Episode 114: “One Man in a Great Crusade”
 
With the anniversary of D-Day this week, JDK tells the unique story of one man – Norwood Thomas – who fought that day and went on to live a remarkably “normal” life, punctuated by a number of memorable moments later in life. It’s a very human story from start to finish, and a way to connect with the humanity of those who lived – and fought – in circumstances quite different from our own. To see Norwood for yourself (and someone else you might recognize), check out this link via show sponsor, Airway Science for Kids: 
 
https://youtu.be/ekIa7RP9WRQ

Episode 113: “Four of a Kind”

For the week preceding Memorial Day, JDK tells the story of four young men who served with distinction as fighter pilots in World War II. Each of them achieved the distinction of “Ace” – meaning they shot down at least five enemy aircraft in combat. While each of these men survived the war, their comrades who did not survive remained close to their hearts and minds for the rest of their long lives in peacetime. For these men – as for us – the sacrifices of the men who died serving their country meant far more than any distinctions received by those who came home.

Episode 112: “Friends For Fifty”
 
This week, JDK tells the story of three lifelong friends – Matt, Sean, and Jay – whose lives have taken them all in very different directions, yet somehow have nevertheless remained connected across time, space, and life circumstances. It is a story about childhood, growing up, and reflecting back on all facets of life with gratitude first, and everything else second. 

How many profound changes in our individual and community lives happen without anyone knowing about them? Or are we so besotted with being noticed that no positive change can go unseen or unpunished by someone? Have we moved away permanently from seeing the positive potential in others – particularly our leaders? In this episode, JDK tells a true story from history that offers the possibility of answering a resounding “NO” to those questions, and instead offers up a lesson we can all embrace as the best way to move forward in our own lives.

Episode 110: “The Power of Potential: A Story About Beth and Ben”

JDK provides some exciting updates on the future of the show, then tells a story of someone quite famous that illustrates something we all have in common – working towards whatever we each define as our potential. Illustrating that Potential is something we can all connect within ourselves and with each other, JDK begins anew his show’s discussion of what connects us all as human beings in this often confusing, but also beautiful, world.

Episode 109: “Parallel Lives to Wartime China and Back” 

JDK recounts the stories of two men who fought in World War II, who at the time had no idea that their lives ran on parallel tracks that would take them across the Pacific and back as part of one of the most daring missions of the entire war. But their remarkable lives were not defined by that event, but how they applied it to their perspectives on life once the war was over.

Episode 108: “My Body of Work, Play, and Everything In Between”

Fresh off an epic spin class over the holiday weekend, JDK reflects back on his athletic experiences in life, focusing on the learning experience of what these provided him in terms of his integrated awareness today. Along the way, he asks us to consider and identify the activities we each have that bring together our minds, bodies, and spirits to move us forward in healthier directions. What mind his story tell you about YOU?

Episode 107: “Every Day Can Be Opening Day”

JDK welcomes his longtime friend, Seth Moorman, back to the show to talk about the challenges involved in the “expectations” we mistakenly put on ourselves and others. Using the lens of the new baseball season as a starting point, they discuss and reflect on stories of connection, loss, magical memories, and what it means to be truly human living among other humans. Share the episode with any of your longtime friends to see if you can relate! And be sure to check out Seth’s sports podcast, “Athletica Obscura” wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode 106: The Four Eric/ks 

In what he calls “a story of common threads”, JDK focuses on what he learned about himself from four people with one common name – Eric (or with a ‘k’), from early childhood through to today. Four different people, four different experiences (and a couple of them not-so-good) that ended up being uncommon sources of inspiration, humility, and growth.

Episode 105: “The True Legend of ‘Goat Butt'”

JDK relays a deeply personal story about one of the most important experiences in his life, one that – unbeknownst to him at the time – prepared him to face the biggest crises he’s ever faced. Yet, it also prepared him to accept so much more good in his life than he once thought possible.