Resilience isn’t created overnight — it’s shaped by generations of courage, challenge, and the relentless pursuit of justice. In today’s episode, we take a step back in time to explore how resilience has been forged through history and how those lessons continue to influence the world we live in today.

Joined by former Congressman Matt Cartwright, we dive into the stories of individuals who transformed adversity into impact. With a background in history and a deep understanding of the human experience, Matt shares insight into how seemingly ordinary people — from Mahatma Gandhi to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — helped reshape society through perseverance and an unwavering stand against injustice.

In honor of Black History Month, this conversation reflects on the enduring legacy of leaders who turned struggle into progress, and how their influence still guides conversations around courage, change, and hope.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with a close family friend whose life changed forever at just 20 years old after becoming the victim of a random, violent attack. What followed was not only a long physical recovery—including having to relearn how to walk—but an even more difficult internal journey: learning how to keep going, stay hopeful, and rebuild a sense of self after unimaginable trauma. This conversation isn’t about the attack itself—it’s about what comes after. The quiet strength it takes to show up every day. The mental battles no one sees. The power of support, perspective, and choosing positivity even when it feels impossible. Through honesty, vulnerability, and reflection, this episode is a reminder that healing is not linear, courage doesn’t always look loud, and survival is its own form of victory.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Bender to talk about a journey that didn’t follow the traditional script — and why that ended up being its greatest strength. Bill shares the twists, setbacks, and pivotal moments that shaped his unconventional climb to success, offering an honest look at what it means to keep going when the timeline you imagined for yourself no longer applies.

A powerful highlight of the conversation centers on Bill’s decision to return to college later in life and the emotional significance of completing that chapter with his mother in attendance to witness it. It’s a moment that represents perseverance, growth, and the quiet pride that comes from finishing something you once thought might be out of reach.

Throughout the episode, Bill reflects on redefining success, learning from failure, and embracing the long road — proving that progress doesn’t have an expiration date. This conversation is a reminder that there’s no single path to fulfillment, and that sometimes the most meaningful achievements come from staying the course, even when it takes longer than expected.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Part II, Kathleen Kane continues her conversation with Liz Scott, diving deeper into Alex’s enduring legacy and the extraordinary foundation built in her name. Liz reflects on how Alex’s simple childhood mission grew into Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, now one of the leading organizations funding childhood cancer research and supporting families nationwide. Together, Kathleen and Liz explore the ripple effect of Alex’s courage, generosity, and belief that one person, no matter how young, can truly change the world.

This episode is a powerful reminder that hope, purpose, and love can live on far beyond a single lifetime.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Part One of this episode, we’re honored to sit down with Liz Scott, founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Liz shares the powerful story of her daughter Alex—who she was, what inspired her iconic lemonade stand, and how a simple childhood idea grew into a global movement.

Together, we reflect on Alex’s courage, compassion, and legacy, and explore the profound impact she continues to have on childhood cancer research and families around the world. This conversation sets the foundation for understanding not just the organization, but the heart and hope behind it.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this reflection episode of Through the HurriKane, Kathleen and Alexandra pause to look back on the first six episodes — stories that carried deep emotion, hard truths, and powerful resilience. Together, they reflect on what it was like to hold space for vulnerability, revisit painful moments, and move through conversations that weren’t always easy but were necessary. This episode is about what happens between the storms: what we learn when the winds settle, how sharing stories can heal both the speaker and the listener, and why reflection is just as important as forward motion. A moment to breathe, honor what’s been shared so far, and ground ourselves before continuing the journey ahead.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Dale Hadley to talk about her son Brian Patrick Hadley, a bright, funny, twelve-year-old boy whose sudden passing changed her life forever. Dale shares what it was like to live through that loss, how she found the strength to keep going, and the ways she’s learned to carry Brian’s memory forward.

Check out the featured song on our website: “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Through the HurriKane, I sit down with my dear friend Dr. Linda Barrasse, a cardiologist, author, and mother who lost her son, Cody, in a tragic accident. Linda shares the story of Cody’s final act of generosity—donating his organs—and how she found hope and purpose through unimaginable grief. We talk about love, faith, and learning to live again after loss. The song of the episode, chosen by Linda in memory of Cody, is “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.