Join us as we speak with Al Cook—former drill sergeant, business and community leader, and motivational speaker—to unpack how confidence is built under pressure, why leadership is an art, and how attention to detail can shape your life. Al takes us behind the scenes of basic training: the controlled chaos of arrival, the initial shock that flips a mental switch, and the quiet satisfaction of watching a scared 18-year-old become a soldier who trusts themselves when it counts.

From there, we chart Al’s path into retail management and entrepreneurship, where he sharpened his philosophy: thoughts drive emotions, emotions drive actions, actions become habits, habits form character, and character sets destiny. He shares practical tools for business owners feeling stuck, including writing clear goals, expecting struggle before victory, building mental toughness, and gathering a coterie of people who are smarter than they are. We dive into the power of visualization and why most people unintentionally imagine failure more vividly than success. Al shows how to redirect that imagination toward outcomes you actually want.

Al blends tough love with compassionate coaching. You’ll hear how to turn “I can’t” into “Here’s my next step,” how to reduce negative inputs and increase positive ones, and why small, consistent wins beat frantic busyness. We wrap with a gratitude practice that resets your day in minutes and a reminder that your greatest resource is people: align them around a vision and watch momentum build. If you’re ready to swap excuses for execution and turn thought into action, press play, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs the spark.

This episode of There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere features Gregory Mark Hill, a private equity partner and author of the book, "Samsara and Its Impact on the Entrepreneur's Dreams." Gregory discusses the meaning of Samsara, a Sanskrit word that refers to the cycles of suffering when one is attached to the material world. He explains how this concept applies to entrepreneurship and the broader business world, noting that even when professional issues are solved, "if they were suffering on the inside...the businesses I found would ultimately suffer." Gregory shares stories from his work with executives, including a compelling anecdote about a Fortune Ten company, to illustrate how the "self-cherishing ego" and attachments to things like outcomes or preconceived notions can become a roadblock to company and organizational success. He also explores how shifting a leader's mindset can positively impact the entire company.

Gregory’s book is available on Amazon. It’s a true story that shares insights on breaking free from limiting cycles while rediscovering joy, resilience, and purpose. Check it out – we recommend it! https://a.co/d/0sCsvIa

In this episode, Jamie Serino and Peter Carucci speak with Dr. Despina Kontos, a professor and cancer researcher at Columbia University, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming cancer research and patient care. From her roots in engineering to her pioneering work in medical imaging, Dr. Kontos shares how AI is moving from simple computer vision tools to sophisticated predictive analytics that are already saving lives. The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of bringing AI into clinical settings—from legal concerns to integration into existing medical workflows. Dr. Kontos also weighs in on the role of the private sector in driving innovation, the potential of democratizing medical technology to improve access, and why personal responsibility and preventative care are more important than ever. It’s a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology, medicine, and human decision-making in the era of AI.

It’s "therapy on steroids." Join us as we discuss the therapeutic power of art therapy and creativity with Susan Kappel, a licensed creative arts therapist with 30 years of experience. This captivating conversation explores how creative expression provides concrete form to our abstract emotions and can lead to mental health breakthroughs.

Susan takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of art therapy from a little-known approach to an evidence-based treatment modality. She shares powerful stories of healing from Alzheimer's patients to military veterans with PTSD. These examples illuminate how art therapy bypasses verbal barriers, allowing people to process emotions they might not yet have words to express.

Whether you're curious about alternative therapeutic approaches or simply looking to understand the healing potential of creativity, this episode offers valuable insights into how art can be wielded as a powerful tool for mental wellbeing. As Susan reminds us, "It's a choice to feel differently than you're feeling right now" – and creative expression might just be the key to making that choice possible.

What if your leadership, mental health, or corporate trainings could be as engaging as a blockbuster movie or your favorite Netflix show? Sharon Sloane, CEO and co-founder of WILL Interactive, joins us to reveal how organizational learning is being transformed through interactive storytelling. Using a powerful blend of narrative and gaming techniques, and artfully incorporating an AI learning coach, Willow, Sharon and WILL Interactive help companies, the military, and other organizations tackle issues like social responsibility, diversity, leadership, and mental health. In this episode, Sharon also shares insights into the neuroscience of learning and decision-making, and the best ways to create engagement and emotionally resonant learning experiences.

We explore the intricacies of leadership decisions where the lines between right and wrong blur. With interactive guidance, participants receive real-time feedback on their choices, revealing the broader impact of their actions. In addition, we connect the dots between these learning experiences and broader organizational challenges, such as employee morale and retention, team performance and communication, and emotional wellbeing.

Beyond corporate and organizational growth, we delve into the critical role of mental health in professional settings. Sharon also discusses WILL’s work in supporting corporate cultures, addressing critical issues like the prevention of sexual harassment and abusive conduct, as well as workplace violence. Join us as we underscore the need for comprehensive support systems that promote genuine resilience, and the vital role of communication and listening skills in enhancing organizational culture. This episode is a testament to how innovative training can empower employees, transform cultures, and ultimately drive harmony and success.

You can learn more about WILL Interactive here: https://willinteractive.com/

What would you do if you received an email that unraveled a hidden chapter of your family history? Join us as we embark on a powerful and emotional journey with Michael Hickins, former Wall Street Journal reporter and author of 'The Silk Factory.' A mysterious email from a nephew he'd never known sets Michael on a path to uncover his family's past, which intertwines with the Holocaust, as he learns of a silk factory that was in his family for generations until his father was imprisoned in a concentration camp. Michael travels with his family to Ansbach, Germany, to learn more about the silk factory and the tragic impact of the Holocaust on his parents. This episode explores the importance of sharing our personal stories, uncovering our roots, and understanding the sources of painful experiences at both the individual and collective levels that can be passed along as intergenerational trauma.

As Michael digs deeper, he confronts the emotional complexities of reconnecting with a painful past. His travels to Ansbach, where he finds scarce Jewish historical markers, and Wiesbaden, where historians document his family's deportation, highlight the stark contrasts in how societies choose to acknowledge and remember. The conversation broadens to include his father's harrowing wartime experiences and the post-war mystery of the family's silk factory, painting a poignant picture of survival, loss, and unresolved legacies. Through this narrative, we navigate the intersections of memory, identity, and the weight of history on personal lives.

As we discuss concepts such as epigenetics and intergenerational trauma, we explore how societal acknowledgment—or lack thereof—can influence healing. Michael shares his reflections on his father's hidden fury and its influence on his life, offering insights into how visiting historical sites and engaging with family narratives can aid in breaking cycles of inherited trauma. We discuss the transformative power of storytelling and the crucial role of societal recognition in fostering a healthier future, offering hope that understanding one's roots can lead to healing for future generations.

You can get The Silk Factory here: https://a.co/d/bxK4y9N

Michael's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C2WMNFC4

Michael’s personal blog: https://michaelmissing.com/

Joe Geno has dedicated 26 years to teaching in the Bronx, a testament to his passion and resilience. In this episode, Joe shares stories from his new book, "Lesson Learned," offering a wealth of insights and advice for educators and professionals in high-pressure environments.

Joe’s candid recounting of his career, enriched with humorous and impactful anecdotes, reveals a journey shaped by a determination to succeed, and an open-mindedness to learn through the process of teaching about thriving as an educator. He reflects on the highs and lows of life in the education system, imparting the profound lessons he's learned along the way.

From his early dreams of becoming a poet to navigating the daily challenges of teaching, Joe's story is both relatable and inspiring for anyone forging their own career path. His experiences promise not just valuable lessons, but also plenty of laughter and motivation. Whether you’re in education or another service-related or high-pressure field, Joe’s wisdom will leave you enlightened and uplifted.

How can innovation and technology make philanthropy more impactful? Join us as we chat with Brandolon Barnett, a dynamic leader who is reshaping how we think about philanthropy and impact. From his beginnings as a tech-enthusiast child to becoming the Head of Innovation & Philanthropy at Giving Compass and the Founder and CEO of the Regular App, Brandolon’s story is one of passion and innovation. Learn about groundbreaking tools like generative AI that are making philanthropy more effective and accessible, and discover the AI philanthropic advisor from Giving Compass that can transform how you engage with charitable causes.

We also explore the essence of being deliberate about philanthropy and long-term thinking in shaping a better world. Brandolon provides practical advice on participating in giving circles and highlights the significance of consistency in community events for fostering lasting relationships. Reflecting on his own journey, Brandolon emphasizes the importance of meaningful work and fair wages in the nonprofit sector, envisioning a future where social impact is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. This episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiring stories that will leave you motivated to make a difference.

Learn more about The Regular: https://theregularapp.com/

Learn more about The Giving Compass: https://givingcompass.org/