From Adrenaline Junkie to Global Peacebuilder: John Graham's Journey to Meaningful Living

From Adrenaline Junkie to Global Peacebuilder: John Graham's Journey to Meaningful Living

What does it take to go from hitchhiking through a revolution at 19, scaling the deadly North Wall of Denali at 20, and surviving violent conflict in Vietnam — to becoming one of the world's leading voices for peace, purpose, and citizen action? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with John Graham — Foreign Service officer, global peacebuilder, and 42-year leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project — for a raw and inspiring conversation about adventure, transformation, and the search for meaning. In this episode, you'll learn: * · How John went from adrenaline-fueled risk-taker to compassionate peace advocate * · Why he helped engineer the UN plan that contributed to ending apartheid in South Africa * · The difference between smart risk-taking and reckless risk-taking — and the 6-step framework to know the difference * · How the Giraffe Heroes Project inspires everyday people to "stick their necks out" and solve tough public problems * · Why building trust is the single most important leadership skill most people overlook * · How to find real meaning in your life — no matter your age or circumstances John's memoir, Quest: Risk, Adventure and the Search for Meaning, and his video series Badass Granddad (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) bring these lessons to a global audience. John's Bio and Contact Information John Graham shipped out on a freighter when he was 16, hitchhiked through the Algerian Revolution at 19 and was on the team that made the first ascent of Denali’s North Wall at 20, a climb so dangerous it’s never been repeated. He hitchhiked around the world at 22, working as a correspondent in every war he came across. A US Foreign Service Officer for 15 years, he was in the middle of the 1969 revolution in Libya and the war in Vietnam. To the young Graham, adventure was everything, and each brush with death only pushed him to up the ante—and to bury ever deeper the emotional life needed to make him whole. Then it began to change. At the United Nations he risked his career, crossing his own government to support initiatives for peace and justice in Asia, Africa and Cuba, including engineering a UN plan that helped end apartheid in South Africa. As a global peace builder, post Foreign Service, he contributed to peace efforts in Israel/Palestine. For the last 42 years he’s been a leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project, a global movement inspiring people to stick their necks out to solve public problems and giving them tools to succeed (giraffe.org [http://giraffe.org]). His speeches, blogs, podcasts and interviews have a global audience. Connect with John Graham: 🌐 johngraham.org [http://johngraham.org] | giraffe.org [http://giraffe.org] If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who's searching for more purpose in their life — and leave us a rating or review. Your support makes all the difference. 🎙️ Teaching Journeys Podcast — where extraordinary lives teach extraordinary lessons. To find out more about Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com [http://davidrobertsmsw.com]

Rob Schwartz on Mental Health Stigma, Japanese Culture, and Building a Life That Matters

What can 30 years living in Japan and Indonesia teach us about mental health, respect, and what it means to live a meaningful life? In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back writer, producer, and entrepreneur Rob Schwartz — son of Morrie Schwartz of Tuesdays with Morrie fame — for a wide-ranging conversation that connects Eastern philosophy, cultural identity, and the growing mental health crisis in America. Rob shares his remarkable journey from studying Eastern philosophy in university to building a decades-long career in Japan as a film journalist, Billboard Magazine Asia correspondent, NHK World TV script editor, and record label founder. He unpacks the profound differences between Japanese, Indonesian, and American culture — from Confucian values and group identity to the stigma surrounding mental health in East Asia. The conversation also explores Rob's work with the One Humanity Foundation, a global movement to raise mental health awareness, his innovative virtual reality startup Moshpit XR, and the timeless wisdom of his father Morrie Schwartz — whose philosophy that relationships, not money, are the true source of happiness continues to resonate worldwide. In this episode: • Why Japan and Indonesia place such a high value on respect — and what America can learn from it • How Confucianism shapes mental health culture across China, Japan, and Korea • The stigma of therapy in Japan and why it's keeping people from getting help • Morrie Schwartz's philosophy on love, relationships, and creating your own culture • Moshpit XR: the future of virtual concerts and photorealistic real estate tours • The One Humanity Foundation and the butterfly symbol for mental health awareness Rob Schwartz Bio and Contact Information Rob Schwartz is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. His work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Interview and Melody Maker, among many others. He was a script editor at NHK World TV in Japan for fourteen years and has was an Asia Correspondent for Billboard magazine from 2007 to 2022. In 2005 he founded the electro-rock crossover label Dynastic Records in Japan. Rob produces feature films, including Putty Hill (2010) and Bernard and Huey (2017); Stay (2018) , Touched By Water. Rob actively invests in tech-based startups; and is currently a partner and the chief strategy officer in the virtual concert-creation platform Moshpit (www.Moshpit.Live [http://www.Moshpit.Live]). Putty Hill won a host of awards and the New Yorker magazine chose as one of its Top Ten Films for 2011. Recently Rob edited, wrote essays for, and published The Wisdom of Morrie (2023), a book authored by his father Morrie Schwartz (of Tuesdays with Morrie). Links to our previous episode : YouTube [https://youtu.be/lrSK8VvzOWU] Other Platforms * [https://rss.com/podcasts/theteachingjourneys/1778242/] *Hit the "Listen On "button to find your favorite podcast platform. CONNECT WITH ROB SCHWARTZ: The Wisdom of Morrie: wisdomofmorrie.com [http://wisdomofmorrie.com] Moshpit XR: moshpit.live [http://moshpit.live] Cenneto (Real Estate VR): cenneto.com [http://cenneto.com] One Humanity Foundation: onehumanity.one [http://onehumanity.one] Email: gangamati@gmail.com [gangamati@gmail.com]

Creativity, Leadership & the Power of Play at Work: A Conversation With Carl Walsh

What does British theater have to do with business leadership? More than you'd think. In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back award-winning actor, director, and business coach Carl Walsh for a deep dive into creativity, innovation, and the leadership principles that separate great managers from truly inspiring leaders. Carl draws on 20 years in the British theater, 25 years in corporate management, and 15 years as a professional speaker to explore: • Why most adults think they've "lost" their creativity — and how to get it back • How Disney built a culture where no one pointed fingers and everyone solved problems together • The "happy mistake" philosophy that transformed a theater scene into the biggest laugh of the show • Why failure is not inefficiency — and how experimentation drives breakthrough innovation • The critical difference between managing and leading (and why 60% of the workforce has "quietly quit") • How to balance creativity with efficiency without sacrificing either • What AI, improv comedy, and focus groups have in common when it comes to innovation • Why diversity of thought — not groupthink — is a business superpower Whether you're a small business owner, team leader, or someone looking to reignite your own creative spark, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and memorable stories. Connect with Carl Walsh: carl@wearealphadogs.com [carl@wearealphadogs.com] Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow leader who needs to hear it. . Carl's Bio and Contact Information Carl Walsh is a speaker, consultant, and business coach who blends theatrical expertise with corporate leadership. With 20 years as an award-winning actor and director, 25 years in corporate management—including as an IT Director—and 15 years as a professional speaker, he brings dynamic storytelling and strategic insight to business growth. As the co-host of The Oval Table podcast and co-founder of Alpha Dogs Small Business Coaching, Carl helps small businesses foster creativity, improve communication, and apply lessons from the theater to leadership and innovation. A certified Red Team Thinking coach, he challenges teams to think critically and adapt in a rapidly changing world. Connect with Carl Walsh and learn more about Dogologic: Email: OvalTableTeam@gmail. To connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com

Life With Less of Me: Julianna Burmesch on Childhood Trauma, PTSD, and Breaking Generational Cycles

In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Julianna Burmesch — former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, and author of the memoir Life With Less of Me (releasing June 23rd). Julianna shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a home marked by alcoholism, physical abuse, and chronic unpredictability — and how those adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shaped her brain, her body, and her life well into adulthood. From PTSD and anxiety to sepsis, cancer, and necrotizing fasciitis, Julianna connects the science of trauma to real-world health outcomes in a way that is both eye-opening and deeply human. In this episode, you'll learn: * · How ACEs and childhood trauma rewire the developing brain * · The long-term physical and mental health effects of growing up in a traumatic environment * · Practical grounding techniques for managing trauma triggers * · What parents, educators, and policymakers can do to protect children's long-term wellbeing * · Why investing in children — through universal childcare, birth support, and trauma-informed education — is one of society's most important priorities * · Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, parent, or survivor, this episode offers both science-backed insight and profound human connection. 🎙️ Julianna Bio and Contact Information Julianna Burmesch is a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate. In writing her memoir, “Life with Less of Me” (Books Fluent, June 23, 2026), she wants to help people understand the effects of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on one's long-term physical and mental health. Julianna is a mother, grandmother, potter, and occasional jewelry artist. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, John, and her beautiful dogs, Bella and Ruby. Links -- Website - https://www.juliannaburmesch.com/ [https://www.juliannaburmesch.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Julianna-Burmesch-Author/61568035880501/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Julianna-Burmesch-Author/61568035880501/] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-burmesch-69476674/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-burmesch-69476674/] Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250813693-life-with-less-of-me [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250813693-life-with-less-of-me] Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Less-Me-Julianna-Burmesch-ebook/dp/B0G32LQHQR/ [https://www.amazon.com/Life-Less-Me-Julianna-Burmesch-ebook/dp/B0G32LQHQR/] 📚 Book: Life With Less of Me — available June 23rd To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com [http://davidrobertsmsw.com]

What It Means to Truly See Someone : Dawn Airhart Witte on Africa, and Heart-Centered Living

What does it truly mean to see someone? In this heartfelt episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with award-winning author, humanitarian, and founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, Dawn Airhart Witte, for a deeply moving conversation about purpose, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection. Dawn shares how a childhood experience of not feeling seen sparked a lifelong mission — from volunteering in the LA foster care system to bringing clean water, resources, and hope to communities across Africa. Rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu ("I am because we are") and the Zulu greeting sawubona ("I see you, you are valued"), Dawn's work is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life. In this episode, you'll discover ,among other things: • How serendipity and "soul families" shape our life's path • The story behind the Desire to Inspire Foundation and its global humanitarian work • What drew Dawn to Africa — and the dream that finally answered her question why • How to reconnect with your purpose after major life transitions • The Ubuntu Creator Circle and Dawn's upcoming projects Bio: Dawn Airhart Witte is an award-winning author, speaker, humanitarian, and the founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to uplifting communities through both humanitarian support and heart-centered connection. Through her work in Africa and beyond, Dawn has helped bring clean water, resources, and hope to those in need, while also addressing the deeper human need for love, unity, and belonging. She is the creator of The Secrets of Being, a platform devoted to helping individuals reconnect with their true selves and live with purpose, authenticity, and compassion. Dawn is the host of The Secrets of Being podcast, where she brings together thought leaders, healers, and visionaries to share wisdom that uplifts and inspires. Her work is rooted in the belief that we are all interconnected, often expressed through the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—and the Zulu greeting sawubona—“I see you, you are valued.” Dawn’s mission is to help every soul feel seen, loved, and inspired to be the change they wish to see in the world. Links: https://desiretoinspirefoundation.org/ [https://desiretoinspirefoundation.org/] https://thesecretsofbeing.com/ [https://thesecretsofbeing.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.witte1/ [https://www.facebook.com/dawn.witte1/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-airhart-witte-19910920/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-airhart-witte-19910920/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretsofbeingpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesecretsofbeingpodcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretsofbeing [https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretsofbeing] Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B071WR5BY4?ccs_id=62d45259-927a-4a86-9bbb-2db1e245c827 [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B071WR5BY4?ccs_id=62d45259-927a-4a86-9bbb-2db1e245c827] Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secrets-of-being-podcast/id1716399716 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secrets-of-being-podcast/id1716399716] To connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com [http://davidrobertsmsw.com]