Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

My guest Dr. Shileste Overton Morris serves as the Chief Programs Officer at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and the Director of the Center for Schools and Communities. The Center delivers national, state, local, and international services that build capacity in schools, districts, and organizations supporting children, youth, and families. Dr. Overton Morris' expertise includes strategic leadership, parent engagement, belonging, and education leadership. She serves on multiple statewide and national boards. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at Temple University, College of Education and Human Development. Summary In this episode, Dr. Overton Morris discusses the complex and evolving nature of bullying in schools, emphasizing that it is less about individual "bad actors" and more about systemic conditions and power dynamics. Drawing on decades of experience in school safety and social-emotional development, she explains that bullying involves repeated behavior and an imbalance of power, now amplified by technology and social media, which extend harm beyond school hours and increase its reach and permanence. Dr. Overton Morris highlights that modern bullying includes not only physical and verbal aggression but also relational aggression—such as exclusion, rumor-spreading, and digital harassment. She underscores how adolescents' underdeveloped executive functioning contributes to impulsive and harmful online behavior, sometimes with serious legal consequences. A central theme is that effective prevention requires a comprehensive, consistent, whole-school approach. Schools that implement structured frameworks—such as social-emotional learning, positive behavior supports, and restorative practices—can significantly reduce bullying. These approaches depend on aligned adult behavior, proactive monitoring, and a strong, inclusive school climate. She also stresses the importance of equipping all school personnel—not just teachers—to recognize warning signs and intervene early. For parents, active listening, observation, and partnership with schools are key. Ultimately, Dr. Overton Morris argues that bullying prevention is "adult work": it depends on the environments adults create, the behaviors they model, and their willingness to consistently address harmful conduct. Takeaways Bullying prevention isn't about reacting to incidents—it's about intentionally creating environments where bullying is less likely to occur, which depends on consistent, aligned adult behavior and system-wide commitment. Links LinkedIn Center for Schools and Community Referenced Interview with Dr. Dana Milakovic: Nurturing the Emotionally Safe School Environment Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture that Brings out the Best in People by Dr. Donna Hicks The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trauma in the Schools podcast series

Guests Dr. Carolyn Ernst is a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), specializing in the surface evolution of planets, moons, and small bodies. She has contributed to missions across the solar system and has extensive experience in imaging systems. Dr. Ernst helped NASA impact both a comet and an asteroid, serving as instrument scientist for the DRACO imager and a member of the investigation team on the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission. She is currently on the science teams for Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, Hayabusa2, and Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) missions. She is also a member of the European Space Agency's Hera mission team, which will return to the Didymos system for close-range characterization of the asteroids and the outcome of the DART impact. Michelle Chen is a software systems engineer and project manager at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland. Her work centers on developing and integrating advanced technologies for spacecraft and prototype systems. Chen led the SMART Nav team for NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, where their autonomous navigation algorithm enabled the world's first spacecraft impact with an asteroid for planetary defense. Her career spans multisector projects, including the development of advanced prosthetic limbs, optical navigation systems, data acquisition platforms, and missile simulations. Chen's technical expertise includes real-time embedded software, image processing, control systems, and system-level integration. Summary The conversation explores the success and implications of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), the first mission designed to test whether a spacecraft could intentionally alter an asteroid's trajectory. Engineers and scientists collaborated to send a kinetic impactor into Dimorphos, a small asteroid orbiting the larger asteroid Didymos, demonstrating planetary defense capabilities. A key innovation was the spacecraft's autonomous navigation system, which guided it during the final approach using onboard imaging from the DRACO camera. Because scientists had never seen Dimorphos up close, engineers relied on extensive simulations to prepare for unknown conditions. The mission exceeded expectations: instead of shortening the asteroid's orbit by 7 seconds, it achieved a 33-second reduction, largely due to unexpected ejecta that amplified the impact force. The discussion highlights how asteroid detection and tracking systems—coordinated by organizations such as the Minor Planet Center and international networks—identify potential threats, refine orbital predictions, and communicate risks. Early detection remains critical, as effective deflection requires years of preparation. Beyond the technical achievement, the guests emphasize interdisciplinary teamwork, where engineers and scientists continuously exchanged insights and made compromises to balance navigation precision with scientific data collection. The mission underscores the importance of experimentation over theoretical modeling alone and serves as a powerful example of how collaborative, cross-disciplinary work can address global challenges while inspiring future generations in STEM. The Essential Point The mission's core insight is that planetary defense is not theoretical—it is achievable—but only through early detection, real-world experimentation, and deep collaboration across scientific and engineering disciplines. Social Media & Referenced New York Times: NASA Smashes Into an Asteroid, Completing a Mission to Save a Future Day D.A.R.T. project overview and impact videos "> ">

Guest Carol Tyler, known for her beautifully written and drawn autobiographical comics, is one of the most important and influential comics artists ever. In July 2026, she will be inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame at Comic-Con. Her books are: Soldier's Heart: The Campaign to Understand my WWII Veteran Father (2015), and Fab4 Mania: A Beatles Obsession and the Concert of a Lifetime (2018). Her current book is in two parts: The Ephemerata, Shaping the Exquisite Nature of Grief, September 2025. Part II Verdante, The Ephemerata Goes Home, due in 2026. Summary In this conversation, Carol Tyler discusses her graphic memoir Soldier's Heart, a deeply personal work that blends visual storytelling with narrative to explore her father's World War II experiences and their lasting impact on her family. She explains that graphic memoir is not simply illustrated text but a deliberate interplay between words and images, where each medium carries distinct emotional and informational weight. Tyler developed a unique visual language—through color palettes, panel styles, and composition—to distinguish timelines, perspectives, and emotional states. The project began when her father, late in life, unexpectedly opened up about his wartime experiences, prompting Tyler to document his stories through recorded interviews. These revelations coincided with crises in her own family, including her mother's stroke, her daughter's mental health struggles, and strain in her marriage. As a result, the memoir evolved into a broader exploration of intergenerational trauma, linking her father's unprocessed war experiences—what might now be recognized as PTSD—to patterns of anxiety, depression, and OCD across generations. Tyler reflects on how World War II shaped not only individual veterans but an entire culture, influencing family dynamics, gender roles, and societal behavior in the decades that followed. While the book brought some understanding and partial reconciliation, her relationship with her father remained complex, especially as he aged and regressed emotionally. Ultimately, the memoir serves as both historical preservation and personal reckoning, capturing stories that might otherwise have been lost. A key reflection Unprocessed trauma—especially from war—doesn't end with the individual; it reverberates across generations, shaping families, relationships, and even culture in ways that often remain unseen until deliberately examined. Social Media & Referenced Soldier's Heart Carol Tyler—Pages and Progress video

Guest Amaroq Weiss is the Senior Wolf Advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. A biologist and former attorney, she has worked on wolf recovery and conservation advocacy at the state and federal levels across the country for nearly 30 years. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.8 million members and online activists dedicated to protecting endangered species and wild places. Summary This episode features Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, in a wide-ranging conversation about wolf conservation, public perception, and coexistence. Weiss traces her path from a childhood fascination with wildlife to a career blending science, law, and advocacy, shaped by influential books and mentorship. The discussion centers on the persistent vilification of wolves, rooted in cultural narratives imported from Europe and reinforced by modern media and political interests. Weiss argues that wolf hatred is largely learned—and therefore reversible—emphasizing that most Americans actually support wolf protections. She explains how wolves are often scapegoats for broader tensions around government regulation, while misconceptions about their behavior fuel fear. Ecologically, wolves function as keystone species, regulating prey populations, promoting biodiversity, and even helping control disease. Economically, they contribute to tourism and can reduce costly deer-vehicle collisions. To avoid conflicts with livestock and enable coexistence, Weiss outlines a range of effective non-lethal strategies—such as removing attractants, using guard animals, and modifying ranching practices. The episode also explores the ethical and intrinsic value of wolves, beyond their economic and ecological value. Weiss urges listeners to challenge misinformation, advocate for science-based policy, and recognize wolves as sentient beings with a right to exist. Ultimately, she frames conservation as a long-term, multi-generational effort requiring shifts in both mindset and behavior. The Essential Point The core of Amaroq's argument is that our conflict with wolves is less about the animals themselves and more about legacy beliefs and practices that can be changed through education, policy, and a willingness to coexist. Social Media & Referenced www.biologicaldiversity.org https://www.facebook.com/CenterforBioDiv https://waleslit.com/authors/amaroq-weiss/ Of Wolves and Men by Barry Lopez Wolf Wars by Hank Fisher Lone Wolf by Adam Weymouth 60 Minutes: The Wolves of Yellowstone

Guest Karen Berman, Ph.D., Chaired the Department of Theatre and Dance at Georgia College and previously taught for 15 years at Georgetown University. She is Dean Emerita, College of Fellows of the American Theatre; Past President of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education; Director of 150 Holocaust and other theatre productions; and winner of the Georgia Governor's Award for the Arts and the Hillel Heroes Award. Karen is co-Artistic Director of Washington Women in Theatre. She is the co-author with Dr. Gail Humphries of the two-volume work, Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal. Co-host Irene Stern Frielich was a guest on Episode 370: "Walking Where History Happened: A Daughter's Holocaust Journey." Irene is the daughter of a German Jewish Holocaust survivor—but for much of her life, the story remained unspoken. In 2017, after rediscovering her father's testimony, Irene set out to physically retrace his escape route from Nazi Germany through his survival in Holland. The result was a journey of reconciliation and healing. Her award-winning memoir, Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts, explores trauma, courage, and connection across generations. Summary In this episode, Jeff and co-host Irene Stern Frielich speak with Dr. Karen Berman about the role of the arts in Holocaust education and remembrance. Dr. Berman discusses her five-year project to co-edit two volumes featuring 33 contributors who explore how theater, music, visual art, and film illuminate the Holocaust and its aftermath. The books argue that the arts can foster empathy, healing, and social responsibility while inspiring people to become "upstanders" who actively oppose hate and injustice. The conversation explores how artistic expression functioned as both resistance and survival during the Holocaust. A powerful example is the performance of Verdi's Requiem in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where imprisoned singers used music as a form of spiritual defiance against their captors. The discussion also examines how Holocaust education is evolving. Scholars and educators are increasingly shifting from purely historical instruction toward approaches that engage students emotionally and morally through storytelling, performance, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality and holographic survivor testimony. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that art has the power to humanize history, deepen empathy, and transform audiences into witnesses. By connecting personal stories with creative expression, educators and artists can ensure that Holocaust memory remains meaningful—and that the lessons of history inspire moral action today. The Essential Point The episode emphasizes that art has the power to humanize history, deepen empathy, and transform audiences into witnesses. By connecting personal stories with creative expression, educators and artists can ensure that Holocaust memory remains meaningful—and that the lessons of history inspire moral action today. Social Media Website: Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal: www.storiesoftheholocaust.com Georgia Governor's Award for the Arts: https://share.google/7ZF1jsonbwuBfMeDr Hillel Heroes Award: https://share.google/AVs09ck8I9RpdVIDb Kirkus Reviews Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal. Volume I https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/karen-berman/stories-of-the-holocaust/ Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal. Volume II https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/karen-berman/stories-of-the-holocaust-2/ Substack LinkedIn Referenced Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín Virtual reality video of a Holocaust survivor revisiting the Majdanek concentration camp: Pilgrim in the Metaverse

Guest Bill Whiteside abandoned a 30-year career in software sales to devote his time to a story that he started researching to keep his mind engaged during his business travels. Intrigued by a little-known incident from early in Winston Churchill's first term as Britain's Prime Minister, this diversion evolved into an obsession as he dug into the story of a controversial and catastrophic clash between the British and French Navies from multiple angles. The more he learned, the more it became a book he just had to write. That book, Operation Catapult: Winston Churchill and the British Attack on the French Navy at Mers-el-Kébir, was published by the U.S. Naval Institute Press in March 2026. Summary In this episode, Jeff talks with author Bill Whiteside about his new book, Operation Catapult, which describes a little-known but dramatic episode early in World War II. Whiteside explains that after France fell to Germany in May 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill feared that the powerful French fleet might fall into Nazi hands. Determined to prevent this strategic disaster, Churchill ordered the British Navy to confront the French fleet anchored at Mers-el-Kébir in Algeria. When negotiations failed, British ships opened fire on their former allies, killing nearly 1,300 French sailors. Whiteside describes how the story captivated him because it reveals the moral complexity and human drama behind major historical decisions. Rather than presenting events as simple or inevitable, his research shows how Churchill agonized over the decision, how British officers struggled with the prospect of attacking friends, and how individual personalities shaped the outcome. Whiteside emphasizes that history becomes compelling when readers see historical figures as people—leaders balancing duty, fear, loyalty, and uncertainty in moments of crisis. The conversation also explores Whiteside's research process as a non-professional historian. Drawing on archives in the U.K. and California, original letters, and memoirs, he reconstructed the perspectives of both British and French participants. Influenced by narrative historians like Laura Hillenbrand and Rick Atkinson, Whiteside has crafted a fast-moving, character-driven account. Ultimately, the book explores leadership under extreme pressure and invites readers to reconsider a controversial decision that may have helped ensure Britain's survival during one of the war's most vulnerable moments. The Essential Point Whiteside argues that history becomes truly meaningful when we move beyond headlines and dates to understand the human decisions, personalities, and moral dilemmas that shape events. Social Media Operation Catapult: Winston Churchill and the British Attack on the French Navy at Mers-el-Kébir

Guest Tom Reed studied photography at Rutgers while studying Geography. Ansel Adams, Edgar Payne, and the Hudson River School are major influencers. Zen sensibilities profoundly influence his compositions and writings, as he is a student of Japanese martial arts and aesthetics (chado). His photographs and writing center on the experience of awe at the sight of a landscape. He hopes this leads to considering nature itself divine and sacred, and that stewardship, rather than the dominant utilitarian view, is the only sane attitude. Summary In this episode, Jeff speaks with photographer, writer, adventurer, and wellness coach Tom Reed about a life shaped not by financial ambition, but by a deep desire for experience, nature, and meaning. Reed traces this orientation back to formative childhood moments that helped him value independence and authenticity over conventional success. His path led him through geography studies, wilderness work in Alaska, whitewater guiding, sailing, martial arts, and ultimately photography. Reed's artistic philosophy blends influences from Ansel Adams with Japanese aesthetic traditions. His black-and-white landscape photography—especially from Patagonia—aims not to comfort but to evoke awe: the kind of beauty that shocks us into awareness of something greater than ourselves. The conversation explores how skill and serendipity intersect in creative work, the role of mindfulness in perceiving opportunities, and the thread of vitality that connects Reed's diverse pursuits. The discussion also turns to climate change and environmental degradation, with Reed emphasizing acceptance without apathy—a stance rooted in spiritual maturity and non-judgment. Ultimately, Reed's work invites us to reconsider why certain landscapes move us so profoundly—and what that says about our relationship to the natural world. A key reflection Awe is a powerful emotional and spiritual experience that can dissolve ego and reconnect us to something greater. References / Links Photo website: www.tomreed.com Books: https://tomreedbooks.com/ TEDx: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB8L5a-P6NM blog: http://tomreedphotography.wordpress.com/ MBAM audiobook: https://mrtomreed.gumroad.com/l/moved-by-a-mountain-audiobook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrtomreed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomReedsPhotos

Guest Matthew Collins is a writer, speaker, and voice coach whose career spans British television, travel writing, prison education, and Shakespeare. A former BBC presenter, he now leads voice and public speaking workshops and teaches Shakespeare to students ranging from ex-prisoners to members of the Women's Institute. His approach is non-academic. He encourages students to explore Shakespearean texts using spoken voice exercises - and to feel the effects they can have on the mind and body. (And soul...) Matthew also gives entertaining talks. And last year, he launched the podcast "We Sons of World War II Vets," which explores the stories and remembrances of World War II veterans as told to their sons and daughters. Summary In this episode, Jeff speaks with Matthew Collins—former BBC presenter, prison educator, and host of We Sons of World War Two Vets—about his podcast where he interviews the sons (and now daughters) of WWII veterans. Sparked by reflections on his own father's wartime experience and the stories left partially untold, Collins began recording conversations with baby boomers whose fathers fought in the war. Although many of these veterans "didn't really talk about it," their children absorbed attitudes shaped by hardship, stoicism, discipline, and emotional restraint. Matthew explores recurring themes: the cultural gap between pre-war fathers and post-war sons, delayed gratification versus modern immediacy, emotional desensitization born of trauma, and the quiet heroism often discovered only after a parent's death. Through stories ranging from aristocratic war heroes to working-class POWs, Matthew highlights how wartime experiences reverberated across generations—shaping parenting styles, masculinity, and family dynamics. Ultimately, the project preserves fading history while inviting younger generations to reconsider resilience, community, and the cost of freedom in an era that may no longer take peace for granted. A key reflection We often don't fully understand our parents until after they're gone, so try to explore their past now through gentle probes. Social Media & Referenced Website: https://www.matthewcollins.com/ Podcast: https://www.matthewcollins.com/we-sons-of-ww2-vets Elizabeth Keating interview: https://www.queticocoaching.com/blog/338-asking-essential-questions-to-uncover-and-preserve-family-history

Guest Paul Knowles has not followed a conventional path. Originally from Texas, he worked in Downtown Dallas as a financial advisor for the world's largest private wealth manager. He then served as marketing director for a highly successful Colorado regional bank and later for one of the nation's top real estate offices. However, it was after stepping away for a year and a half that Paul stumbled onto his true calling, and for the past ten years, he has been the Assistant Director of the Museum of Northwest Colorado, located in Craig, Colorado Summary In this episode, I visit with Paul to explore Western history through various artifacts. From a massive dinosaur footprint recovered from a coal mine to a 1,700-year-old "burden basket" woven by the Indigenous people living in the area at the time, to the Winchester rifle, the first reliable repeating rifle, the museum reveals a layered history stretching from prehistoric swamps to the era of outlaw drama. Paul challenges Hollywood's myth of the violent, gun-slinging West, reframing firearms as tools of survival rather than symbols of chaos. Through objects like annotated copies of Charles Kelly's The Outlaw Trail, prison-made spurs crafted by inmate John Cox, early Colorado brand books, and a letter referencing Butch Cassidy, we'll encounter a West both harsher and more nuanced than legend suggests. At center stage in the museum stands "Western Reflections," the world's largest watercolor, symbolizing remoteness, resilience, and the central importance of water. Ultimately, our conversation highlights the grit, interdependence, and adaptability required to survive in the historic West. A key takeaway Artifacts tell truer stories than myths; when we examine physical evidence, Hollywood's caricature of the West gives way to a more human, complex reality. A Video Tour of the Museum is available in the show notes for this episode on my website: https://www.queticocoaching.com/blog

Guest Barbara Vokatis is a professor at the State University of New York an Oneonta, keynote speaker, award-winning author, and therapy dog partner. She is an author of books in dog therapy in educational settings ("Teachers and Therapy Dog Teams: Innovative Collaborations to Make a Difference for Children") and a children's book ("Carmel Goes to School") with the therapy dog theme. Her latest book is titled "Unshakable: Parenting through Autism with Love, Courage, and Purpose." Summary In this episode, Jeff Ikler speaks with Dr. Barb Vokatis about the role of animal-assisted intervention—especially therapy dogs—in supporting student well-being, engagement, and learning. Dr. Barb explains that her work began when she observed the powerful, calming, and relational impact her dog had on her autistic child, which led her to develop a certified therapy dog program in schools. She describes how structured classroom visits from therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, increase focus, improve classroom behavior, and encourage participation—especially among shy or reluctant students. Teachers reported that students became calmer and more attentive when the therapy dog was present, without disrupting instruction. Dr. Barb shares examples of students who became more expressive, more willing to speak, and even newly motivated to write after interacting with the dog and hearing her story. She emphasizes that therapy animals are not gimmicks or tools, but relationship catalysts that help build trust, kindness, and emotional safety. The conversation broadens to educational reform, arguing that student mental health and kindness should be more intentionally integrated into the school system. Dr. Barb calls for teacher training, professional development, and scalable models that responsibly expand therapy animal programs. The Critical Takeaway Schools should treat student well-being and academic learning as inseparable, with animal-assisted programs as one practical pathway. Social Media/Referenced https://www.instagram.com/dr.barb.educator/ https://www.facebook.com/barbara.vokatis https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-vokatis-ph-d-530649a/ https://barbaravokatis.com Book recommendation: The Path of Powerful Kindness

Guest Hurley Winkler is a writer and editor from Jacksonville, FL. Her newsletter, "Lonely Victories," is among the top Substack publications in the Literature category. She teaches creative writing at Flagler College. Summary In this episode, I speak with writer and teacher Hurley Winkler about journaling, creative practice, and building a sustainable writing life. Hurley traces her path to writing back to childhood anxiety and early journaling inspired by Harriet the Spy, and describes how writing eventually became her preferred independent art form after early interests in theater. She discusses her work as a writing teacher and how her philosophy balances encouragement with challenge while meeting students where they are. A central focus of the conversation is Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, Hurley once interviewed Julia Cameron, including morning pages, artist dates, and creative accountability. Hurley shares how working through the program — especially with partners — helped her cultivate courage, clarify goals, and move forward with major creative and life decisions. The discussion also explores resistance, practical strategies for writing through it, and the value of containers like timed sessions and word counts. Finally, Hurley also reflects on leaving social media due to its addictive nature, how that decision led to an ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and how reclaiming attention is an ongoing process. Throughout, she emphasizes writing community, "lonely victories," and the importance of writer friendships in making the creative journey less solitary. The critical takeaway Writing may produce "lonely victories," but building writer friendships and community makes the creative journey more resilient and sustainable. Referenced The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Website: https://hurleywinkler.com/ Substack: https://lonelyvictories.substack.com/ The language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie

Guest Heather Lende is the author of four books centered on her life in Haines, Alaska: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name, Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs, Find the Good: Life Lessons from a Small-town Obituary Writer, and, most recently, Of Bears and Ballots, about her adventures in local politics. Heather served as Alaska Writer Laureate from 2021-2023, has an honorary Ph.D in Humane Letters from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and is the recipient of the Middlebury College Alumni Award. Summary In this, my 400th episode, I sit down with writer Heather Lende to talk about how she approaches her craft and what it means to write from, and for, a real community. Living in the small town of Haines, Alaska (pop ~2000), Heather sees writing less as performance and more as an act of careful observation, listening, and responsibility. Our conversation touches on her long-running obituary column, which requires her to listen carefully, get the details right, and tell people's stories with humility and care. She sees herself as "an observer of life," while her careful attention to people and their details has earned her the label of "story catcher." We talk about what changes when you write about people you know—or at least know of. We explore what I call Heather's nonlinear writing process, her discomfort with neat conclusions, and how grief, memory, and daily observation shape her work. We also explore doubt, discipline, and the tension between creative ambition and ordinary life. Throughout the conversation, writing emerges as a way of staying connected—to place, to people, and to the small, meaningful moments that make up a life. We dive deeply into the story "Alaskans Dear" from her book, If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name, to understand her writing process and what it means to live in a small town. The Essential Point Storytelling for Heather is not just creative work, but a relational act that binds her to the community she serves. Social Media Website:https://www.heatherlende.com/ Referenced See the audio file of what Heather is reading in the show notes for this episode at https://www.queticocoaching.com/blog

Guest Adam Bronstein grew up exploring the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and knew from a young age that he wanted to work to protect wild places. He received a BS from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Environmental Studies and Geographic Information Technologies. Adam first joined the Western Watershed Project staff in 2020. Outside his capacity at WWP, Adam hosts and produces Our Public Lands podcast, advocates for Wilderness, and is a dedicated public lands hunter and angler—always looking for that elusive cow-free habitat. Summary In this episode of Getting Unstuck: Cultivating Curiosity, Jeff speaks with Adam Bronstein, Oregon Director of the Western Watersheds Project and host of the Our Public Lands podcast, about long-standing and emerging threats to America's public lands. Adam places today's controversies—grazing, land sell-offs, road building, logging, and political pressure on land-management agencies—within a deeper historical context, showing that these conflicts are not new but recurring. Much of the conversation centers on livestock grazing in the arid West, which Adam argues is ecologically unsustainable, heavily subsidized, and responsible for widespread watershed and habitat degradation, despite supplying only a small fraction of the nation's beef. The discussion also explores how language such as "restoration" and "ecosystem health" is often used to justify extractive practices that further damage public lands. Adam highlights brighter spots, including dam removal and beaver restoration, as examples of how ecosystems recover when human pressures are reduced. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that public lands belong to everyone and that meaningful reform will require public vigilance, political engagement, and a willingness to rethink how these landscapes are managed. The critical takeaway The central takeaway is that many of today's public-lands crises stem from entrenched, subsidized extractive practices—and that ecosystems recover most effectively when lands are protected, pressure is reduced, and the public actively defends its shared ownership. Referenced Websites https://westernwatersheds.org/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-public-lands/id1752585783 https://wildernesswatch.org/ https://johnmuirproject.org/ https://www.backcountryhunters.org/ https://www.standingtrees.org/ Articles/Substacks https://open.substack.com/pub/westernwatersheds/p/a-backdoor-land-grab-signed-in-plain?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email https://open.substack.com/pub/morethanjustparks/p/everything-the-trump-administration?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Books Battle for the Wilderness: https://a.co/d/h2C43MK This America of Ours: https://a.co/d/jc832WT A Wilderness Original–The Life of Bob Marschall: https://a.co/d/fXZ4RvX

Guest April Obersteller is a people-centered leader, operator, and founder of And Not Or, a community and leadership platform built around the belief that we don't have to choose. She has led customer and employee experience across iconic consumer brands, including YETI and woom, and now leads community and experience at Recess. April also hosts The AND Podcast, where she shares real conversations about leadership, growth, and humanity. Summary In this episode, Jeff talks with April Obersteller, co-founder and CEO of And, about what it really takes to build companies that succeed by investing in people as much as products. Drawing on her experience at fast-growing brands like YETI and her work with startups and scale-ups, April challenges the false choice between caring for employees and driving business results. Instead, she advocates for an "and" philosophy—holding space for profitability and people, clarity and uncertainty, action and reflection. April explains why internal customers are often overlooked, how intentional care doesn't require flashy programs, and why culture can't be faked with posters or slogans. She also discusses brave leadership, emphasizing awareness, courage, and the willingness to act amid discomfort. Throughout the conversation, April highlights how focusing on employee success ultimately creates better customer experiences, stronger teams, and more resilient organizations. The episode offers a thoughtful exploration of leadership, scalability, and how curiosity and creativity emerge when leaders resist either-or thinking and instead embrace the complexity of building something meaningful. The Essential Point Sustainable business success comes from embracing "and" thinking—supporting people and performance together—rather than treating employee care as secondary to growth or profit. Social Media & Referenced LinkedIn Website

Guest Hal Herring is a long-time contributing editor and writer at Field and Stream magazine and has covered conservation and the environment for national and international publications for almost thirty years. His work was featured in the Patagonia documentary Public Trust in 2020, and he is at work on a book about the American public lands. Summary In this episode of Getting Unstuck: Cultivating Curiosity, Jeff speaks with writer and public-lands advocate Hal H. about renewed political efforts to weaken protections for America's public lands. The conversation centers on three major flashpoints: Senator Mike Lee's failed attempt to sell off federal lands under the guise of affordable housing, the Department of Agriculture's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, and a quieter movement to transfer federal public lands to state control. Hal explains how these efforts fit into a long historical pattern of privatization attempts, driven by ideology and commercial interests rather than public benefit. He walks through why the Roadless Rule was created—highlighting watershed protection, crumbling road infrastructure, wildfire risk, and taxpayer cost—and why the evidence overwhelmingly supports keeping it in place. Throughout the discussion, Hal emphasizes that public lands are a uniquely American idea, central to clean water, wildlife, recreation, and democratic access. The episode closes with a reminder that public voice matters: citizen pressure has stopped land grabs before, and continued vigilance is essential to protect lands held in common for future generations. The three takeaways Efforts to sell, develop, or transfer public lands are not new—they are part of a long-running campaign to privatize shared resources. The Roadless Rule protects watersheds, wildlife, and taxpayers by limiting costly, damaging road construction that agencies cannot maintain. Public lands endure only when citizens actively defend them; public pressure has proven effective in stopping harmful policies. References / Links Hal's website

Summary In this episode, Cultivating Curiosity host Jeff Ikler reflects on his love of year-end "Best Books" lists and why reading sits at the heart of his podcast and personal life. He welcomes lists from institutions like The New York Times and the New York Public Library, seeing them as both a defense against book banning and a source of discovery, connection, and generosity. For Ikler, books spark curiosity, deepen empathy, and create bonds—whether through gifting or thoughtful conversation with authors. He also underscores podcast hosts' responsibility to read their guests' work in full, arguing that preparation honors both listeners and writers. Ultimately, Ikler finds himself drawn to books that slow him down through careful observation and reflection, or expand his understanding through deeply researched history, reinforcing reading as both nourishment and refuge. Three Major Takeaways Reading lists are acts of resistance, curiosity, and connection—not just recommendations. Thoughtful reading is essential to meaningful conversation, especially in podcasting. The most rewarding books either sharpen our attention to the present or deepen our understanding of the past. Jeff's favorite books in 2025 Crossings – How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb. Quoting from the book jacket, "Creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates; invasive plants hitch rides in tire treads, road salt contaminates lakes and rivers; and the very, very noise of traffic chases songbirds from vast swaths of habitat." In this beautifully crafted book, Goldfarb makes the case that overpasses and underpasses are essential for reducing the deaths of animals and humans who inevitably come into brutal contact with one another. One of the chief takeaways in our era of divisiveness is that road ecologists and other scientists, insurance companies, and government officials are working collaboratively to solve problems. They have different goals for doing so, but they're working effectively at the intersection. You can access my two-part podcast interview on Getting Unstuck–Cultivating Curiosity with Ben in episodes 347 and 348. The Comfort of Crows – A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. This title came from one of last year's best books, and it did not disappoint. Quoting from the book jacket, "Margaret Renkl presents a literary devotional: fifty-two chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year." How often do you read a chapter or passage because the writing is so moving? If you're interested in slowing down and seeing more of your immediate world, this is a great place to start. This small volume is a course in observation and reflection. Challenger – A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space by Adam Higginbotham. Like many Americans who watched the Space Shuttle Challenger break apart just seventy-three seconds into its mission, I thought I knew the story, but I was so wrong. As the book jacket explains, "…the Challenger disaster was a defining moment in twentieth-century history–one that forever changed the way America thought of itself and its optimistic view of the future. Yet the full story of what happened, and why, has never been told." I was moved to head-shaking anger after reading how decisions were made and bungled. Higginbotham's explanation of a highly complicated topic is beautifully presented. The book is a primer on the dangers of overly complex and competing bureaucracies and ego. Remember Us – American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter. Remember Us documents twelve lives connected to the American Military Cemetery near the small village of Margraten, Netherlands. Approximately 8,300 Americans who helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazis and the grip of fascism during World War II are buried there. One of these...

Guests Why are school children more anxious, aggressive, and shut down than ever before? We first heard answers from educators Tamara Neufeld Strijack and Hannah Beach in April 2020. Hannah takes us up to the present in this update episode. Tamara is the academic dean of the Neufeld Institute, where she develops and delivers courses and workshops that support parents, teachers, and helping professionals around the world in making sense of children through developmental science. Tamara works as a registered clinical counsellor, parent consultant, and sessional instructor for several universities, where she lectures for the faculties of education and counseling. Hannah is an award-winning educator, author, and keynote speaker. She was recognized by the Canadian Human Rights Commission in 2017 as one of five featured change-makers in Canada. She is a Neufeld course facilitator, delivers professional development services across the country, provides emotional health consulting to schools, and speaks at national and international conferences about the power of bringing more feeling and human connection into the classroom. Together, they are the authors of Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut Down Than Ever―And What We Can Do About It – a book about restoring the emotional well-being of children. As stated in the book's preface, "Academics can no longer be divorced from matters of the heart." Summary The core takeaway is this: children today are emotionally overloaded and under-supported, and until adults—especially teachers—reestablish themselves as consistent, caring, emotionally safe anchors, academic learning will continue to fall short. Tamara and Hannah argue that modern cultural shifts—loss of free play, constant entertainment, diminished time with adults, and the dominance of technology—have deprived kids of the natural outlets and relationships they need to process alarm, frustration, and sadness. Schools cannot "fix" behavior through discipline or curriculum tweaks alone. The starting point is restoring emotional connection, safe expression, and relational leadership in the classroom. Listen for: Why are our kids in the position today of being more anxious, aggressive, and shut down than ever before? What has been the impact of children losing time for free play – and of entertainment becoming the substitute for free play? What are "void moments," and what purpose do they serve? How can one teacher make a huge difference in the risk factors of children? What are the characteristics of the "caring leader"? Why we need to provide children with outlets for expression, and why are those outlets especially important in the online learning environment we find ourselves in today? — Hannah Connect with Hannah and Tamara Reclaiming Our Students on Amazon Book website, including the "Inside / Outside Handbook Hannah on LinkedIN Hannah's website Tamara's website Recommended The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate

Update: If you listened to last week's podcast, you know that today's episode about the historic Apollo 8 mission to the moon in late December 1968 was one of my most popular of 2024. The lessons from that mission, which I discussed in episode 344, are just as important, if not more so, today in episode 394. An artist's rendering of Apollo 8 as it photographs "Earthrise." Summary In this episode, I reflect on the Apollo 8 mission to the moon in late December 1968 and the turbulent year that preceded it. The episode highlights enduring lessons on inequality, collective problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. It urges renewed respect for history and a commitment to addressing modern challenges with the same ingenuity that defined the space race. Three Takeaways Historical Literacy: The mission symbolizes humanity's capacity for courage, teamwork, and ingenuity, offering hope and a sense of shared accomplishment amidst turmoil. Historical Inequality: The unresolved issues of racial, gender, and economic inequities persist, echoing the divisions of 1968. Environmental Responsibility: "Earthrise" underscores the planet's fragility, emphasizing the need for collective stewardship over self-interest. Social Media Rocket Men by Robert Kurson

Summary This coming February, Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity will start its eighth year. My goal with this podcast is to host guests who will make us think, "I didn't know anything about that," or "That's something I hadn't considered," or "I might be able to apply that to some aspect of my life." In each case, "that" refers to the topic being discussed. And the topics will vary widely. Unlike other shows that focus on a single topic, such as politics, entertainment, or leadership, Getting Untuck's focus is eclectic. This year, I offered episodes about how to inspire student curiosity, the healing powers of fly fishing, writing, the Holocaust and World War II, marketing, and a score of other topics. Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity continues to rank in the top 3 percent of all podcasts globally, where just over 4 million options are vying for your ears' attention. We just published our 392nd episode, which is notable given that most podcasts don't reach ten episodes. I say "we" because a special thanks goes to my engineer, Neil Hughes. He manages all the back-end publishing logistics and makes every episode sound professional. He also welcomes me to pull up a virtual chair for periodic emotional therapy when needed. To say I would be lost without him doesn't begin to do his services justice. As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank you, my listeners. I wouldn't be able to continue doing this show without your interest and support. Thank you. I'm going to recap 2025 in three parts: Part One: The three episodes that you listened to the most. Part Two: The one episode that was particularly special to me. Part Three: The three most popular backlist episodes. Part One: The three episodes that you listened to the most. (In no particular order.) 1. Episode 344 - "Earthrise"—What Apollo 8 Should Have Taught Us This episode reflects on the Apollo 8 mission's iconic "Earthrise" image in late December 1968 and the turbulent year that preceded it. It highlights enduring lessons on inequality, collective problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. The episode urges renewed respect for history and a commitment to addressing modern challenges with the same ingenuity that defined the space race. This episode's popularity doesn't surprise me, so I'm going to devote next week's episode to replaying it. 2. Episode 348 - Breaking Barriers: Men, Vulnerability and Emotional Growth In this episode, I talked with Bob Reece, a mental health counselor and fly fishing guide, about his work addressing the mental health of men and at-risk teens. We discussed overcoming societal stigmas around vulnerability, providing men with tools to manage emotions, and the transformative impact of connecting with nature through fly fishing to improve relationships and professional lives. Bob emphasized the need to normalize vulnerability among men, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and fostering healthier emotional expression. This episode's popularity did not surprise me, given what I've read about the crisis single white men are experiencing. 3. Episode 369 - From Heart Attack to Health: A Plant-based Transformation In this episode, I talked with Byron Edgington, a Vietnam Veteran and commercial helicopter pilot. Byron shared his journey to a whole food, plant-based diet after a heart attack. He and his wife experienced dramatic health improvements almost immediately, including weight loss and the elimination of prescription medications. Our conversation expanded to explore the environmental impact of meat production, animal cruelty in factory farming, and how food choices can shape personal health and global sustainability. Two other episodes deserve mention. Episode 345 - Living with Purpose—Eastern and Western Insights Into Habits and Growth In this episode, Dr. Tamsin Astor, an author and habit scientist, discussed her approach to habit formation and the integration of Western and Eastern...

Guest Leah Ellis is a mom of four, writer, wedding officiant, Girl Scout leader, and founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs. Her life blends family, creativity, and leadership, from giggling over business plans at the breakfast table to mentoring kids through hands-on entrepreneurship. With her children as her compass, Leah is reminded daily that growth is messy, love is work, and compassion changes everything. Through SoCE, Nerdy Nuptials ICT, and Girl Scouts, she creates spaces where kids, couples, and communities are empowered to lead with authenticity. Leah believes in making room for both the mess and the magic of becoming. Melody Ellis is a young artist, child entrepreneur, and community leader who blends creativity, curiosity, and confidence in everything she does. As one of the first members of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, Melody has grown up alongside SoCE, learning how to turn ideas into action through real-world business experiences. From designing artwork and products to helping at events, she leads with imagination and heart. Guided by creativity and compassion, Melody is learning that growth takes courage, mistakes are part of the journey, and kids are capable of amazing things right now. Through SoCE, Girl Scouts, and her own creative ventures, Melody is already making her mark as a leader in the making. Summary This episode explores how Leah Ellis and her daughter, Melody, turned a four-year-old's curiosity into a thriving business and, ultimately, a youth entrepreneurship movement. When the pandemic forced Leah to close her daycare, she pivoted into financial coaching—training that Melody absorbed from the living-room TV. Soon, Melody announced she wanted to start a business, launching a contact-free drip-art venture at age four. As her work grew, Leah recognized the need for a community of young entrepreneurs. She created the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a structured program teaching business skills, financial literacy, adaptability, and leadership through hands-on experience. Kids learn pricing, budgeting, opportunity cost, and problem-solving, culminating in selling their products publicly. The conversation highlights extraordinary creativity—like kids designing a robot to stop porch pirates—and the confidence that grows when adults step back and ask questions rather than set limits. Leah also discusses the proposed "SoCE Law" to ease restrictions on kids starting businesses. Throughout, Melody reflects on how entrepreneurship has made her more adaptable, expressive, and willing to share her work. Together, they illustrate what happens when young people are empowered to build real businesses. The Essential Point The core message is that children are far more capable than adults often assume. Creativity, business sense, and problem-solving emerge naturally when they are given space, the ability to ask questions, and trust. Leah rejects the idea that "kids are the future," arguing instead that they are powerful now. By letting kids start real businesses, handle real challenges, and make real decisions, the Society of Child Entrepreneurs helps them develop confidence, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial mindset that carries into every part of their lives. Social Media & Referenced The Society of Child Entrepreneurs