Welcome to Curveball, a podcast that explores how we handle life’s most unimaginable challenges—and how some manage to turn adversity into hope. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Liz Scott, co-founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and shares the remarkable story of her daughter, Alex Scott. Diagnosed with cancer just before her first birthday, Alex’s idea to set up a simple lemonade stand, at age four, sparked a movement that has raised over $400 million for pediatric cancer research.

Together, Scott and Liz dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of facing a child’s life-threatening illness, the raw pain and resilience that comes with loss, and how Alex’s spirit of gratitude and selflessness continues to inspire people nationwide. This is a story of heartbreak, love, and the power of community—showing that even the smallest act of kindness can grow into something with the power to change lives.

Tune in to hear Liz share personal insights, lessons learned, and the ongoing legacy that proves hope can endure, no matter the curveballs life throws our way.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Both Liz and Scott talk about the emotional transition from panic to action following their children’s diagnoses.
2. Liz mentioned holding in her emotions to stay in survival mode.
3. Alex’s vision for her lemonade stand evolved from helping herself to wanting to help all children with cancer.
4. The foundation has raised over $400 million for pediatric cancer research.
5. Community and human connection play a role in responding to trauma, according to both Liz and Scott.
6. Liz spoke about how trauma and loss changed her perspective on life, parenting, and relationships.
7. Alex’s quote, “I’m happy for what I have, not unhappy for what I don’t have,” resonated deeply with her parents.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Grateful Child Sparks a Cause

(05:24) Overwhelmed Caretakers' Emotional Journey

(07:32) Action vs. Emotion in Adversity

(12:00) Resilience and Selflessness in Crisis

(13:10) A Child’s Hope and Legacy

(19:21) Community Inspires Hope for Change

(21:17) Legacy, Connection, and Transformation

(23:30) Finding Gratitude Amid Grief

(28:41) The Second Mountain of Purpose

(31:22) Grateful Despite the Struggles

(33:42) Gratitude Shaping Kind Personalities

(36:27) Parenting Amid Loss and Balance

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich is joined by Caryn Hershleifer and her daughter, Jenn Goldman, who share their extraordinary story of resilience in the face of life-altering trauma. Just before turning 31, Jenn suffered a massive brain bleed that left her comatose and on the brink of death—sending her family into an unimaginable world of uncertainty. Together, Jenn and Caryn recount their experiences as chronicled in their powerful book, "In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing," and open up about the physical and emotional struggles they endured—alongside the surprising gifts that emerged from the crisis. Listen as they explore themes of grief, loss, hope, and neuroplasticity, revealing the profound ways adversity reshapes identity and relationships, and how a family found strength, purpose, and even blessings through the toughest curveball life could throw.

Listeners will Learn:

• Jenn described feeling as though her life was “falling apart” after her stroke.
• Both Jenn and her mom, Caryn Hershleifer, talk about the importance of family and support systems.
• Scott and Jenn touched on how trauma can affect relationships, sometimes leading to unexpected changes like breakups.
• Resilience was a recurring theme, especially in how Jenn described herself as “made of stone.”
• Caryn spoke about the “hidden grief” of caregivers when the person they love survives, but is forever changed.
• Neuroplasticity provided hope to Jenn in her recovery.
• Both guests highlight the importance of being “the CEO of your own health.”
• Scott mentioned the difference between “bouncing back” and “bouncing forward.”
• The conversation explored how support can be most meaningful when it’s direct and concrete, rather than just well-intentioned.

(00:00) Resilience After Catastrophe

(06:34) Emergency at Family Store

(09:02) Facing Trauma with Resilience

(12:28) Coping with Trauma and Recovery

(15:04) Lessons from Adversity

(19:48) "Web Weaver of Wellness"

(23:31) Unique Physical Therapy Journey

(26:30) Navigating Patience and Support

(30:25) Caregiver's Silent Grief

(31:45) Embracing Loss and Resilience

(35:22) Unimaginable Medical Struggles Discussed

(40:05) Trauma's Liberating Perspective Shift

(41:05) Neuroplasticity: Rewiring the Brain

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. Brent Fields, CEO of Morgan’s—a groundbreaking nonprofit championing inclusion for the disability community. In an incredibly candid and moving conversation, Brent opens up about his journey as a nonprofit leader and, more intimately, as the father of Chloe, his teenage daughter who lives with an ultra-rare genetic disease. Together, Scott and Brent explore the heartbreaking realities, everyday pivots, and unexpected gifts of parenting a child with severe special needs, touching on universal themes of hope, anticipatory grief, and the power of choice. Their raw, honest dialogue offers wisdom and empathy not just for families touched by rare disease, but for anyone navigating life’s toughest curveballs. Whether you’re seeking solidarity or inspiration to find purpose through adversity, this episode promises meaningful insight and authentic connection.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Both Scott Reich and Dr. Brent Fields talk about “anticipatory grief” and grieving losses that haven’t yet occurred.
• Brent refers to the “dichotomy” of hope and pain that defines his family’s journey.
• They discuss how Chloe's diagnosis changed Brent’s and his wife's career paths and family choices.
• The episode discusses the high rate of divorce among parents caring for severely disabled children.
• Brent describes the moment his family visited Morgan’s Wonderland, experiencing true inclusion for the first time.
• Both Scott and Brent mention how trauma or challenge leads to a “simplification” of life and priorities.
• Brent talks about the “power of choice” even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
• The episode touches on how well-meaning words from others can sometimes miss the mark.

Key Moments:

(00:00) A Father's Story: Rare Diagnosis

(05:58) Journey Through Diagnosis Challenges

(09:12) Living Through Uncertainty Together

(10:48) Living Between Grief and Hope

(14:08) Redefining Parenthood Through Grief

(20:47) Choreography of Hope and Access

(22:12) Initially Declining a Job Opportunity

(26:58) Never Bored, Always Grateful

(30:42) Managing Challenges with Simplicity

(34:14) Empathy Gained Through Family Experience

(35:48) Discussing Mortality with Our Son

(38:57) Understanding Others Through Communication

(43:59) Choosing Hope Amid Grief

(45:37) The Power of Small Choices

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Linda Beigel Schulman, a mother who has transformed personal tragedy into lifelong purpose and advocacy. Linda’s son, Scott Beigel, was a beloved teacher and cross country coach who gave his life to save 31 students during the Parkland school shooting on February 14, 2018. Through powerful storytelling, Linda shares Scott’s journey—from his formative years at summer camp and his unique approach to teaching, to the heroism that defined his final moments. She opens up about the suddenness of loss, the ongoing struggle for reasonable gun safety measures, and her relentless drive to honor Scott’s legacy through the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund, which sends underserved children impacted by gun violence to summer sleepaway camp. This moving conversation challenges us all to live with intention and reminds us of the impact one life, lived with heart, can have on countless others.

Listeners Will Learn:

• How Scott Beigel’s experiences at summer camp shaped his approach to teaching and building connections with students.
• Scott Beigel’s teaching style challenged traditional education methods, and how his students responded to his unique approach.
• Linda Beigel Schulman shares the moment she learned of her son’s death.
• The episode touches on the difference between “gun control” and “gun safety.”
• Linda Beigel Schulman channels her grief into advocacy.
• The impact of the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund: children affected by gun violence attending summer camp through the program.
• The episode highlights the importance of listening beyond your own perspective.
• Linda Beigel Schulman tells a powerful story about Scott’s assignment connecting students with relatives abroad.
• She shares lessons about living for today.
• Linda Beigel Schulman’s reasonable gun safety advocacy.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Rejected Position Over Teaching Restrictions

(04:08) Embracing the Unexpected Role

(07:47) Valentine's Day Unexpected Turn: Parkland Mass Shooting

(12:00) Autopsy Notification on Son

(14:09) “Show and Tell” is Key to Changing Hearts and Minds

(16:32) Gun Safety Amid Tragedy

(19:52) Scott's Sacrifice: Saved the Lives of 31 Students

(24:28) The Power of Open Dialogue

(28:57) Sending Kids to Summer Camp in Scott’s memory

(34:03) Live for Today

(36:17) Scott Beigel’s Enduring Legacy

Welcome to another episode of Curveball, where host Scott Reich explores how we handle life’s unexpected challenges through the real stories of people who have overcome unimaginable obstacles. In today’s episode, Steph Wagner joins Scott Reich to share her remarkable journey.

A former Wall Street investment banker and private equity professional, Steph Wagner stepped away from a high-powered career to raise her children, never expecting her planned “short break” to turn into 13 years away from the workforce. Life took an unexpected turn when she went through a painful divorce, forcing her to rebuild both her personal and financial world from the ground up. Through honest conversation, Steph Wagner reflects on resilience, the intersection of money and freedom, and the importance of self-love and independence—especially for women facing major life curveballs.

This episode dives deep into the emotional and practical realities of starting over, the lessons learned from adversity, and how Steph Wagner turned her own struggles into a mission to help other women achieve financial empowerment. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about finding strength in vulnerability, reclaiming your purpose, and learning to soar after life’s biggest setbacks.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Steph Wagner’s journey from a high-achieving Wall Street career to rebuilding her life after a painful divorce.
• The role of financial independence in personal empowerment, especially for women facing major life changes.
• Listeners will gain insights into how resilience, self-reflection, and confronting past trauma can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Listeners will also discover actionable advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and finding the confidence to start anew.
• The importance of self-care and loving oneself first in order to support others, particularly children, through adversity.
• The unique challenges women face around financial literacy, the cultural taboos surrounding money, and practical steps for building financial freedom.
• The inspiration behind Steph Wagner’s book, “Fly! A Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love,” and why she believes every woman deserves the tools, not just the rules, to reclaim their financial future.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Driven Through Challenges and Grit

(03:24) Building Resilience Through Experience

(08:31) Imposter Syndrome and Fulfillment

(12:04) Flipping the Script

(14:16) Defining Moment of Self-Motivation

(18:14) Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth

(21:26) Parenting Through Childhood Trauma

(25:17) Healing Starts With Self-Care

(26:53) Sit, Feel, Grow, Look Forward

(32:24) Fly: Financial Freedom and Liberation

(34:3) Reclaiming Financial Freedom

(38:33) Financial Freedom and Overcoming Challenges

(40:16) Battling Doubt, Embracing Dreams

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Guillermo Söhnlein, co-founder of OceanGate and a trailblazer in extreme exploration. In the aftermath of the tragic Titan submersible disaster—which claimed five lives during a daring dive to the Titanic—headlines focused on blame and controversy. A U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation later concluded that OceanGate’s safety procedures were “critically flawed,” citing serious shortcomings in the Titan’s design, certification, testing, maintenance, and inspection.

Guillermo, though no longer with the company at the time, takes listeners back to his role in founding OceanGate and witnessing both the rise and tragic fall of cutting-edge underwater exploration. Together, Scott and Guillermo explore the personal lessons, misunderstood facts, and deeper questions that disasters like the Titan implosion force us to reckon with. Get ready for a thoughtful conversation about how we face adversity, how we choose to respond, and what it really means to push the limits.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Guillermo Söhnlein describes the moment when his dream of being an astronaut ended due to his eyesight.
• The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, especially in dealing with personal setbacks.
• The episode uses a baseball analogy several times to describe life’s challenges.
• Guillermo Söhnlein took the unconventional step of dropping out of college seven weeks from graduation as an act of reclaiming control.
• Both Scott Reich and Guillermo Söhnlein reflect on how life’s challenges can provide opportunities for growth and resilience.
• The episode delves into the public narrative surrounding the Titan tragedy.
• Guillermo Söhnlein emphasizes that exploration, whether of space or the ocean, is driven by a vision greater than individual gain.
• The discussion compares innovation in emerging fields (like submersibles, autonomous vehicles, and space travel).
• Reflection on the episode’s closing thoughts about empathy and perspective.

Key Moments:

(05:27) Choose to Live Fully

(07:58) Growth Beyond Comfort Zones

(13:23) Stepping Out to Redefine Life

(16:03) The Blessing of Dropping Out

(19:19) Entrepreneurial Journey: OceanGate Origins

(26:30) Submersible Search: Media Challenges

(28:43) Defending OceanGate: A Split Debate

(32:15) Stockton's Legacy as Explorer

(35:42) Exploration Requires Courage and Sacrifice

(41:11) Inspiring Exploration and Innovation

(43:02) Offering Context Amid Division

Welcome to Curveball, where we dive deep into life's unexpected challenges and discover how to build resilience through real-life stories. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Dave Aizer—television host, public speaking coach, writer, TEDx speaker, and survivor of stage three melanoma. Beyond his on-screen career, Dave Aizer shares the raw and transformative journey that cancer threw his way.

We hear about the anxiety and vulnerability that came with his diagnosis, the physical impacts and mental hurdles—including battling Fry’s Syndrome—and how moments of crisis shaped his perspective on parenthood, purpose, and the power of not sweating the small stuff. Through humor, honesty, and practical advice, this episode explores how to embrace life's curveballs, build strength from adversity, and appreciate the everyday moments that make life truly meaningful.

Listeners Will Learn:

• “Survivor” doesn’t mean moving on—it means adapting. Dave Aizer talks about anxiety, recovery, and choosing to live fully, even when the past lingers.
• When vulnerability feels impossible, remember: sharing your scars connects you to others. Dave Aizer found power in opening up, not hiding away.
• A cancer diagnosis brought Dave Aizer face-to-face with his deepest fears, but humor helped him reclaim joy.
• The hardest part of illness? Waiting for answers. Scott Reich and Dave Aizer explore the “in-between”—and the importance of self-compassion.
• Dave Aizer didn’t just survive cancer—he learned to not sweat the small stuff and value every ordinary moment.
• Grief isn’t linear, and healing doesn’t follow a script. Therapy, community, and kindness can guide you when life knocks you flat.
• Physical scars reshape how we see ourselves. Dave Aizer found acceptance in sharing his story, reminding us that imperfection is still beautiful.
• Parenting after trauma means seeing every moment as precious. Scott Reich and Dave Aizer reflect on legacy, gratitude, and living for today.
• Mindset matters. Positive thinking, reframing anxiety, and asking for help aren’t just clichés—they’re lifelines for real growth.
• Resilience isn’t about being fearless—it’s about showing up, even when you’d rather hide. Every challenge makes you more human, more connected, and a little bit braver.

Key Moments:

(05:29) Mole, Biopsy, Cancer Diagnosis

(08:22) Melanoma Misunderstood: A Personal Story

(11:38) Surgery Saved Career and Life

(15:22) Melanoma Recovery and Anxiety

(18:06) Melanoma Awareness and Prevention Strategies

(21:57) Trauma's Transformative Perspective

(23:18) Perspective on Life's Fragility

(28:16) The Power of Asking Help

(31:59) Embracing Imperfection and Resilience

(35:02) Mind-Body Balance for Health

(37:25) Managing Stress Effectively

(40:27) Positive Prep for Public Speaking

(43:14) Actionable Support for Cancer Journeys

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Danielle Moss—mom of three, creative entrepreneur, and inspiring storyteller—for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Danielle takes us back to spring 2020, when, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and just weeks away from giving birth to her second child, her oldest daughter Margot was diagnosed with leukemia. Danielle opens up about navigating unimaginable challenges: the fear and isolation of a pediatric cancer diagnosis during a global health crisis, the impact on her mental health and marriage, and the difficult journey of supporting her family while processing loss, grief, and deferred dreams.

As she shares her story, Danielle reflects on the resilience it takes to endure—and grow through—life’s toughest curveballs. From finding connection with other families on the same path, to learning how to mother differently in the wake of trauma, Danielle’s honesty and vulnerability offer a beacon of hope to anyone facing adversity. Tune in for an inspiring look at survival, healing, and reclaiming joy in the midst of heartbreak.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Danielle Moss's experience navigating her daughter Margot’s leukemia diagnosis during the height of COVID while pregnant with her second child.
• How Danielle coped with unimaginable stress and uncertainty, including strategies for advocating within the medical system and supporting a child through intensive treatment.
• The emotional impact on family dynamics, marriage, and friendships—and how Danielle found support and connection with other parents facing pediatric cancer.
• Danielle’s journey of resilience, authenticity, and personal growth, including how past trauma and challenging relationships shaped her approach to motherhood.
• Practical advice for those facing traumatic upheaval, including the importance of self-compassion, finding peer support, and allowing space for deferred grief.
• The power of vulnerability and community, and how sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone during life’s biggest curveballs.
• Strategies Danielle used to maintain hope, process grief, and carve out moments of joy during an extended crisis.
• The challenges and complexities of parenting while managing anxiety, medical uncertainty, and personal mental health.
• Concrete tips for supporting friends or family who are experiencing trauma or serious illness, including what to say (and what not to say), and how to simply "be there" for someone in need.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Danielle Moss: Resilience and Renewal

(04:12) Facing Parenthood Amid Crisis

(08:5)1 Rethinking Second Opinions

(12:54) High-Risk Treatment Journey

(16:09) Processing Pain as a Parent

(19:46) Coping with Trauma and Survival

(22:52) Grief, Stress, and Finding Normalcy

(23:39) Processing Grief and Loss

(28:57) Pregnancy, Grief, and Parenthood Struggles

(33:23) Children Will Remember You

(35:46) Parental Struggles and Childhood Pain

(40:16) Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

(42:01) Permission to Heal Takes Time

(45:44) Embracing Growth Through Challenges