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.