All That Matters

Part of reframing a world challenged by divisions and disunity is in tapping into our own resilience. Jan shares a long ago recording of his mother whose yahrzeit he and his family commemorate this week. Here, his mom, a celebrated poet in her day, shares one of her poems about reclaiming the possibility of life. Here's to discovering and rediscovering our own song of resilience!

We are all primed to go far in life, each in our own way, but to do that, at times, we must first find our way home. Jan shares the true story of his mother's Alzheimer's, her poetry, and the inspiration for his LA Times bestselling second novel of a mother and a son and the meaning of art.

Did you know that poetry and painting were once Olympic sports? On the eve of the Olympic Games in Paris this summer of 2024, Jan shares the story of when the games celebrated the arts, lifting the mind as well as the body, and ways we each can "medal" in that every day of our lives.

Jan shares a chance encounter with a talented filmmaker and is reminded of the power of taking a second look, not just at films that make a difference, but at encounters with people and circumstances that can deepen us and lead us to an opportunity to repair and grow.

We often hear people talk about what's wrong with the world. Jan shares the story and words of a photographer who turns that on its ear, focusing on what's right, in our lives and that of others. There is a lift and balance, he suggests, if we follow that positive example.

Recently, Jan was asked to place on a gravestone 13 words to sum up the life of a loved one. It got him thinking, what 13 words would each of us choose for ourselves when that day comes? And, then, another thought... what 13 words would each of us choose to describe ourselves right now, today?

Art can heal and illuminate. This we know. But the recent performance of King Lear by Ukrainian amateur actors in Shakespeare's hometown in England, inspires us all to know that anything is possible!

Retelling a story of his dad and late brother, Mark, Jan celebrates the incomparable love and gifts that they gave him, and calls on all of us to cherish the possibility of discovering light in the darkness. Dedicated to Mark's daughter, Jan's niece: Happy graduation day, Amanda!

The 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Jan meets 6 veterans flying to Normandy and shares how their story is a reminder to each of us that we can grow into our worthiness of all they did and the gifts they gave us.

Come with Jan to a small village on the Beira Peninsula of Ireland, where he learns the power of community and connection. See if you hear the ring of a phone during the podcast. Mystically, it was a call from Ireland! Raise a pint!

Poet-Philosopher David Whyte points us to insightful and clarifying questions that can empower the lives we're living, and, as Jan shares with us, those we have yet to live.

Jan shares a reprise of an episode recorded during the pandemic. It's the story of a remarkable couple whose dreams were dashed and then reborn. Come meet Rick and Sarah and their discovery of hope.

If you could capture any image that represents your life, what would it be? Jan shares a reprise of the triumphant conclusion to one of the most inspiring individuals he has ever known, a man who experienced the worst that humanity had to offer, and gave back the best.

Torn from his home in Budapest, 17 year-old Kurt would journey from safe house to Bergen-Belsen with family and learn the worst mankind has to offer. Years later, in America, he and his wife would show the world the best of humanity. Jan reprises and introduces you to a friend and hero whose story will live inside your heart and inspire each of us to be the best we can be. (Part Two next week.)

Jan shares a personal story of his mentor and mother-in-law Marion Solomon who has just died. She lives on in the example of her life, as all we love do. She taught him and teaches all of us, to swim in the waters of possibility.

There are walls we construct that block hearts and minds from seeing the world, and keep us from being seen in return. Jan shares words from the Anglo-Irish poet David Whyte, challenging us to be vulnerable enough to walk through the door of life, not stand on the outside looking in.

Many of us meet a moment where it seems our lives and our ability to navigate them hang in the balance. Jan shares the true story of being at the end of his rope in the midst of two heart-thumping losses, and how the songs of a rocker helped save his soul.

We can be many things in our lifetimes. Sometimes we discover passion at a later age. Jan shares the story of one such woman who was dripping canvases before Jackson Pollock and who is now being rediscovered. The story of artist Janet Sobol is one that will empower the possibilities in each of us.

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.

Good advice. It comes in many forms. Friends. Strangers. Life events. Jan shares advice, from Sandra Bullock to Charles Schultz to his own mom, advice that has made a difference. Pointers, humorous and healing, that can take us to the high road of life's journey.

How do we move from complacency to change? To locate the 'daring' within us to grow? Jan shares some poetic roadmaps that take us inside the important questions and help us find the power to wrap our hands and hearts around radical 'possibility.'

Poets and artists of all stripes remind us that hope is essential to a life of purpose, empowering courage and connection. Jan shares the true calling card of growing our future by locating the crack created by heartbreak that lets the light in.

Each of us has someone, or ones, who have taught us lessons that last a lifetime, continuing to guide us. Giving thanks annually, if not more often, treasuring their example, lifts us as well. Jan shares the lessons his own dad taught him by word and example that continue to stand the test of time.

We invest in ourselves when we discover purpose, that each of us has a voice only we can share. Jan celebrates playwright Wendy Wasserstein, who painted worlds with her words that made us laugh, cry, and helped illuminate the power and complexity of modern day women.

New out of Russia is that the great voice of moral clarity, Alexei Navalny, has been silenced. Yet, this news, and his life, underscore the power of conscience to illuminate injustice and inspire us to compassion and courage, in our own way, in our own lives.