Rob Henderson, known for coining the term "luxury beliefs," joins us to discuss his memoir Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. Rob shares his extraordinary path—from homelessness and the LA foster care system, to adoption in rural Northern California, to enlisting in the Air Force at 17, and eventually studying at Yale and Cambridge. Rob shares research that shows how childhood instability (more than poverty alone) shapes life outcomes; why the foster system is so under-resourced; how elite cultural narratives can unintentionally harm the very communities they claim to help; and how certain "status beliefs" spread through universities and media. We discuss the hypocrisy and social dynamics of campus ideology, the "Halloween costume controversy" at Yale, and why honest conversations about family structure, class, and social policy are so hard to have yet so critical for making real progress. Key themes and Quotes Luxury beliefs give status to the elite—and the costs are paid by people with the least power." Poverty alone doesn't predict failure. Instability does." The people most skeptical of family are usually the ones who grew up in intact families. "They live like it's the 1950s—and talk like it's the 1960s." "I benefited from structure, plan to give it to my kids—and publicly argue others shouldn't." "Elite students condemn capitalism on Monday and interview at Goldman Sachs on Wednesday." Foster Care / Instability Truths "You don't need the worst childhood to feel the damage of instability." Privilege / Backlash Lines "Telling struggling kids they're privileged doesn't create compassion—it creates resentment." Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like these conversations: Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethic Studies Your School's Ethic Studies Curriculum with Monica Harris from FAIR For ALL Key Topics + Timeline 01:00–02:13 – Why labels like "privileged/unprivileged" flatten real life; every story is individual 04:15 – Rob explains who he wrote the book for: the typical educated reader + the kid in chaos who needs hope 07:30–12:00 – Rob's "three names" origin story: biological parents, homelessness, foster care, adoption 11:16 – Red Bluff, CA: family fragmentation, addiction, instability in a working-class town 12:40–16:30 – Foster-care policy: frequent moves to avoid attachment; "least bad option" dilemmas 18:15 – Why foster care gets little attention (and why stories are painful to face) 19:00–23:30 – What made Rob "successful": curiosity + the military as structure, mentors, and environment shift 25:17–29:46 – Research distinction: harshness (poverty) vs instability (unpredictability) as predictors 27:38 – Striking stats: college graduation rates—poor kids vs foster kids (as cited by Rob) 32:10–36:52 – "Luxury beliefs": elites "walk the 50s, talk the 60s"; the social mechanism of cultural messaging 39:18 – After-school programs, screens, and class gaps in supervision/structure 41:39–46:20 – Luxury beliefs as social currency: status signaling through "virtue" positions (white privilege, defund police) 46:20–53:21 – Ethnic studies curricula + backlash: why telling struggling kids they're "privileged" can fuel resentment 57:46–01:02:27 – Yale 2015 Halloween controversy + the irony of Rob being told he's "too privileged" 01:03:00–01:07:07 – Veblen → Bourdieu → Henderson: from luxury goods to cultural capital to luxury beliefs 01:09:09–01:11:18 – Careerism + hypocrisy: condemning institutions while competing to join them 01:11:18–01:15:45 – Post–Oct 7 campus protests; when beliefs meet real consequences 01:15:45–01:18:03 – Hope for higher education: reform, alternatives, and "you don't have to go to college" 01:18:03–01:20:27 – Why the story resonates beyond foster care; instability, immigration, divorce, loneliness
Former Michelle Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz joins us to explore the world of Jewish wisdom she discovered beyond ethnic jokes, bagels, and a vague sense of guilt. She shares how her culturally Jewish upbringing transformed into a deeply learned, joyful identity—and why real Jewish study is essential if we want to withstand modern antisemitism. We trace how 2,000 years of Christian anti-Judaism, Nazi antisemitism, and Soviet anti-Zionism have been funneled into today's leftist campus ideologies—shaping the anti-Israel narratives dominating universities, media, and movements on both the far left and far right. Most people don't even realize they're repeating propaganda from the soviets and nazis. We also cover the idea that every human being is created in the image of God shaped democracy and human rights, and why "the chosen people" is wildly misunderstood, it's a burden of responsibility, not a claim of superiority. Sarah also explains Judaism as a living, evolving interpretive tradition (hello, 2,500 years of commentary and argument), why dissent and chavruta-style debate are sacred. Sarah ends on a surprisingly hopeful note - so listen in to hear her message. 06:30 — Judaism as wisdom, not just religion or holidays 09:00 — Why antisemitism keeps reinventing itself 12:30 — Image of God, equality & the Jewish roots of democracy 15:00 — The title As a Jew and reclaiming identity without apology 18:00 — Internalized antisemitism & the "cultural Jew" problem 21:30 — What Jews actually are: peoplehood, tribe, civilization 24:00 — Campus antisemitism 27:30 — Israel, refugees & dismantling the "original sin" myth 31:00 — Zionism explained (without the hysteria) 34:30 — Qatar, ideology, and what's shaping academia 37:00 — Michelle Obama, "silence," and the problem with performative activism 40:00 — Chosenness redefined: responsibility, not superiority 43:00 — Jewish law evolves: debate, dissent & chavruta 46:00 — How observant is Sarah now? 48:30 — What gives Sarah hope for Jews in 2025 51:00 — Jewish spirituality, bodies, death rituals & chaplaincy 54:00 — Parting wisdom: why Jewish learning is the antidote Topics Discussed: The history of Israel's founding: land purchased at inflated prices, UN partition, war, refugees on all sides and why Israel is not founded on some unique "original sin" Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and why Palestinians are treated as a unique, multi-generational refugee category in a way that has harmed both Palestinians and Israelis. Qatar's influence and money in U.S. universities and how that has influenced academic discourse on Israel. Why Sarah, as a proud Zionist and proud American, rejects the idea that Jews can't be loyal Americans. What "chosenness" really means in Jewish tradition (spoiler: not racial superiority) The Jewish idea that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim (in the image of God) and how that idea helped shape the moral core of American democracy How chavruta (study partnership) and argument "for the sake of heaven" sharpens thinking and deepens truth—illustrated live in Polina, Yelena, and Sarah's back-and-forth What's next for Sarah https://www.sarahhurwitz.net Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Our previous podcast with Sarah discussing her first book, Here All Along Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethic Studies Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity
Monica Harris is the Executive Director of FAIR For All, a Harvard Law graduate, former Hollywood executive, and author of The Illusion of Division. Monica explains how her experience as a gay Black woman in Hollywood and then in "flyover country"shattered many elite narratives about America. She describes why she believes much of our current polarization is manufactured by media and political interests, and how identity-based frameworks like liberated ethnic studies and DEI are deepening division rather than healing it. We dig into the following: Why "Liberated Ethnic Studies" is dividing students, not uniting them How modern DEI programs drifted far from genuine civil rights principles Why identity-based teaching harms kids socially and emotionally The catastrophic decline in civic education—and why it matters now more than ever How the American Experience curriculum offers a unifying alternative What parents MUST know about what's being taught in classrooms today This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about polarization, education, and the future of democracy. Resources & Links FAIR For All: https://fairforall.org Monica's Substack: The Illusion of Division Monica's book, "The Ilusion of Division" If you want to know about this topic, listen to our podcast with Brandy Shufutinsky: The Marxist Roots of Coursework in K-12 and our College Campuses. Quotes "We have so much more in common than what separates us, but division is being manufactured." "Kids don't need to see each other as oppressors and oppressed—they need tools for civil discourse." "The bones of America are exceptional" "At FAIR, we're asking: what comes after polarization? Everyone can diagnose the problem; we're focused on solutions." "The entire liberated ethnic studies model flies in the face of reality on the ground. It pits students against each other at the exact moment in life when they most need to see each other as allies." ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 -Welcome & Monica's California-to-Harvard-to-Hollywood story 05:00 -Leaving Hollywood for Montana: the real story behind the culture shock 07:50 - Why Monica wrote The Illusion of Division 09:20 — What FAIR For All does across education, arts, medicine & law 13:00 — Inside the American Experience curriculum 15:00 — The problems with Liberated Ethnic Studies 19:00 — Why America's system needs repair, not replacement 20:30 — How social media fuels division and fear 24:00 — "This isn't capitalism"—the economic reality young people face 26:00 — The collapse of civics education & why it matters 32:00 — How FAIR's curriculum teaches civil discourse & unifying history 35:00 — Why parents are the key to changing school districts 38:00 — What's happening in California, Oregon & other states 42:00 — When students should take the course: age, grade level & design 44:30 — The pilot program: access, cost & rollout plans 47:00 — How ethnic studies frames Jews, Asians & successful minorities as "privileged" 50:00 — Why human beings will always choose freedom over authoritarianism 51:00 — Closing thoughts & how to learn more
In this episode, we speak with Lucy Biggers, head of social media at The Free Press and a former climate activist who has completely rethought the story she was telling the world and herself. Lucy shares how she went from a left-wing digital newsroom steeped in oppressor–oppressed ideology and climate doomsday content to slowly "re-educating" herself, especially after COVID lockdowns made her question what the climate movement was really asking of ordinary people. We talk about how smart, idealistic young people get pulled into movements, from climate activism to "Free Palestine" marches and democratic socialists like AOC and Zohran Mamdani, often in search of purpose, belonging, and someone to blame. Lucy walks us through the emotional cost of changing her mind in public, losing old followers, gaining new ones, and learning to stand on principle instead of group approval. We also go bigger: what's happening in our universities and K–12 schools, the rise of extreme voices on both the woke left and the conspiratorial right, and why Lucy still believes in American exceptionalism, free thinking, and the courage to say, "I was wrong" as an act of wisdom, not shame. The Free Press Key Timestamps + Signature Quotes 00:00 — Introduction & Lucy's Background Quote: "I debunk the fear around climate change because people deserve the truth, not terror." 01:10 — Why We Wanted Lucy On Quote: "So many young people today are operating from a state of fear." — Yelena 01:52 — Lucy's Political Journey Quote: "I lived half my twenties believing America was evil — I was completely swept up in it." 02:30 — Inside the Newsroom Groupthink Quote: "It was ground zero for oppressor–oppressed ideology. I didn't realize how deep it ran." 03:50 — Her Climate Activism Years Quote: "Activism became my meaning, my identity, my way to feel good about myself." 05:01 — COVID Breaks the Spell Quote: "The world shut down and emissions fell only 5%. I thought—what exactly do they want from us?" 05:45 — Quietly Leaving the Movement Quote: "I gave myself space to think for the first time in years." 06:49 — Going Public With New Beliefs Quote: "I had to develop a stronger center of truth than the pushback waiting for me." 07:05 — How Brainwashing Happens Quote: "I'd do anything to fit in — that's how the ideology hooks you." 09:28 — Re-Education & Books That Changed Her Quote: "I wasn't deprogrammed overnight — I had to re-educate myself page by page." 10:17 — Can Universities Be Saved? Quote: "Six billion dollars from Qatar changes what gets taught. Money goes a long way." — Polina 11:05 — Why Young People Hate the West Quote: "America is imperfect — but exceptional. Most of the world can't tell their kids to 'follow your dreams.'" 12:43 — How Bad Ideas Spread Online Quote: "You see a headline, you don't read the article, and your brain absorbs fear as fact." 16:49 — Losing Followers & Building a New Audience Quote: "I lost thousands at first — then gained tens of thousands who actually want the truth." 19:35 — Friendships & Family After Changing Beliefs Quote: "My real friends stayed. The ones who left were never real in the first place." 20:46 — Climate Activists → Free Palestine Movement Quote: "It's the same psychological pattern: well-meaning young people taught a black-and-white story." 21:58 — Social Media Censorship Quote: "In 2019, I would have been banned for simply asking questions." 23:12 — Climate Facts No One Teaches Quote: "CO₂ is 0.04% of the atmosphere. How did I not know that after years covering climate?" 25:04 — When Activism Becomes a Religion Quote: "There's a crisis of meaning — causes become the new church." — Yelena 26:51 — The Bigger Ideology Behind It Quote: "I used to think 'Marxism' critiques were crazy. Now I see they were right." 27:33 — What Gives Her Hope Quote: "When one person stands up, it creates a resonance that gives others permission to do the same." 30:23 — Mumdani, AOC & Democratic Socialists Quote: "Feeling like a victim is a dead end — you can't build a life from that mindset." 33:11 — AOC's Brand Trap Quote: "She never had space to change — her entire identity depends on that worldview." 34:09 — What Do We Do About Schools & Universities? Quote: "It's time for new institutions — maybe even a Free Press University." 36:13 — Tucker, Candace & the New Far-Right Quote: "Extremism on the right mirrors extremism on the left — it's the same loss of grounding." 39:01 — Why It's Hard to Push Back on the Right Quote: "Not everyone stands on principle — the last two months showed us that clearly." 41:48 — Accountability vs. Blame Quote: "Each side finds someone to blame. No one wants accountability." — Yelena 42:47 — John Fetterman's Example Quote: "He hasn't moved — everyone else has." — Polina 43:22 — Where to Follow Lucy Quote: "If you follow me anywhere, follow me on Instagram — it's where I speak most freely." 43:52 — Polina's Closing Reflection Quote: "Wisdom is having the courage to say: I was wrong."
Leland Vittert, NewsNation's chief Washington anchor and author of the memoir Born Lucky, joins us to talk about his childhood, his career, and all the unexpected ways he truly was born lucky. Despite years of bullying and difficulty navigating school as an autistic kid, Leland had one enormous blessing: parents who never gave up on him, never lowered the bar, and never stopped believing he was capable of a beautiful life. The devotion of Leland's father will melt your heart—and make you think about the millions of ways a child's life can be transformed through love, discipline, and grit. Leland shares moving stories about how his dad refused to quit on him and modeled what character really looks like. We also dig into journalism—his time reporting from Jerusalem, the state of today's media, who to trust, what's broken, and what still gives him hope. If you've ever felt different, misunderstood, or simply love a powerful father–son story, listen in. This episode will make you rethink what's possible. Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG Meantforyoupod.com
What happens when a no-nonsense entrepreneur decides she's had enough of California's chaos? Elaine Culotti has ideas politicians won't touch. She is a fearless entrepreneur, farmer, real estate developer, and a potential candidate for governor of California. You may also know her as one of the business tycoons on Undercover Billionaire. In this conversation, Elaine shares her frustrations with California's government and bold ideas for tackling its toughest challenges. Shaped by decades of experience in real estate, building businesses, and running her own farm, Elaine brings a no-nonsense, working-class perspective to politics. We cover Calforinia's challenges with wildfires, immigration, homelessness and crime. Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG
Our guest is Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, the company that pioneered the kefir market in America and today produces 95% of the kefir sold in the U.S. Julie's story begins in 1976, when her parents immigrated from Kiev ( the former Soviet Union) to Chicago. Her mother opened a deli, while her father, a mechanical engineer, missed the kefir he had back in the Soviet Union so he started making his own, and from that, Lifeway Foods was born. In 2002, tragedy struck. Julie's father, Michael Smolyansky, died suddenly of a heart attack. At just 27, Julie stepped into the CEO role, becoming the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company. Under her leadership, Lifeway expanded its product lines and grew internationally. Today, with revenues topping $200 million, Julie has proven herself a powerhouse CEO—while also raising two daughters, running marathons, reading voraciously, and giving back through philanthropy and community leadership. This is the kind of conversation we love: a woman courageously living a full, multidimensional life. In this episode, we cover her parents' immigrant journey, the rise of kefir in America, the science of gut health, and Lifeway's latest innovations, including kefir with collagen and creatine. This conversation is about courage, resilience, and building a full life. We get into: ✨ Her family's immigrant journey from Kiev to Chicago ✨ How kefir conquered America ✨ The science of gut health ✨ Lifeway's bold new products (yes—kefir with collagen + creatine!) Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG
Charlie Kirk was a national treasure, known for his fearless commitment to open dialogue and free speech. We discuss why he was so important to us, and millions. While Charlie Kirk is irrereplacable, we hope his life inspires legions of people to courageously follow his path of upholding the foundational values and principles of the US. As mothers and citizens rather than politicians, we talk about what it means to intuitively know how to keep families and communities safe, why Charlies represented us and why his loss is so devastating. While we did not agree with all of Charlie's positions, we understood that he was on the frontlines every days trying to ensure an American future based on its founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Before you believe the headlines calling Charlie a "Right Wing influencer" please remember that human progress has always required an openness to new ideas and information, while never forgetting the mistakes of the past. So may Charlie's memory be a blessing. May he be forever in our hearts and in our minds. And may we all try to be better people. May we all learn how to have better discourse, how to hear one another, how to empathize with one another. -Polina and Yelena
Brandy Shufutinsky is the newly appointed Director of the Education and National Security Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. In this important conversation, we disciuss how today's ethnic studies curriculum, originally intended to promote understanding among diverse communities, is instead fueling division, promoting an oppressor-vs-oppressed worldview, and teaching students that capitalism is synonymous with white supremacy and exploitation. Brandy brings deep expertise to this topic, holding a doctorate in International and Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco, an MSW from USC, and an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego. Today, at least 22 states mandate ethnic studies in K–12 education, 24 more have incorporated elements of it, and California has made it a graduation requirement. Yet there are no national standards for what's being taught, and no real education on the dangers of communism, the importance of civics, or an emphasis on nurturing diverse opinions and critical thinking. Brandy shares how you can get involved locally to push for rigorous standards, honest history, and an end to the ideological indoctrination in our classrooms. If we want to preserve a strong and free Republic, the way we educate the next generation must change. Quotable Moments: "The ideology holds that I'm suffering from internalized oppression because I'm not willingly categorizing myself as part of the oppressed class." "If you are, or simply appear to be white, you're automatically put in the oppressor category." "We cannot have the Republic we have today with an ill-informed, miseducated next generation." "It's easy to be a communist when you're living in a capitalist society." "We need to teach civics and the benefits of our system, but we also have to teach the dangers of the other." Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity
Stella Escobedo is an Emmy award winning news anchor-reporter with nearly 20 years experience, a fearless journalist and an advocate who immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan. Stella is currently a news anchor for One American News (OAN). In this conversation, Stella shares how her upbringing shaped her values, her global perspective, and the causes of her disillusionment with mainstream media. Journalism was always Stella's passion. but during the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted. Stella began to question the media's silence on critical issues: the voices of parents during lockdowns, the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, and the dangerously skewed coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. We discuss the deeply embedded bias against Israel in U.S. media and the painful, recurring truth that Jews are violently scapegoated in every generation. When serious issues arise, too many default to an intellectually lazy and ancient habit: blame the Jews, and deflect accountability. This conversation is both a warning and a call to action. It's about truth, courage, and refusing to stay silent while history repeats itself. Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG A few of our favorite quotes from this episode: "If not me, then who?" "I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless." "The media completely ignored what we should have been able to have open conversations about." "The indoctrination of their children must stop for peace to exist." If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Arab Israeii Muslm Activist and Stanford MBA Sophia Khalifa Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity Timestamps: 12:53 - Why is there such a disparity in how things are reported 23:14 - Once jihadist attacks on the homeland begin en masse, much of America will blame Jews 28:13 - Stella, a moderate voice, has been pegged asan extremist 37:38 - The teachers union in California should watch the video from October 7 41:59 - In Gaza, this will not stop until the indoctrination of their children stops 44:51 - The state of journalism in this country 49:05 - Netflix, can you help us?
Karen McKinney was a prosecutor working in the gang unit when her path first crossed with Joseph Herrera, a man she would go on to prosecute for murder. Twenty years later, Karen faced Joseph when he was up for parole. Not exactly your classic "how we met" story. What no one could have predicted is that years later, the two would form an extraordinary friendship that would transform both of their lives. Karen saw something in Joseph that defied his past, a capacity for growth, empathy, and leadership. With her encouragement, Joseph began using his lived experience to help others break the cycle of recidivism. Today, they can speak on the phone for hours at a time, and Karen occasionally joins Joseph's speaking events at prisons. This story is a reminder that people are more than their worst mistakes, and that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the ones that change everything. Follow Karen on Insta I Put Him in Jail for 20 Years. Now We're Good Friends - Newsweek Washington Post Deep Dive with Karen McKinney & Joseph Herrera on Hard Conversations on Kelly Corrigan If you're interested in powerful conversations on prison reform, don't miss our conversations with: Humans of San Quentin Executive Director Diane Kahn Jessca Jackson, Chief Advocacy Officer for Reform Alliance Jane Mitchell from the Reform Alliance Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG
In this episode, we talk about the value of work with David Bahnsen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, California overseeing $4 billion in client's assets, David is also a thought leader, and author of Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. David wants to challenge one of society's most accepted myths: that success means eventually not working. David makes a bold, and deeply personal case for why work isn't just a way to earn a living, but a core part of living well. Drawing from his career in finance and his passion for theology, philosophy, and purpose, we discuss how our jobs can become our expressions of dignity, identity, and meaning. David offers a different way of looking at work, especially for those feeling stuck or pressured to "have it all figured out." Mic drop moments: "The dignity of work is completely egalitarian." "It is absolutely untrue that AI can ever replace virtue. "Work is the meaning of our life. "Human beings have a remarkable ability to really like being praised at what they do" "It is our responsibility to be producers, creators, and innovators." Want to skip ahead? Just tap the timestamps to dive into specific sections: 02:44 - David's new book is called Full Time Work and the Meaning of Life 12:33 - Let's talk about the fallacy of retirement 18:12 - Very few people in finance like you are openly religious 20:02 - There's been a movement with colleges to glamorize socialism 29:14 - You can't win a primary being sane 37:08 - Why people should focus on what they're good at Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG
Ada Palmer, is a sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines, this episode might help. Ada believes we're not living in a uniquely apocalyptic time—just a normally apocalyptic one. "We're living in a moment we must rise to, work hard on, do well where what we do matters," she told me. "We have the ability to reduce 100% harm to 70% harm. We have that responsibility." That line really stuck with us—because it's so easy to feel powerless right now. But Ada's message is the opposite: we do have agency, and what we do does matter. She also reminded us that fear isn't new. "We are not more scared than our predecessors were 50 or 100 years ago. They were just as scared as we are. The stakes were just as high. The rewards of hard work were just as real. The penalties of messing up were just as disastrous." Ada sees change not in election cycles, but in centuries. And that shift in perspective is powerful. We talk about why we need to stop chasing "total wins" and start celebrating the small, meaningful steps forward. Progress is almost always incremental, but that doesn't make it any less real or important. From ancient Rome to climate policy, Ada brings in vivid historical parallels that made us see our moment differently. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges—we talk about the real stakes—but she offers something many of us arel craving: perspective, hope, and a reminder that we've come through hard things before. The part of our conversation that keeps echoing for us is this: Every generation has been called to save the world. They rose to the challenge. Now, it's our turn. 🗣️ Quotes from Ada Palmer "We shouldn't think that we are living now in a uniquely apocalyptic moment. We're living in a normally apocalyptic moment." "Nothing is more similar to the future than the past." "Success isn't 100% victory. Success is mitigating the thing so that it's less bad when it happens." "Every generation has to save the world, and we can work hard at it and meet this occasion." Topics Discussed: 03:15 - Understanding the historical context of our current challenges 10:42 - The cyclical nature of apocalyptic moments throughout history 18:30 - Ada's journey as a historian and science fiction writer 25:50 - The impact of AI on society and the importance of policy 35:12 - How collective efforts can mitigate climate change 45:07 - The significance of partial victories in history 52:40 - Embracing resilience and responsibility in uncertain times Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG
Jenny Wood, former Google executive, leadership coach, and author of Wild Courage, joins us to talk about what it really takes to grow your career, whether you're in the early stages or navigating a mid-career reset. With her candid approach, Jenny shares how to apply your experience and find your courage. In this episode, we cover practical, no-nonsense strategies for standing out at work, communicating with your boss, building a network that actually supports you, and tapping into the kind of courage that deepens with age. If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or simply ready for more—this conversation is for you. Careers: Looking for career clarity, inspiration, or a reset? Check out our other caereer related podcasts 💖 Kathy Caprino, author of The Most Powerful You, breaks down the 7 power gaps holding back 98% of women and 90% of men—and how to close them. Lauren McGoodwin, founder of Career Contessa, talks about entitlement in the workplace and why chasing the "perfect job" can lead us astray. Julian Guthrie shares the untold story of the first female venture capitalists in Silicon Valley—and how they changed the game. Courtney Martin challenges traditional definitions of success and offers a more honest, human vision of achievement. Joan Barnes, founder of Gymboree, opens up about resilience, entrepreneurship, and recovering from bulimia while building a beloved brand. Jane Boulware reflects on her journey from Iowa farm life to an executive role at Microsoft—and what early retirement really looks like. Topics Discussed: 03:33 - Jenny Wood shares her story about tapping into wild courage in to meet her husband in the NY Subway 06:39 - Go after what you want and get it 12:24 - "Woo with you" is a technique used by introverts to influence others 15:11 - What do you think are the most important traits for success 18:18 - The biggest leap in Silicon Valley is moving from middle manager to executive 23:43 - You have to have courage to reach up to your boss's boss 26:57 - Brutal is the power of no to protect your time, energy and priorities 33:08 - How AI could affect middle managers 34:37 - Which AI tools Jenny is using and how she is using them 44:25 - For moms who left the workforce to raise kids, how do they get back 51:08 - You show up as an introvert on Myers Briggs, but nobody believes it 55:40 - What the entrepreneurial path feels like for Jenny 58:53 - Jenny's current revenue stream is 70% keynote speaking and 10% newsletter sponsorship Jenny Wood [jennywood.com](https://jennywood.com) Wild Courage [Wild Courage Book](https://jennywood.com/wild-courage) ChatGPT [OpenAI ChatGPT](https://openai.com/chatgpt) ConvertKit [ConvertKit](https://convertkit.com) Marshall Goldsmith [Marshall Goldsmith](https://marshallgoldsmith.com)
Natasha Sizlo was having a terrible year. Fresh off a divorce, bankruptcy, the end of a passionate relationship, and then the news came about her beloved father's devastating terminal illness. When a friend suggested an astrology reading, Natasha's first instinct was a hard pass. But, Natasha relented, and the reading led her towards a year of magic, the kind of year that turns into a romantic comedy on the big screen and a best-selling book. All Signs Point to Paris by Natasha Sizlo. Hire Natasha to be your real estate agent If you enjoyed this podcast, check out our most powerful and inspiring conversations from the podcast featuring women who've taken bold risks, rebuilt their lives, or spoken the truths most of us keep quiet. These women are brilliant examples of living the life meant for you. Starting Over, Resilience, Overcoming: Nicole Avant on a Mindset of Gratitude and Service Bethany Hamilton on Faith, Waves, and Fearlessness: Bethany Hamilton's Unshakable Journey" Claire Bidwell Smith, Finding Peace After Grief Dara Kurtz, How Dara Crushed Cancer and Changed Her Life Annette Ross was Meant for love, after overcoming a tragic accident during the birth of her second child that left Anette unable to walk, Annette went on to create a beautiful life with five daughters and the love of her life Travel: Jeannie Ralston, The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blosssoming Life Stories and Culture: Laura Belgray, author of Tough Titties, on growing up loud, weird, and real Kat Timpf, Truth Bombs and Punchlines: Kat Timpf on Humor That Hurts (and Heals) Tiffany Shlain on reclaiming time with Tech Shabbats Zibby Owens on bookfluencing and being a literary connector Mental Health Lori Gottlieb (Maybe You Should Talk to Someone) on why you really should talk to someone Serving Others Heidi Kuhn, founder of Roots of Peace, on turning grief into global impact Dr. Leana Wen, Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health Jessica Honegger on Going Scared and Choosing Purpose Over Comfort Relationships Amy Chan, "The Love Rehab You Didn't Know You Needed" and the Psychology of Love Eve Rodsky (Fair Play) on burnout, breakdowns, and building a movement Favorite Quotes from Natasha: "I just have to go to find everybody with his exact same birth chart because the one has to still be out there." "Once I started believing, I started seeing." "To live an authentic life, that's a beautiful thing." "If it's mentionable, it's manageable." "Sounds like you're going to Paris. I'll meet you there."
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meant-for-you/id1036108112?i=1000661332590Are you living a psychologically rich life? In this episode we discuss what it means to be psychologically rich and how you can generate more richness. In "Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life", Shigehiro Oishi, Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, shares his research and the ways leading a psychologically rich life can transform how you prioritize your days and goals. As Shige shares, "a psychologically rich life is a life filled with diverse, unusual, interesting experiences that change your perspective; a life with twists and turns; a dramatic, eventful life instead of a simple and straightforward one". For those of you who feel that something is missing from your lives, or that your dreams and goals don't fit with societal expectations, this conversation is for you. Shige Oishi has given us the language and concept for living our lives in search of experience, adventure, learning and connection. Please share this episode with a frriend and follow us on Instagram at @meantforyoupod You can Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforitpod@gmail.com Get Shige's book if you enjoyed this podcast, consider our podcast with Nicole Avant on gratitude and our series on Narcissism with Dr. Ramani: Nicole Avant on Gratitude, Service and her Mother's Legacy Dr. Ramani's Advice on Suriviving a Divorce with a Narcissist Dr. Ramani's Guide to Naricissism at Work Dr. Ramani's Guide to Dealing with Narcissists Topics Discussed: 05:07 - The the three pillars of a happy life 14:13 - How narrating your experiences enriches the experience 20:12 - A psychologically rich day involves a wide range of emotions 22:18 - Happiness used to be good luck and fortune, but now happiness is personal success 25:41 - Happiness is more like a batting average 32:03 - Happiness is not the intensity but the frequency of positive emotion 36:13 - As we age, curiosity and, and exploration wane, and how to balance it 39:09 - psychological richness mindset can help deal with difficult life situations
Filmmakers Courtney and Ted Balaker discuss their latest documentary surrounding the mental health crisis among Gen Z. Their film based on the book, The Coddling of the American Mind, by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, was made to spark critical discussions, including conversations across college campuses. We discuss the alarming trends in Gen Z's mental health, the role of social media, and the impact of educational environments that often prioritize emotional safety over intellectual freedom and critical thinking. Please listen to this enlightening discussion that will alert you to concerning Gen Z cultural trends. Please share this episode with a friend! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforyou Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforyoupod@gmail.com Links from conversation The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a aGeneration for Failure by onathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff Ted and Courtney's film Company Little Pink House Can we take a Joke
Yardena Shwartz, an award-winning journalist and Emmy-nominated producer, joins us to discuss her book, Ghosts of a Holy War. Yardena's book focuses on the 1929 Hebron massacre, allowing us to see the shocking parallels between the historical events of 1929 and the October 7th massacre in Israel. Hebron, an ancient city with archeological finds going back some 5,000 years, is in the controlled territory of both governments. For thousands of years, Hebron has had great religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. Despite Yardena's credentials, and her book's relevance to the current news cycle, "Ghosts of a Holy War" book has been largely ignored by mainstream media and literary circles. It is not a stretch to assume that the historical information revealed in this book goes against the dominant stories in mass media, that seek sources that support their simplified oppressor and oppressed narrative. As history repeatedly shows us, if we don't understand the past, we are doomed to repeat it. The misinformation leading to the 1929 massacre, and the way the massacre was interpreted by the world, is a repeat of what we have seen since October 7. We have seen denials of the recorded atrocities on October 7, misinformation and marches praising the violence as glorious resistance. How can we end the cycles of violence in the region if we don't understand the root causes? It feels like we are trying to cure cancer by taking an Advil and screaming about the pain. Yardena's book shares the historical root causes of the cancer of violence that has plagued the region since 1929. Yardena's book also recounts stories of friendship and muslim families that protected their neighbors. The Jewish families and students in Hebron were not prepared for the violence because they lived peacefully and happily with their neighbors. In 1929, just as today, misinformation from leaders with bad intentions, fueled horrifying fury, and religiously driven violence. We hope that more people decide to learn the history of the region through credible journalists and historians, instead of repeating dangerous misinformation and lies. For the sake of every innocent child, please make time to find the historical truth. PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforyoupod Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at meantforyoupod@gmail.com If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Rabbi Steve Leder, History, Faith , DEI, Ethics, Anxiety and Awe Sophia Khalifa, Bedouin Muslim Israeli Engineer Shares Why She Became an Acivitist for Israel Dumisani Washinton, Pastor, CEO and Author of Zionism and the Black Church Soviet Anti-Semitism with Izabala Tabarosky, Arab Israeii Muslm Activist and Stanford MBA Sophia Khalifa Erin Molan Fearless Reporter and Advocate for Humanity
When it comes to understanding our government, we often find ourselves asking, "What would Sharon say?" So we did. We invited Sharon McMahon, America's favorite government teacher and the force behind @SharonSaysS, to help us unpack why civics education in the U.S. has been defunded, sidelined, and under-taught for decades. Sharon shares eye-opening insights about a troubling reality: many students graduate with little more than a single semester of civics, leaving them unequipped to understand how their government actually works. This lack of knowledge isn't just an educational failure it's a civic crisis. When citizens don't understand the basics of how power is structured or how change happens, we risk not only disengagement, but also a national security vulnerability and a weakening of our democracy itself. How can we make America better if we don't understand how America works? How can we expect meaningful progress if the next generation doesn't grasp the role of local elections or how laws are made? When people aren't educated about their own system of government, cynicism grows. Trust erodes. And disengagement becomes the norm—followed by frustration and the belief that everything is rigged. We dive into the case for rebuilding a consistent, nationwide civics curriculum—and the enormous challenge of doing so in a country where education policy is decided by 50 separate state boards and over 14,000 local school boards. This conversation matters. Please listen, learn, and share with your community! Quotes: "We have under-educated our citizens for existence in a very complex democracy." "We need to understand the problem before we can make meaningful change." "The civil rights movement didn't just happen because a bunch of members of Congress were like, what the right thing to do?" -Sharon McMahon "How are we supposed to make America great again if we don't understand how it works?" ----Polina Rubin Zoom In: 06:49 Why aren't people saying in government that maybe we should prioritize civics education 08:10 The United States has an incredibly decentralized education system compared to other democracies 13:27 Whether the federal government should be involved in curriculum decisions is hotly debated 20:37 Elimination of Department of Justice or Department of Education could negatively impact students 23:23 Thoughts on the costs of education in the US compared to other countries 29:31 Every other developed nation takes far more steps to abate childhood poverty than we do 31:51 If you have two parents, you're more likely to not be in poverty PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit https://www.instagram.com/meantforit/?hl=en Sign up for our newsletter here: https://meantforit.substack.com/ Visit our website at www.meantforit.com Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly meantforitpodt@gmail.com
Like both of us (your co-hosts Polina and Yelena) Viktoria was born in the Soviet Union. VIktoria immigrated to the USA from Kiev with her family when she was 10. After getting interested in politics a few years ago, Viktoria started a highly successful Instagram page (communistsurivivor) , as a place to share her experiences and political opinions. Viktoria's childhood in the former Soviet Union has shaped her politics and inspired her to share the realities of life under communism. We hope that Viktoria's thoughts on the differences between life in the Soviet Union and the opportunities available in the U.S. encourage you to apply a critical eye when you come across communist and anti-capitalist propaganda. If you have experience of living under an oppressive regime, and when you grow up listening to the stories of how your parents and grandparents struggled, you are more likely to treasure the immense privileges that come with freedom. We feel this perspective is particularly relevant in today's heated climate, where many college students in the West are expressing hatred for their own country without a basic understanding of the historical realities and struggles that led to their freedoms. Viktoria on Instagram PLEASE HELP US OUT BY SHARING THIS EPISODE WITH A FRIEND! Follow us on Instagram at @meantforit Sign up for our newsletter here Visit our website at www.meantforit.com, Guest ideas? Partnership ideas? Comments? Email us directly at contact@meantforit.com Notable Quotes: "Being a Communism survivor is something that definitely molds you into a certain way of being." "We won the lottery because we were able to not only come here, but we have the relativity of the two worlds that make us so grateful and so patriotic." "If you're not involved in politics, politics is going to get involved in you." "The problem with communism is that it doesn't take human nature into account." Topics Discussed: 02:35 The Telepathy Tapes 03:59 Adolescence on Netflix 05:55 Intro to Viktoria 16:20 Communism will never work with humans because it's incompatible with human nature 21:27 Most people in the west don't recognize the patterns of anti-government protests 21:53 Victoria started Communism Survivor after becoming passionate about politics 25:35 Advice for those trying to grow their Instagram accounts 33:22 Being banned on Instagram several times 39:50 Trump's treatment of Ukraine 50:12 Vktoria's career in integrative nutrition