Tangential Inspiration

We just got back from our annual trip to a National Park, so we are doing another fast and furious episode of short inspirational stories this week while we catch up. We have a teen fighting for the survival of orangutans, some of the first female park rangers, the rebirth of the Tuskegee air program, and a project that helps keeps kids in hospitals connected with their friends and family. Come ge...

Welcome to Episode 206 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. It has been a difficult week here in the United States, so the perfect time for inspiration. Let inspiration act as a beacon of light in the darkness, and let hope overcome fear. We have three great stories for you. First, there is a woman who is making a huge difference in the lives of the homeless people in her area, then there is a s...

Another fast and furious inspiration episode. Instead of our usual two shorts and a long, we have four shorts for you that will be sure to inspire. First there are some heartwarming stories about dogs. Who doesn't love a good dog story? Then there is a story about young people in Montana using the courts to ensure that their rights to a livable world are protected. We have a story about the power...

Yes, this is another history lesson, but really, it is so good. The story of the 761st Tank Battalion of World War II will inspire you with the bravery, patriotism, and grit of this all-Black tank battalion that helped change the war. We also have the story of Nicole Avant and how she turned to forgiveness to move on from a terrible attack on her family, and Brad Aronson and his book HumanKind whi...

Welcome to Episode 203 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast- we have an episode brimming with inspiration for the taking. Hear about some people who are helping return stolen bicycles to their owners, Peter Benenson the founder of Amnesty International, and a college president who is running to help community college students. You are sure to find some inspiration. Have a listen.   #BeKind #WeSta...

Welcome to the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. In this episode, we have hope, determination, and empathy all teed up for you. We have two quick stories- one that turned from tragedy to a story of adoption, and another about the power of community and friendship. Then we go into the life of Dr. Billy Hudson who went from poverty and abuse to leading other neglected students into the sciences. Final...

In this episode you are going to find a ton of inspiration. There are young people fighting for the environment, grandmothers fighting for their grandchildren, and the glamorous Princes Grace Kelly still supporting the arts long after her death. There are so many things to get you inspired- dive on in.   #BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your...

200 episodes! When we started this podcast to bring light to the darkness brought on by the pandemic, we never thought we would be doing it years later and have 200 episodes. We so appreciate our listeners!! And I also want to thank my two co-hosts over the years, Amy and Colleen, for their HUGE contributions to the podcast. This episode is a bit different, it has a theme. All of the stories are a...

Stop reading. Just dive in blind. The stories this week are pretty amazing, so just go for it. Okay, if you are still reading you obviously are not the fun-loving spontaneous person I though you were, but okay. Here come the spoilers. We have a story about a sanitation worker who has kept some trophies over the years, enough to make a mini museum with a message. Then we will talk elephants and the...

This week on the Tangential Inspiration Podcast, be prepared to be blindsided by runaway inspiration. We have some incredible people in this episode. First we start with a shark conservationist, then we explore a few of the many indigenous people who are shaping the world, and finally we talk about Claudia Sheinbaum, the first female President of Mexico. Take a chance, come have a listen, and mayb...

Welcome to Episode 197 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. Get ready to have your inspirational socks knocked off. In this episode we have the sad but hopeful story of Brian Wallach who is an ALS patient and advocate who is working hard for people with degenerative nerve diseases despite his own illness. Then we cover Roz Brewer, a Fortune 500 CEO who is using diversity, equity and inclusion to...

Welcome to Episode 196 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We are celebrating Pride Month this episode. We have a great story covering historical and current LGBTQ+ trailblazers and discuss what allies can do to support the LGBTQ+ community. We also have a story about donating stem cells can change lives, and some follow ups on previous stories we have covered. Honestly, if you can't find some...

Looking for inspiration? You have found it. In this episode we have a story about a tv show that is granting wishes to deserving people; Ms. Opal Lee who through grit and determination got Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday, and Amara Nwuneli, a young African activist who is making a difference in climate change by energizing youth led advocacy. These stories will surely inspire!   #BeKind...

Welcome to Episode 194 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast. We have some amazing stories sure to inspire you. We start off with a woman who is changing the lives of children in Africa, abandoned by their families, because they are accused of being witches. Then there is the incredible story of Harriet Tubman, and her tale is much more interesting than what you may have learned in history class....

Welcome to Episode 193 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast! We have some great stories for you. First, hear the inspiring story of the Nonnas, the real life story that the wonderful Netflix movie is based on, then hear about some of the many heroes of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and finaly, some heartwarming wedding stories. There is something to inspire everyone in this episode. Come join us, f...

Sorry for the sporadic schedule, it has been a busy few weeks. We will try to get back on a regular schedule in June. That, however, does not mean this episode is not full to the brim with inspiration. We have some history on a teenage Civil Rights activist, some innovative prisons that are focusing on reform rather than just confinement, and a plant scientist who did more to fight world hunger th...

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers and those who serve as mothers!  Of course we have an inspiring story about a mother!  We start off with some really short stories, move on to a wonderful and funny mother daughter relationship, and finish up with a heroic woman war reporter.  It is a great day to get inspired! #HappyMothersDay   #BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. S...

We are back.  We did a little traveling and are now back to bring the inspiration.  We have three fantastic stories to inspire you.  The first is about Dan West and his charity, Heifer International, then we dive into the life of Jonas Salk, the humanitarian scientist who created the first polio vaccine, and finally, we introduce you to a teacher who is teaching her classes the meaning of kindness...

Welcome to another episode of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast.  We have a great episode, bursting with inspiration.  We have some older ladies who are actively combating pollution,  the inspirational Pope Francis, and some college athletes who have overcome some huge obstacles to play their favorite sports.  Something to inspire for everyone in this episode.   #BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We wou...

On this last day of March, Women's History Month, we celebrate Rebel Girls!  These women pushed boundaries, ignored gender roles, and blazed new paths!  Let's take a quick look at pilot Jacqueline Cochran, Dr. Mary Walker, attorney Lyda Conley, and astronaut Mae Jemison.  These women all accomplished incredible things and should be celebrate as REBEL GIRLS!   Get ready for some girl powered inspir...

Need a little inspiration?  This episode can deliver.  We have some airlines that are helping improve travel for differently abled people, a warrior for women's rights, Alice Paul and another woman warrior battling ALS.  There is a lot to inspire in this episode and some important history for Women's History Month.   #BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments...

Welcome to Episode 186.  This is our third Fast and Furious episode, where we give you a few more short stories instead of two shorts and a long.  We have received positive comments on these episodes, so we plan to do them every once in a while.  This one has Steve Carrell, the true story of Nacho Libre, anti-book banning, and some actresses that are making a difference.  There is lots of inspirat...

Welcome to another episode of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast.  In this episode, inspiration abounds!  Hear how tiny homes might help solve the homelessness crisis, meet Joe Roberts, an amazing advocate for the homeless, and learn about the Harlem Hellfighters as part of Black History Month.  There is so much to be inspired by!   #BeKind #WeStandWithUkraine We would love to hear from you. Send...

February is Black History Month, and while some are trying to erase the historical contributions of women and minorities, we here at Tangential Inspiration are going to celebrate and honor them.  We have a lot of inspiration coming your way.  A story about how a backpacker started building schools in some of the poorest places on Earth, Black Inventors who made a tremendous impact, and a model who...

Welcome to Episode 183 of the Tangential Inspiration Podcast.  This episode is full of inspiration to be shared with everyone.  First, we discuss what Portland is doing to help with its unhoused population, then we deep dive into all of the cool things we use every day that started with a vision to put astronauts on the moon, and finally, some hope for late bloomers as we discuss people who did no...