L36 Media Podcast

The Whole Student: Activating Head, Heart, and Hands in Experiential Learning

Step beyond the classroom with Shoshanna Sumka, a global leader in experiential learning, as she reveals how true education happens when knowledge meets experience. From her early environmental activism in Ecuador to transformative cultural immersion in Indonesia, Shoshanna shares the journey that ignited her passion for learning that truly sticks. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: * Turn experiences into powerful, lasting lessons through reflection and real-world application * Build vibrant learning communities and foster student agency * Engage the “whole student” - head, heart, and hands - for deeper growth * Create authentic service-learning projects that are impactful for everyone involved Whether you’re an educator, student, or lifelong learner, Shoshanna’s insights show how experiential learning creates “core memories,” develops leadership for all, and makes learning joyful, relevant, and transformative. Dive in and be inspired to rethink what it means to truly learn - and lead - in today’s world.

Spiraling Up: Dr. Marion Piper on Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience

What if the hardest moments of your life could become the starting point for your greatest transformation? In this compelling episode, hosts Dr. Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead sit down with the incredible Dr. Marion "Maz" Piper - an artist, writer, and expert in post-traumatic growth (PTG) - for a raw and powerful conversation on how we spiral up after life knocks us down. Dr. Piper introduces her signature concept of “spiraling up,” a hopeful and empowering approach to moving through trauma - not just surviving it, but emerging stronger, wiser, and more connected to yourself and others. Together, they explore the difference between the massive, world-shaking “Big T” traumas (like loss, disaster, or illness) and the quieter, “small T” traumas - everyday emotional wounds that slowly accumulate and weigh us down. Marion opens up about her own deeply personal story: from a childhood marked by adversity, to how creativity became her lifeline, to the profound impact her mother’s passing had on her academic work and personal philosophy. You will discover how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression - and how the uncomfortable “goo” phase of growth (yes, like the caterpillar before the butterfly!) is actually where transformation begins. You’ll also learn about the five key life areas of post-traumatic growth, how to spot them in your own life, and how to tap into them - whether you're healing from heartbreak or just feeling stuck. This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Can something good come out of this?” Spoiler alert: Yes, it can. Tune in for an inspiring, heartfelt, and insight-packed conversation that just might shift how you see your past - and your path forward.

The Palimpsest of Self: How to Rewrite Your Story for Lasting Healing

What if the story you've been living isn’t the truth - but just the beginning? In this powerful episode, host Dr. Steven Pearce sits down with Michael McRay - storyteller, narrative coach, and TEDx speaker - whose life’s work helps people heal from trauma by reexamining the narratives that shaped them. Michael shares his personal journey through pain, suicidal ideation, and self-discovery, and how he now guides others to “restory” their lives - transforming limiting childhood beliefs like “I’m not enough” or “I’m fine” into empowering truths. Discover the concept of narrative intelligence, how experiential intensives help people externalize inner struggles, and how metaphors like the palimpsest and singing bowl illuminate the healing process. We also explore the Hero’s Journey, the power of the liminal space between old stories and new beginnings, and how our deepest wounds can lead us to profound purpose. This episode is a beautiful reminder: you are not your past. You are the author of what comes next. Tune in and start rewriting your story - with clarity, courage, and compassion.

The Unyielding Spirit: Dr. Nadia Al-Sakkaf's Journey of Reinvention and Resilience

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Nadia Al-Sakkaf, whose remarkable journey in Yemen's media and political landscape is a testament to empowerment and education. From her upbringing in a conservative society that fostered confidence and equality, to becoming the editor-in-chief of the Yemen Times and later the Minister of Information, Dr. Al-Sakkaf shares her incredible story of resilience, constant reinvention, and unwavering advocacy for women's rights and equity. Listen as she recounts the fierce resistance she faced in male-dominated industries, her harrowing escape from Yemen amidst conflict, and the profound lessons she learned about finding your "tribe" and the enduring power of community and support. This episode offers a deep dive into Dr. Al-Sakkaf's "hero's journey", providing powerful insights into navigating adversity with integrity and preparing future generations for a challenging world.

Breaking Free: Finding Adventure Beyond Monotony

What if the spirit of adventure isn’t just something we chase, but something written into the fabric of the universe itself? In this inspiring episode, L36 podcast host  Dr. Steven Pearce takes us on a thought-provoking journey - from the origins of the cosmos to the everyday choices that define our lives. After hitting a wall of “Million Mile Per Hour Monotony” - a fast-paced but deeply unfulfilling phase in his career - Steven shares how he reignited his sense of wonder through travel, storytelling, and meaningful connection. Along the way, he sits down with voices like neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Lazar and author Dan Horowitz, whose insights helped reframe his path and bring clarity to his purpose. We explore how the “hero’s journey” lives within all of us, how venturing beyond comfort zones can awaken something powerful, and how mentors and moments of insight can change the trajectory of our lives. Whether it’s a cross-continental trek or a “micro-adventure” in your own neighborhood, this episode invites you to see your life as an unfolding story - and to take the next bold step in it. Tune in to rediscover what it means to live with intention, curiosity, and courage.