered media markets. She leads worldwide operations, spearheads the global expansion strategy to build new bureaus, and develops partnership strategies to bolster the organization’s reach. She has launched news bureaus around the world, including in Mongolia, Mexico, Nepal and Puerto Rico. Most recently, she built and launched Global Press News Services (GPNS), the B2B division of Global Press, which provides values-aligned products and services to global clients and raises revenue to support the core operations of Global Press. With a track record of pioneering cutting-edge innovations in global newsrooms, Laxmi has more than a decade of expertise in media development, newsroom representation and operational systems design. In her role as COO, Laxmi leads Global Press’ unique commitment to serving some of the hardest to reach audiences in the world. She oversees the organization’s global expansion and training division and is building a global team tasked with delivering Global Press journalism to people who need it the most. Over her career, she has led multiple media development initiatives in over a dozen countries and worked on radio programs in Rwanda and Swaziland. Prior to Global Press, Laxmi served as Director of Global Media Partnerships at Ashoka, the world’s largest association of social entrepreneurs where she authored a pioneering study, “The Bottom-Up Media Revolution: How Social Entrepreneurs Are Building Trust Between Communities and the Media,” that analyzed data on 200 media innovators across 22 countries. In 2006, Laxmi founded “My Roots” to deliver news to the community of Malvern, by the people living in it. This Toronto-based media start-up and quarterly print publication achieved a circulation of over 5,000 and was distributed to all public, private and catholic schools in North-East Scarborough. In 2019, Laxmi was appointed a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Mentor to support Canada’s top doctoral scholars in leadership development and In 2020, American Express named her one of six Next Generation Leaders. Laxmi holds a Master’s degree in Media, Communications and Development from the London School of Economics and completed her undergraduate studies at the School of Journalism and Communications at Carleton University. She is an author of the book “Kamala Harris and the Rise of Indian Americans” (Wisdom Tree, 2021) and lives in Washington D.C. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 7:57 - My Roots 12:46 - Global Press 14:54 - Education 17:15 - Early Career 21:31 - Work's Impact 24:13 - Rwanda Initiative 27:43 - Canadian International Development Agency 30:12 - Research 37:42 - Global Press Continued 55:39 - Funding Model 59:53 - Future of Global Press 1:03:17 - Honors 1:04:16 - Odissi 1:06:09 - When Work Affected Change 1:08:12 - Mentor 1:10:44 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:12:48 - Most Grateful for 1:13:41 - How to Diversify 1:14:59 - Snap Your Fingers 1:17:08 - How to Support
77: Nitzan Pelman on using social capital for growth
In this episode, Nitzan and Jeffrey discuss her upbringing in an orthodox Jewish community, her work at Teach for America, founding ReUp Education and eventually ClimbHire and how to use social capital for growth… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xY1H839fhJI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/6/23 https://climbhire.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/climb-hire/ https://twitter.com/climbhireco https://www.facebook.com/ClimbHireCo/ https://www.instagram.com/climbhire/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMOjisOt_BLhuXeSj564pdQ Bio: Nitzan is a social entrepreneur at heart and cares deeply about finding solutions for breaking the cycle of poverty through education and workforce development. Nitzan launched Climb Hire, a new upskilling organization, that helps overlooked and hidden talent prepare for "new collar" jobs related to Salesforce. A key ingredient in Climb Hire's program is building and leveraging social capital. Climb Hire is based on Nitzan's research and findings from her Entrepreneur in Residence role on LinkedIn's Social Impact team. Nitzan is also an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. Prior to Climb Hire, Nitzan founded ReUp Education in 2015 and served as its founding CEO for 3 years. ReUp partners with universities to re-enroll students who have dropped out of college. ReUp has brought back nearly 10,000 students to college since its inception. In 2007, Nitzan founded the New York region of Citizen Schools and served as its first Executive Director for six years. Over Nitzan's tenure, students in the program graduated from high school at a 20% higher rate than their peers. In that period, Nitzan raised nearly 15 million dollars for the organization, managed an annual budget of 5 million, grew the organization to 100 staff members, and served thousands of students. Nitzan was an Assistant Director at the Department of Education in New York City. She also served as the first Development Director at Teach for America New York. Nitzan holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a BA from Stern College for Women. Nitzan was highlighted as a leader with The Limited's "What Leading Looks Like" campaign and was profiled on their website. Nitzan has also advised and supported various education technology companies and non-profit organizations including Akilah Institute for Women and Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), KIPP, and New Leaders for New Schools. 0:00 - Intro 7:41 - Education and Early Career 12:44 - Citizen Schools 19:52 - ReUp Education 27:15 - LinkedIn 30:02 - Aspen Institute 32:25 - Climb Hire 49:10 - How to Grow Diverse Workforces 55:07 - When Work Affected Change 58:40 - Mentor 1:01:50 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:03:15 - Most Grateful for 1:06:38 - Snap Your Fingers 1:10:37 - How to Support
S7E9 (episode #69): Barry Friedman on reforming policing, alternatives to police response, and more
In this episode, Jeff sits down with Barry Friedman, NYU professor, author of critically acclaimed The Will of the People: How Public Opinion Has Influenced the Supreme Court and Shaped the Meaning of the Constitution and Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission, as well as founder of the Policing Project at NYU. They discuss Barry’s career journey, his experience on 9-11 and how it changed his perspective, the supreme court, front-end accountability for police and the role every citizen can play in it, alternative response initiatives, how entertainment can normalize issues, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XR-k6_FUiI0 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/12/23 Barry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-friedman-0843b065/ https://twitter.com/barryfriedman1 Policing Project: https://www.policingproject.org/ https://twitter.com/PolicingProject https://www.facebook.com/PolicingProjectNYU/ Other resources: Safetyreimagined.org The Will of the People book: https://a.co/d/4JlgEe8 Unwarranted book: https://a.co/d/4cSQpgf https://30x30initiative.org/ BIO: Barry Friedman serves as the Faculty Director of the Policing Project at New York University School of Law, where he is the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Professor of Law and Affiliated Professor of Politics. The Policing Project partners with communities and police to promote public safety through transparency, equity, and democratic engagement. Friedman has taught, litigated, and written about constitutional law, the federal courts, policing, and criminal procedure for over thirty years. He serves as the Reporter for the American Law Institute’s new Principles of the Law, Policing. Friedman is the author of Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission (2017), and has written numerous articles in scholarly journals, including on democratic policing, alternatives to police responses to 911 calls, and the Fourth Amendment. He appears frequently in the popular media, including The New York Times, Slate, Huffington Post, Politico and The New Republic. He also is the author of the critically acclaimed The Will of the People: How Public Opinion Has Influenced the Supreme Court and Shaped the Meaning of the Constitution (2009). Friedman graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and received his law degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center. He clerked for Judge Phyllis A. Kravitch of the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. 0:00 - Intro 5:27 - Education 8:58 - Early Career 11:06 - NYU 14:13 - 9/11 18:18 - The Will of the People 25:57 - Packing the Court 29:14 - Policing the American Law Institute 32:39 - Policing Project 33:51 - Unwarranted, Policing without Permission 38:55 - War on Drugs 43:14 - Neighborhood Policing Initiative 49:05 - How Can We Help Create Change? 51:07 - Alternative Responses 1:01:16 - STAR Program 1:03:23 - When Work Affected Change 1:06:50 - Mentor 1:08:41 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:18:48 - Most Grateful 1:20:33 - Snap Your Fingers 1:22:23 - How to Support
S5E3 (episode 43): Brian Hooks on scaling what’s working to maximize impact
In this episode, Brian and Jeffrey discuss how Brian ended up at Stand Together, why he’s the luckiest guy in the world, and that we must unite with anyone to do right and no one to do wrong. They speak of several of the important issues Stand Together is working on, including Education, Health Care, and Criminal Justice, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UCnBEyw_lMc Recording date: 11/3/22 Learn more: Stand Together: https://standtogether.org/ Stand Together Foundation: https://standtogetherfoundation.org/ Charles Koch Foundation: https://charleskochfoundation.org/ Believe in People book: https://smile.amazon.com/Believe-People-Bottom-Up-Solutions-Top-Down/dp/1250200962 Cafe Momentum: https://cafemomentum.org/ The Phoenix: https://thephoenix.org/ Mercatus Center: https://www.mercatus.org/ Brian Hooks is chairman and CEO of Stand Together, a philanthropic community that works with more than 700 business leaders and philanthropists to empower people to realize their unique potential and help every person rise. Stand Together’s comprehensive approach to addressing the country’s biggest challenges includes support for more than 1,000 professors at over 300 universities, tens of thousands of K-12 teachers, more than 300 community-based organizations addressing persistent poverty, and millions of grassroots activists working to improve public policy. Brian is also president of the Charles Koch Foundation. Previously, he served as executive director and COO of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he led strategy and operations for a growing research, education, and public policy center. He is co-author with Charles Koch of the book, Believe in People: Bottom Up Solutions for a Top Down World, a national bestseller published in November 2020 by St. Martin’s Press. Brian was named to the 2021 TIME100 Next list, featuring leaders who are shaping the future of their fields. Brian serves on the boards of the Mercatus Center, Institute for Humane Studies, Reason Foundation, and the Just Trust. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife and daughter.
S5E02 (episode 42): Laura Patrick on improving the community via business and philanthropy
In this episode, Laura and Jeffrey discuss how she uses business and philanthropy to improve her local Charleston community and beyond… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a043DKLzLsU Learn more: Recording date: 11/2/22 Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellepizzle/ Next Page Podcast: https://linktr.ee/nextpagepodcast 4 Corners Productions: https://www.4cornersproduction.com/ https://www.facebook.com/4CornersProductions/ https://www.instagram.com/4cornersproductions/ Bay Street Biergarten: https://www.baystreetbiergarten.com https://www.facebook.com/BayStreetBiergarten https://www.instagram.com/baystreetbiergarten/ https://www.4cornersproduction.com/ Patrick Properties Hospitality Group: https://www.pphgcharleston.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pphgevents/ https://www.instagram.com/PPHGEvents/ https://www.pinterest.com/pphgcharleston/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/patrick-properties-hospitality-group/ One80 Place: https://www.one80place.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonHomeless/ https://www.instagram.com/_one80_place https://twitter.com/One80Place Laura Patrick is an attorney, entrepreneur, and marketing specialist who has held a life-long interest in the arts, journalism, and hospitality. A native of Charleston, SC, Laura grew up surrounded by her family’s conservation efforts and contributions to the local art scene, where she built a passion for philanthropy, the local art scene and supporting creative endeavors. After receiving a degree in Mass Media and Marketing from College of Charleston, Laura graduated from University of San Diego School of Law with a concentration in Intellectual Property. No matter what project she’s involved in, she maintains a passion for facilitating artists and business owners in creating, growing and protecting their rights. Today, Laura is Co-Owner and the Chief Marketing Officer of Bay Street Biergarten and an Operating Partner of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group. Outside of working with PPHG, Bay Street Biergarten, and 4Corners Productions, Laura enjoys spending time with her two children and binging true crime – but not at the same time.
S5E1 (episode 41): Kelly Smith on micro schools transforming education
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey discuss Kelly’s background in nuclear fusion, his time in the energy sector, teaching kids how to code, founding Prenda, the issues with our current education system, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xznYnuT3CM0 Learn more: Recording date: 8/26/22 Prenda: Website - https://www.prenda.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/prendalearn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prendalearn/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6GcJFx_Yh1CpKzUUuzzQg LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/prenda/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@prendalearn Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/prendalearn/ After a decade of interesting jobs (marketing, product management, consulting, strategy for big and small companies), Kelly found his passion: helping young people learn. He started Prenda with the goal of changing the way we think about education.
S4E7 (episode 37): Chris Wilson on going from incarceration to serial impact entrepreneur
In this episode, Chris and Jeffrey discuss Chris’s difficult upbringing that had him at funerals every month, how he turned his life around while incarcerated, his rampant helping of others, starting businesses, creating art since he got out, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Chris: Website - http://chriswilson.biz/ Book - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FRTZXBS?tag=randohouseinc5760-20 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-905a7963/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chriswilsonslife/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004496409995 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrBd4xwNV29v42w51ewEEtA Born and raised in Washington D.C, Chris grew up under extremely difficult circumstances. Poverty, drug addiction, and gun violence was the everyday norm in his community. At the age of 17, he was charged with a crime, convicted, and sentenced to natural life in prison. It was during times of isolation that he decided to not only to turn his life around, but to make a difference in the lives of people who currently live in poverty-stricken communities similar to his childhood surroundings. “Many years ago, I committed my life to self-improvement and helping others. I sat in a dark cell and wrote up what I now call my Master Plan. A plan to build a business empire and help others.” While imprisoned, he earned his high school diploma, graduated from all of the vocational shops, earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology, from Anne Arundel Community College and taught himself to speak and write in several foreign languages. He became a mentor, started a career center, book club and after serving 16 years in prison, he has returned to society a changed man. He now resides in Baltimore City and is the owner and founder of the Barclay Investment Corporation, a multi-service social enterprise, specializing in residential and commercial contracting work. Barclay works closely with local workforce and social service providers to connect unemployed Baltimore City residents with clients who are in need of a number of services. His other business ventures include The House of DaVinci, a high-end furniture restoration and design company and Master Plan Productions, a social impact content development company.
S4E4 (episode 34): Maggie Lin on immigrating into foster care and exiting the system
In this episode, Maggie and Jeffrey discuss her immigration to the US as a child and struggles through the foster care system, as well as how she ended up at Dartmouth College, her philosophy background, her years living in India and Mongolia, her journey of starting and growing Foster Nation, and much more…here is Maggie Lin on People are the Answer. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Foster Nation: Website - https://www.fosternation.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefosternation/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheFosterNation Twitter - https://twitter.com/thefosternation CareerX - fosternation.org/careerx For most, turning 18 is a moment of anticipation and potential: a milestone that ushers in the freedom and possibilities of finally reaching adulthood. But what if turning 18 meant being turned out on the streets? What if it meant you lost the support you needed to start your life as a young adult? What if your circumstances were filled with setbacks that most teens didn’t face? For the approximately 26,000 foster youth who “age out” of the system each year – reaching legal adulthood without being placed in permanent adoptive homes – these what-ifs are dire realities. Former foster youth are less likely than the general population to graduate high school or to attend or graduate college, and 20% will become “instantly” homeless. As a former foster youth who moved through eight different placements, Maggie Lin knows first-hand how critical support and resources are during this “aging out” transition point. But she also knows her story turned out differently than most foster youth. Maggie succeeded in college in part because at her last home placement she had a healthy environment and a foster family who supported her transition to adulthood. More than a decade after graduating from Dartmouth College, Maggie now leads Foster Nation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering foster youth as they age out of the system. Launched in 2016 in partnership with The Pritzker Foster Care Initiative and Foster Care Counts, Foster Nation seeks to provide equal access to opportunity for former foster youth. Foster Nation engages communities to support foster youth aging out of the system, helping them become self-sufficient, successful college students and/or young adults. The organization addresses the challenges faced by former foster youth with financial resources, donated essentials, social support and mentorship. “Kids who have families can pick up the phone and call mom and dad if they have a question, or to ask for resources they need. So many of our foster students just don’t have that,” says Maggie Lin, Founder, Foster Nation. “Equal access to opportunity is about having the basics that every person needs — with or without a family — in order to have a chance at succeeding in life.” Foster Nation’s programming focuses on providing the community support and basic fundamental resources former foster youth need. The organization leads ongoing campaigns that provide free meals; clothing for everyday confidence or interviews; and basics like hygiene products and laundry detergent. COVID-19 has only made these efforts more urgent, as former foster youth who rely on colleges for secure food and housing are forced to face a compounded crisis. One of the most important resources Foster Nation offers its members is community support. “I remember being in college and feeling like the only person who didn’t have family or people to rely on,” says Maggie. Holiday, graduation and birthday gift-giving programs help members feel loved as they celebrate milestones. Meanwhile, social awareness initiatives, like their #SpeakUp series, help break down stigma and change the way the public thinks about former foster youth. Today, Foster Nation partners with 44 colle
S4E1 (episode 31): Rabbi Dr. Ari Sytner on kidney donation, grieving, counseling, and more…
In this episode, Rabbi Ari Sytner and Jeffrey discuss Ari’s career and life journey from becoming a Rabbi to becoming a couples counselor, and a lot of job and educational experiences in between… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Rabbi Sytner’s Website Book: The Kidney Donor’s Journey Book: The Ultimate Relationship Workbook for Couples Rabbi Dr. Ari Sytner is a passionate marriage therapist, licensed clinical social worker, author, inspirational speaker, rabbi, and proud kidney donor. He is a graduate professor of social work at Yeshiva University and provides trauma intervention nationally in the wake of tragic mass shootings. Dr. Sytner lectures extensively about compassion, love, kindness and marriage, sharing his unique doctoral research on marital relationships. He is the author of The Ultimate Relationship Workbook for Couples and of The Kidney Donor’s Journey. Dr. Sytner is one of only a handful of PhD’s around the world that hold a Certification level of credentials in the Gottman Method of couples counseling. He is also certified as a Telehealth therapist, qualified to deliver services remotely.
S3E9 (episode 29): Todd Rose on individuality and collective illusions
In this episode, Todd and Jeffrey discuss going from failing out of high school to a Harvard professor, collective illusions, the importance of social trust, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Populace.org Toddrose.com Twitter.com/ltoddrose Laboratory for the Science of Individuality Collective Illusions book Dark Horse book The End of Average book Square Peg book Todd Rose is the cofounder and president of Populace, a think tank committed to a positive-sum world where all people have the opportunity to live fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, Dr. Rose was a professor at Harvard University where he served as the faculty director of the Mind, Brain, and Education program, as well as led the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality. Todd is the best-selling author of Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He lives in Burlington, Massachusetts.
Episode 1: Alex Hodara on investing in students
Alex Hodara is the Founder of Rocket Club, "The S.T.E.A.M. and Entrepreneurship Certificate Program for Innovators Ages 7-14." Rocket Club has been an incredible addition to the lives of its students, staff, and others. Alex began his career founding Hodara Real Estate Group, an investment and development company started as a brokerage in 2008, when he was a junior business student at Boston University. The success of this student-owned and student-run brokerage led to his being named one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30”. In 2011 Alex bought, renovated, and rented his first building. Today he owns 200 multifamily units between Boston and Jersey City. In 2018, Alex founded Rocket Club and in 2021 was named as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Alex, who grew up in Westfield, New Jersey, received a B.B.A. from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. He currently resides in New York City. For more information go to rocketclub.com