Impossible Dreams

Vin Baker: Every Morning, New MerciesWhat if the road to your purpose runs straight through your deepest pain? Host Aaron Lazar welcomes four-time NBA All-Star Vin Baker for a POWERFUL conversation about faith, addiction, and finding purpose on the other side of rock bottom. Vin opens up about growing up as a preacher's son in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, the meteoric rise from late basketball bloomer to Olympic Gold Medalist, and the private battle with alcoholism that played out in public and cost him nearly everything.Now 15 years sober and serving as an ordained minister, Vin shares the moment in his childhood bathroom when he looked in the mirror and surrendered completely—not to save his career or reputation, but simply to live. His story is a testament to the scripture he lives by: "Every morning, new mercies I see."Guest Bio:Vin Baker is a four-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist (2000 Sydney Games), and ordained minister. Selected 8th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1993, Vin played 13 seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston, Houston, and New York. He was an original Team Jordan member and one of the most dominant power forwards of his era. After a public battle with alcoholism that nearly took his life, Vin found sobriety in 2010 and has since dedicated himself to helping others through their recovery. He is the founder of Struggle, a medication-assisted treatment and recovery center in Milwaukee. Vin previously served as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing to their 2021 NBA Championship run. His book, God and Starbucks, chronicles his journey from NBA stardom through addiction to redemption.Learn more about Vin Baker:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinbaker42Struggle Recovery Center: https://www.strugglellc.comLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfroProduced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUTAbout Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgWInstagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRrApple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUThSpotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSeEpisode Navigation:1. 01:19 - Welcome and opening2. 02:35 - Growing up in Old Saybrook as a preacher's son3. 05:01 - Early dreams: The NBA and the ministry4. 08:18 - From fear of God to walking in faith5. 11:16 - "You never realize God is all you need until God is all you have"6. 16:21 - When drinking began: Junior year of college7. 20:37 - The hidden life of a functional alcoholic8. 22:53 - Five attempts at sobriety and the mirror moment9. 34:19 - Building Struggle: A recovery center born from experience10. 37:34 - Lamentations 3:22-23: "Every morning, new mercies I see"

In this deeply personal episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with his lifelong friend David Perpich—Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times and Publisher of The Athletic. From their Duke fraternity days to sharing a roach-free New York apartment (thanks to strategically placed tissues), Aaron and David's three-decade friendship provides the backdrop for a candid conversation about legacy, leadership, and the courage to choose your own path.This conversation is both intimate and illuminating. David opens up about growing up as fifth-generation New York Times family while his dad's side had no running water, surviving a car accident the day before his bar mitzvah trip to Disney World (his 13-year-old dream was to own the place), and the pivotal moment when he chose to stay at the Times rather than default into it. He shares the remarkable story of sending an unsolicited email to his cousin proposing a digital subscription model—an idea that would transform the newspaper industry—and the lessons learned from leading acquisitions like Wordle and Wirecutter.David's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about leadership as service—surrounding yourself with talented people, maintaining editorial integrity over short-term profits, and finding meaning in work that matters. His philosophy that "it's important that people choose to commit versus default to commit" serves as a rallying cry for anyone navigating family expectations, or simply trying to prove they're worthy of the opportunities they've been given.Guest Bio:David Perpich is Vice Chairman of the Board of The New York Times Company and Publisher of The Athletic. A fifth-generation member of the Sulzberger-Ochs family, David has been instrumental in transforming The Times into a digital-first subscription business. He led the operational launch of the company's groundbreaking digital subscription model in 2011, created the New Products division that launched NYT Games and NYT Cooking, and helped bring Wordle to millions of daily players. David previously served as General Manager of Wirecutter following its acquisition by The Times. He holds a degree in Public Policy from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Before joining The Times, David worked in consulting at Booz & Company and founded a small business in Durham, North Carolina.Learn more about David Perpich:The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.comThe Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athleticLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-perpich✨ LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMSSubscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS Network: https://www.alsnetwork.orgProduced by EVRYBDY Studios: https://www.evrybdystudios.comLearn more at https://www.aaronlazar.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALImpossibleDreamsApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/impossible-dreamsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/impossibledreamsMerch: https://impossibledreamshop.myshopify.comEpisode Navigation:1. 00:48 - Opening welcome and intro2. 02:35 - Roommates in New York: The roach motel and tissue paper story3. 05:39 - Fifth-generation New York Times legacy4. 06:56 - Bar mitzvah dream: "I'm going to own Disney World"5. 08:16 - Uncle Rudy: Governor of Minnesota6. 10:52 - "Am I worthy of this opportunity?"7. 14:11 - Pressure and inner demons: The drive to be perfect8. 21:15 - The email that changed everything: Proposing the digital subscription model9. 27:29 - Launching the subscription business against doubters10. 29:46 - Creating NYT Games, Cooking, and the New Products division11. 33:43 - Bringing Wordle to The New York Times12. 36:35 - Wirecutter acquisition and leadership lessons13. 37:08 - The family...

What if the key to unlocking your creative potential isn't knowing the right people, but knowing who you are?In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Adam Glass—Emmy-nominated television showrunner, New York Times bestselling comic book writer, and the man who put Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad. From the Bronx to Hollywood, from meeting his biological father through a Plexiglas window in a Georgia State Penitentiary to running writers' rooms on some of television's biggest shows, Adam's story is a masterclass in resilience, self-belief, and the power of knowing exactly who you are.This conversation is both raw and profoundly inspiring. Adam opens up about discovering at age 13 that everything he thought he knew about his identity was wrong, being adopted by a neighbor who became his father, and the pivotal moment at age 12 when he realized he was "on his own" and would have to trust himself. He shares hard-won wisdom from decades in Hollywood's trenches—from writing for Supernatural and showrunning The Equalizer with Queen Latifah, to co-founding a horror comics imprint with The Boys creator Garth Ennis.Adam's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about leadership as love—knowing every crew member's name, giving credit where it's due, and creating environments where artists can thrive. His philosophy of "once you know who you are, it sets you free" serves as a rallying cry for anyone navigating an industry built on rejection, or simply trying to find their authentic voice in a world of noise.Guest Bio:Adam Glass is a television showrunner, executive producer, and New York Times bestselling comic book writer. He has written and produced for acclaimed series including Supernatural, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, The Chi, and served as co-showrunner of CBS's hit drama The Equalizer alongside Queen Latifah. Adam created and showran the Netflix series In From The Cold. In comics, he is best known for his groundbreaking run on DC's Suicide Squad, where he introduced Harley Quinn to the team—a decision that helped spawn a billion-dollar franchise. His work spans Marvel's Deadpool and Luke Cage to creator-owned titles like Rough Riders. Adam is a co-founder of Ninth Circle, a horror comics imprint at Image Comics alongside Garth Ennis (The Boys) and other industry legends.Learn more about Adam Glass:IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1380122/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamianglassX: https://twitter.com/adamglass44Ninth Circle Comics: https://imagecomics.com/creators/adam-glassLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfroProduced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUTAbout Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgWInstagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRrApple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUThSpotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1Impossible Dream Merch - a...

What if the most profound lessons about living don’t just come from adversity and life’scurve balls, but from transforming these experiences into legendary purpose?In this powerful episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Montel William—Emmy Award-winning television host, decorated Naval Academy graduate, advocate, author, and MS warrior who has been living with multiple sclerosis for over 45 years. This conversation goes far beyond celebrity and illness; it's a masterclass in resilience, critical thinking, and the courage to question everything while fighting for what matters most.This conversation is both honest and profoundly hopeful. Montel opens up about his decades-long journey with MS, from misdiagnosis to advocacy, from powerlifting to a devastating stroke, and from near-death experiences to finding beauty in the smallest moments. He challenges the medical establishment, questions Big Pharma's motives, and shares the hard-won wisdom that comes from facing mortality multiple times.Montel's impossible dream shines brightest when he talks about being in the "last quarter" of life—not with despair, but with fierce determination to score a touchdown in the final seconds. His philosophy of "I alone own the definition of who I am" serves as a rallying cry for anyone facing chronic illness, uncertainty, or the pressure to conform to someone else's narrative about their life.Guest Bio:Montel Williams is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, decorated U.S. Naval Academy graduate, advocate, and author. For 17 years, he hosted "The Montel Williams Show," becoming a household name and trusted voice on issues ranging from social justice to health advocacy. A former Marine and Naval intelligence officer, Montel has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 45 years and has become one of the most vocal advocates for MS research, patient rights, and medical cannabis. He is the author of multiple books, including "Climbing Higher" and "The Intrepid: An Epic Story of Survival and Bravery," and hosts the podcasts "Free Thinking with Montel" and "Let's Be Blunt."Learn more about Montel Williams:Official Website: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/gKUdfKInstagram: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/OzZUoZPodcasts: Free Thinking with Montel & Let's Be Blunt LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfroProduced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUTAbout Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgWInstagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRrApple - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUThSpotify - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/tDP4r1Impossible Dream Merch - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/P0eBSeEpisode Navigation:00:47 - Opening welcome and intro02:35 - "Get busy living or get busy dying"05:53 - Big Pharma reality...

What if the most powerful art comes not from performance, but from radical truth-telling and allowing yourself to be a vessel for something greater?In this soul-stirring episode, host Aaron Lazar sits down with the extraordinary Sara Bareilles—Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, and creator of the beloved musical Waitress. Sara joins from a place of deep reflection, having recently delivered the commencement speech at her alma mater UCLA, where she spoke about embracing the "both/and" nature of life—the glorious and the awful, the joy and the fear, all existing simultaneously.This conversation is both intimately personal and universally resonant. Sara opens up about her lifelong allergy to anything inauthentic, her belief that music is her church and that she's simply a vessel translating divine particles into song. She shares her journey with anxiety, the transformative power of meditation and therapy, and why she's no longer interested in brand-building—only in genuine connection and being of service.Sara's impossible dream shines brightest when she talks about surrendering to life's flow, recognizing that resistance only amplifies suffering, and trusting that even our most painful experiences carry profound lessons. This episode is for anyone navigating anxiety, loss, creative blocks, or the fundamental human challenge of showing up authentically in a world that constantly asks us to perform.Guest Bio:Sara Bareilles is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, and New York Times bestselling author. Best known for her chart-topping hits including "Love Song," "Brave," and "Gravity," Sara has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned critical acclaim for her honest, emotionally resonant songwriting. She made her Broadway debut in 2016 when she composed the music and lyrics for Waitress, which became a cultural phenomenon and earned her a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. She later stepped into the lead role, showcasing her remarkable acting talents. Sara has also starred in Broadway's Into the Woods, earned an Emmy nomination for her performance as Mary Magdalene in NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, and published the bestselling memoir Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song. A graduate of UCLA, Sara recently returned to deliver the 2024 commencement address. She continues to create music that serves as medicine for millions, believing deeply that art is about connection, truth-telling, and being of service.Learn more about Sara Bareilles:Official Website: https://www.sarabareilles.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabareillesWaitress the Musical: https://waitressthemusical.comLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at aaronlazar.comInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple: Impossible Dreams PodcastSpotify: a...

What if, for once, a conversation about ALS didn’t begin with despair—but with hope?This holiday season, host Aaron Lazar invites listeners into a radically different kind of dialogue: one grounded not in fear, but in possibility. The ALS community is too often met with messages of limitation and inevitability. In this special episode, we turn that narrative on its head.Joining Aaron are three extraordinary individuals— CEO of the ALS network Sheri Strahl, head of the ALS clinic at Duke university Dr. Rick Bedlack, and chief data scientist for PCCI Albert Karam—who each bring a voice of courage, compassion, and conviction. Together, they illuminate what’s possible when advocacy, clinical wisdom, and human connection come together in service of healing.This conversation lifts up the stories, insights, and lived experiences that inspire strength. Sheri shares how the ALS Network supports families with unwavering dedication. Dr. Bedlack reflects on decades of caring for patients with an open heart and an open mind. Albert speaks to the power of innovation and imagination when seeking answers that bring genuine hope to the community.This episode is a reminder that while ALS is daunting, the people living with it—and those standing beside them—are even more powerful. Their stories reveal pathways to resilience, connection, and possibility. This is a conversation for anyone who needs to hear that light still breaks through, even in the hardest moments.This holiday, we offer a gift: a space where hope leads the way.About the Guests:Sheri Strahl is President and CEO of the ALS Network, one of the nation's largest ALS advocacy organizations. With a background in public health and business, she leads through three mission pillars: comprehensive care coordination, groundbreaking research partnerships, and tireless policy advocacy. Under her leadership, the ALS Network doesn't just support families—they're actively working to solve ALS.Dr. Rick Bedlack is a neurologist at Duke University who has dedicated 28 years to transforming ALS care and research. He pioneered a radical approach: partnering with patients as equals in research. Today, he leads ALS Untangled and studies ALS outliers—patients doing extraordinarily well—to identify three key factors that could transform outcomes for everyone.Albert Karam is Chief Information Officer at the Center for Clinical Innovation, a nonprofit think tank specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence. As a mathematician and data scientist, Albert develops AI solutions that look beyond medical records to understand the whole person—combining clinical data with social determinants of health to reveal patterns invisible to traditional research.Connect:ALS Network Official WebsiteBecome an ALS AdvocateDuke ALS ClinicALS Untangled - Alternative Treatment ResearchLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe to Impossible Dreams Podcast. Listen, believe, and transform your life.Presented by The ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosHost: Aaron LazarInstagram:

The Banker Who Nearly Ended His Life—and the Buddhist Temple That Saved ItBefore he became a world-record-breaking endurance athlete, Matt Dawson was a wealthy New York investment banker silently falling apart. Despite the cars, the clubs, and the money, he woke up every morning wanting his life to end. Depression took over. Success meant nothing. And one night, Matt reached a breaking point: he truly believed the world would be better without him.Instead of ending his life, he made one desperate choice—to run toward something bigger than himself.He flew to Nepal with no plan except survival. At the base of Mount Everest, inside a small Buddhist temple, Matt experienced the moment that shattered his old identity and pulled him back into life. That spiritual awakening became the turning point that led him from self-destruction to service.Now, Matt holds six World Records, has rowed solo across the Atlantic, climbed Everest, skied to the South Pole, and created Dawson’s Peak Foundation—donating 100% of net proceeds to Hope for the Warriors and the Gary Sinise Foundation.Matt’s journey is proof that the human spirit can rise from absolute darkness and become a force of unstoppable good.Connect with Matt Dawson:Dawson's Peak Foundation Official WebsiteMatt Dawson on InstagramHope for the Warriors - Veteran SupportGary Sinise Foundation - Military VeteransLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Listen, believe, and transform your life.Presented by The ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosHost: Aaron LazarInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsListen on Apple Podcasts: Impossible DreamsListen on Spotify: Impossible DreamsShop Merch: Impossible Dreams StoreEpisode Navigation:03:22 - How Matt Dawson set 6 World Records for endurance athletics09:35 - Dawson's Peak Foundation mission: Supporting military veterans through Hope for the Warriors and Gary Sinise Foundation16:30 - Understanding the difference between profession and purpose in life17:07 - Breaking free from autopilot: How 95% of your identity becomes programmed by age 3519:08 - The hidden darkness behind professional success and material wealth20:28 - Matt's turning point: "Check in or check out" - confronting suicidal thoughts and choosing transformation23:31 - Solo spiritual pilgrimage to Nepal and Everest Base Camp as life-saving journey24:33 - Why this Nepal trek was Matt's last-ditch effort to save his own life25:45 - Moving from head to heart: Transitioning from analytical thinking to embodied awareness41:27 - Using personal transformation to help others overcome depression, pain, and darkness

What if the voice that guided you through your darkest depression came from a grandmother you barely knew—who had been dead for nearly a decade? What if that voice opened a door to an entirely different dimension of existence, one that would transform your life and help thousands of others find peace?In this profoundly moving episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Rebecca Rosen—internationally renowned psychic medium, bestselling author, and one of the most gifted spiritual practitioners of our generation. From her skeptical beginnings as a college student in Gainesville, Florida to becoming a trusted guide for people seeking connection with loved ones who have passed, Rebecca shares a journey that began with automatic writing in a bookstore and evolved into a 25-year calling of service.Rosen explains how her dead grandmother—a woman who took her own life when Rebecca was just ten years old—reached across the veil to help her granddaughter heal from depression, offering specific evidence that left even Rebecca's skeptical father speechless. She talks about the difference between psychics and mediums, and how she spent years demanding proof before finally accepting her extraordinary ability to communicate with discarded beings.But this episode is about more than just Rebecca's story. It's about the universal truths she's learned from spirit—that we are all enough simply for being born, and that the only thing that transcends this physical experience is love. Rebecca offers profound insight into Aaron's journey with ALS, explaining root issues, calling energy back from the future, and the importance of healing not just for ourselves but for generations to come.This conversation is raw and transformative. It's for anyone who has ever questioned their worth despite their success, or anyone who needs a reminder that miracles happen when we get out of our own way and align with our Higher Self.Guest Bio:Rebecca Rosen is an internationally renowned psychic medium, bestselling author, and spiritual teacher who has spent 25 years helping people connect with loved ones who have passed and find healing through divine guidance. Her work bridges the physical and spiritual realms, offering evidence-based readings that provide comfort, clarity, and validation to thousands of clients. Rebecca is the author of multiple books including "Spirited," where she explores root issues and universal spiritual truths. She hosts the podcast "Small Medium at Large" and is known for her compassionate, authentic approach to mediumship—one that honors both the skeptics and the believers. With her gift, Rebecca helps people understand that we are all connected to something greater and that love is the only thing that truly matters.Learn more about Rebecca Rosen:Official Website: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/wq0G0eInstagram: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/9wAuPLSmall Medium at Large Podcast: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/T8a8lULIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS Network - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/nLpfroProduced by EVRYBDY Studios - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/oBFSUTAbout Aaron Lazar - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/ipArgWInstagram - https://WsBQMs.short.gy/CO4vRrApple...

In this deeply intimate episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Josh Groban-the multi-platinum recording artist, Broadway star, and one of the most beloved voices of a generation. From standing on stage with Celine Dion at just 17 years old to selling millions of albums while battling impostor syndrome, Josh opens up about a journey that was anything but what it appeared from the outside.This conversation reveals the real Josh Groban. He shares why he felt like a "complete fraud" for the first ten years of his career, performing by "the skin of my teeth" while terrified someone would discover he didn't belong. He talks about being plucked from obscurity at such a young age that he missed those crucial formative years of failure, friendship, and figuring it out in private-years he's now jealous of other artists for having.But this episode is about more than just Josh's story. It's about the moment when The Impossible Dream-a song Josh had reimagined years ago-became the anthem for Aaron's album and his battle with ALS. Josh explains why he said yes immediately when asked to contribute, what it means to be of service through music, and why at 44, he's still dreaming impossible dreams: from writing for film and television to conquering his fear of creating without the security blanket of his voice.This conversation is raw, funny, healing, and inspiring. It's for anyone who has ever felt like a fraud despite their success, anyone who's wondered if they missed their shot, or anyone who needs a reminder that it's never too late to dream something new.Guest Bio:Josh Groban is a multi-platinum recording artist, actor, and one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Since bursting onto the scene at age 17, Josh has sold millions of albums, performed on the world's biggest stages, and established himself as both a classical crossover phenomenon and a Broadway star. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Josh is known for his philanthropy, his genuine connection with fans, and his willingness to use his platform for meaningful causes. Josh founded the Find Your Light Foundation dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience quality arts education. His reimagined arrangement of The Impossible Dream has become a modern classic, inspiring countless performers-including Aaron Lazar-to bring new life to this timeless anthem of hope and perseverance.Learn more about Josh Groban:Official Website: joshgroban.comFind Your Light Foundation: https://fylf.orgInstagram: @joshgrobanYouTube: @JoshGrobanLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at aaronlazar.comInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple: Impossible Dreams PodcastSpotify:

What happens when one of Broadway’s most iconic voices sits down and decides to tell the truth behind her talent, her faith, her heartbreaks, and the next chapter of her legendary career?In this electrifying episode, Aaron Lazar welcomes one of Broadway‘s, most legendary divas Kristin Chenoweth — Tony & Emmy winner, comedic assassin, spiritual warrior, and the original Glinda — joining us straight from a New York rehearsal studio where she was building her newest Broadway musical as both star and producer.And in a stroke of cosmic timing, this conversation is being released the very week that Queen of Versailles opens on Broadway. You’ll feel the adrenaline of a show still being sculpted, the exhaustion and joy of creation, and the pulse of someone who knows she’s standing on the brink of something monumental.Kristin opens the vault on the five-year journey that brought this musical to life, the pressure of carrying a multi-million-dollar production on her shoulders, and the private spiritual practices that have kept her grounded through impossible highs, painful setbacks, and the beautiful chaos of showbiz.You’ll hear about the dreams that shaped her, the faith that sustains her, the mentors who molded her, and why she’s fiercely committed to lifting up the next generation through her Broadway Bootcamp, where artists like Tatum Hopkins are being launched into their own impossible dream.This episode is for anyone who’s ever dreamed audaciously, fallen down, gotten back up, and kept shining. It’s a story of faith, fire, reinvention, and the unstoppable force of a woman who refuses to stop believing in joy.If you love Broadway, brilliance, or beautiful truth… you won’t stop listening.Guest Bio:Kristin Chenoweth is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress, singer, and Broadway legend best known for originating the role of Glinda in Wicked and winning the Tony Award for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. With a career spanning Broadway, film, television, and concert stages around the world, Kristin has captivated audiences with her extraordinary voice, comedic brilliance, and radiant spirit. She holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl. A proud Oklahoma native and graduate of Oklahoma City University, Kristin is deeply committed to arts education through her Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp, a competitive two-week intensive program that trains the next generation of theater artists. She is currently starring in and producing the new Broadway musical Queen of Versailles, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Lindsey Ferrentino, and direction by Michael Arden, opening November 2025 at the St. James Theatre.Learn more about Kristin Chenoweth:Official Website: https://www.kristinchenoweth.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kchenowethQueen of Versailles on Broadway: https://www.queenofversaillesthemusical.comKristin Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp: https://www.kristinchenowethbootcamp.comLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS Network: https://www.alsnetwork.orgProduced by EVRYBDY Studios: https://www.evrydbystudios.comLearn more at

What if ALS-one of the most devastating neurological diseases-is closer to being treatable than ever before? What if the cure is not decades away, but within reach in our lifetime?In this powerful episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Dr. Merit Cudkowicz-one of the world's leading ALS researchers and clinicians, the Julieanne Dorn Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Chief of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Cudkowicz, affectionately known as the "greatest ALS doctor in the world" by countless patients, has dedicated her career to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for ALS since witnessing the discovery of the first ALS gene in 1993.This conversation is both deeply scientific and profoundly human. Dr. Cudkowicz walks through the challenging journey of ALS diagnosis-why it typically takes a year and 3-4 doctors before patients get answers-and explains the complexity of a disease that mimics many other conditions. She shares the groundbreaking advances happening right now, from the remarkable success of SOD1 gene therapy (which can halt or even reverse progression in certain patients) to the new wave of therapies targeting TDP-43 protein, the underlying biology present in nearly all ALS cases.Throughout this episode, Dr. Cudkowicz's message is clear and urgent: "I don't think curing ALS is impossible. I absolutely think it's possible." She explains why staying connected to research centers, being part of the ALS community, maintaining physical and mental well-being, and never giving up hope are essential for patients navigating this disease. This episode is not just for those living with ALS, it’s for anyone who is living through the unknown of a life-changing diagnosis or has ever cared for someone who has. It's about spreading hope and community in the face of what feels impossibleGuest Bio:Dr. Merit Cudkowicz is the Julieanne Dorn Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Chief of the Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. A chemical engineer from MIT who went on to complete her medical training at Harvard, Dr. Cudkowicz has been at the forefront of ALS research since 1993, when her mentor Dr. Robert Brown discovered the first ALS gene (SOD1). She is the founder and director of the Healey ALS Platform Trial, a revolutionary multi-drug testing system that is dramatically accelerating the pace of ALS drug development. Dr. Cudkowicz has dedicated her career to clinical trials, patient care, and translating laboratory discoveries into treatments that can help people living with ALS.Learn more about Dr. Merit Cudkowicz:Mass General NeurologyHealey ALS Platform TrialHarvard Medical School Faculty ProfileLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at Aaron LazarInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple:

What if the secret to becoming extraordinary isn't found in your achievements—but in understanding how your mind actually works?In this transformative episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Dr. Michael Gervais—legendary high-performance psychologist to elite athletes, Olympians, and world champions—for a conversation that will change how you think about success, suffering, and the human spirit. As Aaron continues his radical journey with ALS, he and Dr. Gervais explore the profound psychology of facing the impossible and what becomes accessible when you master your inner world.Dr. Gervais reveals why mastery of self matters infinitely more than mastery of craft, the three non-negotiable practices for building awareness, and why being "unreasonable" might be the only path to extraordinary outcomes. From understanding why we're always either in a storm or heading toward one, to the truth about high performance versus the path of mastery, Dr. Gervais shares the framework that's helped the world's best performers unlock their potential.But this conversation goes deeper. Aaron and Dr. Gervais dive into the raw reality of Aaron's ALS diagnosis—how the disease forced him to confront a profound loss of self-trust, why German New Medicine gave him a radical new lens ("the body playing dead"), and the critical shift from trying to "beat" the disease to learning to heal from it. Plus: the power of self-talk, why "your team" should actually be "the team," holding an unreasonable vision while calibrating to what someone truly believes is possible, and Dr. Gervais's simple 60-second morning mindset routine that can change everything.If you've ever wondered what it takes to meet life's most brutal moments with dignity and eloquence—or if you're ready to stop grinding on the "high-performance treadmill" and step onto the path of true mastery—this episode is your roadmap.Guest Bio:Dr. Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist who has worked with some of the world's most elite performers, including Super Bowl champions, Olympians, and world record holders. He is the co-creator of Finding Mastery, a leading platform dedicated to helping people unlock their full potential through the psychology of high performance. Dr. Gervais is the author of "The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You" and hosts the Finding Mastery podcast. He is known for his work with the Seattle Seahawks during their Super Bowl-winning seasons and continues to work with elite athletes, CEOs, and organizations committed to excellence.Learn more about Dr. Michael Gervais:Morning Mindset RoutineFinding Mastery PodcastFinding Mastery Platform"The First Rule of Mastery" BookLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at Aaron LazarInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple: Impossible Dreams PodcastSpotify:

What if the key to an extraordinary life isn't having all the answers—but learning to listen to the whisper?In this raw and revelatory episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with volleyball icon, entrepreneur, and wellness visionary Gabby Reece for a conversation that will make you question everything you thought you knew about success, parenting, and what it really means to be strong. As Aaron navigates his ALS diagnosis with radical presence and unconventional healing, he and Gabby explore what becomes possible when you refuse to let fear dictate your life.Gabby reveals the unconventional childhood secret that made her who she is today (hint: it wasn't stability), why being "a little screwed up" might actually be your competitive advantage, and the controversial truth about masculine and feminine energy that society gets completely backwards. From growing up in the Virgin Islands without a roadmap to building a clean food empire with big-wave legend Laird Hamilton, Gabby shares how following "the whisper" led her to everything she never knew she wanted.But this isn't just another success story. Aaron and Gabby dive into the messy, beautiful reality of parenting in the digital age (with Aaron's son Adrian right there in the studio), why love isn't weakness but actually the most powerful force we have access to, and the profound lesson Laird taught about revenge (spoiler: he doesn't believe in it). Plus: nature’s way of pushing your limits, why comfort a blessing and a curse, grieving while you're still alive, and the one truth Gabby would "hang her hat on" above everything else…LOVE.If you've ever felt lost, questioned your path, or wondered if there's more to life than what you've been told—this episode is your permission slip to trust yourself.Guest Bio:Gabby Reece is an iconic professional volleyball player, sports announcer, fashion model, author, entrepreneur, and podcast host. Standing 6'3", she became one of the most recognizable faces in women's beach volleyball and used her platform to become a fitness icon and wellness entrepreneur. She co-founded Laird Superfood with her husband, legendary big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton, committed to creating clean, functional foods without shortcuts. Gabby is the host of "The Gabby Reece Show" podcast and author of multiple books on fitness and life. She's a mother of three and passionate advocate for authentic living, conscious parenting, and the power of nature.Learn more about Gabby:The Gabby Reece ShowXPT - Extreme Performance TrainingLaird SuperfoodLIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at Aaron LazarInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple: Impossible Dreams PodcastSpotify: Impossible Dreams PodcastMerch: a...

In this deeply personal episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor for an intimate conversation about resilience, relationships, and finding your way back to what matters most.Ben and Christine open up about their journey through separation and reconciliation, the challenges of balancing demanding careers with family life, and how personal growth sometimes requires taking space to evolve. From their excitingly quick romance to navigating the pressures of Hollywood while raising two kids, they share hard-won wisdom about communication, self-awareness, and the practice of staying present.Aaron connects with Ben and Christine through their shared involvement with Project ALS—the groundbreaking research organization co-founded by Jennifer Estess after her 1997 diagnosis. Ben reflects on 25+ years of friendship with Jennifer and the organization's mission, while Aaron expands on his ALS journey and unconventional healing approach. Together, they explore themes of hope in the face of devastating diagnoses, the limitations of Western medicine, and the power of community and love.From Ben's work on the documentary about his legendary parents (Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller) to Christine's reflections on prayer and meditation, this conversation weaves together Hollywood stories with profound spiritual insights. Plus: the Hawaiian shirt incident at their wedding, why their separation ultimately strengthened their family, and the impossible dream of a Sedona river trip.Guest Bios:Ben Stiller is an Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and actor known for films including Zoolander, There's Something About Mary, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Tropic Thunder, Cable Guy and countless others. He directed the acclaimed limited series Escape at Dannemora, as well as the award winning and instant obsession, Severance, and just released Stiller and Meara: Nothing is Lost, his documentary about his parents, comedy legends Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller. Ben has been a longtime supporter of Project ALS and numerous humanitarian causes.Christine Taylor is an actress best known for her roles in The Brady Bunch Movie, A Very Brady Sequel, Zoolander, Dodgeball, and Arrested Development. She has been a dedicated supporter of Project ALS and is passionate about meditation, prayer, and conscious parenting.LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at Aaron LazarInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple: Impossible Dreams...

In this episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Andrew Rannells for an honest, hilarious, and wonderfully profound conversation about building a career that defies the odds.Andrew shares his journey from Omaha dinner theaters (with a creatively embellished resume) to becoming one of Broadway's most beloved leading men—and how he's successfully diversified into television, film, writing, directing and hosting. Their conversation explores the emotional toll of auditioning, the art of processing rejection, and the spiritual lessons hidden in a career that never loves you back—until it does.Brought together through the community magic of Broadway, Aaron and Andrew get real about comparison, envy, self-worth, and the unexpected ways that tragedy shapes our choices. Plus: the Regina story you won't forget, gold star status revelations, and why Andrew channels Kim Cattrall when voicing a gay bully.Tune in for a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in the journey—even when the journey includes a Hannibal Lecter chair.Instagram: @andrewrannellsGuest Bio:Andrew Rannells is an actor, writer, director and television host best known for his Tony-nominated performance as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. His Broadway credits include Hairspray (his debut), Jersey Boys, Falsettos, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hamilton, Gutenberg! The Musical!, and Tammy Faye. On television, he's appeared in Girls, The New Normal, Black Monday, Big Mouth (voicing Matthew the gay bully for eight seasons), and currently hosts The Great American Baking Show. His film credits include The Prom, The Boys in the Band (which he also performed on Broadway), and the upcoming I Don't Understand You with Nick Kroll. Andrew is the author of two memoirs: Too Much Is Not Enough (2019) and Fairytale Ending (2023). He made his directorial debut with an episode of Modern Love on Amazon Prime, based on his own essay published in The New York Times. He lives in Los Angeles with his boyfriend, actor Tuc Watkins.LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Presented by the ALS NetworkProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at aaronlazar.comInstagram: @impossibledreamspodcastYouTube: @ALImpossibleDreamsApple: Impossible Dreams PodcastSpotify: Impossible Dreams PodcastMerch: impossibledreamshop.myshopify.comEpisode Navigation:02:49 - The Fake Resume Gambit: How Andrew's made-up theater credits led to a career-launching relationship with casting director Bernie Telsey12:19 - Broadway vs. Hollywood: Why the theater community bonds differently than film and TV sets17:43 - The Regina Story: Aaron's unforgettable trip to Canada and the mayor's controversial town motto29:23 - The Dumpster of Dreams: When casting offices went digital and headshots ended up on the street36:35 - Jerry Zak‘s Brutal Honesty: The audition feedback that could destroy you—or teach you...

In this episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with filmmaker and spiritual visionary Kelly Gores, director of the renowned documentary Heal. Kelly shares her personal story of awakening—leaving a successful acting career to pursue the impossible dream of creating a film that explores the profound power of using the mind-body connection to heal.This conversation is a revelation about our true nature. Kelly and Aaron discuss the illusion of separation, why love is our core essence, and how intense experiences—like a powerful romantic connection or a near-death experience - can dissolve that illusion, showing us the path to wholeness.Tune in as Kelly shares the intense courage and unwavering vision required to manifest a dream, even when you have no roadmap. Kelly and Aaron offer a powerful reminder that the miracle comes from within you.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healwithkellyInstagram: @kellygoresWebsite: https://www.healwithkelly.co/Guest Bio:Kelly Gores is a filmmaker, producer, mother and spiritual advocate. She is the director of the acclaimed 2017 documentary Heal, which explores the power of the mind-body connection. The film features experts such as Deepak Chopra, Joe Dispenza, and Marianne Williamson. She is also the author of the companion book to the film.LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Video: https://youtu.be/SiJ2awQvEc0Presented by the ALS NetworkApple: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUThProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at aaronlazar.comEpisode Navigation:01:17 - Aaron’s Full-Circle Story: How Kelly's film, Heal, helped Aaron on his journey and led him to meet the love of his life.06:27 - NDE and Oneness: Kelly shares Anita Moorjani's NDE experience of dissolving into "pure, expansive love.09:27 - Aaron asks Kelly how she, “Cast the "A-Team"? How an actress with no directing experience pitched and secured experts like Deepak Chopra and Joe Dispenza for a first of its kind documentary.11:48 - The Source Book: The book that started Kelly's journey: Marianne Williamson's Return to Love.19:01 - Courage for Impossible Dreams: Aaron and Kelly discuss the courage required to pursue a soul calling despite total uncertainty.20:50 - Entrepreneurial Lesson: The key lesson: Don't let others' lack of enthusiasm discourage your dream.1:07:21 - Healing in Real-Time: Kelly's three-day migraine disappears during her conversation with Aaron thanks to "energetic coherence."

Host Aaron Lazar sits down with billionaire entrepreneur, tech investor, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for a candid conversation about transforming adversity into a global calling. Cuban details the "impossible dream" behind his newest venture, Cost Plus Drugs, which brings affordable, life-saving medicine to millions.The conversation pivots to technology, where Mark shares his vision for AI pointing out 2024 was the "equivalent of 1898," as AI creates a world of unprecedented, minute-by-minute possibility. He argues that in this new era, "there is no such thing as false hope," and how this disruptive power will accelerate medical breakthroughs and fundamentally redefine what is possible for human health and overcoming disease.Listen as Mark and Aaron share the mindset that allows them to transform enormous challenges into opportunities. Instagram: @mcubanX: @mcubanGuest BioMark Cuban is an American billionaire entrepreneur, tech investor, former Shark Tank personality, and a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team. He is also the founder of the Cost Plus Drug Company, which aims to offer low-cost prescription medication.LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.Video: https://youtu.be/SiJ2awQvEc0Presented by the ALS NetworkApple: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUThProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at aaronlazar.comEpisode Navigation:13:22 - Resilience in the Face of the Impossible: Cuban's simple response to Aaron’s dream to beat ALS: "Only one way to find out, right?"13:37 - The Entrepreneurial Revelation: The mindset for overcoming failure: business is the "ultimate sport," and the core belief that "all I had to do was be right one time."31:31 - Proof of Healing: Discussion on the documented reversals of sporadic ALS and the unquantifiable power of hope and mindset.42:16 - The New Creative Skill: The counterintuitive revelation that AI will force people to think more critically, making "prompting" the most essential new skill for the future.56:11 - Aaron’s Sons Chime In: Aaron’s two boys, Julian and Adrian, step up to the mic to ask Mark for guidance on how to become top level basketball players.1:08:26 - The Ultimate Calling: Cuban's final mission to make healthcare globally affordable so people can get healthy and stay healthy.

Welcome to Impossible Dreams — where resilience meets revelation.Hosted by actor, singer, and advocate Aaron Lazar, Impossible Dreams is a groundbreaking video podcast that celebrates the power of the human spirit to heal, create, and overcome. Diagnosed with ALS, Aaron turned his greatest challenge into his greatest calling — to inspire others to live their impossible dreams.Each week, Aaron sits down with extraordinary guests — from artists to athletes, scientists to spiritual visionaries — to explore what it really means to transform adversity into awakening. Every story is a reminder that no matter where you are or what you’re facing, the miracle lives within you. Welcome to Impossible Dreams — where resilience meets revelation.Videos for each episode can be found on YouTube at @ALImpossibleDreams. This channel is fully accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, with captions on every episode. Because dreams — and stories that change lives — belong to everyone. LIVE YOUR IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS✨ Subscribe, listen, and believe.👀 Intro episode screenreader: https://youtu.be/SiJ2awQvEc0 Presented by the ALS NetworkApple: https://WsBQMs.short.gy/Q8eUThProduced by EVRYBDY StudiosLearn more at aaronlazar.com