Story Junkies Podcast

In this episode we hear Emily Adams' story. She was born and raised in an Amish community; until she decided that wasn't where she wanted to be or who she was.

Listen to her story of realization, how she left, and what it taught her.

Ever wonder what it would be like to donate an organ? To give someone you care about the gift of life?

Wonder no more....our guest Lindsey did just that by donating a kidney to her two year old niece Beckett. In this episode you'll hear the amazing story from "Super Aunt" Lindsey and Beckett's mom Molly.

More information at www.kidney.org

In this episode you'll meet Komal Shah, who was on the path toward a career in healthcare until a trip to India unexpectedly changed her life. On a whim she applied for and was accepted into the Teach for America program, an organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for low-income students. The experience was life changing.

In addition to hearing about what being a new teacher in a school located in an underserved community was like, we also get into a fascinating discussion around the educational system itself, where it's missing the mark, how socioeconomic status heavily impacts its effectiveness, and how we can do better for our kids to nurture their love of learning and help them redefine what success in life looks like.

www.teachforamerica.org

www.thekomalshah.com

Think you have a good memory? Maybe you do, but it's probably not as good as Brad's. Brad Williams is one of the only people in the world who has been confirmed by researchers as having Hyperthymesia, also known as Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, or "HSAM." In this episode you'll learn what it's like living with this gift, how he first realized his ability was special, and how he's hoping that research on his brain can someday lead scientists to learn more about how to help people with Alzheimer's Disease and other memory disorders.

Check out his documentary called "Unforgettable" and his website www.triviazoids.com.

Ever wonder what it would be like to serve in the Peace Corps? Wonder no more! In this episode we chat with Dr. Paula Winke, who spent two years volunteering in China back in 1998-99. She tells us all about her adventures, including why everyone was so surprised that she was a female, how she got her stomach to adjust to spicy Chinese cuisine, and why she and her fellow volunteers were once put under house arrest. She highly recommends the program to anyone looking to enrich their lives by building their cultural awareness, improving their adaptability in life, and creating true lifelong friendships.

For more info visit www.peacecorps.gov