Thanks For Being Here Thoughts from a Grade School Book Lady

From San Quentin inmate to neighborhood safety advocate, Kelly’s guest Sam Vaughn embodies the ideal of “be the change you want to see.” Working with DeVone Boggan, Kelly’s other guest and the charismatic leader of Advance Peace, this duo shares how they nurture violent criminals into a better future, one small step at a time, with the care and attention of a devoted parent. (Previously aired) Follow the conversation on Instagram @kellycorrigan. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy VerMerris, who refers to herself as an "elementary school book lady", wrote this essay emphasizing the power of books in children's lives. Amy reflects on reading to her children, the joy of discovering new stories at the library, and the meaningful connections forged through shared reading. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A quick hit on recognizing our greatest single act of agency. Meant to be shared, especially with the younger generations. (Previously aired) Please be in touch. Write us anytime about anything — [email protected] — we read every single one. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talking Heads. American Utopia. Singular creative David Byrne talks with Kelly about how he stays just cheerful enough to keep making art in a world of chaos. Then, Kelly sits with Judy Woodruff on the set of PBS NewsHour to talk about holding on to the positive on even the very hardest days and how she processes the news as both an American, a special needs mom and a media professional. (Previously aired) To watch the full Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan series, go to PBS.org/kelly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Thanks for Being Here features a heartfelt message from listener Lissa Soep. Kelly shares an excerpt from Lissa's memoir, Other People's Words: Friendship, Loss and the Conversations That Never End. The book delves into the profound experiences of friendship, loss, and enduring conversations, centered around the deaths of two close friends. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly had a dream. Over a decade, the dream started to seem stupidly out of reach so she went about her business raising money for non profits. But in a surprise twist involving two crushing diagnoses, a new version of the dream started to look possible and she leapt at it.  Here are 6 takeaways to inspire and motivate, including embracing desires, recognizing personal biases, finding motivation, sharing dreams selectively, taking small steps, and embracing failure. And the case for engaging in five beats.  This episode is a great share. Consider it a loving kick in the backside for anyone who can’t seem to find their way forward. Want our weekly takeaways? Sign up here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This one’s a doozie.  Dr. Aliza Pressman goes deep with Kelly on invisible acts of 'interpersonal bravery,' focusing on courage in family life. A balance of personal stories and professional insights, the conversation touches on emotional endurance, attunement, and the complexities of generational differences. Reflecting on Kelly's experiences, including her mother's final days and her upbringing, the duo explores the rich spectrum of human emotions and the powerful lessons found in moments of vulnerability and love. Link to our Thanks For Being Here episode sharing the eulogy Kelly wrote for her mom. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Geraldine Williams wrote this loving eulogy for her dear friend Hillary. She highlights Hillary's vibrant spirit, genuine interest in others and dedication to social justice. She also paints a vivid picture of a remarkable woman who lived life fully and deeply impacted those around her. Tune in for a poignant homage to a life well-lived and cherished. Want our weekly takeaways? Sign up here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are storytelling beings, driven by a need for closure—or what our lit professors called denouement. Today’s Go To talks about the cost of this story-making habit of ours and a few specific ways we might mitigate the downside. Want our weekly takeaways? Sign up here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an episode that will set your heart right. We know that the #1 driver of human happiness across time and culture is meaningful connection to others. So, how to get more of that? David Brooks has some ideas, pulled from his newest book How to Know a Person. Please share widely as the more people around us who are oriented toward connection, the better for all. Thanks to PBS and AmeriHealth Caritas for the support. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices