Welcome to this episode of Curveball, hosted by Scott Reich, where we dive into the stories of people who have faced life’s biggest challenges head-on. Today, Scott sits down with the iconic Gloria Steinem—trailblazing journalist, women’s rights advocate, and a defining voice of the feminist movement.

In this deeply personal conversation, Gloria reflects on the influence of her childhood, shaped by her mother’s struggles with mental illness, and the lack of female role models in her early years. She shares how these experiences led her to journalism and fueled her passion for social justice.

Together, Scott and Gloria discuss the origins of Ms. Magazine, the importance of community in driving social change, and her firsthand observations of landmark moments like the MeToo movement. Gloria also offers timeless advice for those navigating their own curveballs, speaks candidly about grief and resilience, and shares her thoughts on where we stand today in the fight for gender equality and political change.

This episode is a celebration of finding magic within ourselves, the power of collective action, and the importance of building supportive, diverse communities. Whether you’re facing challenges of your own or simply seeking inspiration, Gloria Steinem’s wisdom and warmth offer encouragement and hope for the journey ahead.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Gloria Steinem speaks candidly about her mother's struggle with mental illness
• Gloria mentions being inspired by the work of Louisa May Alcott rather than by female journalists, as there were so few visible when she was young.
• Ms. Magazine played a critical role in the women’s movement.
• Steinem discusses working in male-dominated media spaces and being assigned stories based on her gender (like writing about pantyhose).
• Gloria describes finding strength and resilience through community.”
• The episode delves into the significance of the #MeToo movement and Gloria’s surprise at the swiftness of its global reach.
• Steinem says that turmoil—like the Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam War movements—can be positive.
• Throughout the interview, Gloria emphasizes the importance of connecting across differences and not being isolated by “otherness.”

Our Guest:

Gloria Steinem

Key Moments:

(00:00) Mother's Struggles with Addiction

(03:09) Gender Bias and Encouragement

(09:09) Collaborative Activism Overcoming Adversity

(09:59) Gloria's Resilience Amid Criticism

(14:45) Magic of Reading and Self-Discovery

(17:18) Political Divide and Societal Fear

(22:37) Progress Outpacing Representation

(26:08) Unique Love with Global Insights

(30:05) Future Leaders: Beyond Politics

(30:54) Connection: Humanity's Essential Force

(35:36) Building Community Through Connection

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Roni Habib—educator, founder of EQ Schools, and author of "Happy and Resilient: the Complete Guide to Joyful Teaching, Learning and Living." Roni opens up about the curveballs that have shaped his life: from a life-threatening brain tumor and the harrowing loss of a beloved student to suicide, to the recent passing of his brother to cancer. Through candid storytelling, Roni shares not only how these challenges impacted him, but the powerful lessons he drew from each experience—about resilience, meaning, and the importance of self-compassion. He reveals how embracing vulnerability and prioritizing well-being transformed his approach to teaching, connection, and living joyfully, even in the face of the unimaginable. Whether you’re navigating your own personal curveball or searching for inspiration on how to find light after loss, Roni’s journey offers hope, practical tools, and a reminder that even in our darkest times, growth and gratitude are possible.

Our guest:

Roni Habib

Listeners will learn:

• Roni describes his experience with a brain tumor at a young age as a "curveball."
• The episode discusses how perception can become reality, especially in the context of interpreting traumatic experiences.
• Roni shares the heartbreak of a student’s suicide and its impact on him as an educator.
• He mentions the concept of "putting your own oxygen mask on first" when dealing with personal struggles as a caretaker or educator.
• The Positive Psychology course Roni created became unexpectedly popular among students.
• Roni emphasizes creating spaces where students—and adults—can be vulnerable and authentic.
• Reflecting on loss and grief, Roni says that everyone experiences grief differently and that it’s vital not to suppress difficult emotions.
• Roni found meaning in his losses by transforming them into purpose-driven work and creating EQ Schools.
• The discussion includes the power of connection and practices like gratitude, play, and mindfulness.
• Finally, Roni shared that love can triumph over fear, particularly when supporting someone in need.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Adjusting to American Life

(05:35) Facing Mortality: A Sudden Diagnosis

(08:39) Exploring Trauma: Growth and Introspection

(11:31) Educator's Emotional Challenge: A Student’s Suicide

(16:16) Addressing Mental Health Stigma

(19:23) Understanding Control and Positive Psychology

(22:32) Vulnerable Circles Empower Kids

(25:13) EQ Schools: Educator Well-being Workshops

(31:47) Love Overcomes Fear

(35:41) Unseen Presence Recognized

(38:03) Power of Self-Compassion

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. David Fajgenbaum—an immunologist, author, and professor at Penn. David’s story is nothing short of extraordinary: after losing his mother to brain cancer as a college student, he channeled his grief into community-building by founding a national support network for grieving students. But life threw him another, even more staggering curveball when, as a promising med student, he was suddenly struck by a rare and deadly condition: Castleman disease. Not only did David nearly die literally five times, but in the face of scant research and little hope, he set out to find his own cure—eventually repurposing an existing drug to save his life.

In this compelling conversation, David shares how adversity reshaped his life’s purpose, the importance of community in overcoming grief, and why he’s now leading a global push to find new uses for existing medicines through EveryCure. Whether you’re interested in medical innovation, resilience in the face of the unimaginable, or simply the power of human connection, you won’t want to miss this inspirational episode.

Listeners will Learn:

1. David describes channeling his grief after his mother’s passing into community action through founding Actively Moving Forward (AMF). He discusses the key benefits and challenges of creating a support community around grief on college campuses.
2. Scott and David discuss the importance of connection in coping with adversity, especially rare diseases.
3. David was not only a med student but also a patient with a deadly, little-understood condition. The podcast delves into the lack of information and statistics available for many rare diseases.
4. David took a radically proactive approach to his own medical crisis, ultimately discovering a repurposed drug that saved his life. Scott and David highlight that treatments for rare diseases are often found by persistently searching outside the box, like drug repurposing.
5. EveryCure, the organization David co-founded, aims to systematically identify new uses for existing medicines. He discusses the potential impact this approach could have not just for rare diseases, but for health care in general.
6. David talks about how facing his own mortality gave him “clarity of purpose” and shifted his values.
7. Throughout the episode, there’s a recurring theme about turning personal curveballs into motivation for positive change.

Our Guest:

Dr. David Fajgenbaum

Key Moments:

(00:00) From College Athlete to Grief Advocate

(04:36) Connecting Through Shared Rare Disease Experiences

(08:35) Sudden, Severe Health Crisis and Survival

(09:56) Deadly Diagnosis and Finding a Cure

(14:08) Exploring American Dreams and Expectations

(20:24) Integrative Strategy for Medical Research Collaboration

(24:56) Innovative Approach to Drug Repurposing

(29:52) Searching for “Low-Hanging Fruit Medical Solutions"

(35:45) Collaborative Strategies for Medical Research & Fundraising

(37:29) Incentive Barriers in Scientific Data Sharing

(40:52) Focusing on Children's Happiness Over Achievements

What if unimaginable tragedy became a catalyst for profound community healing and educational outreach?

In this gripping episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich delves into the heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey of Warren Hance, who, alongside his wife Jackie, turned personal grief into a powerful force for good. After losing their three daughters in a tragic car accident, Warren found solace and purpose in helping others, culminating in the creation of the Hance Family Foundation and its flagship program, Beautiful Me.

Over time, this initiative has flourished, reaching hundreds of thousands across the world with its impactful social-emotional learning programs.

Listeners will Learn:

• The listener will learn about the origins of the Hance Family Foundation and how Warren and Jackie Hance channeled their unimaginable grief into community support through innovative social-emotional programs.
• You’ll gain insight into the expansive reach of their flagship program, Beautiful Me, which has touched over 230,000 lives worldwide through its focus on building self-esteem and confidence.
• The episode also highlights the adaptability and resilience displayed by the foundation, including their strategic shift to online training during the pandemic, enabling broader access and participation.

Join Scott Reich and his guests as they explore how vulnerability, community, and a steadfast commitment to remembering lost loved ones can pave the way for healing and empowerment across generations.

Guests:

Warren Hance and Kate Tuffy

Key Moments:

(00:00) Warren and Jackie Hance founded the Hance Family Foundation and the Beautiful Me workshop after losing their daughters, Emma, Alyson and Katie, in a horrific car accident, which now offers social emotional learning programs globally.

(04:01) Warren’s idea in 2009 was to simply establish savings bonds in memory of their daughters at local schools in Floral Park to continue community involvement.

(08:09) Stories about Emma, Alyson, and Katie, shaped the curriculum, leading to a program for teens. Jackie’s support, shown by her visits and treats, affirmed the group's efforts.

(11:48) Warren led programming at the organization after a pivotal moment bringing the program to St. John's University.

(15:50) Proven social-emotional program, "Beautiful Me," boosts self-esteem, enhances relationships, and increases confidence.

(18:25) The organization's new online platform enables anyone working in educational or community settings to be trained to teach "Beautiful Me," facilitating a planned 300% participant increase. It offers asynchronous training, live observations, and ongoing support worldwide.

(20:22) Beautiful Me, initially for young girls, expanded over 15 years to cater to ages 5 to 105, teaching self-connection and communication skills.

(24:31) Visit to Rikers Island to meet female inmates, adapting programs for their specific needs.

(28:50) Stewarding donations became therapeutic, despite challenges. Journaling is recommended by Warren for self-reflection.

(32:21) Quotes inspired Warren’s public speaking, helping develop presentations and stories, especially at St. John's.

(34:32) Interview ends with admiration for Kate Tuffy, Warren’s trusted friend and key advisor, and their encouragement to engage with the Hance Family Foundation programs at selfesteemrising.org.

What happens when life throws an unimaginable curveball, testing the resilience of an entire family?

On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich hosts Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt, both giants in the field of journalism, as they share the deeply personal and moving story of their son Jeffrey's battle with the aftermath of a medical mistake. Faced with an unexpected turn after a botched brain surgery left him significantly impaired, Judy and Al reflect on their journey through adversity, career challenges, and the power of family bonds.

Listeners will Learn:

• The unexpected ways Judy and Al's lives were altered by their son Jeffrey's botched surgery and the long-term impact on their family dynamics.
• Insights into how they balanced high-profile journalism careers while managing special needs caregiving.
• The profound influence this experience has had on their approach to public affairs, advocacy, and professional pursuits.

This conversation offers a touching exploration of love, determination, and the human capacity to find purpose amid profound loss and challenge.

Our Guests:

Judy Woodruff and Al Hunt

Key Moments:

(03:27) Spina bifida is a spinal defect forming in the sixth week of pregnancy, often unnoticed. In 1981, for Judy, it was identified during an ultrasound at eight months due to abnormal brain ventricles, indicating possible spina bifida or hydrocephalus.

(08:53) Emotionally challenging experiences can be eased by the goodness and support of caregivers, physicians, and scientists striving to help vulnerable people.

(13:26) Emotionally challenging experiences can be eased by the goodness and support of caregivers, physicians, and scientists striving to help vulnerable people.

(17:28) A parent grapples with balancing attention between their neurotypical children and a child with medical needs, while feeling ongoing grief and missing milestones in the affected child's life.

(21:51) Missed opportunity for a family discussion on loss and emotions.

(24:35) Greater awareness of disability issues has led to a focus on quality of life challenges and advocating for increased journalism covering these topics.

What happens when life throws you a curveball that alters your destiny forever? In this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich engages in a deeply moving conversation with Lee Daniel Kravetz, an acclaimed author who shares his personal journey of surviving cancer and discovering post-traumatic growth. As they discuss Kravetz's experience and research, listeners gain insights into how unexpected challenges can lead to profound personal development and a reshaping of one's worldview.

Listeners will Learn:

• How a devastating cancer diagnosis at age 29 became a catalyst for Lee Kravetz to explore the link between suffering and success.
• The concept of post-traumatic growth, which Kravetz describes as a transformative process that allows individuals to bounce forward, rather than merely bounce back, after life-altering events.
• Practical strategies for supporting someone going through trauma.

Through candid storytelling and thoughtful exploration, this episode provides an enlightening perspective on turning life's most daunting challenges into opportunities for growth and introspection.

Our Guest:

Lee Daniel Kravetz

Key Moments:

(03:20) When Bad Things Happen

(06:09) Life Transformed by Diagnosis

(09:43) Improvisational Violinist's Transformative Journey

(15:02) "Super Survivor: Transformative Impact"

(18:58) Overcoming Trauma and Moving Forward

(22:04) Surviving Trauma and Social Change

(25:48) Social Support Needs in Trauma

(28:59) Post-Traumatic Growth and Baseline Regression

(30:05) Embracing Life's Meaningful Curveballs

Life confronts us with the unexpected.

Curveball is about facing an unimaginable life event and the human experience of responding to it—and how we can all hit life’s curveballs.