All That Matters

Sometimes we are caught up in our light and ability to shine, and we forget to make room for others. Jan shares the teaching of TzimTzum , of retracting light, that fulfills the purpose of allowing others to be seen. And in doing so, making all the difference for those we love.

We often feel incomplete, as if something in us is missing. It can be true of others in our circle. Jan speaks of a chance encounter he had with the great late playwright August Wilson as well as two monologues, one from Wilson, the other from Tony Kushner, that speak to what might be missing and the power of recovering it.

Part of life is love, and part of it is loss. Grief is a process we all encounter, a loss of the physical presence of a loved one due to death, dementia, the end of a relationship, or to an illness that has stripped away health. Jan shares his own losses and imparts the wisdom of poet Mary Oliver on how to find the gift in grief and a pathway to hope.

This week, Jan is on Nantucket, that island thirty miles out to sea off the coast of Massachusetts. One of his fondest memories from years back on another visit to the island is his chance encounter with one of the greatest film composers of all time, John Williams; a heart-touching connection that was both personal and truly inspiring. Enjoy!

Sometimes we're driving away, hit a direction signal, and forget to turn it off. Maybe it's not a mistake. Jan reminds us that at times, we are being reminded to change direction. How? If we pay attention, music, laughter, and the people around us can often provide a much-needed answer.

Just as there are guidelines in our daily lives for school, business, or sports, there can be rules that deepen our souls. Jan shares the true story of a tavern older than America and how its archaic list of regulations gave birth to ways we can each heighten our lives and tap into its blessings.

The Jewish holiday of Shavuot celebrates the first fruits of springtime. Jan shares three poems that open us to the gifts nature gives us, and how we each can find human gifts in our everyday lives, there for the picking.

AI is increasingly being used to mediate loneliness nationally. Jan points out that recent studies clearly show nothing can replace the physical and mental benefits of human interaction. And each of us can do one simple thing this week to feel the power of those benefits and claim the good stuff we each deserve.

From our 80th episode: Jan introduces you to a priest who one day taught Jan and a group of students a powerful truth on the steps of a Los Angeles cathedral. It made all the difference in the world back then, and has a powerful lesson for each of us today.

During our lives, advice can mean different things depending on where we are in the moment. Jan shares several pieces of advice others have passed along that can help us bring more light into our lives and the lives of others. If only we are open enough to listen....

Sometimes people do something, sacrifice something, that inspires and elevates us with their humanity. Jan shares a recent event at the Boston Marathon that uplifts the soul and inspires the heart.

How we greet each day may tell us something about how we might live the rest of it, or...is it the opposite? Jan shares the personal story of how his children greeted each day when they were babies, and how that turned into a gift that keeps on giving.

IT's National Poetry Month. That is cause for celebration. Poetry can tune us into the simple, profound mysteries and joys we may oftentimes miss. Jan shares three poems and the personal story of one of the poets, who teaches us how to honor this one precious life we have been given.

Mary Oliver famously asks, " Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life." Jan explores what is most precious in our lives: the people, the work, the ideas-- asking-- how do we honor them?

Adolescents often seek their place in the world and where to fit in. Adults do, too. Jan shares a personal story of a single mom and her teenager and their struggle to fit in. He asks us all to flip the question-- not, how can we fit in, but how can we take what is unique about ourselves and make the world more fit?

In the darkest of times, we must turn on the light. Jan shares findings from the 2026 World Happiness Report, suggesting where in the world people say they are happiest, and why?

"Write what should not be forgotten," says Isabel Allende. Jan shares his experience working on his new novel and how writing can be a metaphor for living in full our most precious lives.

The Yiddish language shares much wit and wisdom, including how, in some ways, we are all connected: reminding us, "Di gantse velt iz eyn shtot." ( The whole world is one town.)" Jan shares some insights of a language once spoken by close to 13 million Jews before the HOLOCAUST, sayings from which we can still learn.

Learning little known facts about the universe around us can actually help us discover new facets of ourselves. Doing that, we get to see a bit more of how wonderful a world we can be.

The luminescence of nature's dancing aurora borealis can be manifested in our own lives, if, as Dickinson says, we "dwell in possibility."

There are people we come across, some often, some not, who make human connection an unexpected gift. Jan shares the story of a wondrous woman and an everyday diner who serves up a positive spin on the mundane, turning it into magic to live by.

On the passing this week of my father-in-law, Matthew Solomon, I return to my first book, Life Can Be This Good, and the exit interview I imagine could take place when we transition from this life. One that tests our AQ-our awareness quotient of the gifts the universe is sending us each and every day. Matt's was through the roof!

I, and many countless individuals, mourn the passing this week of an inspirational friend, teacher, prosecutor, and seeker of justice, Darren Levine. Here is my tribute to him, and a reminder to treasure those who help model for you a life of meaning and mindfulness, love, and light. He was, and is, a blessing.

Recently actor Noah Wyle discussed the power of John O'Donahue's Book of Blessings in writing for the hit TV show, The Pitt. He says the verses help tune health workers towards finding strength and small miracles each day. Jan shares several examples from the poet to help each of us find clarity of light, and uncover the small miracles waiting for us each and every day.

Often to get at what is really going on in our lives, we have to find clarity as to the central conflict with which we are dealing. Jan shares the true story of how the landmark musical Fiddler On The Ro of found its opening song, by finding what the conflict of the story was really all about, "Tradition," and through it, fashioned a musical for the ages.