There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere

In this episode, I speak with Julie Davitz, Founder and CEO of Plus Media Solutions to explore how purpose-driven organizations can turn awareness of an issue into measurable action. As the media landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, and with intense competition for people’s attention, it’s more important than ever to engage audiences at moments when they are most passionate about a cause and move them to take action.

Join us as we explore how Plus Media Solutions is pioneering a new approach to this challenge. Discover how engaging storytelling and dynamic content and experiences can be timed in such a way that awareness and inspiration is transformed into deeper connections with organizations and their missions, and ultimately into action. Whether you're with a nonprofit organization or a purpose-driven brand, this episode will provide you with fresh insights into how to engage your audience in today’s media environment.
Learn more about Plus Media Solutions: https://www.plusmedia.solutions/

Join us as we speak with Peter Carucci and Becki Davis of the band The Four26 (https://thefour26.com/) to discuss their initiative, Share Your Story, where they guide diverse groups—including veterans, seniors, youth, and prisoners—through the songwriting process. By delving into personal experiences, memories, traumas, and emotions, participants create songs that serve as a definitive expression of their stories, as well as a catharsis. Learn more about this impactful program that discovers and celebrates individual narratives through music. Hope you enjoy it!

What would you do if you received an email that unraveled a hidden chapter of your family history? Join us as we embark on a powerful and emotional journey with Michael Hickins, former Wall Street Journal reporter and author of 'The Silk Factory.' A mysterious email from a nephew he'd never known sets Michael on a path to uncover his family's past, which intertwines with the Holocaust, as he learns of a silk factory that was in his family for generations until his father was imprisoned in a concentration camp. Michael travels with his family to Ansbach, Germany, to learn more about the silk factory and the tragic impact of the Holocaust on his parents. This episode explores the importance of sharing our personal stories, uncovering our roots, and understanding the sources of painful experiences at both the individual and collective levels that can be passed along as intergenerational trauma.
As Michael digs deeper, he confronts the emotional complexities of reconnecting with a painful past. His travels to Ansbach, where he finds scarce Jewish historical markers, and Wiesbaden, where historians document his family's deportation, highlight the stark contrasts in how societies choose to acknowledge and remember. The conversation broadens to include his father's harrowing wartime experiences and the post-war mystery of the family's silk factory, painting a poignant picture of survival, loss, and unresolved legacies. Through this narrative, we navigate the intersections of memory, identity, and the weight of history on personal lives.
As we discuss concepts such as epigenetics and intergenerational trauma, we explore how societal acknowledgment—or lack thereof—can influence healing. Michael shares his reflections on his father's hidden fury and its influence on his life, offering insights into how visiting historical sites and engaging with family narratives can aid in breaking cycles of inherited trauma. We discuss the transformative power of storytelling and the crucial role of societal recognition in fostering a healthier future, offering hope that understanding one's roots can lead to healing for future generations.
You can get The Silk Factory here: https://a.co/d/bxK4y9N

Michael's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C2WMNFC4
Michael’s personal blog: https://michaelmissing.com/

Join us for this episode of There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere as we speak with Jennifer Ketchens of Emergence Consulting about cultivating a workplace where employees can thrive and feel genuinely valued. The conversation focuses on employee wellbeing, DEI strategies, allyship, and developing and retaining a diverse talent pool.

On this episode of There’s a Lesson in Here Somewhere, Minister Tashkovich shares the impactful and emotional story of helping a homeless couple off the streets. A former Minister for Foreign Investment of Macedonia, Minister Tashkovich reflects on Doris Buffet's philosophy of providing a "hand up, not a handout," and delves into the tedious process of navigating bureaucratic hurdles and system challenges to secure basic needs for Nikole and Joseph. This moving episode reveals the broader issues faced by the homeless, including mental health and addiction, and underscores the importance of compassion, trust, and determination in transforming lives. Minister Tashkovich’s story is an inspiring journey with twists and turns through personal and societal challenges, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership and humanitarian efforts.
For more details, please check out Minister Tashkovich's great blog posts about Nicole & Joseph: Gligor Tashkovich – Together in Dignity – Medium and Nikole’s Affirmation of Life. By Gligor Tashkovich | by ATD Fourth World | Together in Dignity | Medium