(Ep 397) Building Community Through Kindness and Random Acts of Service
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
Release Date: 11/09/2025
(Ep 407) Unlocking Your Story: Writing, Publishing, and Personal Transformation
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this thought-provoking episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Sara Stibitz, an esteemed author and book coach, to discuss the intricate journey of writing and publishing a book. With more than 13 years of experience in the publishing industry, Sara sheds light on the transformative nature of storytelling and how it can lead to both personal and professional growth. Sara explores the essential components of writing a book that resonates deeply with both the author and the audience. She delves into the common misconceptions about the publishing industry and...
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(Ep 406) Exploring Leadership Through Inner Transformation and Oneness
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, a leadership expert who blends corporate acumen with spiritual and emotional intelligence. Originally from Germany, Sylvia has navigated through various European cultures, refining her expertise in leadership and organizational change over decades. Together, they explore the transformation in leadership styles, shifting from traditional command-and-control models to more holistic, human-centered approaches. Mary and Sylvia dive into the core themes of...
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(Ep 405) Transforming Lives: Dr. Greer's Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
Welcome to the new year, 2026 edition of "Crafting a Meaningful Life" with Mary Crafts. This transformative episode dives deep into the world of health and wellness with esteemed bariatric surgeon Dr. Douglas Greer. Dr. Greer shares his unique insights on the evolving landscape of weight loss solutions, providing a holistic approach that combines surgery with lifestyle changes and continuous support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embark on a life-changing journey towards physical and emotional well-being in 2026. In this compelling discussion, Dr. Greer sheds light on the...
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(Ep 404) Breaking the Chains: Transforming Victimhood into Victory
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this compelling episode of Crafting a Meaningful Life, Mary Crafts interviews Bill Schuffenhauer, a former Olympian who shares his remarkable journey from adversity to triumph. Known for his resilience and determination, Bill recounts how he overcame a tumultuous childhood in Utah, marked by drugs, foster care, and low expectations, to become a celebrated Olympic athlete. He discusses his switch from track and field to bobsledding, emphasizing the importance of intention and accountability in crafting a meaningful life. This inspirational conversation focuses on the mindset shifts...
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(Ep 403) Creating Connections: Sammy's Buddy Program Fosters Inclusion and Belonging
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this heartwarming episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts speaks with guest Anne Kimble about the transformative power of inclusivity and connection through the Sammy's Buddy Program. They explore the critical need for community among children of all abilities, sharing personal insights and success stories from the program. The discussion delves into Anne's personal journey and professional history in education, advocating for students with disabilities and working alongside them to build confidence and leadership skills. Anne Kimble shares the origins and mission of...
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(Ep 402) The Heart of Hospitality: More Than Service with Tayor Scott
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Taylor Scott, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, to discuss the art of hospitality and its profound impact on personal and professional lives. With over 25 years of experience in top-tier hospitality organizations, Taylor shares his insights on what truly constitutes hospitality and how it transitions from mere service to creating memorable experiences. The episode navigates through the personal journey of Taylor, shedding light on how his foundational experiences at Walt Disney World paved the way...
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(Ep 401) Crafting Global Change: Rachel Miner's Fight Against Genocide
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this compelling episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Rachel Miner, the visionary founder of Bellwether International. The conversation delves into Rachel's extraordinary journey from studying studio art at BYU to founding a non-profit focused on ending genocide. Rachel shares how her passion for changing the world through policy led her to explore economics alongside human rights, making significant strides in preventing identity-based violence on a global scale. Rachel Miner discusses the distressing yet hopeful aspects of tackling genocide. She emphasizes the...
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(Ep 400) Embrace Gratitude and Giving to Craft Your Best Self
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this heartfelt episode, Mary Crafts reflects on her journey as she approaches the end of an era with her podcasting career. Drawing from eight years of sharing and learning, Mary discusses the significance of gratitude and giving, notably during the Thanksgiving season. She shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from films like "The Wizard of Oz" and transformative life experiences that shaped her understanding of giving and gratitude. Mary invites listeners to find purpose and meaning through service, encouraging a shift from self-centeredness to selflessness by highlighting the...
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(Ep 399) Breaking Barriers: Unveiling the Power of One Brave Voice
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this insightful episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a compelling conversation with Sandy Rosenthal, a formidable force in bringing engineering accountability for the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Sandy shares her journey from being a concerned New Orleans resident to becoming the leading voice uncovering the truth behind the failed levees. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and transparency, epitomized by her organization, Levees.org, and her book, "Words Whispered in Water." The episode delves deeply into the...
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(Ep 398) Rethinking Success: Why Love and Unity are the New Metrics
Crafting a Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts
In this enlightening episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a profound conversation with visionary leader Jeff Burningham. With over 200 successful startup investments in the burgeoning tech scene of Utah, Jeff brings a wealth of experience and insight into the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Together, Mary and Jeff explore the deep themes of crafting a meaningful life, conscious decision-making, and the significance of pausing and reflecting at the height of professional success. Jeff introduces his latest work, "The...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary Crafts engages in a profound conversation with Emilie Starr, host of the uplifting TV show "Random Acts." The discussion centers around the importance of building authentic community connections and the transformative power of kindness. Mary and Emilie explore how these elements can elevate personal and collective happiness and well-being. The episode kicks off with Mary's insights into forming meaningful connections and transitions into a thoughtful examination of how random acts of kindness can create ripples of positive change in society.
Throughout the episode, Mary and Emilie navigate themes of belonging, social media’s impact on community, and kindness as a pivotal part of achieving societal oneness. Emilie shares exceptional stories from her show that highlight the profound effects of community and service, encouraging listeners to realize the innate human desire to connect and contribute. Key phrases such as "community building," "kindness," and "oneness" are woven through Emilie’s stories, driving home the episode’s central message that kindness is a universal language with the power to bring people together.
About the Guest:
Emilie Starr is a well-known television host, prominent for her role in BYUtv's beloved series "Random Acts." With an extensive career in television, Emilie has dedicated herself to promoting kindness and community connection through creative and heartwarming acts of service. Her show aims to inspire viewers by showcasing how simple, random acts of kindness can make substantial differences in people's lives. Emilie Starr's commitment to fostering a kinder world keeps her actively engaged in initiatives that highlight the importance of community and human connection.
Key Takeaways:
- Building genuine communities requires direct engagement and the willingness to reach out, creating bonds that transcend initial hesitations.
- Random acts of kindness have a far-reaching impact, not only uplifting individuals but also inspiring a ripple effect of goodwill in communities.
- Properly navigating social media can foster significant communities despite geographical constraints, showing that online connections can be as meaningful as face-to-face ones.
- Guiding younger generations to prioritize kindness and community helps nurture a more connected and empathetic future society.
- True connection comes from intentional actions and making others feel seen and valued, reinforcing the power of simple kindness.
Resources:
Engage in this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life" to uncover inspiring insights on community and kindness from Emilie Starr. Explore how random acts can cultivate joy, and stay tuned for more enriching conversations in future episodes.