On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Evan Schwerbrock, known to many as “The Blind Strongman.” When Evan suddenly lost his vision in 2014 due to a rare genetic disorder, his life was turned upside down. Rather than let blindness define him, Evan found a new purpose—building Cane and Able Fitness, a global platform dedicated to empowering visually impaired individuals through accessible fitness, community, and personal growth. He also competes in strongman competitions and won the title of Illinois’ Strongest Man in 2019.

In this inspiring conversation, Evan opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of adapting to life without sight, the surprising lessons he’s learned about resilience, and the importance of treating people as more than just their disabilities. Together, Scott and Evan explore how the curveballs life throws at us can sometimes lead to unexpected strength, deeper empathy, and bold new paths forward.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. When Evan lost his vision suddenly, he chose to pause and process the news rather than rush into action.
2. Evan describes the emotional shift from focusing on fun in workouts to using exercise as therapy.
3. Evan’s experiences in the strongman community were overwhelmingly positive, with people focusing on adaptation rather than limitation.
4. Cane and Able Fitness was founded to bridge gaps in fitness knowledge and community for the visually impaired.
5. Evan talked about shifting values from pursuing a traditional strength and conditioning career to finding purpose in serving the disabled community.
6. The episode highlights both the kindness of strangers and the misunderstandings people often have about disabilities.
7. Evan calls attention to practical improvements needed in society, like accessible crosswalks and inclusive infrastructure.

Key Moments:

00:00 Adapting to Vision Challenges

05:39 Swing and Miss Moment

09:37 Processing Emotions with Intentional Calm

10:32 Pause After Life's Curveballs

16:42 Finding Connection Amid Division

19:38 Navigating Fitness Spaces

22:43 Passion Beyond Doubts

26:15 Person-First, Not Disability-First

29:36 Abilities Beyond Limitations

32:25 Inclusive Infrastructure for the Blind

38:12 Blindness Inspires Accessibility Changes

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with longevity advocate and "reluctant biohacker" Julie Gibson Clark, whose story is a testament to the power of mindset and personal reinvention. Julie shares her journey from structural engineering to global entrepreneurship, all while navigating health struggles, family changes, and a relentless drive to live well for longer.

This conversation digs into the practical side of longevity—how anyone can start building a healthier, longer life without million-dollar budgets or fancy shortcuts. Julie and Scott explore accessible tools like fasting, supplements, exercise, and most critically, the importance of knowing your "why." Whether you’re looking to make small changes or dramatic pivots, Julie’s lived experience and positive, adventure-driven mindset offer inspiration and clarity for anyone facing their own curveballs.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Julie describes herself as a “reluctant biohacker.”
2. She experienced several career pivots before finding her passion in longevity.
3. Julie talks about discovering health issues in her early thirties and questioning the mainstream medical approach.
4. Both speakers discuss the concept of “healthspan” versus “lifespan.”
5. Julie emphasizes starting with mindset and knowing your “why” before embarking on a health journey.
6. The episode highlights gradual change—forming habits one small step at a time.
7. Julie participated in the Rejuvenation Olympics with a modest budget compared to others in longevity circles.
8. Fasting and autophagy (the process in which cells clean out damaged components) are discussed as key practices for longevity.
9. Chronic inflammation is mentioned as a major health concern.
10. Both Julie and Scott talk about reframing life’s curveballs as opportunities for adventure and learning.

Key Moments:

07:08 Stress, Health, and a Wake-Up Call

15:25 Longevity and Quality of Life

18:08 Achieving Longevity on a Budget

23:01 Fasting Triggers Cellular Self-Repair

27:17 Biohacking for All Ages

30:03 Prioritize Sleep, Then Wellness

33:18 Small Steps, Big Transformation

35:21 Finding Your Deep Why

39:42 Balancing Adventure and Reflection

41:37 Julie’s Insight on Longevity

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. Rachel Goldman, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at NYU, to talk about her new book, When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free.

Together, they explore the science behind how our minds and bodies respond to stress, why we get stuck in unhelpful cycles, and how small mindset shifts can have a big impact on our resilience. Dr. Goldman shares practical, evidence-based tools for breaking procrastination, building self-awareness, and responding with intention rather than simply reacting when life throws the unexpected our way. If you’re looking for ways to manage stress and navigate life’s inevitable curveballs, this conversation is full of relatable insights and actionable advice.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Dr. Rachel Goldman describes how her initial career path was far from psychology and that witnessing disordered eating behaviors among dancers sparked her curiosity to study clinical psychology.
2. Dr. Goldman explains the core principle of cognitive behavioral therapy: our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all linked, and small shifts in one can impact the others.
3. Scott Reich and Dr. Goldman discuss how sleep quality significantly affects mood, energy, eating habits, and daily motivation.
4. Dr. Goldman shares that people often "get stuck" in patterns due to their thoughts, and the first step to change is acknowledging when something is no longer working.
5. The conversation addresses the challenge of resistance to change, noting that readiness often has to come from within and can’t be forced by others.
6. Regular, intentional self-check-ins—such as asking “What do I need right now?”—are described as simple, yet powerful tools for greater self-awareness and adaptability.
7. Dr. Goldman recommends anticipating potential challenges and having a plan, highlighting that even if things don’t go as planned, being prepared can reduce stress.
8. Scott emphasizes that procrastination and avoidance are natural responses; our brains are wired to prefer familiarity and comfort, especially when facing uncertainty.
9. Both Scott and Dr. Goldman reflect on the importance of breaking down daunting tasks into the smallest possible steps in order to overcome overwhelm and build momentum.
10. The conversation concludes on the note that accepting life’s chaos and unpredictability, practicing self-forgiveness, and focusing on small mindset shifts can foster resilience and positive change.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Exploring Mind-Body Health

(08:03) Readiness for Change

(12:58) Pause, Reflect, Prepare

(14:28) Facing Life's Unexpected Curveballs

(20:05) Just Start for 5 Minutes

(20:51) Overcoming Overwhelm with Action

(25:53) Do the Hard Thing First

(28:13) Listening to Your Inner Needs

(30:57) Embracing Chaos and Optimism

(36:14) Perspective, Priorities, and Self-Grace

(37:05) Ability to Adapt Over Time

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. Ellen Langer, the Harvard professor often called the "mother of mindfulness." Prepare to rethink everything you know about the mind-body connection—Dr. Langer insists there’s no “connection” at all, only mind-body unity. In this wide-ranging and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Langer breaks down the true meaning of mindfulness (hint: it’s not meditation), explains why most of us live on autopilot, and shares surprising scientific studies that show just how much our mindset shapes our health, happiness, and even how quickly our wounds heal.

Along the way, she covers practical tools to see the world—and our problems—in new ways, tackles tough topics like regret and loss, and offers a hopeful message: we have more agency over our lives than we realize. Whether you’re curious about the science of aging, dealing with stress, or just looking to feel more present, you’ll come away from this conversation equipped to view life’s challenges through a very different, and incredibly empowering, lens.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Dr. Langer differentiates between “mindfulness” as she studies it and mindfulness achieved through meditation, highlighting the key differences and how these impact engagement with the world.
2. According to Dr. Langer, education often encourages mindlessness by teaching us to seek certainties, and this can be recognized in personal experiences with learning and knowledge.
3. Dr. Langer’s challenge to the idea that “1 plus 1 always equals 2” serves as an illustration of her broader message about uncertainty and the importance of perspective.
4. Actively noticing new things, as Dr. Langer suggests, can improve relationships by making people feel seen and cared for, and this can be incorporated into daily interactions in small, practical ways.
5. The shift from “mind-body connection” to “mind-body unity,” as emphasized by Dr. Langer, offers a new perspective that can fundamentally change the way we interpret health and illness.
6. Dr. Langer’s definition of regret and her approach to navigating negative feelings about the past provide new strategies for moving forward constructively.
7. Recognizing that “behavior makes sense from the actor’s perspective” encourages a more compassionate and understanding view of both personal actions and the actions of others.
8. Dr. Langer’s argument that stress is more a result of perception than circumstance opens the possibility for managing stress through reframing thoughts and interpretations.
9. Dr. Langer’s perspective that even in cases of deep loss or tragedy, our experiences are shaped by the meanings we assign and how we fill voids, offers a powerful approach to resilience and coping.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Mindfulness vs. Meditation Explained

(04:49) How to Truly Be Present

(09:04) Questioning Certainties and Assumptions

(10:44) Questioning Rules and Perspectives

(15:20) The Mindful Body Experiments

(19:25) Mindfulness and Understanding Regret

(22:13) Valuing Traits and Behavioral Choices

(25:07) Finding Goodness in Loss

(29:12) Breaking Mindlessness Through Awareness

(30:54) Tragedy or Inconvenience?

(35:02) Intentions Shape Life's Outcomes

(37:28) Ellen Langer's Pursuit of Happiness

On this compelling episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with trauma specialist and author Jordan Meyer for a conversation that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. Before he was helping others overcome adversity, Jordan was a 16-year-old high school star athlete whose life took a dramatic turn after a catastrophic accident left him temporarily paralyzed. In this episode, Jordan opens up about rebuilding his identity from scratch—beyond sports, popularity, and the expectations he once held for himself.

Together, they explore the complex layers of trauma, resilience, and the journey of piecing together a new sense of self after everything familiar has been stripped away. Jordan shares his hard-earned wisdom not only as a clinician but as someone who’s lived through and studied trauma firsthand. You’ll hear insights on the importance of control, commitment, and challenge in the process of recovery, as well as practical advice for those raising children or navigating their own challenges. This conversation is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and grow—and a reminder that devastation does not have to define our story.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Jordan Meyer’s accident at age 16 fundamentally changed not only his physical abilities but also his sense of identity and self-worth.
2. Trauma can alter our perception of the world, affecting repeated patterns in relationships and self-esteem, as reflected in Jordan’s experiences.
3. The loss of social connections following Jordan’s accident highlights how external validation and popularity impact a teenager’s sense of self.
4. The three principles of resilience—control, commitment, and challenge—were central to Jordan’s recovery and therapeutic work, each offering unique value in facing adversity.
5. Both Scott and Jordan described immediately projecting future losses after trauma, illustrating the tendency to think beyond the present in moments of crisis.
6. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in fostering unconditional love and worth in their children, as emphasized by Jordan’s advice to avoid conditional love.
7. Trauma differs from psychological challenges like anxiety and depression in its long-term impact, requiring trauma-specific therapy and specialized approaches.
8. Trauma creates “lenses” that color how individuals view their lives, and a single event can profoundly change one’s perspective of the world.
9. Identity crises commonly occur at transition points in life, such as adolescence, early adulthood, middle age, retirement, and later years, necessitating reflection and adaptive strategies.

Key Moments:

(06:18) From Fame to Identity Loss

(08:55) Redefining Self Beyond Circumstances

(10:04) Trauma, Time, and Perspective

(14:09) Embracing Control After Trauma

(18:46) Reflections on Loss and Legacy

(20:58) Reconnecting Mind and Body Healing

(25:14) Unconditional Self-Worth Overcomes Sabotage

(26:55) Rebuilding Sense of Self

(32:13) Life Beyond High School Football

(34:02) Life's Forge of Transformation

On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich welcomes Kalina Silverman, the creator of Big Talk—a movement dedicated to skipping small talk in favor of meaningful, life-affirming connections. What started as Kalina’s personal quest to combat loneliness has grown into a global project, touching schools, workplaces, and communities around the world. In this conversation, Kalina shares her powerful journey from aspiring war correspondent to catalyst for deeper human interaction. She opens up about what led her to pursue “Big Talk,” how asking vulnerable questions helped her find purpose, and the surprising lessons she’s learned from conversations with people from all walks of life. Together, Scott and Kalina explore why meaningful connection matters, how small moments can carry enormous value, and practical ways we can all bring a little more depth and hope to our everyday lives.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Kalina Silverman’s transition from aspiring war journalist to creator of Big Talk was sparked by personal experiences, demonstrating how unexpected events can lead to meaningful shifts in purpose.
2. The concept of “Big Talk” directly challenges traditional norms of small talk and superficial interaction, encouraging a culture of deeper conversation.
3. Big Talk serves as a “passport to humanity,” offering tools to overcome loneliness and isolation by creating genuine connections.
4. Intentional, meaningful conversations are depicted as powerful vehicles for both external connection with others and internal self-discovery.
5. Questions like “What are you proud of?” or “What do you want to do before you die?” are effective at opening people up for deeper connections and vulnerability.
6. Finding purpose can begin with following curiosities and taking small steps, as described by Kalina’s personal journey and advice.
7. There are recognizable patterns and common threads in people’s responses during Big Talk conversations, regardless of background or status, highlighting universal human experiences.
8. Many people place their dreams on hold, but Kalina emphasizes that working toward them in small, attainable steps can make a meaningful difference.
9. Reframing the idea of “currency” from financial to social/self-worth has a powerful effect on the choices people make and their sense of fulfillment in life.
10. Introducing Big Talk-style prompts and themes into workplaces, schools, or communities has the potential to positively impact culture and relationships by fostering authenticity and connection.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Big Talk: Deeper Connections Experiment

(04:51) Seeking Depth in Connections

(06:38) Trains, Strangers, and Big Talk

(12:45) Rewiring Thoughts Through Intentionality

(15:27) Shared Humanity Through Big Talk

(16:47) Who We Are vs. What

(21:53) Currency Beyond Money: Connection

(25:37) Moving Past Regret: First Steps

(27:08) Focus on Internal Fulfillment

(31:30) Pause, Imagine, Play

(34:09) Finding Light in Challenges

(37:39) Missing Devoted Grandparents

(39:29) Learning to Be Candid

(43:53) Finding Purpose Through Connection

(47:23) Finding Meaning in Moments

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich welcomes Taryn Smith—a woman who turned her ordinary twenties into the adventure of a lifetime. Raised in landlocked Nebraska with no rowing experience, Taryn set out to do the unimaginable: row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Over 46 days and 3,000 miles, she crossed vast open water largely under favorable ocean conditions—yet even calm seas couldn’t lessen the magnitude of the journey. Alone on a small boat in the middle of the ocean, Taryn discovered something unexpected: she had never felt less alone in her life.

In their conversation, Taryn reflects on how curiosity, a love of being a beginner, and an unshakable mindset carried her from suburban boredom to oceanic triumph, making her the first American woman to complete the World's Toughest Row solo. She shares how solitude transformed into connection, how preparation met perspective on the open water, and why resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about embracing growth.

Taryn also discusses the power of community, the importance of embracing failure, her partnership with Girls on the Run, and her hopes of inspiring the next generation to chase bold goals of their own. Her story is a reminder that adventure—and self-discovery—doesn’t always require perfect conditions, just the courage to begin.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Taryn found inspiration in a Vogue story about women rowing the Pacific and realized that “anything is possible” for those willing to try.
2. She signed up for the row having never even stepped foot in a rowboat!
3. Three years of intense training, fundraising, and learning went into making this dream a reality.
4. Taryn shares candid reflections on failure, persistence, and the solitude found in preparation.
5. Despite the brutal challenge and physical exhaustion, Taryn describes her time at sea as pure joy—unplugged from society, embracing nature, and feeling a freedom she hadn’t experienced since childhood.
6. The journey wasn’t just personal. Taryn partnered with Girls on the Run, raising awareness for girls’ empowerment through sport.
7. She brought her community with her—virtually, emotionally, and through her mom’s social media posts.
8. Taryn’s insights remind us that adventure is a mindset, not a destination.
9. She emphasizes the power of community, the necessity of asking for and giving help, and finding meaning in small, daily actions.
10. Whether your adventure is across an ocean or simply leaving your comfort zone, Taryn encourages everyone to “chase your wildest, boldest dreams” and to appreciate the beauty in the unknown.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Ocean Rowing Dream Fulfilled

(03:29) Born for Adventure

(07:26) Rediscovering Inner Humanity Today

(11:45) Empowering Girls Through Sports

(14:39) Creating Everyday Adventure

(19:20) The Strength in Seeking Help

(22:16) Voice Messages Strengthen Friendships

(25:30) Embracing Failure and Imperfection

(29:41) Exploration: Spirit, Space, Future

(31:18) Perspective from Space's Vastness

On this episode of Curveball, Scott Reich sits down with Julia Krispeal, a powerhouse in Long Island, New York, real estate and mother of two whose life was turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed with ALS. Julia shares her raw, honest journey through heartbreak, uncertainty, and resilience—from searching the country for answers, to raising her young sons while caring for her ailing husband, to ultimately finding strength and clarity in the face of unimaginable loss. Get ready for an inspiring story about navigating the unknown, redefining what matters, and the enduring impact of empathy and hope.

What Listeners Will Learn:

1. Julia Krispeal describes the lengthy and stressful process of getting an ALS diagnosis for her husband.
2. Julia’s young children adapted to their father's illness with grace.
3. The episode explores anticipatory grief—the process of grieving before an actual loss.
4. Julia mentions the importance of self-care for caregivers.
5. The conversation touches on friends and family who show up during times of crisis—and those who don’t.
6. Julia became involved in every aspect of her husband's care, but also involved her children in practical caregiving tasks.
7. Both Scott and Julia reflect on what kinds of support are truly helpful during a family crisis.
8. Throughout the episode, Julia discusses resilience.
9. She hints at writing a book about her journey.

Key Moments:

(00:00) ALS Journey and Family Struggles

(05:19) Challenges of Medical Diagnoses

(09:33) ALS Diagnosis: Unforgettable Moment

(12:23) Empathy Through Adversity

(13:39) Resilience Through Life's Challenges

(18:06) Living as an ALS Caregiver

(21:43) Navigating Parenthood's Complex Choices

(25:08) Acceptance of Others' Limitations

(27:26) Helping Without Asking

(29:51) Control Reactions, Not Distractions