On Life and Meaning

Richard Thurmond is Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development for Charlotte Center City Partners, a place-making organization for the Center City of Charlotte. He guides special projects and business recruitment efforts that help make the Center City of Charlotte a more livable, memorable, viable, and sustainable place. Previously, Rick spent 21 years with Charlotte magazine. He served as publisher for 4 years and editor for 13 years. During his tenure, the magazine won national and regional awards for excellence. He has served on numerous community boards, including on the board of Historic South End and Theatre Charlotte. Rick earned a B.A. in English from Davidson College. This episode is perfect for anyone interested basketball, editing and publishing a city magazine, staying and leaving, and the value of curiosity and humility. IN THIS EPISODE CharlotteCharlotteCharlotteCharlotte plus Mark's personal word essay: The End and A Beginning To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Claude Alexander, Jr. is bishop and senior pastor of The Park Church, a Baptist church headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has led The Park Church since 1990. Under his leadership, The Park Church has grown from one local congregation of 600 members to a global ministry of thousands of members with three locations and weekly international reach. Bishop Alexander works with government and community officials to address the community’s most critical issues. He serves on many local and national religious, civic, leadership and university boards of directors. He is the chair of the board of trustees of the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the Second-Presiding Bishop of the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors. Bishop Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity Degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in leading a church, redressing racial difference, our responsibilities to each other, and our relationship to God and mystery. IN THIS EPISODE plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Seeing Fully What We Now See in Part To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Jess George is Government and Community Affairs Manager for Google Fiber in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jess works with government officials, community leaders, organizations and neighborhoods to advance innovation and address issues of access, opportunity and digital inclusion. Prior to joining Google Fiber, Jess worked for 15 years in the nonprofit field. She most recently served as the Executive Director of the Latin American Coalition, North Carolina’s largest Latino immigrant integration and advocacy organization. She has served as director of the United Way of Central Carolinas. Jess earned a B.A. in International Politics from Penn State University. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in deploying new technologies, being an ally to immigrants, whether the personal is political, and living with hope and optimism. IN THIS EPISODE her role at Google Fiberwhether the internet is overratedbridging the digital dividewhat she is obsessed witha defining storya pivotal internship in Paris‘the personal is politicala poem by Hafiz plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Systems Intelligence To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Sonya Pfeiffer is owner and creative director of the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, a fine arts gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina. She leads the gallery’s strategic planning and programming. Sonya is also a criminal defense attorney and partner in the Rudolf Widenhouse Law Firm, specializing in wrongful conviction litigation. She spent many years as a general assignment and investigative reporter at television stations in Boston, Raleigh, Omaha and New York. Sonya earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Journalism from Ohio University and J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This episode is perfect for anyone interested directing an art gallery, criminal defense, television reporting, the practice of Ahimsa, and the once chance we have in life. IN THIS EPISODE Sonya describes the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, how she goes about creatively directing, the topics that interest her, and what she hopes the Gallery becomes. She considers whether a fine arts gallery that sells at a price point that only a few people can afford is in fact inclusive. She discusses her law firm’s statement of values, why standing up to the power of the state is personal to her, and seeing the humanity and perspective of another person. Sonya talks about politics, Catholicism, Olympic development soccer, and a playground incident that taught her lesson about empathy and privilege. She explains why she and her sibling became storytellers, her desire to become a foreign correspondent, and what taking unconventional paths says about her personality. Sonya talks about the Michael Peterson case, how other reporters would have described her, her significant scoops, and the Owl theory. She shares how her relationship with David Rudolf came about, what drew them together, and answers whether she thinks of her and David as a power couple. Sonya reflects on her spiritual journey, her concept of God, her practice of Ahimsa and Yoga, and the one chance she has in this life. plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: Partial to the Defense To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Beatriz Friedmann is a school counselor, yoga instructor, IT consultant, researcher and traveler. Her school counseling incorporates mindfulness to help students develop self-awareness and self-control. She recently completed a 27-year career at IBM, where she held numerous positions, including as a business value consultant, project executive, application development manager and systems analyst. She worked for IBM in Brazil, Canada and the United States. Beatriz earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Institute of Financial Markets in Rio de Janeiro, and Master’s degree in Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This episode is perfect for anyone interested emigrating to new countries, balancing the mind with the heart, finding new purpose, and becoming present one step at a time. IN THIS EPISODE growing up in Brazilwhen she was 9 years oldthe role of Logosophy in her lifesharing a diarychoosing to leave Brazil behind.saying the namethe challenge of being an immigrant parentemigrating againcoming to termsin search of belonging.a summer of emotional painyoga, meditation, and a new careerthe metaphor of walking plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: The Second Mountain To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Ken Lambla is founding dean of the College of Arts + Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he has served on the faculty since 1983. The College of Arts + Architecture is comprised of academic units in Architecture, Art, Art History, Dance, Music and Theater. Ken’s teaching has focused on architectural design, design process, and social history. He has worked as an architect and urban designer in Belfast, Chicago, San Francisco and throughout North Carolina. Ken received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of California, Berkeley. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in arts and architecture, interdisciplinary design, community development, stewardship, and how arts inform a life. IN THIS EPISODE camping trip to Patagoniawhat he is bringing backhow the ideathe case he made to his colleagueswhat he thinks he and College got rightwhat he hoped it would bewhat was important to his family.the abstraction of architecture,Environmental DesignBelfast, Chicago and San Franciscothe core of what he valueswhat social values should guide what we buildwhat’s next for him. plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: A Life Revealed in One Scene To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Clarence ‘Clay’ Armbrister is president of Johnson C. Smith University, a historically black university in Charlotte, North Carolina. He assumed the role in January 2018. President Armbrister has over 35 years experience in the private and public sectors, including time in senior administrative and leadership positions at Temple University, Johns Hopkins University, the School District of Philadelphia and Girard College. In addition to his background in education, Armbrister has held executive positions in law, government and finance. His volunteer and public service recognition is extensive and varied. He earned a B.A. in political science and economics from the University of Pennsylvania, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan School of Law. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in historically black colleges and universities, public service, and the value of relationships. IN THIS EPISODE Johnson C. Smith Universitythe strengths of the universitywhat is it that he wants to ‘radicalize’an unexpected challengea good investmentHistorically Black Colleges and Universitiesgraduation rateswhat is top of mindwhat he would spend money ongrowing up in Opa-lockaa story about his grandfatherhis time as a studentcity governance and education.what brings him the most joy plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Blue Ocean Shift To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Liz Clasen-Kelly is executive director of The Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, which provides emergency shelter to men while working to end homelessness in the Charlotte region. Previously, Liz served as Associate Executive Director for the Urban Ministry Center, an interfaith organization dedicated to bringing the community together to end homelessness. She has also served as director of public policy and community engagement for the Council for Children’s Rights. Liz has received several honors for her work, including the YWCA Woman of Achievement Community Champion Award. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Davidson College and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in helping people needing shelter, working to end homelessness, abundant love, and encountering Christ in the in-between. IN THIS EPISODE Men’s Shelter of Charlotteguides the workthe experience men have‘Life goes on, You’re Not Alone.”the friendships that are formedsleeping in publicchronic homelessness.a better homeless service systemwhy she does what she doeclass and economic differenceshow she learned to play a rolea significant religious experiencethe importance of relationshipsthe grace she receiveda theology that can withstand human suffering.Dale Mullinexwhat she values most plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: Christ is Risen To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Natalie Frazier Allen is founder and executive director of The Arts Empowerment Project, a non-profit organization which provides funding to connect court-involved and at-risk children to high-quality existing arts programs. Natalie formerly served as Family Division Policy Counsel and as Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit in the Attorney General’s Office for the District of Columbia. She serves on the board of directors of The Mint Museum and has previously served on the boards of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture and the Women’s Impact Fund. Natalie earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Spelman College, and a J.D. from The George Washington University National Law Center. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in connecting at-risk children to the arts and finding one’s way back to childhood passions. IN THIS EPISODE at-risk childrenAdverse Childhood Experiencesdetails the programsf social capital.how the arts helps peoplea student who flourishedwhy the work of The Arts Empowerment Project matters.if she had additional resourcesreflects on growing upSpelman Collegepracticing law in Washington D.C.a file that crossed her deskhow the idea of The Arts Empowerment Project came about.family and faith plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: The Disquieting Muses of the Space-Time Continuum To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Tom Warshauer is Assistant Director, Community Engagement for the City of Charlotte’s Housing & Neighborhood Services Department. In his 29-year career at the City, Tom has worked with business and neighborhood groups to enhance quality of life in Charlotte. He is an American Leadership Forum fellow and has served on several community councils and boards, including as chair of the Community Building Initiative and as a founding board member of Equality NC, The Wesley Mancini Foundation and Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund. He is a Human Rights Commission Charlotte Chapter’s Legacy Award Honoree for fostering equity in the Charlotte community. Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture and Fine Arts from Rice University and a Master of Arts in Real Estate from MIT. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in community engagement, neighborhood development, creating a city, and celebrating diverse and authentic lives. IN THIS EPISODE how he helps residents become more engagedhow people feelneighborhood data sets.the common concerns of neighborhoodseconomic mobility efforts.the importance of city marketswhat’s changeddoing what one can do right nowLemon Pledge and go-carting.intermission at the Opera.studying architecturethe work he is most proud ofhome restoration work.harvesting the fruit of seeds that he has plantedwhat he values most plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: A Young Man from the Provinces To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Eric Davis is a producer, writer, director and photographer. He works with businesses and non-profit organizations to create media content for television, web and live events. He is currently affiliated with Susie Films, a producer of cable television programs and corporate media. Eric previously served as Vice President of Broadcasting and Content for WTVI, Charlotte’s PBS station. During his tenure, WTVI won 7 Mid-South Region Emmy awards, including twice for Cultural Documentary. He is on the board of the 100 Words Film Festival and serves on the Executive Committee of the Mecklenburg County Boy Scouts of America. Eric earned a B.Sc. degree in Telecommunication Management from the University of Florida and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in producing media, telling stories, helping other people do better, Florida, wrestling, hot dogs, marching bands and football. IN THIS EPISODE what he does as a producerproducing documentariesthe process he followswhat makes for a good storytells a story about telling a storywhy story-telling is so central to the human experience‘if you can’t fix it, feature it.’whether the value of professional producing has increased or decreasedthe signature to his work.why the people there are weird.what was important to himdiscusses his pathwhat was difficult and what he lovedprofessional wrestlinghelping other people do betterplays a lightning round plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Football is Transcendent To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Kelly Ottman is a professor in the Radar School of Business in the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in leadership, strategic planning, team development and organizational behavior. Kelly developed and leads the Doing With Business China program in which engineering students undergo 11 weeks of classroom preparation that culminates in a 12-day working tour of China. She is a leadership coach providing consultation to executives throughout the world. Kelly earned a B.Sc. degree in Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and an M.P.A. in Health Care Administration and Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in doing business with China, cultural immersion, clarifying mission and vision, and finding joy in purpose. IN THIS EPISODE scholarship of teaching and learningwhat she wants her students to learn.gray is a color.faculty developmentDoing Business With ChinaTai Chi in the Temple of HeavenGuanxi, the Chinese system of social networkshow her students have been transformedthe phenomenal growth in Chinagood leadership in Chinawhat was formativefinding joy in purposea mission and vision statement plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Finding Joy in Purpose To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Federico Rios is the International Business and Immigrant Integration Manager for the City of Charlotte. His work focuses on community outreach and improving systems to help immigrant newcomers. Previously, Federico was program director for the Northeast Learning Community and Newcomer Services for Communities in Schools in Charlotte. He has several years experience serving as a mental health professional in Charlotte and in New York City. Federico is a board member of the Leading on Opportunity Council and Communities in Schools in Charlotte. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in serving immigrant communities, false and true narratives, embracing a new city, and optimism about equity and justice. IN THIS EPISODE explains his rolea dramatic shift in demographicswhat his work has actually been.key recommendationsfalse narrativeopen borders and amnestywhat excites him about the work that he is doing.growing up in Queens,who helped him complete his college educationhow his career beganCommunities in Schools.whether he has an interest in public officewhat is most important to him. plus Mark’s Personal Word Essay: Out of Many To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Bob Henderson is senior minister and head of staff of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. His ministry is focused on the centrality of worship, on pastoral care, and on vibrant mission programs. Bob previously served as senior pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, North Carolina. Prior to Westminster, Bob was associate pastor of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in religion and economics from Furman University, his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in the Presbyterian church, faith in public life, gay marriage, white privilege, the changing language of proclamation, and what is true. IN THIS EPISODE what makes a Presbyterian churchfaith in public life.a confessional churchminority viewsgay marriage.the evolution of his own thinkingwhite supremacyracial diversitywhat Covenant Presbyterian does welreligious life in Americawhat he learned from his parentsif salvation is preordained.a mid-career reflection.arriving at Covenant Presbyterianhow his language of proclamation is changingwhat he knows is true plus Mark's personal word essay: Grace to Mystery To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Stephanie Cooper-Lewter is executive director of Leading on Opportunity, an initiative to improve economic mobility in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is responsible for developing goals and strategies to implement systemic change. Stephanie previously served as vice president of initiatives and public policy for the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and as president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia, South Carolina. She has received numerous awards, including the University of Minnesota Distinguished Alumni Award. Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bethel College, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota, and Ph.D. in social work from the University of South Carolina. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in economic mobility, leading systemic change, overcoming poverty and personal challenges, and living into purpose. IN THIS EPISODE Leading on Opportunity Councithe timeline of eventexamined and recommended.segregation and social capitatheories of changaccess and opportunity.the language of economic mobilityequitable opportunity and equal chanceadoption in America.growing up in Minnesota.how her life changedwisdom figureresonates most plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Adopting Charlotte To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Sally Robinson is a civic leader and community volunteer whose contributions have shaped education, arts and culture in Charlotte and Durham. She has served on many boards, including the Charlotte Symphony, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, the McColl Center for Visual Arts, the Foundation For The Carolinas and Duke University. Sally was the visionary force behind the launch of the Levine Museum of the New South. She has received many awards for her service, including the Duke University Distinguished Alumni Award, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Distinguished Service Award, the John Tyler Caldwell Award for the Humanities, the Charlotte Woman of the Year Award, and the Arts & Sciences Council Lifetime Commitment Award. Sally graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in history from Duke University. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in family history, community service, connecting to ideas and possibility, and a lifelong friendship and love. IN THIS EPISODE growing up in the 1930s and 1940sGerman POWs and chewing gumremembers her fatherCharlotte in the 1940sher mother’s community servicetracking the war effort.Mary’s School in Raleigher first date with Russell RobinsonDuke University.a homemaker during the 1950s.how development patterns in Charlotte changethe civil rights movemenher passion for civic lithe Robinson Center for Civic Leadershiwhat is on her mind todayconnecting to communitywhat’s next. plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Only Connect To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Howard Slutzky is a professor of psychology at Johnson & Wales University. He has a particular interest in the areas of emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and mindfulness. Howard offers numerous health and wellness workshops on topics such as relationships, stress reduction, time-management, grief and loss, dream interpretation, and coping with medical issues. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health, college counseling, and private practice. He also has a part-time private practice where he conducts disability evaluations for Social Security. Howard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park and a doctorate of psychology from Georgia School of Professional Psychology with a focus on general adult psychology. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in teaching psychology, interpreting dreams, surviving leukemia, overcoming personal trauma, and living authentically. IN THIS EPISODE alien hand syndromewhy psychology classes are so populara student seeking enlightenment.interpreting dreams.who he is in the classroomhis childhood in Potomac, Maryland,Acute Lymphocytic Leukemiarecites a poem he wrotewhat he loves about it.discovering that his sister Elisa had been killedgoing to workwhat he says to people experiencing tragedy and loss.the life and welfare of animalswhat he knows today plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Way of the Jain To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Debbie Warren is president and CEO of RAIN, formerly the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. RAIN provides access to personalized care to individuals and their families who are living with HIV and associated chronic conditions so they may live healthier, fulfilled lives. Debbie founded RAIN, a non-profit organization, in 1992. She is also a founding member of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network and has been active in state and national advocacy efforts on behalf of HIV+ patients. She has taught at the US Conference on AIDS and joined experts on HIV/AIDS at The White House as part of a dialogue on the role of public-private partnerships in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Debbie has received numerous awards for her work, including the Human Rights Campaign Charlotte Legacy Award. She is an ordained Baptist minister. She is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in helping people living with HIV/AIDS, pastoral care, the maturing of faith, and finding one’s identity in service and love. IN THIS EPISODE RAIN and its core workthe HIV/AIDS populationdisproportionate effectsthe LGBTQ communitycommunities of colorhow RAIN integrates the voices of people living with HIVprospects for healthwhat gives her hopesignature events of RAINwhat draws her ingrowing up in Jackson, TennesseeSouthern Baptist Theological Seminary.the early days of AIDSthe start of RAINhow her faith has changed, plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Best of Who We Are To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Freda Lester is a retired Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Major. Over a 29-year career, Freda served in various capacities and districts. She served as a community liaison for several neighborhoods, creating programs that reduced crime and strengthened community advocacy. In her last post she commanded the Northwest Service Patrol Area, one of the most challenging patrol areas in the City of Charlotte. Freda has received numerous awards and accolades for her police work, including CMPD Officer of the Year and the CMPD Medal of Valor for saving the life of a citizen. She serves on several non-profit boards, including chairing the board of the Keith Family YMCA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master’s degree in business administration from Pfeiffer University. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in law enforcement, community policing, civil emergency response to protest, and a life dedicated to community safety. IN THIS EPISODE wearing the badgehe CMPD and the community.police officer.what CPMD is doing rightwhat her priority would besocial work.protests and civil disturbancCivil Emergenchow she feels when citizens protestwhen a police shooting is justified.drawing her gunfellow officers who dieda good copThe Thin Blue Line.’growing up on a farmbeing promotedwhat’s next for her. plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: A Visit to Jail To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning

Stephen Valder is a pediatrician who practiced medicine for 24 years. He was a partner a Providence Pediatrics before retiring in 2016. He has since become interested in addressing the issue of affordable housing as an individual unaffiliated with a non-profit organziation. He is vice chair of the West Side Charlotte Community Land Trust, an owner of housing units that he rents to low-income residents, and an advocate for several affordable housing solutions. Stephen earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology at Duke University and an M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in aptitudes and motivations, civic engagement, affordable housing, the obligations of privilege, and living one’s values. IN THIS EPISODE pediatricianwhat motivated him to retirehis colleaguesmultiple aptitudesthe factors he balancedwhat was enoughhis colleagues and patientsengaging in community.affordable housingwhat he has learnedbusiness or a mission.whether he is more fulfilledthe obligations of privilegethe influence and example of his parents.the one person he methow he came to practice pediatrics.what he wants his to have been about. plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: Leo Tolstoy and the Blues To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning