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 founder of The Everygirl, The Everymom, and Anecdote—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

Welcome back to Curveball, the podcast where life’s toughest challenges meet profound stories of resilience. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with motivational speaker Corey Warren, whose remarkable journey through addiction, loss, and ultimately recovery offers a powerful lens into the human spirit’s capacity to reinvent itself. From a childhood shaped by family turbulence and a quest for acceptance, to hitting rock bottom and transforming pain into purpose, Corey’s story isn’t just about battling substance abuse—it’s about discovering who you truly are when all the layers are peeled away.

Listen in as Corey opens up about his lowest moments, his path to self-love, and how he’s inspiring the next generation by speaking openly in schools, sharing honest lessons about belonging, finding fulfillment, and building real confidence. Whether you or someone you love is fighting their own battles, this conversation is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and hope for anyone seeking their own comeback.

• Corey talks about waking up one day deciding not to be an addict, but instead seeking a place to belong.
• The episode touches on how external validation shaped Corey’s self-perception.
• Corey describes how his father’s alcoholism and tumultuous lifestyle impacted his upbringing.
• Corey’s story includes moments where he tried to change his life by removing drugs, but then substituted them with alcohol.
• Corey’s “rock bottom” wasn’t one specific event, but realizing he needed to change for himself.
• Scott and Corey discuss the difference between “who” you are and “what” you are.
• Corey shares that he still struggles with people-pleasing and seeking certain family members’ approval.
• The episode references how Corey tries to parent in a way that encourages self-validation rather than constant praise.
• Corey’s journey includes sharing his story openly, both with students and his own children.
• Scott mentions the theme of “reinvention” and how Corey was able to reclaim his narrative.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Seeking Approval Through Addiction

(04:19) Adolescence, Belonging, and Loneliness

(07:47) Father’s Escape from a Nursing Home

(12:50) Alcohol, Addiction, and Redemption

(15:45) Facing the Root Problem

(18:54) Turning Trauma into Growth

(22:37) Seeking Approval as an Adult

(23:27) Validation and Perspective

(26:53) Seeking Validation for Decisions

(31:59) Validation Builds Confidence

(34:27) Reinvention and Redemption Journey

(38:54) Supportive Guidance and Unconditional Love

(41:17) Parenting for Resilience and Joy

(42:43) Tech Access for Children: Balance Over Restriction

(45:52) Growth Through Human Connection

On today’s episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Baratunde Thurston: best-selling author, comedian, and host of the podcast “How to Citizen.” Baratunde brings his signature blend of humor, honesty, and depth to conversations about race, democracy, and belonging, making tough topics feel both personal and urgent.

Together, Scott and Baratunde dive into the transformative power of humor, the complexities of “citizening,” and the bittersweet journey of reconciling with our parents as we grow into ourselves—even beyond the lives and limitations they lived. Baratunde shares stories from his childhood in Washington D.C., his experience processing the traumatic loss of his father, and the extraordinary sacrifices of his mother, whose strengths and flaws helped shape his perspective on empathy, resilience, and love.

From exploring how we rewrite our personal narratives to reimagining what it means to be a citizen in an age where technology is reshaping society, this episode is a heartfelt discussion about agency, compassion, and self-discovery. Get ready for laughter, raw truth, and plenty of thought-provoking insights—because this conversation will inspire you to reflect on your own curveballs and the hidden opportunities for growth within them.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Baratunde spoke honestly about his father’s absence and loss.
• The episode explores the concept of ‘citizening’ as an active verb.
• Baratunde uses humor as a tool for activism.
• Baratunde described his mother as both a hero and a complex individual with flaws.
• The discussion touched on reframing negative experiences and finding meaning in adversity.
• Scott and Baratunde talked about the importance of empathy and recognizing that everyone carries unseen burdens.
• Baratunde acknowledged that he had placed his mother on a pedestal in his earlier work, only later realizing the value of seeing her more fully.
• The episode discussed the challenges of intergenerational understanding, especially with the rise of technology and social media.
• Baratunde’s relationship with his partner, Elizabeth, helped him see new dimensions of love and vulnerability.
• The conversation concluded with thoughts on civic responsibility in the face of emerging artificial intelligence and social change.

Key Moments:

(08:40) Finding Meaning After Loss

(10:56) Empathy, Connection, and Societal Tragedy

(13:00) Finding Growth Through Loss

(16:18) Trauma's Impact on Mind & Body

(20:00) Breaking Family Trauma Cycles

(25:53) Recognizing Parental Fallibility

(26:40) Navigating Trauma and Growth

(32:49) Knowing Is Essential to Love

(36:05) Love Languages and Growth

(38:02) Adults Processing Struggles Transparently

(42:05) Baratunde on Relationships and Technology

(45:30) "Future, Morality, and Human Connection

(46:53) Society Over Market Priorities

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Adam Greenberg, the former Major League Baseball player whose unforgettable journey redefines what it means to persevere through life’s biggest challenges. Adam shares his story growing up as one of five kids in Connecticut, dreaming of one day making it to the big leagues—and the pivotal moments that shaped his path, from competing at UNC to getting drafted by the Chicago Cubs.

But Adam’s baseball dream took a dramatic turn when, on the very first pitch of his Major League debut, he was hit in the head by a 92 mph fastball—a devastating setback that instantly changed the course of his career. In this candid and moving conversation, Adam recounts the resilience and mental toughness it took not only to recover from that moment, but to fight for a second chance at the plate seven years later.

Together, Scott and Adam dive deep into the psychology of adversity, the power of attitude, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right kind of support. Adam’s reflections aren’t just about baseball—they’re about how any of us can face life’s curveballs, find hope, and keep moving forward, no matter what stands in our way.

Tune in for a powerful story of grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a dream that’s so much bigger than one at bat.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Adam talked about being a multi-sport athlete as a child and only specializing at age 13.
• Adam described his first at bat at UNC as a defining moment because of how he handled initial failure.
• The episode discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people.
• Adam broke down the journey to the major leagues into three "buckets"—those with transcendent talent, those in the middle who need drive and consistency, and those with less raw talent.
• The story of Adam’s MLB debut—getting hit in the head with a pitch on his first pitch—was dramatic and traumatic.
• Adam spoke about perseverance as a gift that everyone has, but that needs to be worked on like a skill.
• The concept of “attitude is your decision” was a key message in this conversation.
• The “One At Bat” campaign showed how larger communities can rally around an individual’s story.
• Adam reflects on how his experience brought him new opportunities and perspectives he may not have otherwise had, calling it a “blessing.”

Key Moments:

(00:00) Baseball Sparked My Love for Stats

(05:18) Perseverance Leads to Freshman Success

(09:39) Moving on from Past Mistakes

(12:39) Focus and Resilience in Sports

(15:41) Follow Your Passion

(17:45) Positive Mindset: Influenced by Environment

(23:18) Winning and Teamwork Mindset

(26:26) Instinctual Processing in Baseball

(29:15) Concussion Check: Three Key Questions

(30:53) Life's Transformative Inflection Point

(36:48) Knuckleball Challenge at Marlins Game

(38:31) Life's Unpredictable Paths

(40:57) Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities

(44:11) Train Your Mind Positively

On this episode of Curveball, we’re joined by Wendy Sachs, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker whose life and career took a dramatic turn after the October 7th, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. As the world grappled with the tragic events and their aftermath, Wendy witnessed not only unimaginable violence, but also a disturbing surge in antisemitism across the United States—much of it hitting close to home, both personally and professionally. In response, she felt compelled to create the documentary October 8, a searing chronicle of this rise in hatred and the troubling silence from some of America’s most influential circles.

In this powerful conversation, Wendy opens up about harnessing the pain of failure, learning resilience, and confronting silence with action. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her film, the challenges faced by Jewish students on college campuses, and the double standards driving today’s anti-Zionist rhetoric. Wendy also shares what it’s been like to parent through this turbulent time, how storytelling can shape our collective understanding, and what’s next with her new project, Poison Ivy, an exploration of ideology within academia.

Whether you’re seeking understanding, inspiration, or just a real and honest conversation about the fault lines in our world today, this episode is not to be missed. Listen in as Wendy Sachs and host Scott Reich discuss truth, resilience, and the urgent call to speak out—even when it means facing life’s toughest curveballs.

Listeners Will Learn:

● Wendy talks about her TED Talk on "Harnessing the Power of Humiliation."

● After the October 7th attacks in Israel, Wendy felt compelled to create a documentary. October 8, her film, focuses on the surge in antisemitism after the attacks.

● Wendy mentions the silence of advocacy groups and colleagues after the attacks, even when they are usually vocal about other issues.

● The documentary consciously avoids "litigating the war" or discussing ongoing political disputes in Israel and Gaza.

● Wendy describes the evolution of antisemitism—from religious roots to “fanatical anti-Zionism.”

● As a mother, Wendy reflects on her absence from home due to the demands of making the film, but also on being a role model for her children.

● Wendy discusses the need to “meet audiences where they are,” citing TikTok as a particularly influential platform for young people.

● Wendy shares advice about persisting through failure and the unique societal pressures women face.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Celebrating Failure: Women's Empowerment

(04:23) Resilience Through Artistic Failure

(07:46) Epic Tragedy Unfolds in Israel

(10:02) Silent Activism: A Missed Response

(15:54) Universities' Accountability and Financial Pressures

(17:14) Antisemitism and Political Realignment Conflation

(21:51) Horseshoe Theory and Antisemitism

(24:01) Exploring Academia's Underlying Issues

(29:01) Jewish Identity and Family Rituals

(30:07) Technology's Impact: Storytelling & Society

(34:08) Overcoming Self-Doubt and Comparison

(37:22) Normalizing Female Leadership

Welcome back to Curveball. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Denise Woodard, the remarkable founder and CEO of Partake Foods—the company known for its delicious, allergy-friendly cookies and snacks found in stores nationwide. Denise, who became the first Black woman to raise over $1 million for a consumer packaged goods startup, opens up about the personal and professional journey that led her to launch Partake Foods.

Before founding her own company, Denise built a successful corporate career at Coca-Cola, where she worked with high-growth, mission-driven brands. She shares with Scott how her time in the corporate world gave her valuable insights into the food and beverage industry—but it was her daughter Vivian’s (Vivi’s) frightening, life-threatening food allergies that inspired Denise to make a bold career pivot. When Denise struggled to find safe, tasty snacks that Vivi could eat—free from common allergens like nuts, eggs, and even corn—she realized both a personal calling and a business opportunity to fill a critical gap for so many families.

Together, Denise and Scott discuss the challenges of launching a startup from scratch: from the hustle of pitch competitions and crowdfunding to the sacrifices Denise made—including selling her engagement ring—to get Partake Foods off the ground. Denise talks about navigating limited allergy-friendly manufacturing options, the loneliness and resilience entrepreneurship can demand, and the unexpected moments of luck and support, like a timely venture investment from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners.

Tune in to hear how Denise’s blend of corporate know-how and personal mission fueled the creation of a brand that brings joy, safety, and community to food-allergy families—and what it takes to turn life’s biggest curveballs into breakthroughs.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Denise drew inspiration from her father’s entrepreneurial journey but initially pursued corporate life.
• After discovering her daughter’s life-threatening food allergies, Denise realized there was a gap in the market for allergy-friendly snacks.
• Martha, the family’s nanny, played a crucial role in encouraging Denise to take action.
• Denise spoke candidly about going “all in” financially—including selling her engagement ring—to fund her business.
• Serendipity, or fate, came up multiple times in Denise’s story, such as her encounter in the zoo line and receiving investment from Jay Z’s Marcy Venture Partners.
• Both Denise and Scott highlighted the emotional toll and loneliness that can accompany entrepreneurship and mission-driven work.
• Asking for help—and knowing how to do so effectively—was a central theme.
• Diversity and inclusion were important to Denise, both personally and professionally.
• Resilience and grit are often cited as essential qualities for entrepreneurs.
• Now that Partake Foods is a nationally distributed brand, Denise is thinking about new products and greater impact.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Childhood Allergies: A Serious Concern

(04:02) Start Your Own Business

(07:56) Entrepreneurship: A Family Affair

(10:12) Entrepreneurship's Spiritual Journey

(16:30) Loneliness of Leadership Pressures

(17:30) Mastering the Art of Refusal

(22:24) Commit Fully or Hold Back

(26:02) Success Through Connection and Action

(26:59) Encouraging Action in Overcoming Challenges

(30:39) Parenting's Impact on Entrepreneurship

(34:44) Diversity Challenges in Leadership

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