The Teaching Journeys Podcast

The Teaching Journeys Podcast

by Dave Roberts
Self-Improvement
From Adrenaline Junkie to Global Peacebuilder: John Graham's Journey to Meaningful Living
Explicit
What does it take to go from hitchhiking through a revolution at 19, scaling the deadly North Wall of Denali at 20, and surviving violent conflict in Vietnam — to becoming one of the world's leading voices for peace, purpose, and citizen action? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with John Graham — Foreign Service officer, global peacebuilder, and 42-year leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project — for a raw and inspiring conversation about adventure, transformation, and the search for meaning. In this episode, you'll learn: · How John went from adrenaline-fueled risk-taker to compassionate peace advocate · Why he helped engineer the UN plan that contributed to ending apartheid in South Africa · The difference between smart risk-taking and reckless risk-taking — and the 6-step framework to know the difference · How the Giraffe Heroes Project inspires everyday people to "stick their necks out" and solve tough public problems · Why building trust is the single most important leadership skill most people overlook · How to find real meaning in your life — no matter your age or circumstances John's memoir, Quest: Risk, Adventure and the Search for Meaning, and his video series Badass Granddad (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) bring these lessons to a global audience. John's Bio and Contact Information John Graham shipped out on a freighter when he was 16, hitchhiked through the Algerian Revolution at 19 and was on the team that made the first ascent of Denali’s North Wall at 20, a climb so dangerous it’s never been repeated. He hitchhiked around the world at 22, working as a correspondent in every war he came across. A US Foreign Service Officer for 15 years, he was in the middle of the 1969 revolution in Libya and the war in Vietnam. To the young Graham, adventure was everything, and each brush with death only pushed him to up the ante—and to bury ever deeper the emotional life needed to make him whole. Then it began to change. At the United Nations he risked his career, crossing his own government to support initiatives for peace and justice in Asia, Africa and Cuba, including engineering a UN plan that helped end apartheid in South Africa. As a global peace builder, post Foreign Service, he contributed to peace efforts in Israel/Palestine. For the last 42 years he’s been a leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project, a global movement inspiring people to stick their necks out to solve public problems and giving them tools to succeed (giraffe.org). His speeches, blogs, podcasts and interviews have a global audience. Connect with John Graham: 🌐 johngraham.org | giraffe.org If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who's searching for more purpose in their life — and leave us a rating or review. Your support makes all the difference. 🎙️ Teaching Journeys Podcast — where extraordinary lives teach extraordinary lessons. To find out more about Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E281
Jul 10, 2026
49:36
Rob Schwartz on Mental Health Stigma, Japanese Culture, and Building a Life That Matters
What can 30 years living in Japan and Indonesia teach us about mental health, respect, and what it means to live a meaningful life? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back writer, producer, and entrepreneur Rob Schwartz — son of Morrie Schwartz of Tuesdays with Morrie fame — for a wide-ranging conversation that connects Eastern philosophy, cultural identity, and the growing mental health crisis in America. Rob shares his remarkable journey from studying Eastern philosophy in university to building a decades-long career in Japan as a film journalist, Billboard Magazine Asia correspondent, NHK World TV script editor, and record label founder. He unpacks the profound differences between Japanese, Indonesian, and American culture — from Confucian values and group identity to the stigma surrounding mental health in East Asia. The conversation also explores Rob's work with the One Humanity Foundation, a global movement to raise mental health awareness, his innovative virtual reality startup Moshpit XR, and the timeless wisdom of his father Morrie Schwartz — whose philosophy that relationships, not money, are the true source of happiness continues to resonate worldwide. In this episode: • Why Japan and Indonesia place such a high value on respect — and what America can learn from it • How Confucianism shapes mental health culture across China, Japan, and Korea • The stigma of therapy in Japan and why it's keeping people from getting help • Morrie Schwartz's philosophy on love, relationships, and creating your own culture • Moshpit XR: the future of virtual concerts and photorealistic real estate tours • The One Humanity Foundation and the butterfly symbol for mental health awareness Rob Schwartz Bio and Contact Information Rob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others. He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan for fourteen years and has was an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine from 2007 to 2022. In 2005 he founded the electro-rock crossover label Dynastic Records in Japan. Rob produces feature films, including Putty Hill (2010) and Bernard and Huey (2017); Stay (2018) , Touched By Water. Rob actively invests in tech-based startups; and is currently a partner and the chief strategy officer in the virtual concert-creation platform Moshpit (www.Moshpit.Live). Putty Hill won a host of awards and the New Yorker magazine chose as one of its Top Ten Films for 2011. Recently Rob edited, wrote essays for, and published The Wisdom of Morrie (2023), a book authored by his father Morrie Schwartz (of Tuesdays with Morrie). Links to our previous episode : YouTube Other Platforms * *Hit the "Listen On "button to find your favorite podcast platform. CONNECT WITH ROB SCHWARTZ: The Wisdom of Morrie: wisdomofmorrie.com Moshpit XR: moshpit.live Cenneto (Real Estate VR): cenneto.com One Humanity Foundation: onehumanity.one Email: gangamati@gmail.com
E280
Jul 8, 2026
1:06:24
Creativity, Leadership & the Power of Play at Work: A Conversation With Carl Walsh
What does British theater have to do with business leadership? More than you'd think. In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back award-winning actor, director, and business coach Carl Walsh for a deep dive into creativity, innovation, and the leadership principles that separate great managers from truly inspiring leaders. Carl draws on 20 years in the British theater, 25 years in corporate management, and 15 years as a professional speaker to explore: • Why most adults think they've "lost" their creativity — and how to get it back • How Disney built a culture where no one pointed fingers and everyone solved problems together • The "happy mistake" philosophy that transformed a theater scene into the biggest laugh of the show • Why failure is not inefficiency — and how experimentation drives breakthrough innovation • The critical difference between managing and leading (and why 60% of the workforce has "quietly quit") • How to balance creativity with efficiency without sacrificing either • What AI, improv comedy, and focus groups have in common when it comes to innovation • Why diversity of thought — not groupthink — is a business superpower Whether you're a small business owner, team leader, or someone looking to reignite your own creative spark, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and memorable stories. Connect with Carl Walsh: carl@wearealphadogs.com Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. . Carl's Bio and Contact Information Carl Walsh is a speaker, consultant, and business coach who blends theatrical expertise with corporate leadership. With 20 years as an award-winning actor and director, 25 years in corporate management—including as an IT Director—and 15 years as a professional speaker, he brings dynamic storytelling and strategic insight to business growth. As the co-host of The Oval Table podcast and co-founder of Alpha Dogs Small Business Coaching, Carl helps small businesses foster creativity, improve communication, and apply lessons from the theater to leadership and innovation. A certified Red Team Thinking coach, he challenges teams to think critically and adapt in a rapidly changing world. Connect with Carl Walsh and learn more about Dogologic: Email: OvalTableTeam@gmail. To connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com
E279
Jul 6, 2026
52:22
Life With Less of Me: Julianna Burmesch on Childhood Trauma, PTSD, and Breaking Generational Cycles
In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Julianna Burmesch — former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, and author of the memoir Life With Less of Me (releasing June 23rd). Julianna shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a home marked by alcoholism, physical abuse, and chronic unpredictability — and how those adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shaped her brain, her body, and her life well into adulthood. From PTSD and anxiety to sepsis, cancer, and necrotizing fasciitis, Julianna connects the science of trauma to real-world health outcomes in a way that is both eye-opening and deeply human. In this episode, you'll learn: · How ACEs and childhood trauma rewire the developing brain · The long-term physical and mental health effects of growing up in a traumatic environment · Practical grounding techniques for managing trauma triggers · What parents, educators, and policymakers can do to protect children's long-term wellbeing · Why investing in children — through universal childcare, birth support, and trauma-informed education — is one of society's most important priorities · Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, parent, or survivor, this episode offers both science-backed insight and profound human connection. 🎙️ Julianna Bio and Contact Information Julianna Burmesch is a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate. In writing her memoir, “Life with Less of Me” (Books Fluent, June 23, 2026), she wants to help people understand the effects of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on one's long-term physical and mental health. Julianna is a mother, grandmother, potter, and occasional jewelry artist. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, John, and her beautiful dogs, Bella and Ruby. Links -- Website - https://www.juliannaburmesch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Julianna-Burmesch-Author/61568035880501/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-burmesch-69476674/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250813693-life-with-less-of-me Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Less-Me-Julianna-Burmesch-ebook/dp/B0G32LQHQR/ 📚 Book: Life With Less of Me — available June 23rd To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E278
Jul 1, 2026
42:31
What It Means to Truly See Someone : Dawn Airhart Witte on Africa, and Heart-Centered Living
What does it truly mean to see someone? In this heartfelt episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with award-winning author, humanitarian, and founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, Dawn Airhart Witte, for a deeply moving conversation about purpose, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection. Dawn shares how a childhood experience of not feeling seen sparked a lifelong mission — from volunteering in the LA foster care system to bringing clean water, resources, and hope to communities across Africa. Rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu ("I am because we are") and the Zulu greeting sawubona ("I see you, you are valued"), Dawn's work is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life. In this episode, you'll discover ,among other things: • How serendipity and "soul families" shape our life's path • The story behind the Desire to Inspire Foundation and its global humanitarian work • What drew Dawn to Africa — and the dream that finally answered her question why • How to reconnect with your purpose after major life transitions • The Ubuntu Creator Circle and Dawn's upcoming projects Bio: Dawn Airhart Witte is an award-winning author, speaker, humanitarian, and the founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to uplifting communities through both humanitarian support and heart-centered connection. Through her work in Africa and beyond, Dawn has helped bring clean water, resources, and hope to those in need, while also addressing the deeper human need for love, unity, and belonging. She is the creator of The Secrets of Being, a platform devoted to helping individuals reconnect with their true selves and live with purpose, authenticity, and compassion. Dawn is the host of The Secrets of Being podcast, where she brings together thought leaders, healers, and visionaries to share wisdom that uplifts and inspires. Her work is rooted in the belief that we are all interconnected, often expressed through the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—and the Zulu greeting sawubona—“I see you, you are valued.” Dawn’s mission is to help every soul feel seen, loved, and inspired to be the change they wish to see in the world. Links: https://desiretoinspirefoundation.org/ https://thesecretsofbeing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.witte1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-airhart-witte-19910920/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretsofbeingpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretsofbeing Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B071WR5BY4?ccs_id=62d45259-927a-4a86-9bbb-2db1e245c827 Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secrets-of-being-podcast/id1716399716 To connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com
E277
Jun 30, 2026
43:13
From Prison to Purpose: How RJ Johnson Found Redemption Through Faith
What happens when your worst chapter becomes the foundation for your greatest purpose? In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with RJ Johnson — speaker, author, and founder of Not My Will Ministries — to explore one of the most remarkable stories of redemption, faith, and transformation you'll ever hear. After making a devastating choice that led to a 20-year prison sentence, RJ didn't just survive incarceration — he encountered the relentless grace of Jesus Christ and came out with a mission. Serving seven of those years, RJ faced multiple attempts on his life, found faith in the darkest of places, and ultimately discovered that God doesn't waste a single moment of our pain. In this episode, you'll learn: • How RJ found faith and purpose while serving time in a maximum-security prison • Why taking full accountability — without justification — is the first step toward real healing • The powerful scripture-based workshop RJ created to help men break free from destructive cycles • What forgiveness truly looks like, even toward those who tried to take your life • How RJ's nonprofit, Not My Will Ministries, is transforming lives both inside and outside prison walls • The story behind his memoir God Doesn't Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance) Whether you're walking through your own dark season, working in ministry, counseling, or simply looking for proof that God can redeem any story — this episode will challenge and inspire you. Bio and Contact Information RJ Johnson | Founder & CEO, Not My Will Ministries | Author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thing www.notmywillministries.com RJ Johnson is a speaker, author, and redeemed son of God who is passionate about helping others discover that God is still in the miracle business. After serving seven years of a twenty-year prison sentence, RJ encountered the relentless grace of Jesus—and everything changed. Through his journey of transformation, RJ founded Not My Will Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping men—both in prison and in society—break free from destructive cycles and rediscover their identity, value, and purpose in Christ. His ministry leads powerful, scripture-based Cycle Workshops that equip men to confront lies, build resilience, and walk in lasting freedom. RJ is also the author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance), an awe-inspiring memoir of the miracles he witnessed behind bars. His story challenges churches and communities to step outside their comfort zones and into God’s mission field—even when that mission field has razor wire and locked gates. With transparency, intentionality, and a spirit of joy, RJ brings a message of hope, redemption, and real-life faith. Whether he’s speaking to a church, podcast audience, or leadership circle, RJ’s life proclaims one core truth: Your worst chapter does not have to be your last one—and God can use every broken piece to build something beautiful. Connect with RJ Johnson: 🌐 NotMyWillMinistries.com 📖 God Doesn't Waste a Thing by Luke Chance — available on Amazon If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss a Teaching Journeys conversation. To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E276
Jun 28, 2026
52:45
Live with Intention: Lessons in Leadership, Coaching, and Connection
What does it take to lead with heart, communicate with impact, and live with true purpose? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Amrita Mukherjee — TEDx speaker, ICF ACC executive coach, author, and founder of the Thriving Women's Tribe — for a deeply inspiring conversation on emotional intelligence, leadership communication, and the power of intentional living. Amrita shares how personal adversity, including recovering from a burn injury and losing her sister, shaped her passion for purposeful leadership. She breaks down the EQ-i 2.0 framework and explains why emotional intelligence — not technical expertise — is the defining factor in today's workplace. The conversation also explores how her engineering background at Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo gave her a unique systems-thinking edge as an executive coach. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why listening is the most underrated leadership skill • How emotional intelligence, executive presence, and leadership communication work together • The danger of groupthink and how to build psychological safety on your team • Why Amrita chose fiction over a leadership book — and how storytelling connects generations • How the Thriving Women's Tribe empowers women through coaching, community, and connection • The one takeaway Amrita wants every listener to remember Bio and Contact Information Amrita Mukherjee is a TEDx speaker, an ICF-ACC executive coach, author, and seasoned industry leader with nearly 20 years of leadership experience in Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. She is recognised for her expertise in EI-driven leadership, strategic communication, building remote and diverse teams, and strengthening employee engagement in today’s disconnected workplace. Known for her blend of data-driven insights, storytelling, and actionable strategies, Amrita equips leaders to build inclusive cultures that drive innovation and business performance. She has spoken at colleges, global forums, corporate events, and leadership summits across diverse sectors. As the founder of SHEvolution, Amrita is committed to empowering women through coaching, mentoring, and community-building. She has delivered impactful workshops for corporate leaders, universities, and schools, including programs designed to inspire confidence, communication, and leadership in teenage girls. Her advocacy extends to girls’ education and menstrual health awareness, supporting campaigns such as #PadforFreedom. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukherjeeamrita/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamamritamukherjee Website - https://thrivingwomenstribe.com/ Links to my books: Avani The Girl Who Found Her Voice - https://amzn.in/d/056QnH4n She & Me - https://amzn.in/d/0a0WLRPl To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E275
Jun 26, 2026
40:46
Childhood Loss, MDMA Therapy & Ayahuasca: A Journey Through Pain to Beauty
Can pain really become a portal to beauty? What happens when you stop numbing and start feeling everything? In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with writer and self-healing advocate Alexis Leigh, author of Pain Is a Portal to Beauty — a transformative memoir about grief, authenticity, and the unconventional path to wholeness. Alexis opens up about losing her mother to addiction at age 11, spending decades numbing her pain, and the moment a voice in the woods in 2020 told her, "If you die today, your life will have been a tragedy" — a wake-up call that changed everything. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why conventional wisdom and gratitude practices can actually keep you emotionally stuck • How MDMA therapy and ayahuasca helped Alexis access grief that years of talk therapy couldn't reach • The difference between performative happiness and genuine emotional freedom • How processing childhood trauma reshapes your identity at every life stage • Why codependency may be blocking your ability to love yourself and others fully • What it means to truly surrender — to pain, to healing, and to life itself This is a deeply honest conversation about the courage it takes to feel everything, embrace the shadow side of who we are, and discover the beauty waiting on the other side of pain. Bio and Contact Information Alexis Leigh is a writer and advocate for self-healing through unconventional methods, including psychedelics and deep inner work. With a background in finance and consulting, her personal journey led her away from the corporate world and into a life centered around authenticity and transformation. Pain Is a Portal to Beauty is her first book, a testament to the power of feeling deeply and embracing the unknown." 📖 Pain Is a Portal to Beauty is available everywhere books are sold. 🌐 Connect with Alexis at alexisleigh.com To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com
E274
Jun 24, 2026
51:21
From Abuse Survivor to Kindness Advocate: Randy McNeely & The Courageous Kindness Shift
What if kindness could literally save a life? In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Randy McNeely — also known as Captain Kind Man — a survivor of childhood abuse turned passionate advocate for courageous kindness. Randy shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his mission: from surviving multiple forms of abuse and near-suicidal darkness, to becoming a bestselling author, speaker, filmmaker, and founder of the Kindness Giver LLC and The Kindness Factor International. In this episode, you'll discover: • How Randy's traumatic childhood became the foundation for a worldwide kindness movement • The 5-step Kindness Givers Formula you can start using today • The difference between ordinary kindness and courageous kindness — and why it matters • How kindness can bridge divides, heal polarization, and transform organizations • Real stories of how a smile, a hug, or nine simple words saved someone's life • Why love — delivered through kindness — is the keystone of every successful relationship, team, and community Randy's Bio and Contact Information Randy McNeely—Captain Kindman—is a man of faith, husband, father of five, survivor, and passionate advocate for Courageous Kindness. Guided by the belief that we are all children of God, Randy inspires people to live and lead with love in every part of life. Through The Courageous Kindness Shift,™ Randy teaches how to see, think, feel, listen, and respond differently—helping students, educators, and organizations bridge divides, heal polarization, and create cultures of empathy and respect. As founder of The Kindness Giver, LLC, he equips others with the ICA Method™ (Identify, Clarify, Amplify) and The Kindness Giver’s Formula™ to turn kindness into real, sustainable action. Randy is also co-founder of positive film company The Kindness Factor International, producer of For Such a Time as This, co-creator of The Kindness Factor series, and co-host of The Kindness Factor Podcast. Mantra: Love People Motto: You Can’t Fail with Kindness Mission: To inspire and equip others to embrace The Courageous Kindness Shift and transform the world—one act of love-driven kindness at a time. Connect with Randy McNeely: 🌐 captainkindman.com 📚 Available on Amazon: The Kindness Givers Formula 2.0 🔗 LinkedIn: Randy McNeely If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave us a rating or review. Your support makes all the difference. **Teaching Journeys Podcast | Host: Dave Roberts Passing knowledge from one generation to the next — one extraordinary conversation at a time.
E273
Jun 22, 2026
50:18
Sacred Law vs. Human Law: Understanding Child Loss, Consciousness & Life After Death
What happens when a child's life ends too soon — and what can it teach us about love, consciousness, and what lies beyond death? In this deeply moving episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Katy Gilbertson, founder of Hauora Wellness, for a raw and spiritually rich conversation about child loss, grief, and the survival of consciousness after death. Both Dave and Katy have lived through a parent's worst nightmare — Dave lost his daughter Jeannine to cancer at 18, and Katy lost her son Jaxon to leukemia just before his 10th birthday. Together, they explore the sacred and the human dimensions of these profound losses. In this episode, you'll discover: • The concept of sacred law vs. human law — and why a short life can still be a complete one • How Jaxon and Jeannine demonstrated advanced empathy and spiritual awareness beyond their years • Real accounts of shared-death experiences and signs from the other side • How consciousness survives physical death — and how to stay connected to loved ones who've transitioned • The waves of grief that resurface at unexpected milestones, and how to navigate them • How Katy transformed her experience into Hauora Wellness, guiding high-achieving women beyond burnout into embodied leadership • Why "once you learn how to die, you learn how to live" • This episode is for anyone navigating grief, curious about life after death, or seeking meaning after profound loss. Katy Gilbertson's Bio and Contact Information Katy is the founder of Hauora Wellness, an expert in holistic wellness, embodied leadership, and human potential, guiding high-level women to expand their capacity and step into their next level of life, leadership, and business in a sustainable and deeply aligned way. Her work sits at the intersection of holistic health, nervous system regulation, human potential, identity transformation, energy work, and personal mastery. Blending a holistic and functional medicine lens with embodiment, leadership development, and transformational coaching, Katy guides women to reconnect with the deeper intelligence of their body, energy, and purpose so they can lead from alignment rather than exhaustion. At the heart of her philosophy is Hauora, the interconnected relationship between physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental wellbeing. Her work is deeply shaped by lived experience. After navigating her own health challenges, chronic stress, periods of losing herself, and the profound journey of supporting her son through cancer and loss while continuing to lead in life and business, Katy’s understanding of resilience, regulation, grief, leadership, and human potential transformed entirely. These experiences became the foundation for the work she now shares through transformational immersions, private mentorship, embodied leadership experiences, and teachings devoted to sustainable expansion and self-mastery. Today, Katy supports high-level women, entrepreneurs, and leaders who know they are here for more, helping them move beyond overthinking, dysregulation, and survival-mode patterns so they can access deeper levels of vitality, clarity, creativity, leadership, and fulfillment. Through Hauora Wellness, Katy is building a movement devoted to embodied expansion, sustainable leadership, and helping women fully hold the mission they are here to lead. Connect Instagram: @hauorawellness Facebook: @hauorawellness Website: www.hauorawellness.com Email: katy@hauorawellness.com Subscribe, share, and leave a review — your support makes all the difference.
E272
Jun 18, 2026
1:04:34
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