Life is full of the unexpected—and building resilience is key to navigating it all. On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. Andrew Shatté, renowned psychologist, resilience expert, and co-author of "The Resilience Factor." Dr. Shatté shares his fascinating journey from philosophy major in Australia to one of the leading voices in resilience training for everyone from Fortune 500 executives to students and military personnel. Together, they break down what really makes some people thrive under pressure, revealing the science behind mental strength, how our thinking styles shape our ability to bounce back, and—most importantly—practical strategies for anyone looking to foster unshakeable resilience. Whether you've faced a recent setback or simply want to build your mental muscles for whatever curveballs life throws your way, this conversation offers powerful, actionable insights, and hope for listeners at any stage of the journey.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Dr. Shatté describes two kinds of people he encountered when working at the Department of Social Security—those who bounced back after setbacks and those who languished.
• The episode discusses the idea of “thinking styles,” particularly the “always everything” style versus focusing on temporary and controllable problems.
• Dr. Shatté traces many resilience patterns back to childhood and parental modeling.
• Neuroplasticity was a big theme in the conversation.
• The podcast highlights seven “ingredients” of resilience—emotion regulation, impulse control, problem-solving, self-efficacy, optimism, empathy, and reaching out.
• One actionable takeaway was the idea of recognizing your emotional “radar”—your most common reaction to adversity (anger, anxiety, frustration, etc.).
• Dr. Shatté talks about “iceberg beliefs”—deep-seated, often unconscious standards that drive how we view achievement, relationships, and control.
• The episode differentiates between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, suggesting these can happen simultaneously.
• When supporting others (especially children), Dr. Shatté emphasizes modeling resilience over simply teaching it.
• Throughout the episode, the host and guest discuss the difficulty of balancing multiple internal standards (achievement, helping others, control).

Key Moments:

(00:00) Roundabout Journey to Career Stability

(03:16) Serendipitous Path to Psychology

(08:11) Navigating Adversity: Retrospective and Prospective Choices

(11:12) Rewiring the Mind's Reactions

(15:58) Resilience Training Beyond Innate Ability

(18:39) Embrace Choice: Cultivate Growth Mindset

(22:25) Understanding Anxiety and Emotional Responses

(25:55) Balancing Action and Grieving

(26:48) Managing Emotions for Health Balance

(30:33) Shame as Motivation for Excellence

(35:38) Conflicting Personal Growth Insights

(37:03) Embrace Imperfection and Pay It Forward

(42:38) Bouncing Forward: Embracing Change

(46:24) Teaching Kids Resilience Skills

(47:43) Teaching Positive Self-Efficacy

In this thought-provoking episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, a physician, trauma specialist, and author, to dive deep into the intersection of trauma and biology. Dr. Apigian brings her unique perspective—rooted in personal experience as a foster and adoptive parent, her Armenian heritage, and years of medical practice—to explore how trauma isn’t just something we experience emotionally or mentally, but something that fundamentally shapes our biology and physical health.

Through powerful storytelling and candid self-reflection, Dr. Apigian explains the concept of generational trauma, how early childhood and family environments imprint on our nervous system, and why trauma held in the body can manifest as chronic conditions later in life. The conversation covers the science behind trauma’s impact, the crucial roles of rest, environment, and gentle movement in healing, and actionable strategies listeners can use to begin breaking the cycle—no matter their age or background.

Whether you’ve faced curveballs yourself or are striving to understand the invisible forces that shape us all, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and a roadmap toward true healing and adaptability.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Dr. Aimie Apigian talks about the concept of “the biology of trauma.”
• The episode explores the idea of generational trauma.
• According to Dr. Apigian, why might people be unaware of the trauma they carry.
• Dr. Apigian highlights the importance of “inner states” and tracking where your biology is at any moment (healing, stress, or trauma).
• The episode connects trauma to chronic health issues like autoimmunity, fatigue, pain, and more.
• Dr. Apigian describes her own “body crash” and the wake-up call it provided.
• The episode discusses the role of rest and gentle movement in trauma recovery.
• In the context of relationships, Dr. Apigian shares how letting go, especially of unhealthy attachments, requires a sense of safety.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Understanding Trauma's Biological Impact

(03:31) Understanding Childhood Trauma

(09:13) Generational Trauma and Its Impact

(10:52) Nervous System's Role in Survival

(14:43) Intergenerational Trauma and Achievement Drive

(19:38) Childhood Dynamics' Impact on Achievement

(24:08) Break Reveals Unconscious Habits

(26:25) Adapting to Change at Any Age

(28:22) Repairing Mind and Body

(32:58) Diet and Exercise for Stress Management

(36:56) Essential Rest for Sustained Health

(38:01) Navigating Familial Trauma and Healing

(41:23) Dr. Amy Apigian's Curveball Conclusion

Welcome to another episode of Curveball, where life’s toughest challenges are met head-on by those who refuse to give up. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down for a heartfelt conversation with Kerry Kennedy—human rights advocate, author, and president of RFK Human Rights. As the seventh child of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, Kerry offers a rare glimpse into what it was like to come of age in a family at the center of American history, where dinner table conversations included civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and Cesar Chavez.

Kerry shares vivid memories of her parents’ partnership, emphasizing how the women in the Kennedy family quietly fueled movements for justice and shaped national conversations around equality and service. She reflects on the tragic night of her father’s assassination—how she processed the loss as an eight-year-old girl, and the surprising gift of forgiveness she received in the aftermath, even praying for her father’s killer.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Kerry delves into the work of RFK Human Rights, highlighting landmark international legal victories and her drive to empower the next generation of change-makers. Throughout, she draws from her personal experiences with adversity to share lessons on confronting trauma—not simply surviving it, but learning and growing from it.

This episode is a powerful reminder that, in Kerry's words, “our country is on fire”—and it’s up to each of us to run toward the flames, to meet suffering with action and empathy, and to channel our pain into positive change. Join us for an inspiring story about family, faith, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice, as Kerry Kennedy shows how even the deepest wounds can give rise to “ripples of hope.”

Listeners Will Learn:

• Kerry Kennedy describes how her parents didn’t separate home life from work, especially during the civil rights movement.
• The story about the suggestion box at the Justice Department is both humorous and illustrative.
• Kerry talks about the powerful influence of women in the Kennedy family.
• Robert F. Kennedy’s Cape Town speech is quoted as emphasizing the importance of everyday individuals sending out “ripples of hope.”
• When reflecting on her father’s response following Martin Luther King's assassination, Kerry emphasizes the importance of "showing up again and again" to build trust in communities.
• Kerry Kennedy describes watching the chaos on TV after Dr. King’s murder, then seeing her father walk directly into the turmoil to try to calm the riots.
• In discussing her father’s assassination, Kerry recounts praying both for her father and his killer.
• The work of RFK Human Rights spans international litigation, advocacy, and education.
• Kerry mentions that many major advances in justice and democracy come from "small groups of determined people" rather than governments or corporations.
• Kerry’s advice for processing trauma was to “learn the lessons” from your hardships.

Key Moments:

(00:00) 60s Civil Rights Activism at Home

(05:41) Tribute to RFK: a Family Man

(09:01) Robert F. Kennedy's Legacy of Service

(09:49) Hope and Empowerment Against Injustice

(14:38) Campaign Speech Countered Racism Narrative

(18:34) Resonating Politics and Personal Struggles

(21:41) Gift of Forgiveness in the Face of Trauma

(23:12) Kerry’s Remarkable Forgiveness and Strength

(27:52) Focus on Police Violence and Immigration

(31:58) Witnessing Injustice and Trauma

(36:03) Grassroots Movements Drive Global Change

(39:10) Empathy's Role in Overcoming Challenges

(41:43) Navigating Hellish Health Challenges

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Lisa Sedlar, the visionary CEO and self-described “food justice warrior.” Lisa shares her remarkable journey—from leaving a comfortable CEO position at New Seasons Market, to founding Green Zebra Grocery, a healthy convenience store chain aiming to rethink how communities access food. But when COVID-19 and a cascade of personal crises hit, Lisa found herself facing failure head-on—testing her resilience, self-worth, and capacity for vulnerability.

In this deeply honest conversation, Lisa reveals how the collapse of her business became an unexpected gift, prompting her to confront lifelong fears, reevaluate what truly matters, and find strength in vulnerability and community. Together, Scott and Lisa explore the universal challenge of weathering life’s curveballs, and how embracing failure can lead to growth, faith, and a renewed connection to others. Tune in for a moving story of ambition, loss, humility, and the surprising power of letting go.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Lisa Sedlar describes herself as a "food justice warrior" and the founder of a healthy convenience store chain.
• Lisa openly talks about her deep fear of failure and how her self-worth was tied to her success.
• The episode explores how Lisa’s fear of being perceived as a failure was "literally terrifying" for her.
• Green Zebra Grocery was ultimately forced to close due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Lisa faced multiple curveballs at once—business closure, family health crises, financial strain, and the end of a long-term relationship.
• The episode delves into vulnerability and the value of "finishing the sentence" about our deepest fears.
• Lisa shared how the business closure led her to deepen her faith and seek community.
• After the closure of Green Zebra, Lisa said the experience became “the greatest gift of her life.”
• Lisa and Scott discuss the discomfort around receiving help when you have always been the one to support others.
• Lisa uses a baseball metaphor: “practice hitting curveballs” to prepare for life’s unpredictability.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Reimagining Convenience Stores

(03:49) Healthy, Ethical Convenience Stores

(06:23) Entrepreneurial Dream Shattered by Covid

(10:21) Embracing Vulnerability in Adversity

(15:44) Navigating Family Crises and Upheaval

(17:24) Meaningful Community-Driven Closure of Stores

(21:28) Reevaluating Fear and Failure

(25:52) Faith, Community, and Giving Back

(26:55) Opening Up to Receive Support

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Austin Hatch, whose story defies every imaginable odd. Once a rising basketball star from Indiana, Austin survived not one, but two tragic plane crashes—claiming the lives of his parents and both of his siblings. But Austin’s journey is about so much more than survival. In this gripping conversation, he opens up about profound loss, the relentless road to recovery, and the unwavering commitment of those who stood by his side. Austin shares the origins of his powerful GRIT framework—growth mindset, resilience, integrity, and team-first mentality—and explains how we can all find purpose and light even in our darkest moments. Tune in for a masterclass in courage, faith, and how doing even the most common things in uncommon ways can change a life.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Austin experienced two unthinkable tragedies at a young age.
• Coach Beilein of Michigan honored his scholarship commitment to Austin after his second plane crash.
• Austin talks about finding a greater purpose and doing ‘common things in uncommon ways.’
• The acronym ‘GRIT’ (Growth mindset, Resilience, Integrity, Team first) is central to Austin’s message.
• Austin mentions that, after his second plane crash, he couldn’t contribute on the basketball court in the same way, but he found value in being a great teammate.
• Austin shares a story about his father leaving even brief encounters better than he found them, such as with the McDonald’s drive-thru worker Josiah.
• Austin’s journey is one of continuously ‘going big’ after loss.
• In the episode, Scott shares his own experience with his son’s health challenges and talks about connecting goals to personal legacy.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Resilience After Tragedy: Austin Hatch

(03:34) Surviving Trauma and Forced Maturity

(06:22) Survivor of Two Plane Crashes

(11:17) Surviving and Overcoming: Austin Hatch

(14:46) Resilience, Commitment, and Human Connection"

(18:38) Embrace Personal Growth Over Perfection

(21:18) Purpose Beyond Self

(25:23) Connecting Goals to Legacy

(28:34) Austin Hash Commits to Team

(32:29) Uncommon Kindness in Everyday Life

(34:42) Life's Impact: Small Acts Matter

(36:13) Power of Small Gestures

(39:39) Overcoming Grief for Loved Ones

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Shirin Behzadi, whose extraordinary life journey is nothing short of cinematic. As a teenager, Shirin fled post-revolution Iran alone, narrowly escaping imprisonment and persecution before arriving in the US with virtually nothing. Her early days were spent working at a gas station, but she held tight to a bold vision: to one day become the CEO of a major company—a dream she ultimately achieved.

Shirin’s resilience carried her through every twist along the way: earning a degree, rising through the corporate ranks, and ultimately serving as CEO of a billion-dollar franchise company. But life had another curveball for her—a diagnosis of a brain tumor that required a grueling 10-hour surgery and a difficult road to recovery. Rather than slowing her down, this experience deepened her strength, purpose, and commitment to doing good through business.

Today, Shirin is the author of the forthcoming book, "The Unexpected CEO," a board member, advisor, investor, and a fierce advocate for resilience, authenticity, and value-based leadership. In this conversation, she opens up about the trauma of growing up in revolutionary Iran, the lessons learned through adversity, and the practical steps we can take to cultivate hope and courage when life’s challenges seem insurmountable.

Get ready to hear a story about grit, belief, and what it truly means to heal and lead from a place of compassion.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Shirin Behzadi’s remarkable journey escaping post-revolution Iran and navigating the trauma of arbitrary arrests as a teenager.
• How Shirin rebuilt her life from scratch in the United States, starting as a gas station cashier and ultimately becoming the CEO of a billion dollar company.
• Shirin faced a life-threatening brain tumor, endured extensive surgery and recovery, and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.
• The power of adversity as a superpower and how Shirin transformed obstacles into growth opportunities throughout her career.
• Listeners will also learn why belief, a strong sense of intention (“knowing”), and authentic vision are key to overcoming life’s hardships—no matter how daunting.
• Practical advice for building resilience, finding your personal “North Star,” and how to take actionable steps toward hope and healing—even in the face of overwhelming challenge.
• How to both seek and offer community support in times of crisis, and why “healing by moving” is a powerful lesson for anyone on a difficult journey.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Life Lessons from a Busy Childhood

(06:26) Government Control Through Intimidation in Iran

(11:11) Resilience Through Adversity

(15:48) Departure from Home at Seventeen

(18:23) Choosing Resilience Over Adversity

(20:32) From Gas Station to CEO in the U.S.

(25:25) Overcoming Surgery with Confidence

(28:55) Believe: Transforming Adversity Into Power

(30:31) Understanding Personal Trauma's Impact

(34:43) Embracing Resilience Through Trauma

(38:22) Flipping Low Odds Into Opportunities

(41:13) Finding Hope in Crisis

(44:04) Curveball Podcast Listener Feedback

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Carlin Isles, the man widely regarded as the fastest player in the history of rugby. But Carlin’s journey to the world stage is about so much more than speed. Growing up in Ohio, Carlin was confronted with unthinkable hardships: torn from his family at only six years old by law enforcement, he and his twin sister endured years in the foster care system, facing abuse, adversity, and a lack of basic education. Yet, against all odds, Carlin’s resilience transformed heartbreak into hope.

With faith, relentless discipline, and a burning desire to outrun his past, Carlin forged a new future. He became a collegiate athlete, a professional track star, signed with the Detroit Lions, and ultimately became a two-time Olympian and a viral rugby sensation. His story is one of breathtaking tenacity—of never giving up, of using every setback as fuel, and of the life-changing power of belief and mentorship.

Tune in as Carlin shares how he turned unimaginable pain into purpose, why he once walked away from a lifelong Olympic dream to pursue the unknown in rugby, and the personal philosophies that keep him pushing forward. This episode isn’t just about athletic greatness—it’s about what it truly takes to break through life’s biggest barriers and inspire others to do the same.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• How Carlin’s experiences in foster care shaped his approach to life
• Carlin describes refusing to let his turbulent childhood define his future.
• Carlin talked about developing a strong “man in the mirror” mentality.
• The support of mentors played a pivotal role in Carlin’s story.
• Carlin made a bold decision to leave behind Olympic track trials and pursue rugby, a sport he’d never played before.
• Throughout his life, Carlin set incredibly high goals for himself and worked relentlessly toward them.
• Carlin emphasizes “seeing past what the eye can see” and having a vision beyond current circumstances.
• After achieving so much, Carlin now focuses on giving back and inspiring others.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Carlin Isles: Against All Odds

(03:27) Emotion-Filled Story of Empathy

(08:40) Remarkable Determination at Age Eight

(09:55) Transformative Mindset and Pursuing Goals"

(14:20) Pursuing Dream to Train with the Best

(16:44) Chasing Rugby Dreams

(22:19) Vision Beyond Hardships

(24:04) Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

(28:51) Visionary Pursuit

(31:13) Embracing Discomfort and Finding Faith

(36:21) Keep Moving, Breakthrough Awaits

(37:35) Carlin Isles: Grit and Success

In this special two-part episode, host Scott Reich sits down with the remarkable Aaron Lazar, a Broadway, film, and television star whose artistry and resilience have inspired countless fans. But beyond his career as an acclaimed performer, Aaron offers a deeply personal look at his journey living with ALS, opening up about loss, ambition, family, and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Together, Scott and Aaron explore what it means to chase impossible dreams, navigate trauma and setbacks, and intentionally reframe life’s curveballs as opportunities for growth. Both men share candid stories of wrestling with high expectations, personal and family health crises, and the internal work required to cultivate hope in the face of uncertainty. With warmth and honesty, Aaron describes how his diagnosis has reshaped the way he connects with his children, approaches fatherhood, and finds fulfillment—while Scott reflects on his own journey as a parent to a child with severe special needs.

Join us for an episode filled with grounded wisdom, actionable insight, and genuine connection as Aaron and Scott remind us all: while we can’t always control what life throws at us, we do have a choice in how we respond—and in the meaning we give to our experiences.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Aaron Lazar talks about redefining success after his diagnosis with ALS.
• Both Aaron and Scott discuss the idea of “chasing the next mountain.”
• Aaron speaks openly about trauma, resilience, and the pressures of show business.
• Parenting dynamics come up several times in the episode, especially as Aaron’s children take on caregiving roles.
• Aaron decided not to tell his children about his diagnosis for a significant period.
• The theme of surrendering versus fighting comes up, particularly around illness.
• Both speakers reflect on learning to savor everyday moments—the wind in the trees, being present.
• Spirituality is a recurring topic, with Aaron discussing a shift from traditional religious views to a more expansive understanding of God and meaning.
• Aaron mentions the power of belief and mindset in shaping one’s experience of illness and life’s hardships.
• The episode is framed around turning curveballs—unexpected life events—into opportunities for connection and growth.

Key Moments:

(04:37) Passion's Role in Success & Growth

(09:13) Chasing Success: The Endless Cycle

(10:45) Life-Altering Perspective Shift

(14:53) Impossible Dream: A Life Transformed

(16:16) Silent Struggle for Self-Healing

(19:59) Mission to Heal and Inspire

(24:48) Parenting Challenges and Role Reversal

(27:22) Redefining Disease Conversations with Kids

(32:42) Embracing Imperfection in Overachieving

(35:53) Seeing Life Through Fresh Eyes

(37:10) Embracing “Patient Acceptance”

(40:46) Learning Life's Lessons Without Suffering

(45:25) Patterns or Choices: Self-awareness Realized

(47:10) Faith, Doubt, and Understanding