On Life and Meaning

On Life and Meaning is a podcast about what matters most in our lives. We explore devotions. We ask guests about their talents, projects, motivations and higher purposes. Guests include artists, writers, philosophers, civic leaders, executives and innovators. The podcast is a gallery of portraits of citizens making a difference in the world.

Richard Thurmond | A Story of Discovery - Ep. 100 06/06/2019

Richard Thurmond | A Story of Discovery - Ep. 100 Richard Thurmond is a community and economic development executive for a place-making organization. In this episode we explore basketball, editing and publishing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and the values of curiosity and humility. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/10069193

Claude Alexander, Jr.| The Park Church - Ep. 99 05/30/2019

Claude Alexander, Jr.| The Park Church - Ep. 99 Claude Alexander, Jr. is bishop and senior pastor of a Baptist church. In this episode we explore the mission of the church, racism, misogyny and homophobia, segregation on Sunday mornings, the death of a brother, a crisis of faith, living with mystery, and the love of God. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9981437

Jess George | Hope and Optimism - Ep. 98 05/23/2019

Jess George | Hope and Optimism - Ep. 98 Jess George is a government and community affairs manager for a fiber optic company. In this episode we explore the digital divide, confronting bullies, being an ally to immigrants, and dropping keys to beautiful rowdy prisoners. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9882491

Sonya Pfeiffer | A Life in Full - Ep. 97 05/17/2019

Sonya Pfeiffer | A Life in Full - Ep. 97 Sonya Pfeiffer is an art gallery owner and criminal defense attorney. In this episode we explore story-telling, standing up to the power of the state, unconventional paths, the Owl theory, the practice of Ahimsa, and the one chance we have in this life. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9814802

Beatriz Friedmann | Conscious Evolution - Ep. 96 05/09/2019

Beatriz Friedmann | Conscious Evolution - Ep. 96 Beatriz Friedmann is a school counselor and information technology consultant. In this episode we explore emigrating from Brazil to North America, a corporate career, a summer of loss and pain, finding new purpose, and becoming present one step at a time. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9712529

Ken Lambla | Interdisciplinary Design - Ep. 95 05/02/2019

Ken Lambla | Interdisciplinary Design - Ep. 95 Ken Lambla is founding dean of a college of arts + architecture. In this episode we explore returning from Patagonia, merging fields of study, interdisciplinary design, stewardship, community, and how arts inform a life /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9621287

Clarence Armbrister | A Nurturing Place - Ep. 94 04/26/2019

Clarence Armbrister | A Nurturing Place - Ep. 94 Clarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of a historically black college and university. In this episode we explore strategic goals, the benefits and challenges of HBCUs, a family story of defiance, the power of education, public service, and the value of relationships. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9539255

Liz Clasen-Kelly | The Sacredness of Human Life - Ep. 93 04/19/2019

Liz Clasen-Kelly | The Sacredness of Human Life - Ep. 93 Liz Clasen-Kelly leads an agency serving men experiencing homelessness. In this episode we explore helping people needing shelter, working to end homelessness, abundant love, and encountering Christ in the in-between. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9459836

Natalie Frazier Allen | Art Empowered - Ep. 92 04/11/2019

Natalie Frazier Allen | Art Empowered - Ep. 92 Natalie Frazier Allen leads an organization that connects youth to the arts. In this episode we explore adverse childhood experiences, the power of the arts to heal trauma, telling the truth, Spelman College, and reflections on career, family and faith. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9353333

Tom Warshauer | Neighborhood Development - Ep. 91 04/05/2019

Tom Warshauer | Neighborhood Development - Ep. 91 Tom Warshauer leads a municipal community engagement team. In this episode we explore neighborhood development, Wilmington and New Orleans, home restoration, planting ideas, and enjoying diverse and authentic lives. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9277871

Eric Davis | Human Interest - Ep. 90 03/29/2019

Eric Davis | Human Interest - Ep. 90 Eric Davis is a producer of documentary videos. In this episode we explore telling stories, helping other people do better, why people are weird in Florida, wrestling, hot dogs, marching bands and football. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9187217

Kelly Ottman | China Rising - Ep. 89 03/21/2019

Kelly Ottman | China Rising - Ep. 89 Kelly Ottman is a professor of leadership in an engineering university. In this episode we explore doing business with China, cultural immersion, clarifying mission and vision, and finding joy in purpose. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9086678

Federico Rios | Welcoming Newcomers - Ep. 88 03/14/2019

Federico Rios | Welcoming Newcomers - Ep. 88 Federico Rico leads a municipal immigrant integration initiative. In this episode we explore serving immigrant communities, false and true narratives, embracing a new city, and optimism about equity and justice. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/9000557

Bob Henderson | Teaching Elder - Ep. 87 03/07/2019

Bob Henderson | Teaching Elder - Ep. 87 Bob Henderson leads a Presbyterian church. In this episode we explore individual conscious, faith in public life, gay marriage, white privilege, religious life, the changing language of proclamation, and what is true. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8910188

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter | Agent of Change - Ep. 86 02/28/2019

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter | Agent of Change - Ep. 86 Stephanie Cooper-Lewter leads an economic mobility initiative. In this episode we explore creating greater access and opportunity, being adopted and overcoming poverty, personal and community transformation, and living into purpose. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8816744

Sally Robinson | People and Possibility - Ep. 85 02/22/2019

Sally Robinson | People and Possibility - Ep. 85 Sally Robinson is a civic leader and community volunteer. In this episode we explore family history, community service, connecting to ideas and possibilities, and a lifelong friendship and love. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8737904

Howard Slutzky | Psychology Today - Ep. 84 02/14/2019

Howard Slutzky | Psychology Today - Ep. 84 Howard Slutzky is a professor of psychology. In this episode we explore teaching psychology, interpreting dreams, surviving leukemia, overcoming personal trauma, and living authentically. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8642033

Debbie Warren | Pastoral Care - Ep. 83 02/07/2019

Debbie Warren | Pastoral Care - Ep. 83 Debbie Warren leads an HIV/AIDS organization. In this episode we explore pastoral care, the maturing of faith, and finding identity in service and love. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8554430

Freda Lester | The Thin Blue Line - Ep. 82 01/31/2019

Freda Lester | The Thin Blue Line - Ep. 82 Freda Lester is a retired police officer. In this episode we explore wearing the badge, police response to civic protest, drawing a gun, what makes for a good cop, and a life dedicated to public safety. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8465825

Stephen Valder | Midlife Mission - Ep. 81 01/25/2019

Stephen Valder | Midlife Mission - Ep. 81 Stephen Valder is a retired pediatrician. In this episode we explore leaving the practice of medicine, contributing to community, affordable housing, a legacy of justice, and living into values. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8379437

Cyndee Patterson | True Believer - Ep. 80 01/17/2019

Cyndee Patterson | True Believer - Ep. 80 Cyndee Patterson leads a civic engagement foundation. In this episode we explore dialog, listening, leadership development, city politics, converting to Reform Judaism, and serving the past, present and future. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8290304

Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. | Image Activist - Ep. 79 01/10/2019

Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. | Image Activist - Ep. 79 Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. is a photojournalist and image activist. In this episode we explore documenting social movements, the Brookhill neighborhood of Charlotte, growing up in Rockford, Illinois, street credibility, and producing work for the halls of justice. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8199668

Don Jonas | Community Health - Ep. 78 01/02/2019

Don Jonas | Community Health - Ep. 78 Don Jonas leads a community health center. In this episode we explore community health, Medicaid transformation, social determinants, choices in his life, the passing of time, and being the lead singer of a band. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8095136

Deborah Triplett | Whimsical and Wild - Ep. 77 12/26/2018

Deborah Triplett | Whimsical and Wild - Ep. 77 Deborah Triplett is an image taker and a garden maker. In this episode we explore photography, what is beautiful, the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, yard art, confronting cancer, and love of family and friends. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/8040989

Dan Murrey | I and Thou - Ep. 76 12/19/2018

Dan Murrey | I and Thou - Ep. 76 Dan Murrey leads a specialty care physician practice group. In this episode we explore reforming the health care system, where God resides, confronting injustice and taking on difficult tasks. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/7973369

Matt Cosper | Beyond the Veil - Ep. 75 12/13/2018

Matt Cosper | Beyond the Veil - Ep. 75 Matt Cosper is a a theater maker. In this episode we explore absurdist influences, the fractal nature of existence, Zen koans, magical realism, fallen angels and accessing the sublime. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/7901933

Stephanie Ansaldo | Against Indifference - Ep. 74 12/06/2018

Stephanie Ansaldo | Against Indifference - Ep. 74 Stephanie Ansaldo is an executive who leads an education foundation. In this episode we explore humanitarian interest, Elie Wiesel, technology and ethics, an improbable marriage, and what one person can do to change the world. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/7819514

Don Taylor | A Brother's Tale - Ep. 73 11/29/2018

Don Taylor | A Brother's Tale - Ep. 73 Don Taylor is a professor of sociology. In this episode we explore his interest in teaching, writing and music, his career in human services, and the power and importance of intention. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/7726946

Marjorie Benbow |Giving Thanks - Ep. 72 11/21/2018

Marjorie Benbow |Giving Thanks - Ep. 72 Marjorie Benbow is an intellectual property attorney. In this episode we flower farming, home renovation, a career in science, education and the law, and lessons learned about love, grief and gratitude. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/7642751

Paula Broadwell | Virtual Reality - Ep. 71 11/14/2018

Paula Broadwell | Virtual Reality - Ep. 71 Paula Broadwell is an executive who leads a media foundation. In this episode we explore virtual reality immersion, unconscious bias and empathy, her career in military intelligence, and service to greater causes. /episode/index/show/onlifeandmeaning/id/7553906

On Life and Meaning

TOPICS