Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

The Takeaway In this episode, I trace the mental and physical journey I took recently in the Netherlands to grasp the murder of more than one hundred thousand Dutch Jews during WWII at the hands of the Nazis. I wanted to move beyond the number and get to the human beings. Physically, the journey took me to several Holocaust-related sites in Amsterdam: the old Jewish Quarter, the Anne Frank House (Annex), the old Dutch Theatre, the Dutch Holocaust Memorial, and of high interest, the sidewalks of Amsterdam. And outside Amsterdam to the Westerbork transit camp. Part of my mental journey involved moving beyond the human tendency to see Anne Frank as symbolic of all Dutch Jews who were murdered. But the larger mental issue was confronting the remnants of hate I saw and how they drove me toward hate.

Guest Dave Lampert is the CEO of Food Rescue US, a national non-profit tackling food waste and food insecurity. Dave spent the bulk of his career in the for-profit sector, including 20 years with Dutch multi-national Wolters Kluwer, building and leading B2B businesses in content and software. He has also been actively feeding the hungry for over 30 years as a volunteer. Dave has three grown children and lives with his wife and their two dogs in Hartsdale, NY. Summary This episode tackles the startling reality of food waste in the US, while highlighting the inspiring work of Food Rescue US, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between food insecurity and perfectly edible food headed for the trash. Three Key Takeaways: A Growing Problem: The conversation dives into the sobering statistics: more than 40 million Americans face food insecurity—people who lack consistent, reliable access to a sufficient quality and quantity of affordable, nutritious food—while a staggering 30% of our food supply goes to waste. Food deserts, where access to fresh and affordable food is limited, disproportionately affect minority communities. Tech-Powered Food Rescue: Food Rescue US tackles this complex issue with innovative solutions. Their user-friendly app connects volunteers with local food rescue opportunities, streamlining the process of collecting excess food from grocery stores and other food donors. Even cosmetically imperfect produce finds a new home, preventing waste and feeding those in need. Beyond Food Distribution: The episode goes beyond immediate hunger relief. Dave discusses the organization's commitment to reducing food waste's environmental impact. They explore composting initiatives and advocate for broader solutions, including consumer-focused innovation. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to explore volunteer opportunities with Food Rescue US and advocate for change in their communities. It's a powerful reminder that small steps can make a big difference in the fight against food waste and hunger. Social Media Website: https://foodrescue.us/ About Jeff Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. "Quetico" (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government. Jeff has hosted the "Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity" podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness. Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Jim Flint has been directing non-profit organizations for the past 25 years. He was the founding director of two youth development organizations, the Fiver Children's Foundation in New York City and the Peak Initiative in Milwaukee. He joined the "Fishing the Good Fight" team in 2022 as the organization's Director of Operations and currently serves at the interim Executive Director Jim lives in South Florida but spends a considerable amount of time in Denver, CO, where "Fishing the Good Fight" is based. Summary This episode delves into the innovative work of "Fishing the Good Fight," a non-profit that leverages the therapeutic power of fly fishing to address men's mental health challenges. Through personal stories and insightful discussion, the conversation explores how these retreats provide a safe space for men to open up, connect with nature, and build a supportive community. We learn about the retreats' structure, the importance of volunteers, and the organization's future goals, including expanding their reach and impact. Three Takeaways: Breaking the Silence: This episode tackles the often-overlooked issue of men's mental health. Jim shares his own story and highlights the importance of creating a safe space for men to open up and seek support. Beyond the Cast: Fly fishing becomes more than a hobby in this context. "Fishing the Good Fight "uses fly fishing retreats as a therapeutic tool, fostering a supportive environment for men to connect with nature and each other. Building a Community: The episode explores the power of community for men's mental health. The retreats provide a space for men to share their struggles, build connections, and find a sense of belonging. Jim emphasizes the importance of alumni support networks that keep the connections strong. Social Media Website: https://www.fishingthegoodfight.org/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Fishing-the-Good-Fight-100064770040571/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/fishingthegoodfight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fishing-the-good-fight About Jeff Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. "Quetico" (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government. Jeff has hosted the "Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity" podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness. Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.

Guest Susan Gaetz is the executive director for Casting for Recovery, a national nonprofit serving women with breast cancer using the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. Susan has been a fixture at CfR for many years. She began volunteering for the organization 25 years ago. She joined the national staff in 2010 as Regional Program Manager and became Program Director in 2016. She lives in Austin, TX, and holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas at Austin. My co-host in this episode is Diane Wyzga. Diane is a nurse attorney turned litigation consultant turned story guide. For 30 years, Diane has helped professionals take their story from a message only they could hear to the publishing world, the courtroom, hospitals, board meetings, and the airwaves. Today, as Quarter Moon Story Arts, Diane custom-coaches women committed to discovering their Origin Story so they are seen, heard, understood, and listened to. Diane is also the host of Stories From Women Who Walk, a long-running global podcast. She will co-publish this episode. Summary Our conversation dives into the inspiring work of Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides fly-fishing retreats for women battling breast cancer. Driven in part by her own curiosity about life's next chapter, Susan highlights the transformative power of these retreats. Three Takeaways: Healing Through Nature: Casting for Recovery offers unique retreats specifically designed for breast cancer survivors. By combining fly fishing with oncology support, these getaways provide a chance to reconnect with nature, build confidence, and find solace in a supportive community. The Power of Fly Fishing: More than just a hobby, fly fishing offers therapeutic benefits for recovering women. The gentle act of casting helps with physical rehabilitation and provides a welcome distraction, keeping both mind and body active. Beyond the Reel: Casting for Recovery goes beyond the basics of fly fishing. Their approach focuses on empowerment, building competence and comfort in the outdoors, and fostering lasting connections among survivors. Social Media Website: www.castingforrecovery.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castingforrecovery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castingforrecovery

Summary No guest today. Just me musing on the upcoming Father's Day celebration. Given that my father passed away almost forty years ago, I get reflective as the holiday approaches and, more so, as the years between his passing and my age increase. In this episode, I explore why I've been thinking about him more, what I remember about him, why there are gaps in my knowledge, and what I would ask him if I could. My dad was a complex man—perhaps all fathers are—because he was a product of a generation he understood and one that he didn't always. Over the years, I celebrated Father's Day by giving my dad traditional gifts, such as a circular saw, barbecue equipment, or a history book. He always appreciated the gifts, but I wonder if he might have appreciated a conversation more, the result of me asking him questions in an attempt to understand him better. I'd like to think that he would hear my questions as caring on my part. His responses, in turn, would be a gift to me.

Guests Bill Whiteside is a sales and marketing executive turned software salesman turned lay historian turned narrative nonfiction writer. He is the author of an engaging memoir, Everyone Knows a Salesman Can't Write A Book. To further debunk the myth that he can't write, he's finishing up a much-anticipated book about a little-known incident in Winston Churchill's tenure as Britain's Prime Minister during World War II. After completing an undergraduate degree in history and political science at Simon Fraser University, Paul McNicholls spent a career in insurance claims investigation. When nearing retirement, he was approached by the UK publisher Helion and Company, and the result was his first book Journey Through the Wilderness. He is now writing Canadians on the Veldt, which chronicles Canada's role during the South African War between 1899 and 1902. In 2021, Paul received the Howard Browne Medal from the Victorian Military Society. Summary Bill and Paul discussed the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers on D-Day, the complexities of the Normandy landing operations, and the hypothetical scenario of a failed invasion. They also explored the importance of various events on June 4-5, 1944, and the critical factors that contributed to the success of D-Day, including deception planning, detailed training, air superiority, and contingency planning. The conversation also touched on the value of intellectual counterfactual exercises and the importance of personal and historical investigations. Throughout the conversation, the speakers emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of historical events and the connections that can be gained through exploring them. Social Media Links Bill LinkedIn Website Twitter Spoutible (bwhiteside3@gmail.com) Paul LinkedIn Referenced Article from The Guardian Podcast: "We Have Ways of Making You Talk" Film of Canadians landing

Guest Danelle Almaraz, an educational leader with over three decades of experience, is committed to advancing leadership in modern education. At InnovateED, she empowers middle-tier leaders, promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth. Danelle champions continuous improvement, student success, and curiosity, advocating for an inclusive educational experience that enables learners at all levels to drive positive change. Summary This episode dives into three key ingredients for educational systems that are curious about transformation: empowered students and teachers, overcoming resistance to change, and establishing the all-important share purpose. Danelle argues for shifting the focus from top-down directives to cultivating student curiosity and creativity. Schools can better prepare students for the unpredictable future by granting teachers more autonomy. The discussion also tackles overcoming resistance to new initiatives. Collaboration is key, with Danelle advocating for a "lead from the middle" approach that involves teachers and principals as partners in navigating change. Finally, Danelle and Jeff emphasize the importance of a clear, shared purpose to guide decision-making and rally the school community. Social Media http://linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013505683057&mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/dalmaraz007?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Referenced Uncertain, the Wisdom of Being Unsure by Maggie Jackson

Guest Ethan Bryson is the Founder of Natural Urban Forests. Natural Urban Forests is an afforestation company focused on addressing the urgent need to restore native forest ecosystems. Based in Seattle, Washington we create forests utilizing the Miyawaki method of forest planting with heightened attention to transforming life in the soil. This innovative method enables forests to grow 10x faster at 30x the density of standard afforestation methods. We work to honor and involve local indigenous communities in the planting and ongoing care of these forests. When possible we begin each planting with a blessing to reset the land, and nurture the plants, animals, and people. Powered by a steady dose of locally crafted espresso, Jarie loves nothing more than to figure out how to explain complex things in clear and compelling ways. My goal is to help build a more ethical, inclusive, and resilient world by educating and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs—be they 18 or 80. Summary Ethan and his organization are on a mission to restore harmony between nature and urban life through forestation. Their efforts encompass three main aspects: Firstly, they focus on designing forests with intentionality, incorporating elements like circular plots and symbolic features to create healing and transformational spaces. This includes projects in New York City and collaborations with Indigenous communities. Secondly, they emphasize the importance of community involvement in planting and maintaining urban forests, with volunteers playing a key role in ensuring the long-term survival of these green spaces. Lastly, Ethan stresses the educational aspect of their work, highlighting the environmental benefits of urban forests and the potential for experiential learning through a forest-based curriculum. We discussed topics ranging from soil health to the symbiotic relationships within old-growth forests, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. In summary, Ethan's organization is dedicated to planting forests as a means of restoring ecological balance, engaging communities, and providing educational opportunities. Social Media www.naturalurbanforests.com ethan@naturalurbanforest.com Referenced Kyle Lybarger: https://www.nativehabitatproject.com/ Manhattan forest project: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5-v1GKMnc4/?igsh=MTg5YzB5dTAxd2M2NQ== Miyawaki planting method: https://urban-forests.com/miyawaki-method/ Sugi Project: https://www.sugiproject.com/ Ida Nason Aronica Forest: https://www.sugiproject.com/forests/Ida-Nason-Aronica-Forest

Guest Dimitry Anselme is the Chief Officer of Growth and Engagement with Facing History & Ourselves. In that role, he innovates program design for school and district implementation and facilitates organizational partnerships in the US and internationally. Facing History partners with educators worldwide to help students prepare for civic life and better understand themselves and the world. Summary In this episode, Dimitri and Jeff discuss the persistence of hate and racism despite society's efforts to combat it. They delve into the mission of Facing History and Ourselves to challenge bigotry and hatred through engaging history teaching. The conversation also explores the challenges of teaching sensitive topics like the Holocaust and the increasing need for tolerance education in elementary schools. They underscore the importance of raising ethical children and Facing History's outreach efforts, including partnerships with aligned organizations. The discussion also touches on the intersection of education, curiosity, and professional development, emphasizing the importance of preparing teachers and fostering curiosity for creativity and problem-solving. Social Media Website - https://www.facinghistory.org/

Summary In this episode, I sit down with four LinkedIn friends/colleagues to discuss Dacher Keltner's book, Awe the New Science of Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life. Each of my guests brings an important perspective to the topic. Dr. Keltner defines awe as connecting to something larger that yourself; "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." He then supports that definition by detailing eight emotional wonders of life: Moral beauty: appreciating other people's courage, kindness, strength, or ability to overcome obstacles. Collective effervescence: being part of a larger collective self, e.g., a Taylor Swift concert, a political rally, gathering with others to watch the recent eclipse Nature: what I feel when I stand in a trout stream or look out over the Grand Canyon Music Visual design: attractions in New York City: the Edge, the Little Island, and the High Line Spirituality and religion Life and death Epiphany – understanding of an essential truth, insights, scientific discoveries, sudden disclosures After introducing the concept and speaking about it from my guests' various perspectives, I asked whether the leader can inspire awe in the workplace. Guests Rich Gassen works as a print shop supervisor at UW-Madison, where he focuses on empowerment, creativity, and process improvements with staff. He also chairs the Campus Supervisors Network (CSN), a community of practice at the UW supporting supervisors in their roles by offering training and networking events, a weekly newsletter, and a website. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgassen/ Melissa Hughes is a neuroscience researcher, educator, keynote speaker, and author of Happier Hour with Einstein — Another Round https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahughesphd https://www.melissahughes.rocks/ Sarah Elkins is your guide to uncovering the right personal stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, advocates, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and effectively demonstrate their character, values, and vision. She guides individuals and teams toward improved communication and reduced friction in the workplace. Sarah is a storyteller, keynote speaker, Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach, podcast host, author, and professional musician. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesmileisfree/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlynnelkins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elkinscommunication Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Bwk56V5neXxjJXk3tarSE?si=01589bf8438d43c6 Brooke Erol is a corporate dropout who pursued her dream of having more meaningful work for herself and others. All her life, she has spent writing, speaking, coaching, and consulting on the topic of having a life of fulfilling and purposeful work. She works with individuals—YourBestLife—and organizations—Purposeful Business, Inc. Instagram: www.instagram.com/purposefulbusiness www.instagram.com/happielliatwork LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ozlemerol X: www.twitter.com/boerol1 References The Pause Principle by Kevin Cashman How Minds Work by