The Grown-Up Table: Conversations On Character And Life

Why are we so quick to anger, and how can we break the cycle of conflict? Beth Reeder Johnson, a licensed psychiatric social worker with over 20 years of experience, shares practical tools for managing negativity and building relationship wellness skills in today’s tech-driven world. Tune in to discover how curiosity, reflective listening, and self-awareness can transform your toughest conversatio...

Philanthropy is evolving amid rising social needs and shrinking donor pools—how will charities adapt? Michael Meadows, a seasoned nonprofit leader, shares insights on the shifting landscape of giving, volunteerism, and the future of tax-exempt organizations. Tune in to understand what it takes for philanthropy to meet today’s challenges and sustain its vital role in society.

Human trafficking isn’t just a distant problem—it’s happening in our own communities, often hidden in plain sight. Matt Osborne, a former CIA and State Department operative turned anti-trafficking advocate, reveals how exploitation thrives locally and why addressing the demand side, especially among men, is crucial to breaking the cycle. Tune in to understand the realities behind the headlines and...

Is organized religion truly losing its relevance, or is it struggling to communicate its message in a way that connects in today’s world? The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Church, unpacks the evolving landscape of faith, from shifting church attendance to generational perspectives on belief and belonging. He explores the tension between preserving sacred tr...

What if sleeping apart could actually bring you closer? Katrina Watland, founder of TrueNorth, joins Grant Swartzwelder to unpack the surprising benefits of a “sleep divorce” and how separate bedrooms might actually protect both your rest and your relationship. Sleep plays a bigger role than we think—not just in our health, but in how we show up for each other. In this episode, Katrina helps demys...

Liliana Zani, Senior Social Emotional Learning Analyst at WGU, joins us for a conversation that gets to the heart of what empathy really means—and why it’s more important than ever. From personal relationships to leadership, Liliana shares how empathy is something we’re born with, yet often learn to suppress over time. Drawing on her background in social-emotional learning, she breaks down how we...

Prayer often feels instinctive when tragedy strikes, but is it truly a form of action or merely an emotional refuge? In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Rector of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, to explore the deeper purpose of prayer and its role in shaping identity, inspiring community, and motivating meaningful action both in times...

On September 11, 2001, Darin Kinder, a young Secret Service agent stationed in the World Trade Center, found himself thrust into unimaginable chaos and danger. In this episode, Darin shares a gripping firsthand account of that day’s harrowing events, revealing how his faith, courage, and commitment shaped his response and inspired his lifelong mission captured in his book, Bury Me in a Dirty Sui t...

Meredith Garcia joins Grant Swartzwelder to unpack the hidden types of clutter that bog down workplaces beyond just messy desks and storerooms. Drawing from her extensive experience in human resources and organizational management, Meredith reveals how people, processes, and paper (or digital files) contribute to inefficiency and shares practical strategies to identify, evaluate, and declutter the...

From reflections on enduring career choices to reimagining life’s next chapter, this episode captures a candid reunion of Harvard Business School friends navigating the questions and realities of turning 60 and beyond. Host Grant Swartzwelder and guests Blair Pomeroy, Peter Wilson, Jeff Sandler, Howard Hayes, and Will Richmond share insights on legacy, passion, relationships, and the evolving defi...

Leslie Barker has dedicated over a decade to crafting accessible, uplifting habits designed to boost joy, health, and community connection. In this episode, she shares her annual tradition of creating 26 simple yet powerful ways to enhance well-being in the coming year, blending physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health tips with a focus on kindness and gratitude.

Regaining genuine, face-to-face connection in today’s digitally dominated world is no small feat. Host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Katrina Watland, a seasoned clinical social worker and founder of True North Counseling, to explore how social media and electronic tracking impact our relationships with children and their personal growth. Together, they unpack strategies for parents and kids al...

What does it really look like to raise a child with a significant disability in today’s world - emotionally, financially, spiritually, and practically? In this episode of The Grown-Up Table, host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with attorney and mom Kayla Wood to talk about life with her 16-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who has spina bifida. Kayla shares the raw, real journey from the shocking prenat...

Branding isn't just for companies—it's a reflection of life, character, and reputation on both corporate and personal levels. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Eric Bierbrier, a seasoned branding expert behind major Dallas-area brands like Container Store, Brinker (Chili's), and Neiman Marcus, to explore how brands are built, maintained, and sometimes destroyed, with powerful less...

Christie Linebarger draws from her personal experience with a sudden layoff and decades in talent acquisition to reveal how we can all transform challenges into growth through consistent effort and resilience. Her book, Stick Your Beak in the Ground , offers practical wisdom for navigating life's uncertainties, cultivating character, and pursuing excellence every day, no matter the obstacles.

Amy Downs shares her remarkable journey of survival and transformation after enduring the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. From being trapped under rubble to facing profound grief and loss, Amy’s story reveals how she harnessed faith, hope, and deliberate action to rebuild her life, ultimately becoming a triathlete and CEO. This episode offers powerful insights into resilience, purpose, and the meaning...

Are college students really coddled? In this thought-provoking episode of The Grown-Up Table, host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Blair Pomeroy, a seasoned executive turned professor, to unpack the complexities of today’s college experience and the students navigating it. Discover how a culture of safetyism and grade inflation is shaping a generation's ability to thrive in the workforce. Tune i...

In a world where friendly greetings seem to be fading, Dr. Matthew Housson of The Housson Center joins Grant Swartzwelder on The Grown-Up Table to explore the emotional and psychological impact of our social disconnect. With a focus on the psychological impacts of connection and communication, Dr. Housson offers insights into how fostering simple greetings can lead to improved well-being for both...

Why do airlines suck? In this episode of The Grown-Up Table, host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with airline industry veteran Blair Pomeroy, who brings over 30 years of experience to the table. Together, they unpack the complex reasons behind low customer satisfaction and cramped flights (does shrinking seat size by 50% over the past 30 years contribute to this?).  How has deregulation and profit-d...