Moral of the Story

"Hey, this random dude I just met in the bathroom invited us to their table in the VIP section. Free drinks." Ahmed Al-khadri didn&apost have to say much more to his two female companions. As 20-somethings, they were ready to party and this was a shortcut. Little did they know that accepting the offer would lead them on the wildest night they had ever experienced.Ahmed recounts the story.MoSpod.org

What if the secrets to crafting unforgettable stories lie in the hidden letters of a baseball legend? Join us on "Moral of the Story" as we sit down with bestselling author Jonathan Icke, who takes us on an enthralling journey from his early days as a newspaper writer to his celebrated career as a book author. Drawing inspiration from comics and sports, Jonathan shares how his love for storytelling was ignited and reveals the pivotal moment spurred by Laura Hillenbrand&aposs "Seabiscuit" that set him on his path to authoring.In an emotional recount, Jonathan delves into the arduous yet rewarding process of writing Lou Gehrig&aposs biography. From the challenges of piecing together the life of a reclusive icon to the astonishing discovery of Gehrig&aposs personal letters, listeners will gain insight into the meticulous research and emotional resilience required to humanize historical figures. Jonathan’s narrative transcends mere biography, offering a deeper understanding of Gehrig&aposs battle with ALS and the universal themes of struggle and perseverance.We also navigate the complexities inherent in long-term creative projects, tackling the emotional toll of unfinished works and the daunting mid-point of extensive research endeavors. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, Jonathan provides valuable advice on maintaining momentum and humanizing the subjects of our stories, whether they be sports legends or civil rights icons like Martin Luther King Jr. Join us for an insightful conversation that underscores the power of storytelling and the human connections that enrich our narratives.MoSpod.org

What if the obstacles you&aposve faced could become the foundation of your greatest achievements? Join us as we uncover the compelling life story of David Kitchen, founder and president of Edge Leadership Academy. Growing up in Pennsylvania with no male role model and financial instability, David found his sanctuary in sports and weightlifting. Despite a knee injury that derailed his college football dreams, his perseverance led him to a successful coaching career at Robert Morris University, UNLV, and Georgia Southern. From the football field to founding a leadership academy during a pandemic, David&aposs journey is a testament to resilience and grit.Ever wonder what happens when high achievement meets personal demons? David takes us into his battle with depression and anxiety, challenges he faced after transitioning from coaching to entrepreneurship. Hear firsthand how a strenuous trip to Georgia turned into a wake-up call, revealing the depths of his mental health struggles. David&aposs candid discussion about the physical manifestations of anxiety and depression serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, especially in high-pressure environments. His story emphasizes the need to address these issues head-on and the profound impact it has on one’s overall well-being.Imagine navigating life&aposs toughest moments while pushing to achieve your highest potential. David shares his journey of confronting past traumas and the importance of adversity in shaping character. Reflecting on personal experiences, including his transformative shift from powerlifting to becoming a hybrid athlete, David illustrates how embracing discomfort can unlock true growth. We&aposll also explore the cultural pressures to overlook mental well-being and the role of authenticity in storytelling. This episode offers invaluable lessons on the significance of resilience, mental health, and the transformative power of facing one&aposs fears.MoSpod.org

Long before his 27-year prison term and the creation of the award-winning Ear Hustle podcast, Earlonne Woods was a teenage gang member trying to survive the 1980s LA crack epidemic. One day, Earlonne&aposs brother brought home two new guns. After shooting the weapons, Earlonne, unbeknownst to his brother, decided to clean one of the weapons. There was only one problem: he had no idea what he was doing. He did his best and returned the gun to his brother, who left the house with the weapon.It would prove to be a fateful action in both brothers&apos lives. MoSpod.org

Long before the sprawling culinary empire, the Emmy nominated TV shows, the award-winning cookbooks and the White House invitations, Rick Bayless was just a regular kid growing up in Oklahoma City and working at his parents&apos BBQ restaurant. He played by the rules and wasn&apost the rebellious type.Until, one day, on his way home from work, he bought a pet monkey. It was an unprecedented act of rebellion that would forever change his family and teach him an indelible lesson on actions and consequences.MoSpod.org

While at the Moth, Terence Mickey split his time between teaching storytelling to Fortune 500 executives through the corporate program and helping at risk-youth and recovering addicts through the outreach program.At first glance, the two programs were worlds apart. But one day, they would collide in spectacular fashion through a Vietnam vet&aposs shockingly graphic recollection of a jungle encounter with the Viet kong. Terence had no idea just how much this collision would light up both programs, but, as he came to learn, the stories most difficult to tell are often the ones that truly connect us, and in doing so, reveal our collective humanity.MoSpod.org

Growing up in 1970s South Brooklyn (now Carol Gardens), Scott was surrounded by the mob. Wiseguys named Fat Freddie and Big Red drank their espressos and smoked their cigars at the social clubs on the corner. It was idyllic in its own way and he was safe as long as he didn&apost stray too far.His uncle Frankie, a tough guy&aposs tough guy, was like a father to Scott. Later in life, Frankie had a  quadruple bypass surgery and Scott came to visit. Frankie was frail and almost unrecognizable.As Scott stood there taking it in, Frankie beckoned him over to the bed and whispered in his ear words that Scott would never forget.MoSpod.org

Danielle Juhre was in her first semester at Berklee College of Music.  Her parents were in town for freshman orientation week.After the orientation, a jam session was held at Cafe 939.  New students had the option to sign up and perform with a band of legendary teachers of legacy.Danielle&aposs parents asked her if she would go up. Terrified of performing with world-renowned musicians in front of her peers, she emphatically declined.But then, thinking of her parents&apos sacrifices to get her to Berklee, she put her name on the sign up sheet. It would prove to be  the most pivotal moment of her music career.MoSpod.org

Grammy-nominated recording artist Peter Himmelman was just a young boy when his father decided to take him on a canoeing trip. It was an early autumn day on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. Hearing a party across the water, they approached to explore. It turned out to be a rowdy affair on Indian beach, named after the feared Lakota Sioux who would frequent the spot.Suddenly, a muscular shirtless Lakota man dove into the water and began to swim furiously toward the canoe. Peter was terrified. His dad was smiling. The ensuing moments would be seared into Peter&aposs memory, proving to be yet another formative experience with his larger than life father.MoSpod.org

Long before writing children&aposs classics like Dragons Love Tacos and Those Darn Squirrels, Adam Rubin was living the bachelor life in New York City. Life was full of possibilities.One night, Adam and a friend were enjoying a bottle of sake at the bar of a small Japanese restaurant in Williamsburg when a group of women walked in and grabbed a table. Every time Adam looked over, one of the women caught his gaze.Brave from the sake, he decided to say hello. It would be one of the most consequential decisions of his life. MoSpod.org

Samir Wagle had just filed for divorce, resigned from his job as CEO of Protein Bar, and quit drinking. It was long overdue but that didn&apost make it any easier.On a particularly dark day,  Samir got home and decided to take his five year old son on a walk. He was lost, disoriented, and hopeless. And then his son picked up a stick. What followed was a series of revelations that would begin Samir&aposs journey out of the darkness.MoSpod.org

Long before his time as the Editor in Chief of Car and Driver, Eddie Alterman helmed a small startup magazine called MPH, the Maxim of car magazines. Imagine that.In late 2004, when the highly anticipated Porsche 911 and Corvette C6 were on the verge of release, Eddie and his team scored a couple of specimens and decided that the best photo op would be in the middle of the night in front of Central Park, followed, naturally, by a head to head race in the park itself.What could possibly go wrong?MoSpod.org

When Clinical Professor of Managerial Psychology Linda Ginzel put together a set of handouts for her capstone leadership class at the University of Chicago Booth School of business, students started to ask for extra copies for bosses, spouses and neighbors.She said no. These were just class handouts for her students, after all.One day, a student asked for a copy for his  school age children. And before she could stop herself, she agreed.This exchange began her journey into becoming an (accidental) author.MoSpod.org

Mark Achler had just finished writing his first book when the CEO of the publisher suggested he find a sponsor. A novel idea, but if it could offset costs and raise visibility, why not?Although unorthodox, it worked. But little did Mark know that the publisher&aposs CEO had an unbelievable past and it was all about to catch up to them both.MoSpod.org

Delia Cohen was an organizer of TED talks when she learned that a few countries had done TED talks in prisons. Why on earth, she wondered, would anyone do that? Who would speak? Who would attend?So she decided to do some homework and as it turned out, not only was the demand there, this would be an opportunity to drive positive change for the incarcerated and could even lead to justice reform.MoSpod.org

James Beard award-winning food writer Kevin Pang did not have a good relationship with his father. They would speak occasionally, but exchange only the most superficial of pleasantries. Then, one day in 2012, Kevin got an email. The subject: "Jeffrey Pang wants you to check out this YouTube video."What followed was a journey of reconnection and rediscovery between father and son on a scale that neither could have ever imagined.Kevin tells the story of how the email sparked a previously unfathomable reconciliation.MoSpod.org

Sian Morson is close with her mom. Although the two live hundreds of miles apart, they speak every day.After her mom had a stroke, the family decided to have a camera system installed in her house to keep an eye on her. One day, Sian&aposs mom stopped answering her phone and when Sian checked the cameras, they were all offline.Sian shares the story of the terrifying ordeal and the resulting surprise epiphany about her own life.MoSpod.org

Josh and Jesse were planning to get married. It should have been a breeze. Except it was the spring of 2020, she was in Germany and he was in NY, and the EU had just closed its borders.With the constantly shifting regulatory and travel restrictions, not to mention the difficulty of securing the required documentation, most people would have put it off.But not these two.What ensued was an adventure spanning three countries on two continents, clandestine visits with cash payments, and a tense standoff at a registrar in a London suburb.Would love conquer all?MoSpod.org

Nick Epley&aposs train ride to his University of Chicago office used to be a predictably uneventful affair: 45 minutes of people looking out the window or staring at their phones, oblivious to the world around them. But one morning, the behavioral scientist decided to try something different. When a woman sat down next to him, he complimented her on her hat. That compliment began a conversation that would change the trajectory of Nick&aposs research over the ensuing decade, and it would change the way Nick approached his life.MoSpod.org

Ever wonder how an NFL champion regroups and rebuilds after hitting rock bottom post-retirement? Meet Marques Ogden, former NFL player turned inspirational keynote speaker, bestselling author, business coach, consultant, and podcast host, as he narrates his journey of rising from the ashes. In the first segment, Marques highlights the importance of communication for success, drawing from his own stories of missed opportunities. He also shares invaluable advice for young players on effective communication with their coaches, a skill he believes is crucial for a successful career in sports.In the next part of our discussion, Marques delves into his experience of learning to own his life&aposs narrative and how it made him an exceptional storyteller. He discusses the trials and tribulations that molded him, emphasizing the importance of facing adversity with courage and accountability. Marques beautifully articulates how resilience and an openness to learning new things transformed his life post-NFL. Listen in to get a unique glimpse into the life of this inspiring individual and gain insights that could potentially change your perspective on success, failure, and the journey in between.MoSpod.org

Sonny Garg was having lunch with a friend. He had just been named to the executive committee at Exelon, a Fortune 125 company. His long-term goal accomplished, with a wonderful family and a great life, he should have been happy. Instead, over greek food, he suddenly blurted out to his friend, "my life sucks." His friend then said six words that would make Sonny re-think his approach to life and remember what really matters.MoSpod.org

Emmy award-winning writer and producer Brett Baer was only 24 when he got the opportunity to audition for the Universal Studios stunt show. Inexperienced and terrified, Brett invoked his time at Deerfield High School, where his attempt to change the narrative of his bullying instilled in him a sense of control. Little did he know that a CNN crew would arrive at the worst possible time and capture one of the most memorable flops of his career.MoSpod.org

Dustin Hogue had just arrived at his first day of Army basic training when, after being forced by their drill sergeant to drink copious amounts of water to stay hydrated in the South Carolina summer heat, he had to pee -- badly. But with bathroom breaks out of the question and no end in sight, Dustin had to make an uncomfortable choice.MoSpod.org

Reggie Walker had walked away from what he thought was his dream: playing in the  NFL. Unbeknownst to anyone, he was broken and hurting from the abuse he experienced as a child. He recalls a pivotal moment during a particularly dark time in his life, when, after going to his daughter&aposs soccer game, she made a comment that pushed him take the first steps to recovery.MoSpod.org

In 2012, Threadless CEO Jake Nickell was on a business trip in Sweden with his head of partnerships Wilson Fong. At a meeting at the H&M headquarters, H&M&aposs VP of eCommerce told Jake and Wilson about a Swedish tradition that would make any introvert nervous. The newfound knowledge would turn out to be pivotal in the next day&aposs meeting with the makers of Minecraft. But was it even a tradition at all?MoSpod.org

Long before he was a starter for the Red Sox, Shea Hillenbrand was a little boy desperately competing with his older brothers for his father&aposs approval. One day, during a sibling basketball game, 11-year old Shea was trying to withstand the typical verbal and emotional abuse when he could take it no more. He recalls the game, its aftermath and consequences.MoSpod.org

It was 1997. Kevin and his chef friend Scott were driving from Springfield to St. Louis when they got off the highway to get a bite at a rural Wendy’s. Little did they know that they were about to walk into the #1 Wendy’s in the country and the experience would influence Kevin&aposs philosophy as he grew the Boka brand.MoSpod.org

Eric had a promising career in professional sports. He had just gotten a dream job in the C suite with the Florida Panthers when, seemingly out of nowhere, he started to lose interest in his job and his social life. Things spiraled quickly and suddenly, one night at work, he found himself at his office, unable to process what was happening in front of him. This would start his harrowing journey into the darkest corners of his mind and the healthcare system.MoSpod.org

Fresh off a Master&aposs program at the San Francisco Art Institute, Ana Teresa had just landed a coveted gallery spot with Ruth Braunstein, a San Francisco art legend. Not only did she beat the odds, she would finally show per Mexican immigrant parents that she could make it on her own terms. This was vindication. But after a shocking comment from Ruth, Ana Teresa knew she would have to choose between the offer and her integrity. MoSpod.org

In 2011, San Francisco was booming -- but not for everyone. As Doniece Sandoval, a successful PR exec, was walking through the city&aposs design district, she came across a homeless woman crying that she would never be clean. That encounter would set Doniece on a path to change the lives of thousands of unhoused in San Francisco and beyond.MoSpod.org

One day, Howell Malham decided to pay a visit to his brother Joey, a Byzantine iconographer, at his artist studio at a church on Chicago&aposs north side. The door wouldn&apost budge because it was blocked by an altar cross that Joey decided to build because... he&aposd always wanted to build an altar cross in the Cimabue style. The massive cross wasn&apost commissioned, but Joey wasn&apost worried. He knew that the cross was the answer. He was simply awaiting the right question.MoSpod.org

One day, Harper Reed got an email. "We&aposve cleared your calendar for Monday afternoon. A VI-VIP (Very Important VIP) is coming in and we want you to spend some time with them." As the CTO of President Obama&aposs reelection campaign, Harper was a busy guy. If his calendar was cleared, this had to be big. Who was the visitor and why did his visit require an entire afternoon of Harper&aposs time? MoSpod.org

When Ryan’s friend Rick got his dental board test results in the mail, he was so shocked to see he failed that he cancelled his upcoming vacation, when he planned to propose to his girlfriend. As he learned a couple of weeks later, the board results actually hadn’t been mailed out yet. Ryan recalls the wicked prank and its consequences.MoSpod.org

It was a Saturday morning and Paul was expecting the usual check-in from Wardo, an ex-convict who, until recently, worked for the nonprofit Paul was running. But Wardo didn&apost check in that Saturday. Or Sunday. And then on Monday, Paul -- who used to be a homeless drug addict himself -- got a text from Wardo&aposs friend with devastating news.MoSpod.org

When Jason Kunesh became Chicago&aposs Director of Design under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, he headed a project to consolidate the city&aposs vast collection of logos into a singular, redesigned, public mark. But after initial approval, the implementation was stalled as priorities changed with the new administration. For over a year, Jason kept the dream alive. And then, one day, he was called into a meeting with the new mayor to decide the project&aposs destiny once and for all.MoSpod.org

When offered a chance to see the Dodgers play the Giants, Ethan Sandler, then a 30-something constantly-stressed young parent, jumped at the chance for a break from the grind. Little did he know that, in the third inning, a home run ball from Orlando Hudson would put him on a collision course with an inebriated Dodgers fan and her boyfriend, and the lesson of a lifetime.MoSpod.org

Mark Agnew was living a charmed life as the CEO of Lou Malnati&aposs, happily married with four children. Then, one day, he had a seizure. At the hospital, the neurosurgeon showed him the CAT scan and he immediately recognized the unmistakeable mass on the image. The diagnosis would change his life forever, but with consequences even he could have never predicted.MoSpod.org

When Emmy-award winning writer and producer Dave Finkel was just twenty, he got a job as the assistant to an A-list celebrity. He thought it would launch his career. Instead, it became a nightmarish ride through the darkness of his boss&aposs tortured soul, with one moment -- a missed opportunity to intervene -- continuing to haunt him to this day.MoSpod.org

LaSalle Network CEO Tom Gimbel takes us back to the early days of his company, when, as a young founder, he faced a difficult HR decision that forced him to decide between the easy way and the right way.MoSpod.org

Varuna Co-founder and CEO Seyi Fabode has a filter for assessing people&aposs ability to imagine a better future. In the early days of his first startup, he spoke at a VC conference hoping to raise awareness and build relationships. His filter led to only one relationship, but it would be one of his most important.MoSpod.org

She was just a junior copywriter at iconic agency BBDO when Susan Credle got the rare opportunity to do a project with baseball legend Ted Williams. Obsessing over every detail, she thought this would be her chance to break into the big leagues. It didn&apost quite go as planned. MoSpod.org

Techstars Managing Director Neal Sales Griffin recalls how, as a teenager visiting family in Honduras, he not only bore witness to an unexpected rescue at sea, but, against all odds, helped save a life.MoSpod.org

Actress and host Lisa Arch remembers Whoopi Goldberg&aposs valley girl monologue all too well. After all, it not only reinforced her conviction that she was meant to act, but, after an impromptu reenactment, made a believer out of someone who would later help her meet her idol.MoSpod.org

Comedian, actress, and writer Chase O&aposDonnell recounts how her obsession with The Suite Life of Zack & Cody would lead her on a journey to the neighborhood mall, a live taping of the sitcom, and eventually, years later, an unlikely rendezvous that would bring the whole thing full circle... with a coda.MoSpod.org

During Raaja Nemani&aposs backpacking trip to the Himalayas, his guide made a simple comment about luck. It would take months for Raaja, the CRO of MarketerHire, avid traveler, and lifelong learner, to truly grasp the meaning of the comment, but that understanding would have a profound effect on his worldview.MoSpod.org

Kin + Carta CEO J Schwan recalls a pivotal moment in the early years of his nascent company Solstice, when, after being given a once in a lifetime opportunity from a marquee client, he had to choose between the easy way and the right way. With the future of his company hanging in the balance, this is the story of his decision and its ramifications.MoSpod.org

Actress, comedian, and activist Maysoon Zayid recounts how a cruel comment about her disability set her on a determined course to achieve a new dream.MoSpod.org

Actor and comedian John Lehr recounts one night in the early 90s when, in a chivalrous move, he decided to help some ladies get safely back to Manhattan after a late night party in New Jersey. The vehicle? A rubber dinghy. The route? Across the Hudson.What could possibly go wrong?MoSpod.org

Basecamp co-founder and CEO Jason Fried takes us back to the beginning of his business journey, when, as a suburban 13 year old without any plans in life, he got a call from his neighbor Adam, who simply said, "Hey, you gotta see this."MoSpod.org

Dr. Frank Vaught recounts a dark moment in his youth when he encountered not only flagrant racism, but an appalling bias from the law enforcement officers called to the scene. It would be one of many experiences that would reinforce for him that all too often, a Black man is treated as guilty until proven innocent.MoSpod.org

Cleverbridge CEO Craig Vodnik had not spoken to his brother since their mom passed away twenty years prior. One day, he got a call: his brother had terminal cancer and was given only a few months to live. He tells the tale of the journey sparked by that call.MoSpod.org

Culture Studio CEO Rich Santo recalls the day that has come to be known as "our crazy boating adventure." Take one enthusiastic boat owner, one determined drone pilot, a bad weather forecast, and a general disregard of safety procedures, and you&aposll have an idea of what&aposs coming. MoSpod.org

Flowers for Dreams CEO Steven Dyme recounts a story of his family lore, an incredible tale told by his grandfather of his fight for survival during the Holocaust, and his fateful decision that would alter the course of the Dyme family history.MoSpod.org

Serial entrepreneur David Kalt talks about being put on the spot with a surprise question from his company&aposs CEO and how trusting his gut, corporate politics be damned, gave him the confidence to pursue the first of his many successful ventures.MoSpod.org

Jellyvision CEO Amanda Lannert recounts the fateful Olympic ski run of Bonnie St. John, the first African-American to ever win medals in the Winter Olympics despite being an amputee.MoSpod.org

@properties owner Thad Wong tells the improbable story of how, one long-ago summer in Nantuckett, a change jar led to the adventure of a lifetime.MoSpod.org

SOCIALDEVIANT founder and CEO Marc Landsberg recounts his experience desperately and unsuccessfully trying to make conversation with a group in a London pub.MoSpod.org

ADMCi and Saint Emeric co-founder Jim Jacoby talks ghosts, motorcycle accidents, and the difference between traveling with purpose without destination and a destination without purpose.MoSpod.org

Stories are what bring us together. They engage, they entertain, they compel action. Good stories move us and they’re unforgettable.On a quest to be a better storyteller, I am launching a podcast to learn from the best and share the wealth in the process!Introducing... Moral of the Story.MoSpod.org