The Only Constant

In today’s conversation, we spoke about how, after three full years of production, we succeeded in our goal to bring a bit more hope into the world. By talking to others about what makes them passionate and how they use it to change the world around them, we’ve found many reasons to feel optimistic and we hope the same for you. With the support of our family, friends, patrons, listeners, and seventy three guests, we’ve created something that we’re truly proud of. If there’s anything to take away from our podcast, it’s that change is the only constant, and you can use your passion to make change positive. Thank you for joining us on this journey of active hope. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today’s episode, we spoke with June Dollar. June practices servant leadership. Her belief is that we all have the potential to be servant leaders—people who serve their community and inspire others by example. This philosophy led her to become a yoga instructor, guiding students towards emotional and physical healing. June emphasizes the power of community engagement. She believes in the transformative impact of being present, advocating for mindfulness in each moment and extending a helping hand whenever possible. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today’s conversation, we spoke with Karina Guerra. Using poetry, music, and plays, Karina strives to de-stigmatize the conversation around mental health. The world building that goes into her writing allows herself and others to gain a new perspective on mental health and people in general. Karina is also a first generation college student. With a family that is incredibly supportive, and a strong love for learning, she plans on expressing her truth and inspiring others to do the same. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today's episode, we spoke with Anthony Kurza. Starting out as a student advisor, Anthony found a passion for improving the well-being of college students. From there, Anthony became a College Life Coach at Florida State University. In his role, he served as a source of support and guidance for students. Exploring topics from the importance of student services, to building resilience, and confronting toxic masculinity, Anthony offers insightful perspectives rooted in success and support for all. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today's conversation, we spoke with Jack Hitchcock. Jack is the student body president at FSU and chair of the Florida Student Association. Raised in a patriotic family, he carries a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for his country. From navigating the complexities of student politics to pondering the role of media in shaping public sentiment, Jack offers a multifaceted view on patriotism, optimism, and kindness—values he attributes to his upbringing. Hopefully, you find some hope today!

In today's conversation, we spoke with Lisa Mackay-Ring. Lisa is a professor and doctoral candidate in the religion department at FSU. She teaches classes about religious conflict and fosters discussions that challenge her students’ conventional views about religion as a whole. Aside from her work in academia, Lisa is deeply passionate about the themes of resiliency, proactivity, and self-reliance. Her personal experiences with grief and stress have shaped her views on the importance of bouncing back and taking control of one's path forward. Hopefully, you find some hope today!

In today's conversation, we spoke with Luther Peterson. Luther is a content creator who started in high school, first gaining traction with comedy and later integrating impactful life lessons into his work. He aims to influence millions through positive, diverse content. Aside from his work online, Luther is passionate about the performing arts and believes in the transformative power of expression. He also strives for a mindful lifestyle focused on health and well-being, finding peace and inspiration in the natural world. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today's conversation, we spoke with Alexis Dorman. Alexis serves as the President of FSU Democrats and of the Florida College Democratic Caucus. Balancing a rich academic life with activism, she's been a strong advocate for a multitude of social issues from a young age. Shedding light on the increasing acceptance of young individuals in elected offices, Alexis stresses the necessity for young people to take charge with activism and to foster change in their communities.

In today's conversation, we spoke with Jake Landherr. Jake has a keen eye for light, working as a professional lighting designer and technician. Whether he's orchestrating lights for a church service, a theater show, or a concert, Jake understands the nuances of his art form. Jake explains that lighting truly is an art form, deeply influenced by other forms such as painting. Lighting shapes our perception and emotional connection to a space. He believes that true mastery in any art form takes time; there's always another layer to discover, another shadow to cast, and another emotion to evoke. Hopefully you find some hope today.

In today's conversation, we spoke with Connor Bishop. Connor loves building things and exploring new hobbies. His guiding principle in life is to always have something to look forward to–a mindset that always keeps him moving. From building an infinity mirror to carving wood, he sees hands-on hobbies as a path to continual learning and connection to humanity. Connor's passion is driven by an understanding that no skill is ever fully mastered; there's always room for improvement and a lesson can be found in every hobby. He’s always eager to jump into the next learning opportunity. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today's conversation, we spoke with Casey Copeland. Casey is ardently passionate about dance and its inherent power to narrate captivating stories through movement. She has a vision to revolutionize the dance industry by focusing on injury prevention and advocating for mental health and resilience among dancers. Casey's passion is fueled by the understanding that resilience is not a static state but a skill that one hones over time. Her goal is to help dancers realize that resilience can take many forms, and sometimes, it's about knowing when to rest and give yourself time. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today’s conversation, we spoke with Sebastien Marcelin. Sebastien is passionate about filmmaking and music, working to bring fresh and meaningful stories to life. He has a vision to change the film industry by focusing solely on substance and creative freedom in his projects. In addition to his artistic work, Sebastien values collaboration when creating anything. He believes that the story being told is always bigger than just one person - it’s a group effort.

In today's conversation, we spoke with Mason Stanberry. Mason is a budding Anthropologist, driven by a deep fascination with past cultures and civilizations. His passion for understanding the human journey fuels his ambition to be an impactful teacher. Outside his academic interests, Mason finds profound joy in music and comedy. These interests have allowed him to shape his identity and embody the true spirit of human connection. Hopefully, you find some hope today

In today's conversation, we spoke with Madison Weber. Madison is a passionate advocate for equitable education in the performing arts. She fights societal barriers and emphasizes the importance of humility and trust within her teaching environment. Apart from her advocacy work, Madison's personal journey of overcoming self-destructive habits to build a life of discipline and self-care speaks volumes about her resilience. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

You’re listening to The Only Constant, a podcast about active hope. In today’s conversation, we spoke with Rachael Fulmer. Rachael works at the South Eastern Archaeological Center where she tracks down regional artifacts and preserves them in a safe and stable environment. Besides museum curating, Rachael finds joy in nature, specifically in taking care of plants and bird watching. From her career to her hobbies, Rachael shows a true appreciation for the small things in life. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today’s conversation, we spoke with Erick Rivers. He served as Chair on the Student Leadership Council in the College of Fine Arts. Essentially, Erick worked to bridge the gap between faculty and students, providing his peers with opportunities to develop and succeed in their artistic endeavors. Of course, serving as a member of student government showed Erick how complicated government can get. Personal feelings often impact people’s actions and opinions toward those that disagree with them. Still, Erick is not afraid to be himself, standing by his views and helping others when he can. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today’s conversation, we spoke with Lucas Wilson. Lucas is a man of eccentricity. He’s performed with FSU’s circus (where he pushed his body to its limits) and he has a degree in physics & astrophysics. He loves learning about people and asking hypothetical questions. Mixing things up at every opportunity is what makes Lucas feel most alive. Lucas is also a huge proponent of traveling the world. Seeing other ways of life has shown him that many people in the world are content even though they have less - and it’s a lesson many people in the United States can benefit from. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

You’re listening to The Only Constant, a podcast about active hope. In today’s conversation, we spoke with Luciano Bettocchi. From embracing world-changing technologies like AI, to running a CBD business, Luci approaches life with a sense of optimism and opportunity. Luci also remembers a valuable lesson that helps him find inner peace every day - he only focuses on the things he can actually control. Hopefully you find some hope today.

You’re listening to the only constant, a podcast about active hope. In today’s conversation, we spoke with Adam Bowling. Currently, Adam serves as the Student Body Treasurer at Florida State University. One of his goals is to increase the financial transparency and accountability of student government, making it easier for the student body to see how money is being spent. Holding a leadership position himself, Adam believes that governing bodies on all levels should make it easier for people they represent to understand exactly what they’re doing. In theory, leaders would work with better intentions while citizens would play a more active role in their communities. Hopefully, you find some hope today.

In today’s conversation, we spoke with Cole Kariher. Having served as a Student Senator and Chair of the Judiciary Committee at Florida State University, it’s clear that Cole is focused on improving the world around him through policy and reform. Cole provided us a look into how young, progressive minds are encouraging people to be both authentic and understanding - and willing to defend that. Hopefully, you find some hope today.