Intrinsic Drive®

Hard times threaten resolve; when every ounce of energy is depleted, flatlining – of mind, body, and spirit - occurs.  In this depleted state one often reverts to old, restrictive patterns of behavior – well worn habits that no longer serve, but reemerge in times of difficulty.  During these times a spring cleaning is necessary, lightening our load for the long road ahead—decerning what to let go and what to hold close. Finding myself deep in the mire of this phenomena, the well-spring of knowledge imparted by this season’s guests could not have been better timed.  What stood out for me was a range of messages - from the value of settling into uncertainty to the fuel provided from dedication to a creative endeavor.Rails-To-Trails president Ryan Chao teaches us the power of distilling our skills and refining our purpose to discern the essential.Sports Psychology and Performance trailblazer, Dr. Jim Loehr illustrates the impact of character, cautioning of the limitations of results orientation, reminding us it’s really who we become in the pursuit that matters. Accepting her calling as advocate for victims of abuse, human trafficking, and exploitation Haejin Shim Fujimura leverages her Shim and Associates law practice and Embers International foundation, turning her own brokenness into light shining through the fissures. Barbara and Lili Anel, twins who’ve taken divergent paths to follow their musical dreams, remind us of the alchemy of gratitude, and the gift of staying in the moment. Lynn R. Miller, painter, farmer, horseman, and founder of Small Farmer’s Journal, illustrates the importance in the protection of early “thrills and enchantments.” Forty-eight years later Lynn continues to follow his passions - painting, animal powered agriculture, writing, and living a “human scale manual transmission” life on his remote Oregon ranch.With over 160 platinum albums, two Grammys, and over 40 years of mentoring some of the greatest recording artists of our time, Robert Cutarella finds joy along the long road to mastery. Robert warns of the trappings of the world, reminding us to redefine success, teaching us to exchange shortcuts, quick fixes, and materialism for honesty. Actress and Horticulturist Kathleen O’ Grady, finds satisfaction in her cultivation of “sister passions”; acting and landscape design, teaching us valuable lessons from the gift of good work and the value of effort; things that no one can take away.  Over the span of 43 years Dr. Maitland Jones, published 225 research papers, and fostered landmark discoveries while at “Jones Alley”, the Princeton lab affectionately bearing his name. One of his five books, Organic Chemistry (WW.Norton 2014),is the gold standard for chemistry studies around the globe. Professor Jones supplies the chalk for a blackboard instruction on his unwavering commitment to problem solving. I hope the stories, messages, and insights of this season’s guests sharpen your tools, providing necessary provisions for your own journey.I look forward to sharing more stories with you on the next season of Intrinsic Drive®

6/12/24 • 09:27

Maitland Jones Jr. wanted to be tennis player. At thirteen he attempted to enlist his parents into chauffeuring him around the east coast junior tennis circuit, to which they replied, “get a job kid.” That summer Maitland’s first job was bottle washer and gofer for chemistry giants Laurence H. Knox and William von Eggers Doering, at their Hickrill Chemical Research laboratory in Katonah New York.  Complex chemistry equations that were once meaningless scribbles on the laboratory blackboard began to make sense over the next five to six years. Maitland enrolled at Yale to study chemistry, following his formative mentors Knox and Doering, where he journeyed deeper into his craft during a postdoctoral year with his famous teachers and followed with a second year at the University of Wisconsin under the guidance of Dr. Jerry Berson.  Over the span of 43 years Maitland collaborated with undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral and visiting fellows to write 225 published papers and books while at “Jones Alley,” the Princeton Lab where they explored and discovered reactive intermediates including carbenes, quantum molecular reactions, carboranes, and heterocycles—with a focus on “how electrons talked to each other.”   During his teaching career Maitland experimented with the elimination of large lecture “talking head” style teaching, breaking students into small groups, providing an environment of problem solving, and fostering scientific discovery through the exploration and distillation of disparate information. Professor Jones is the author of five books including, Organic Chemistry, (2014) published by W.W Norton, now in its fifth edition-- the prominent textbook taught to students across the globe. Today Maitland is following a parallel passion sparked during a performance by jazz innovator, the incomparable-- Thelonious Monk, at the NYC’s Five Spot jazz club in 1957. Maitland is a regular in New York’s jazz scene, and hosts Jazz Nights featuring evenings of great music at his home in New Jersey.  He co-produced Monk’s Dreams: The Complete Compositions of Thelonious Sphere Monk, available on both compact disc and digital download. It’s our extreme pleasure to welcome Dr. Maitland “Mait” Jones Jr. to this episode of Intrinsic Drive®. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.Created for human beings by human beings.  NO GENERATIVE AI USE ALLOWED.

4/24/24 • 44:07

 Photo: Kathleen O'Grady (L) Faith Imaafiion (R) Theatre of Note's production of Fruition 2019A lifelong actor, Kathleen O’Grady’s earliest memory of her life’s work finds her riding with her siblings around Los Angeles, in the back of her mother’s car—driving to the next audition. Growing up in the town of Reseda -  named for the mignonette a fragrant plant found in the gardens of the San Fernando Valley - her parents moved north to the Bay area where team soccer and volleyball replaced limited theatrical opportunity.Chicago’s robust theater community called this aspiring performer to enroll in DePaul’s Theater School, formerly The Goodman School, where she studied under legendary thespian mentors Dr. Bella Itkin, and Joe Slovick. After graduation Kathleen catapulted from commercials, created her own theater company, and performed with Steppenwolf, the theater company which launched the careers of Joan Allen, John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, and Martha Plimpton. Inspired by love, a move to New York found Kathleen exploring every aspect of her craft from guest starring roles in Murder in the First, Law & Order,  Off Broadway productions, and more commercials. A pivot arrived while finding a natural proclivity for landscape design while working in her garden.  Following a new passion, she studied landscape design and horticulture at Columbia University, where she earned her master’s degree.  Kathleen follows sister passions of acting, producing, landscape design integrating native plants, beneficial insects, soil regeneration, restorative permaculture, and land stewardship. This master artist and designer can be found at Theatre of Note, and Gregory Davis & Associates Landscape Design. It was such a thrill to catch up and host Kathleen on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® . Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.

4/17/24 • 51:27

Robert Cutarella spent most of his childhood evenings burrowed under his pillows, a transistor radio speaker in his ear listening to the Dick Clark Show and other famous deejays. A passion for rhythm emerged during drumming sessions with wooden spoons borrowed from his aunt. At nine years-old Robert’s parents took him to see drum icon Gene Krupa at the Metropole Club in midtown Manhattan. Krupa’s physicality and deep passion for his craft made a lasting impression on this soon to be music industry giant. Bob had visions of owning his own company and following a career in the music industry. Robert developed an ear for rhythm, melody, and song structure through growing up in the rhythm and blues era, he earned the opportunity to play with “Do Wop” greats the Shirelle’s, Dion and the Belmont’s, among others. Robert then took a side road, he fell in love eventually marrying his childhood sweetheart, became a teacher, owned an antique store, sold clothes on the weekend, and played music at night. Music was pulling him to go all in, he accepted an ultimatum from his wife to make it in the music business within a year. Ten months later, Robert recorded his first album. We learn of Robert’s devastating losses, heartbreaks, and betrayals, and priceless wisdom gained. Robert recalls humble beginnings, meeting clients at his first office at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, returning calls on the New York City Public Library’s phone booth.   During the last 40 years, this music producing mastermind has produced over 3,000 songs, 160 plus platinum records, including two Grammy awards, for the Les Paul and Friends Tribute Album. Robert discovered and launched careers for some of the most prolific performers of all time including, legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughn, and pop singing megastar Celine Dion. This behind-the-scenes hit making genius has guided current recording giants John Legend and Lady Gaga through his songwriting mentorship programs. We are anxiously awaiting Robert’s new book Mentor, we hope you glean valuable insight, and enjoy meeting this music industry superstar on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® .Intrinsic Drive ® is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.Robert Cutarella artist bio and timeline: Robert began his career in the music industry as a producer and performer. He was employed by many major labels and performed with a variety of recording artists ranging from Joe Williams to Bruce Springsteen.  Here's a list of some of those artists; Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Sheena Easton, Air Supply, Melissa Manchester, Whitney Houston, Michael Henderson, Diana Ross, Deborah Allen, Dolly Parton, The Police, Elton John, REM, Culture Club, The Human League, ABC, Linda Ronstadt, and Frank Sinatra, Hall & Oates,The Bee Gees to Sammy Cahn, Benny Benjamin, Jule Styne, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Metallica, Raven, Gino Vannelli, Vanessa Williams, Patrick Simmons, Basia and others.Host note--If you are still listening at the 1:13:06 mark. I say "centurions" while meaning to say "centenarians", a mistake that you may find hilarious.

4/10/24 • 81:28

Lynn R. Miller is a painter, farmer, horseman, and writer. Odd jobs ranging from commercial fisherman, logger, sawyer, farmer, workhorse teamster, lecturer, and cattle rancher, supported him through college. Over the past 40 years, Lynn has become a world-renowned authority in the fields of alternative farming and animal powered agriculture. In 1976 with the encouragement of his father’s suggestion to “grow a crop of literature”, to assist the fledging small farmer, he founded the Small Farmer’s Journal, an international agrarian quarterly which functions to this day as cornerstone empowering a worldwide readership. For SFJ’s entire 48 year history Lynn has manually stewarded this living alternative preservationist publication, now in it’s 188th edition. We learn of Lynn’s early enchantment with painting, and self-described “genetic memory”, leading him to follow a manual transmission life integrating his passions rooted in “shared work”, and restorative land cultivation. Mr. Miller is author to over twenty books (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction), including the best-selling, Workhorse Handbook, now in its second edition, and his current release Roots in a Lovely Filth,  He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Ranch and Reata, and Western Horseman. Lynn has lectured across North America and keynote speaker for farm conferences, and universities. He was awarded the Steward of Sustainable Agriculture, at the 1999 Eco Farm Conference, The Garfield Award for The Preservation of Rural Technologies, Award for Distinguished Service from the Missouri House of Representatives, and the Utne Reader Award for Environmental Reporting. His artworks are in private and public collections across the country. It’s my pleasure, privilege, and honor to welcome my friend Lynn R. Miller to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® .Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.Photo Credit: Kristi Gilman-Miller

4/3/24 • 109:32

Lynn R. Miller is a painter, farmer, horseman, and writer. Odd jobs ranging from commercial fisherman, logger, sawyer, farmer, workhorse teamster, lecturer, and cattle rancher, supported him through college. Over the past 40 years, Lynn has become a world-renowned authority in the fields of alternative farming and animal powered agriculture. In 1976, with the encouragement of his father to “grow a crop of literature” to assist the fledgling small farmer, he founded the Small Farmer’s Journal, an international agrarian quarterly which functions to this day as a cornerstone empowering a worldwide readership. For Small Farmer's Journal's  entire 48 year history Lynn has manually stewarded this living alternative preservationist publication, now in it’s 188th edition. We learn of Lynn’s early enchantment with painting, followed by a self-described “genetic memory”, leading him to follow a manual transmission life integrating his passions rooted in “shared work”, and restorative land cultivation. Mr. Miller is author to over twenty books (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction), including the best-selling, Workhorse Handbook, now in its second edition, and his current release Roots in a Lovely Filth, He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Ranch and Reata, and Western Horseman. Lynn has lectured across North America and keynote speaker for farm conferences, and universities. He was awarded the Steward of Sustainable Agriculture, at the 1999 Eco Farm Conference, The Garfield Award for The Preservation of Rural Technologies, Award for Distinguished Service from the Missouri House of Representatives, and the Utne Reader Award for Environmental Reporting. His artworks are in private and public collections across the country. It’s my pleasure, privilege, and honor to welcome my friend Lynn R. Miller to this episode of Intrinsic Drive®. Intrinsic Drive® is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.Photo Credit: Kristi Gilman-Miller

3/27/24 • 69:25

Music Intro: "Another Place, Another Time."--Performed by Lily Anel in collaboration with Barbara Anel. Music Outro: "Estey's Theme."--written and performed by Barbara Anel. Photo Provided by :  Lili Anel  Growing up in a Harlem tenement perched above a record store, the Anel Sisters spent their Saturday “cleaning days” listening to albums and 45’s bought from their chore allowance. Barbara and Lili developed an early love of music from their mother, who exposed them to eclectic playlists’ ranging from Afro-Cuban jazz, Sarah Vaughn, Tchaikovsky, to Dizzy Gillespie. A trip to see “The Sound of Music”, inspired Barbara to transpose music from the film on the piano. The twins were encouraged by their grandparents to follow their own artistic paths, Barbara was gifted her first piano, from her grandmother. Lili’s grandfather gave her a white toy guitar; dressed to the nines he with would sneak into Mass to hear her sing in choir, a voice he could hear above the others. The sisters took divergent paths. After studying at the Eddie Simon Guitar school and the Shelia Jordan workshop, Lili jumped headfirst into the Greenwich Village music scene and went on to record the first of her nine albums. Barbara graduated with honors from C.C.N.Y with a degree in music and , after seeing the devastating realities from her sisters struggles in the music industry, she chose a career in law enforcement allowing her to compose and create music on her own terms.  Join these master composers, songwriters, and performers as they share their lives, adversities, and challenges overcome, with heart, laughter, and graceful honesty. It is my pleasure to welcome Barbara and Lili Anel to this episode of Intrinsic Drive  ® .Lili has recorded eight albums including,  “Laughed Last”, “High-Octane Coffee”, “Dream Again”, “Every Second in Between”, “I Can See Bliss From Here”, “Another Place, Another Time”, “Better Days”, and “Better Days Remastered”. She co-wrote the song “Lovers Leap” for the upcoming play “Folk City: The Musical.” Her song “Dream Again” was featured in “The Center of Distance”, Rock Wilk’s independent film which won the 2022 Venice Film Festival. In addition to headlining US tours, she has performed alongside music legends B.B King, Cassandra Wilson, Michael Franks, Boz Scaggs, Richie Havens, and Robert Cray to name a few. For videos and upcoming shows visit www.lilianel.org . Barbara composed and collaborated with her sister on various songs including, “The Wrong Time”, and “Another Place, Another Time”, which appeared on the “Better Days Remastered” album. Her recent compositions and film collaboration with Rock Wilk on his “Stories in 4k”, and upcoming film, "This Is The End for Me". Samples of Barbara's scores can be found on her www.pianolandscapes4film.com website. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.

3/20/24 • 78:51

Haejin Shim Fujimura describes her college years as rebellious. While searching for her life purpose she received a calling to raise funds and attend World Vision’s® 30 Hour Famine retreat. Haejin witnessed horrific images from the civil war in Sierra Leone, which left fifty thousand dead over eleven years. She wanted to help those terrorized, vulnerable and left behind. After college Haejin pursued her calling to become an advocate for the abused, enslaved, and those born into human trafficking. Throughout law school Haejin’s intense, focused, and unwavering personality gave her the resolve to intern with the International Justice Mission. Haejin shared her lowest moment after she was betrayed, stolen from, and assaulted; this soon to be generational steward of justice was completely shattered. She then embarked on a journey of healing and forgiveness. During Haejin’s first trip to India, she met children born into brothels, now she had the experience as a legal justice advocate to help. In 2018 Haejin with partners Nelli Kim, and Briana Johnson founded Embers International, to protect, restore, and empower victims of injustice with the goal of ending intergenerational exploitation, and prevent human trafficking. Haejin started her law firm Shim and Associates in 2012, with the intension of leveraging the law to mend broken relationships, uphold core values, and provide a space for attorneys to express their true gifts, and be supported with a work, rest, life balance. I hope you enjoy this inspirational message from this fearless advocate fighting for human justice. We are thrilled and honored to welcome Haejin to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® . Ms. Shim has extensive experience litigating various civil lawsuits in both federal and state courts.  She has represented e-commerce, software, manufacturing, insurance, real estate, hotel, restaurant, franchise, art management, design, beauty, automobile, and transportation companies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals in matters involving commercial litigation, breach of contract, partnership dispute, directors’ and officers’ liability, breach of duty, personal injury, subrogation, business formation, governance, and trademark. Her clients range from start-ups to publicly traded companies to nonprofit organizations.Ms. Shim is actively involved in the legal industry and the local community.  She has served on the Board of Directors of Embers International, Restore NYC, Goldenwood, Open Hands Legal Services, Inc., The Father's Heart Ministries, and Center for Public Justice.  Ms. Shim is a frequent speaker at various community and legal organizations to encourage the youth and to promote professionalism.  Notably, Ms. Shim was a keynote speaker and lecturer of U.S. nonprofit law at the 2015 International Charity Conference, hosted by South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Council of NPOs Korea, and the National Assembly Forum on Advanced Culture of Philanthropy. Ms. Shim holds a B.A, from Barnard College at Columbia University, and J.D from the Brooklyn Law School. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.

3/13/24 • 43:56

Dr. Jim Loehr has authored 19 books including, New York Times bestseller, The Power of Full Engagement, and his recent works, Wise Decisions, and Sapiens Reinvented. Before embarking on his quest to merge sports psychology, research, and technology, the field of human performance didn’t exist. To fill this industry void, he created and co-founded the first ever Human Performance Institute, where he set the global standard. Over a thirty-year span hundreds of world-class performers of sport, business, medicine, and Fortune 500 executives, trained at his state- of- the- art Florida facility. During his tenure at the institute, 400 thousand clients, teams, and organizations learned the practical adaptation of his breakthrough methods. From professional tennis, golf, basketball, race car drivers, football, boxing, hockey, and Olympic athletes---to organizations and people seeking to live their best lives. Jim Loehr is the pioneer in the development of training programs designed to integrate the science of energy management to improve productivity and fulfillment in business, sport, medicine, and law enforcement, creating sustainable peak performance. Dr. Loehr has been featured in national publications including, The Harvard Business Review, Business Week, Newsweek, Time, and US News and World Report. He has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, The CBS Evening News, and ABC’s Nightline. This lifelong learner is showing no signs of slowing down after retiring his position as chairman and CEO of the Human Performance Institute. This sport performance trailblazer holds both masters and doctorate degrees in psychology. We are honored to welcome this gracious icon to this episode of Intrinsic Drive®. Intrinsic Drive® is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer. Photo Credit: Patrick Loehr

3/6/24 • 52:15

Urban trail access began as a young boy for Ryan Chao; growing up in Portland, Oregon, skiing, fishing, and cycling were a way of life. After architecture school, he mentored with a talented group of visionaries at the Bryant Park Revitalization Project, where he discovered his love for “people over buildings,” turning New York City’s most dangerous park into a global model for urban greenspace renewal. In 2019, Ryan was elected president of the Rails To Trails Conservancy (RTC), where he oversees national leadership in trail development, policy advocacy, and movement building. Other positions as vice president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where he transformed neighborhoods, and developed affordable housing as director of the San Francisco Bay Satellite Housing, prepared Ryan for his current role. Ryan and his team at RTC have raised over 20 billion dollars in federal funding, including 850 million in 2021 alone, more than doubling federal funding for walking and biking trails. Current projects include The Great American Rail-Trail, a 3,700-mile cross country route, 8 of 12 states along the route have introduced new trail segments since 2019. Ryan and his RTC team have created Traillink.com, a free online trail access app—which became an essential resource for 10.5 million users in 2021. RTC’s mission is to create a nation where trails connect everyone, everywhere. We are excited to welcome this champion of environmental sustainability, community revitalization, and promoter of health and wellness to this episode of Intrinsic Drive®.  Intrinsic Drive®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.

2/28/24 • 46:23

The gift of stepping inside the lives of this season’s guests gave me unexpected insight for my own challenges, struggles, and failures. Answers are there when we allow ourselves to listen.·This world is full of landmines for those who have suffered from sexual abuse.  Victims No Longer author,  Mike Lew and the community of survivors prove that recovery is possible, providing much-needed hope. ·Architect and designer Eve Picker  transformed her adopted city of Pittsburgh after bankers refused funding.  Clear in her resolve, she went ahead and built the first lofts downtown guided by her commitment to impact investing, restoration, and historic preservation.  ·Master woodworker Cecilia Schiller has had to face many unknowns; she reminds us to lean into these dangerously vulnerable places.· Stephanie Slocum, author of She Engineers, inspires us to take advantage of small windows of time. She encourages us to spend time looking inward and reminds us of the value of self-exploration. ·Everything has limitations—even self-reliance. Andre Williams experienced failure for the first time during his transition from high school to collegiate athletics. Having the courage to ask for help moved Andre forward, beyond his own expectations. ·Mary Sullivan realized that fun should be at the cornerstone of creating a sustainable business.  This former boutique Hollywood entertainment attorney left her practice -  inspired by an obvious need - to co-create the MikeRoweWORKS Foundation.· Life’s detours are often the richest part of our journey. Kate Erickson leveraged early career struggles - missed promotions, devastating disappointments, and failures - experiences she now sees as paramount to the success of her world-leading Entrepreneurs On Fire daily business podcast. ·Makoto Fujimura welcomes us into his studio where he practices Nihonga, “slow art” crafted using precious handmade minerals. Mako wrote his book Art & Faith; A Theology of Making, during moments of meditation and prayer—waiting for his paint to dry. ·As we learned from DeeDee Trotter, a three-time Olympic medalist, our gifts and passions are not always aligned.  After embracing her gift, this “glitter-faced warrior” turned a career-ending injury into a blueprint for her remarkable success. ·Beatrice Welles, animal rights activist and sole heir of the Orson Welles Estate, reminds us of the alchemy of adversity, the potential building blocks to actualization. Thanks for listening and your support. Continued gratitude to our sound engineer Andy Hollingworth, who gives precious time from his acting and filmmaking. 

3/15/23 • 11:14

Beatrice Mori Gerfalco Welles has devoted her extraordinary life to a multitude of humanitarian causes, in addition to her tireless dedication to the preservation of the work of her father, Orson Welles. In 2018, she co-created and co-starred in The Eyes of Orson Welles  - directed by Mark Cousins - which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The sole heir of the Orson Welles Estate, her vigilant work includes overturning Turner Broadcasting’s attempt to colorize Citizen Kane, her father’s masterpiece-- and the most studied film of all time.  She has curated Orson’s artwork, personal correspondence, and scripts at the University of Michigan’s Special Collections Library. Young Beatrice grew up traveling, living around the globe with her closely-knit nuclear family. This reluctant childhood actress never wished to follow her father’s colossal footsteps to the stage and screen. Encouraged by her papa to work and follow her passions, she was gifted a horse for her birthday on the set of Orson’s favorite film, Chimes At Midnight—in which Beatrice appeared.  A rising star in international equestrian competitions, she purchased former racehorses, training them for show jumping. A severe knee dislocation halted her riding career and at fourteen she pivoted to modeling. In the era before the lucrative supermodel contracts, she appeared in Vogue, and on the runways of New York, Milan, London, and Paris---modeling for Halston, Valentino, and Chanel. Inheriting her father’s creative force, she launched her own line of cosmetics, worn by Princes Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Rivers, and Oprah Winfrey. She later crafted handmade leather handbags and jewelry from her Sedona studio.  A longtime global advocate for animals and the environment, Beatrice continues to champion organizations making a difference. She is a founding member of the Animal Foundation, and a pioneer of T-N-R—Trap, Neuter, Return, for feral cats in Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. I’m delighted to welcome this generous global environmental and animal rights activist to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.  Intrinsic Drive ®.  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer. 

1/11/23 • 105:46

Three-time Olympic Medalist, DeeDee Trotter has been a fierce competitor since the age of ten. She loved basketball and dreamed of playing for legendary coach Pat Summit at the University of Tennessee. Her quickness on the court convinced her coaches to steer their star athlete into track and field. Thus began a tenuous, and oftentimes inharmonious relationship between DeeDee and these two sports, her heart firmly fixed on basketball. Reluctantly, she became the Georgia state indoor track champion, setting a state record in the 200-meter dash.  She accepted a track scholarship at the University of Tennessee with the understanding that she would be able to do both sports, but it did not work out that way, much to her disappointment.  In the midst of this disillusionment, DeeDee continued to improve on the track, winning numerous titles – including a gold medal at the World Track and Field Championships while on the 400-meter relay for team USA – all the while still having to be convinced, coaxed, and – sometimes – tricked into - running.  However, her success continued, and she became the first female athlete to receive a professional contract while still in college.She traveled the world, and competed internationally pursuing her professional career.  During the fall training for the 2008 Olympic trials, she suffered what should have been a career-ending injury. But through hours of grueling rehabilitation, and the tireless dedication of her healthcare team, she solidified her spot on her second Olympic team, in the Beijing Summer Games. Over the next three years, she continued to struggle to find her way back - losing races, confidence, money, and sponsors—but she kept believing. In the year before the 2012 Olympics, she began to create a blueprint, a roadmap to chart her daily progress. Through this process she created new neural associations, speaking over the pain, negativity, and loss of the previous three years. DeeDee was named the “glitter-faced warrior,” by the track fans at the 2012 London Olympics, winning bronze, and gold medals in the 400-meter run, and 400-meter relays. Today DeeDee is showing no signs of slowing down, she is an international motivational speaker, master of mental performance training, and recent graduate of the Atlanta Art Institute with a degree as a Baker and Pastry Chef, realizing another childhood dream of becoming a professional pastry chef. Her delicious creations can be found at her Taste of Gold Bakery, “where greatness has a taste.” It was my pleasure to host this inspirational and purposeful superstar on this episode of Intrinsic Drive  ®.Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.  

1/4/23 • 114:10

Makoto Fujimura’s home and community were devastated during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, emotional fractures began to surface. He found solace in his art, creating some of his most transformational work. From his earliest painting experiences as a child, Mako always sensed a flow of energy transcending space and time; encouraged to pursue his art, he was invited into the prestigious mentorship in the study of Nihonga—an ancient Japanese art utilizing pulverized minerals.  This process pays homage to the traditional Japanese art forms dating back to the 16th century and the use of these silver, metallic, and gold hues are passed down in a lineage from teacher to student. The Nihonga or “slow art” process utilizes precious handmade minerals, paper, and glue and requires time and patience.  Mako refers to himself as the “little artist” or vessel for the “big artist” -  the creator-  to move through him. In the studio, he writes, meditates, and prays—while layers of natural pulverized paint pigments dry.  This daily practice allows Mako to move further into his “Theology of Making”—acting as a form of devotional liturgy. This groundbreaking artist is moving his mission through parallel metaphors of kintsugi—ancient Japan’s art of repairing broken pottery mixed with lacquer, powdered gold, silver, or platinum. This celebration of the fissures, scars, and former brokenness—is a framework for his aligned projects of culture restoration and global justice.  Current projects include www.IAMCULTURECARE.COM, Academy Kintsugi, and Embers International—a foundation co-founded by Hae Jin Shim Fujimura--protecting, restoring, and empowering victims of injustice, exploitation, and human trafficking.  Mako is a leading contemporary artist whose process-driven refractive “slow art” has been described by David Brooks of New York Times as "a small rebellion against the quickening of time."  His art has been featured widely in galleries and museums around the world and is collected by notable collections including The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, The Huntington Library, and the Tikotin Museum in Israel.  Mako has published 4 books, including Art+Faith: A Theology of Making (Yale U. Press 2021, Foreword by N.T. Wright), and created an illuminated manuscript of Four Holy Gospels (Crossway 2011) to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of The King James Bible, which was a historic commission.  Mako has also served on the National Council on the Arts as a Presidential appointee and has received four Doctor of Arts Honorary Degrees. We are honored to host Mako on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.   

12/21/22 • 50:22

Kate Erickson is the engine that powers the daily Entrepreneurs On Fire Podcast as well as  Podcasters Paradise, an online educational resource teaching aspiring and seasoned podcasters how to create, grow, monetize, and build a sustainable business. Kate shares her mastery of business systems in her Kate’s Take podcast. In her new podcast, Nicole and Kate Can Relate—she shares entrepreneurial insights with friend and fellow podcaster Nicole Baldinu.Kate’s path is a study in adaptation - harnessing skills from the industries of marketing, advertising, and banking. She left corporate America behind to build a seven-figure business. In 2013, Kate joined forces with her longtime partner John Lee Dumas at Entrepreneurs On Fire—an award-winning daily business podcast. These podcasting innovators continue to empower countless others to follow their lead while living the life of their dreams in Puerto Rico.  After graduating with a master's in English, Kate set her sights on becoming a college professor. Educational funding cutbacks in the state of California derailed Kate’s journey into teaching. In the third year of a position in the human resources department of a bank, she was promised a promotion which was given to another employee. Kate decided to create a new life on her terms. Today, Kate transmits all her experience from years navigating the landscape of corporate advertising, marketing, creative writing, and harnessing the power of automation in business. It was a privilege to host Kate on this episode of Intrinsic Drive® . Intrinsic Drive ®   is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.   

12/14/22 • 24:11

Mary Sullivan, a straight-A biochemistry major while at Loyola University, thought she wanted to be a doctor but came to the realization that medicine wasn’t for her.  She chose law instead, studying at Georgetown University.  Upon graduation, she accepted a position at a full-service law firm in Los Angeles, learning the trade and transitioning to the entertainment arm. Mary came to realize that not growing up in the entertainment industry allowed her to think differently and push back on industry standards that didn’t make sense. In 2005, as a senior partner at her thriving boutique entertainment law office, she received a call from Mike Rowe, who needed an attorney. Mike arrived at Mary’s corner office three weeks later, covered in dust from working at a rock quarry while filming his soon-to-be hit television series, Dirty Jobs.  At the time of their meeting, her filthy-by-design client had no representation, agent, manager, or accountant. So, there was work to be done; Mary accepted the challenge.   Mary is president of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation - a foundation co-created by both she and Mike - focused on promoting the skilled trades. Today student loan debt is the second highest debt category nationwide, with over 44 million borrowers owing an excess of $1.5 trillion dollars. Mary and Mike’s foundation have funded over five million dollars in scholarships for their Work Ethic Scholarship Program, providing training for the 7 million available jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree. Embracing a mission larger than herself, this powerhouse is the executive producer of many of Mike’s shows, including How Booze Built America, Six Degrees, Dirty Jobs, Somebody’s Gotta Do it, Returning the Favor, as well as The Way I Heard it with Mike Rowe podcast. It was a privilege to catch up with Mary, we warmly welcome her to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. Intrinsic Drive ® is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.    

12/7/22 • 34:30

As Andre Williams saw it, there were only two options for men in his family -  join the military or become a drug dealer on the streets of his hometown Richmond, Virginia.  But sports presented another option – basketball was his first choice – and he wanted to use cross country as conditioning for it. However, he quickly fell in love with his newly adopted sport and showed promise: skyrocketing into national prominence, winning the Virginia State cross country title, setting the course record, and winning the Kinney southeast region cross country championships. This rising star earned a trip on his first-ever flight to San Diego for the National Championships, where he finished 19th—earning All-American honors.  He received an athletic scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – where he initially struggled academically due to gaps in his earlier education.  But Andre began absorbing information -  a habit that was reinforced by his daily newspaper reading. This daily literary habit transferred into a curiosity that he maintains to this day. During his collegiate career, he earned All-American honors, was a three-time ACC conference champion, and was team Captain of the two-time ACC Champion Tar Heels track teams. Feeling he had more to give in his sport, he accepted an invitation to join the prestigious Enclave Track Club, a professional running club sponsored by Reebok. After two years of hard work, countless grueling high mileage days and intense track workouts, and finally watching his teammates board their flight to the 1996 Olympic Trials---he considered hanging up his spikes. Andre’s coach, former American Record holder Matt Centrowitz urged him to stick with it for one more year. This paid huge dividends; he committed to staying the course and adopted a strength regimen to stabilize his trunk imbalances and began placing more emphasis on flexibility, recovery, and rest. This hard-working warrior from river city was ranked in the top ten in the country from 1997-2001 in the 5,000-meter run, with a personal best of 13:28*. Today this tireless life learner has risen to the top of his field in Information Technology and Mobility for the AT & T corporation. We warmly welcome my longtime friend Andre to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. Intrinsic Drive. is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.   *PBST  (Pre-Bionic/Boingo Shoe Time)

11/30/22 • 91:10

Stephanie Slocum, was quickly moving up the corporate ladder planning to enjoy the engineering career of her dreams. As an architectural engineer, she loved designing the “bones” of a structure, buildings that have lower environmental imprint using sustainable materials. She has built hospitals, schools, laboratories, and university buildings. These buildings will stand through hurricanes, earthquakes, and blizzards---as a testimony to her work. On the surface, the future looked bright. As a rising star in a male-dominated profession, Stephanie minimized the severity of daily workplace inequality, bias, and the fallout of not utilizing her true talents. Then a close family member died suddenly from a rare incurable cancer, unable to fulfill his many retirement dreams. Turning to food as a respite from all the stress, Stephanie found herself one hundred pounds overweight and suffering from acute acid reflux, which became so severe she was unable to speak. Stephanie’s oldest daughter was sharing an elementary school book project; looking back in the rear-view mirror at her young writer, “I’ve always dreamed of writing my own book” she lamented. “Why don’t you do it Mom? You always tell us  'if you want to do something the time to start is now.' ”Stephanie wrote She Engineers: Outsmart Bias, Unlock Your Potential, and Live the Engineering Career of your Dreams, during stolen moments of time that was not her own—while working over fifty-hour weeks at her engineering firm and raising three young girls.  Six months after publishing her book, she pivoted from employee to entrepreneur, founding Engineers Rising in 2018. A self-described reluctant entrepreneur, Stephanie found the courage to make that leap by embracing a mission larger than herself: to normalize women as leaders in the technical STEM fields. Today, she helps women become influential leaders while having a life, and she assists organizations committed to gender equity in STEM to create work environments that retain and engage their people.Stephanie is a keynote and women’s empowerment speaker, corporate trainer, mom of three girls, proud introvert, and winner of the 2020 Connected World Women in Technology Award for her work empowering women in STEM. In the last two years alone, she has spoken and inspired more than 5000 technical professionals through her talks, presentations, and workshops in organizations ranging from Fortune 500® companies to small businesses, non-profits, and universities. Stephanie’s audiences learn how to embrace their unique skill sets, stop second-guessing their worth, and articulate the business case for themselves so that they can become recognized for the leaders they are. Stephanie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architectural engineering from Pennsylvania State University.  It was a pleasure to catch up with Stephanie during her episode of Intrinsic Drive ® . Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.  

11/16/22 • 47:45

Cecilia Schiller was born into a working-class family, without money for college she became a hairstylist. While viewing a retrospective of the abstract expressionist sculptor and designer, Isamu Noguchi she realized she was going to be an artist. Uncertain of where she fit in the American landscape, she embarked on a seven-year journey working as an artesania making handmade crafts, which she sold on the street. After overcoming, poverty, fear, and countless hardships she returned home with two young daughters to raise as a single mother. Cecilia apprenticed with a master woodcarver over the next seven years, learning the engineering and kinetics of automata; through wooden cranks and gears—making wood move. In witnessing her pieces, we are transported into magical scenes that come to life.  Engineering, carving, woodworking, metalsmithing, theater set design, puppeteering, mask carving, and hairstyling—all these skills come into play in her breathtaking work. Through her years of dedication, ability to move beyond fear, and the faith to follow her artistic desire,  Cecilia is now an award-winning wood sculptor, recognized for her work with grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Jerome Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition to creating original and custom automata, Cecilia Schiller shares her skills by teaching classes and offering DIY original laser-cut kits at Cranky Heart Automata. It was truly inspirational to learn about Cecilia’s path. We are thrilled to welcome this talented and generous artist to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at https://www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive. 

11/2/22 • 57:27

As a young girl growing up in Australia, Eve Picker loved playing with Lego blocks, solving math problems, and exploring cities. Armed with degrees in architecture and urban design, she moved to Pittsburgh’s Friendship neighborhood, where she renovated an old Victorian home with her husband. Eve found her tribe by joining a protest and community, which united to save a nearby historic home from demolition. Her community of volunteers formed a non-profit and she never looked back. She built the first residential loft downtown after a banker mistakenly mused “Oh honey, nobody is going to move downtown.” By the mid 2000’s community banks had consolidated from 15 thousand to 5 thousand across the country; small banks that would invest in the local neighborhood were dying. City revitalization grants fell under government cutbacks. The Jobs Act of 2012 was the catalyst for Eve’s pivot and next big idea; the act implemented in 2016 allowed anyone over eighteen to invest in crowdfunding.   Eve is the founder and CEO of Small Change, a real estate equity crowdfunding platform. She raises funds for meaningful real estate projects that make cities better. Eve’s journey as an architect, city planner, urban designer, real estate developer, community development strategist, and publisher gives her unique perspectives, and a deep understanding of how cities work, how urban neighborhoods can be revitalized, and what policies need to be in place. She employs her own  marketing through her Rethink Real Estate for Good website and weekly podcast. Her cityLab foundation has developed a dozen buildings in fractured neighborhoods and built Pittsburgh’s first tiny house. This urban change agent has organized a speaker series, launched the Pop City E-Zine, and created Iron City’s first co-working space—and Open Streets program. This FinTech pioneer and urban change agent’s proprietary technology is ranked in the top 7 Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms of 2020 by US News, nabbing the top spot in the “Capital” category by HIVE. Eve is a fellow at the Bellagio Center Residency of the Rockefeller Foundation.   We are honored to welcome this tireless advocate for socially responsible real estate funded by everyday people to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at https://www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive.     

10/26/22 • 44:39

As an eight-year-old boy from a large family, living together in a Brooklyn tenement, Mike Lew had a singular goal—to meet every person on the planet. Today,  Mike and his Next Step Counseling, co-director Thomas Harrigan, travel the world providing individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, professional training, and public lectures around the globe. Mike is a psychotherapist and cultural anthropologist, specializing in the field of culture and personality. Working in tandem with Margaret Mead and Colin Turnbull as mentors, he became a leading expert on sexual abuse recovery, especially with male survivors. A turning point came when Mike made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, he returned home from the male survivor episode to an offer to write a book on recovery. Mike’s book, Victims No Longer Harper Collins 2004, now in its second edition (first edition published in 1990), is the classic guide for men recovering from childhood sexual abuse. The book continues to receive accolades for its clinical expertise and compassionate tone. This essential resource educates survivors and professionals about the recovery process, speaking to the pain, needs, fears, and hopes of the adult male survivor. Mr. Lew has assisted thousands of men and women in their recovery and healing from childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical violence, emotional abuse, and neglect. He has consulted with the United Nations, National Institute of Mental Health, National Resource Center on Child Sexual Abuse, National Child Abuse Hotline, and the U.S. Navy, among many others. Mike has taught at The University of California Santa Cruz, Quinnipiac College, The College of New Rochelle, and The City College of New York. His second book, Leaping Upon The Mountains: Men Proclaiming Victory over Sexual Child Abuse was published by Small Wonder Books in 1999.  Thom and Mike host Leaping Upon Mountains a transformative annual  recovery summit retreat, at the Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, Pa. We are thrilled to welcome this tireless champion for survivors of sexual abuse to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at https://www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive.

10/19/22 • 50:05

It's hard to believe fourteen months are now in the rear view mirror of my podcasting odyssey. Like a long uphill climb at a steady pace, this season's guests inspired me upward--to discover what lies beyond the next bend in the road.  My thoughts turn toward lessons from season three: the opportunity to meet kindred spirits, guides known through their works, old friends, even my earliest mentor from high school and college in Florida. I hope you enjoy these messages from our guests this season:Sara Slattery watched her father lose his entire business. Learning from her parents’ examples of resilience, she picked herself up, turning disappointment into a new opportunity to grow.  John Lee Dumas leveraged his experience from a pivot to swimming in high school, after an injury benched his basketball dreams.  He applied the concept of putting in extra repetitions to his podcast career - over 3,600 episodes later hosting the world's leading daily entrepreneurial podcast. Growing up as a young black man in 1960’s Georgia was not just difficult; it was life-threatening. Benny Vaughn realized that all these experiences sharpened his resolve, defining his life.  Once Becky Karush learned the principles and essential strategies of writing from Suzanne Kingsbury at the Gateless Writer’s Academy, she allowed her creative genius to flow. Today she teaches others to find their own creative force. Rock Wilk remembered sitting with Jack Rollins on a park bench when Jack was 99 years old. Jack reminded Rock of life’s uncertainty, and the unknown around the next corner.  Carwyn Sharp learned the value of clarity in communication, fostering an environment of trust. Vital feedback can be gleaned from mistakes, leading to an improvement system for his team. Finding your tribe  - one that supports and challenges you, elevates your craft, and creates a nurturing environment - Molly Grant found this in the leatherworker’s community. Jerry Lynch ran straight toward his passions, not allowing initial rejection to derail his dream.   Through self-exploration, a totally new way of thinking about spirituality and sport awakened in him. Dick Beardsley has not lived an easy life,  learning through faith and following his passions to find joy in the moment.  Dick’s attitude radiates hope for the survivor in all of us. Please reach out, let us know what stories move you forward. What type of guests would you like to hear? We are grateful to those who listen, like, subscribe, rate, and review us. This show is for you. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton.  Continued gratitude to Andrew Hollingworth—master editor and sound engineer.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at https://www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdriveMusic Credits:  Would if I Could by The New Fools from Epidemic Sound

6/8/22 • 09:25

In the early eighties Dick Beardsley was one of world’s most famous athletes. He is an American distance runner best known for his first-place tie in the 1981 London Marathon and his close finish with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon— frequently referred to as The Duel in the Sun, compellingly told in the book by John Brant--where he ran 2:08:53 breaking the Boston course and American Records. After retiring from competition, he suffered a near fatal farming accident, requiring a five-month post-surgical recovery. From 1992-1995, he sustained three major car and cycling accidents, requiring over twenty surgeries. After each of his operations, pain medications were prescribed—to which he became severely addicted. It was a privilege to spend a moment with this inspirational speaker, fishing guide, iconic athlete, and champion of addiction recovery. I caught up with this native Minnesota outdoorsman away from his “floating office,” aboard his 19-foot fishing boat with his Dick Beardsley Fishing Guide Service.  He and his wife Jill are co-owners of the Lake Bemidji Bed and Breakfast.  Dick is a motivational speaker sharing his experiences of redemption, perseverance, and hope; he has spoken at fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, conferences, sporting events, prisons, and drug treatment centers.I hope you enjoy Dick’s boundless enthusiasm, gratitude, and approach to Staying the Course, the title of his page turning book with co-author Maureen Anderson—a master class in overcoming life’s adversities. We warmly welcome Dick to this episode of  Intrinsic Drive™.    

5/25/22 • 44:40

A self-described gym rat from the age of five, Jerry Lynch was born in the pre-gentrified streets of Brooklyn. He went on to earn a doctoral degree in psychology and complete postdoctoral work in philosophy and religious studies. Dropping out of his professional career,  Jerry moved to Boulder, Colorado - reconnecting with his athletic dreams and becoming a national champion master’s runner.  In the high altitude of the Rocky Mountain foothills he sought to be the best version of himself, realizing he must first explore his inner world through self-examination.  He discovered the power of eastern thought as a way to teach himself to love his sport of distance running. Jerry began to write and merge these ideas of western sports psychology and eastern thought as a way to optimize focus, relaxation, compassion, and enjoyment of sport. Dr. Lynch tells us of his low points including the rejection of his first book, to his pivotal meeting with Al Huang who became the co-author of the bestselling book, “Thinking Body, Dancing Mind.”   Celebrating fifty-eight years of coaching, this humble giant and innovator of sports psychology and sport performance has influenced 115 championship teams, 55 Final Four’s resulting in 39 National Championships at the collegiate and professional levels.Dr. Lynch has had extensive media interview coverage with CBS, NBC, and PBS national television, the New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Baltimore Sun, and Outside Magazine. He co-hosts the Way of Champions Podcast, one of the top-rated podcasts in the world for coaches. The author of 13 books in over 10 languages, Dr. Lynch is the founder and director of The Way of Champions, a human potential and performance consulting group helping others master the deeper inner game for sports, business, and life. It was such an inspiration to host Jerry; it is our honor and privilege to welcome him on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. 

5/18/22 • 54:44

Molly Grant, reconnected with the green leather and suede shoes from her childhood memory when she looked across the room at the League of New Hampshire Craftsman Show.  Spotting the bright colors and creative styles of the Cordwainer Shoes, she stopped in her tracks. This master fine-craft leather artist reconnected with the timeless design of the Pathfinder shoe which she first spotted during a trip to that same show at ten years old.  Molly, now in her thirties, gathered the courage to enter into a conversation with her future mentor, teacher, and husband—Paul Mathews.  During their meeting at the Craftsman Show, Paul invited Molly to apprentice and travel to gilded craft shows. Seizing the opportunity to learn the art of shoe-making, she closed her gallery, placing her handbags on the shelf.  Molly and Paul soon married, became partners in the Cordwainer Shop, and worked alongside each other at their farm. Creating wearable art, taking care of the land, and  “living the good life” as Paul would say. Paul’s father Edward Mathews designed the Pathfinder shoe in the 1920’s during the Great Depression. A shoe created for accessibility, practicality, and biomechanical correctness. High heels and rigid steel shanks were the only footwear options for women during the high fashion “flapper” era. After extensive research at Antioch College, Edward designed and patented a pliable deerskin moccasin of the Native American, and heel-less sandal of the ancient Greeks; becoming the first “style shoe” designed without high heels, providing a wide toe box.  After the stock market crash the shoe was sold as a kit to support the Mathews mission making ergonomically correct, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable footwear accessible to everyone.  Paul Mathews entered the business in 1933, developing the shoe construction process, renaming the former schoolhouse “The Cordwainer Shop”—in Deerfield NH.  Molly had always loved to sew as a youth;  Her mother bought her a piece of leather from one of her yard sale junkets, she was hooked. Following her passions, Molly then became a leather artist in her 20’s, refining her craft during an apprenticeship at the Black Swan Leather shop. She opened Molly Craft Designs, a fine craft gallery in Portsmouth, selling her work along with local artisan jewelry, pottery, and glass.  She transitioned full time to shoemaking after meeting Paul. Today Molly teaches workshops for students at craft and folk schools across the country, and at her Cordwainer Shop. Molly is also creating new shoe and handbag designs. I so enjoyed my conversation with this dedicated and talented artist. We are thrilled to welcome Molly to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive     

5/11/22 • 26:53

Carwyn Sharp Ph.D. CSCS, emigrated from England to Australia with his family as a young boy.  Searching for new opportunities, Carwyn’s parents stressed the importance of education as a bridge over poverty and a gateway to an abundant life. Carwyn has followed his passions for sport, movement, and performance—fueling his personal life and extraordinary career. We follow this innovator in the field of human performance on his incredible odyssey from his research in sports nutrition, to working with professional, Olympic, and Paralympic athletes. Dr. Sharp holds a doctorate in clinical nutrition from the University of Texas at Galveston. Carwyn was the Exercise Countermeasures project scientist at the NASA Johnson Space Center, Director of Education and Chief Science Officer at the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Senior Sports Physiologist and Data Analyst at the United States Olympic and Paralympic committee in Colorado Springs. Carwyn is currently utilizing his vast education, knowledge, and experience as Head of Human Performance for the AS Roma futbol club. We recently caught up with Carwyn just off the pitch with the squad in Rome. We are excited to host Carwyn on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® Intrinsic Drive®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive    

5/4/22 • 52:47

At five years old Rock Wilk realized he could sing, that same year his grandfather gave him a guitar. A self-taught musician, he spent hours alone in his room playing alongside jazz greats honing his craft. While a defensive back at Colorado State University, his creative writing teacher Bill Tremblay identified his immense talent telling his reluctant student he was a playwright.  Rock left college deciding to pursue his music career and he enjoyed success in the music business, but something just didn’t feel right with the pop music direction he was advised to follow. Rock tells us of his lowest moment losing his marriage, adopted mother, and financial ruin all at once. He then takes us to his incredible pivot after reading at his first poetry slam at the Nuyorican poetry club. Rock then harnessed his ability to focus from his early years as an athlete and musician. He found a poetry club to perform in every night and wrote constantly for six years, releasing Broke Wide Open -  his independently produced album in 2007 - which became his first solo play-- enjoying a highly acclaimed run at NYC’s New Theater. In 2014 Rock appeared in his first feature film, Jamesy Boy, Starring James Woods, Mary Louise Parker, and Ving Rhames. Rock is the recipient of the 2106 BRIO award for acting presented by the Bronx Council on the Arts. This activist against social injustice, gun violence, and racism created The Brooklyn Quartet in collaboration with Greg E Gaines—Bring in ‘da Noise Bring in ‘da Funk. Rock’s current film, The Center of Distance, featuring a breathtaking soundtrack by Steve Peckman, won best Indie feature film at the 2022 Milan Gold Awards, a film shot entirely on his phone during the pandemic. The film is also an official selection at numerous film awards, including The Aphrodite Film Awards  and The IndieFest Film Awards. It’s my pleasure to welcome Rock to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® .Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. We are grateful to Rock for permission to use "Treat You Like My Own", from his 2007 album Broke Wide Open. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive   

4/27/22 • 109:41

Comfortable with a pen and paper from an early age, Becky Karush grew up writing poetry, creating art, and telling stories. After early success with her writing and poetry, during college she experienced a  fifteen-year wilderness period, leaving her unable to write. This extremely talented poet who learned the power of systems from a childhood friend, longed to find a process to harness her muse. After four years of studying the Gateless Writing method,  Becky’s love of writing was rekindled during a Gateless Teacher’s training course with Suzanne Kingsbury. Becky is also the founder of the Read to Me Literary Arts website, where she teachers group writing salons, and individual coaching. Becky is the founder and host, of the Read to Me podcast, where you can listen to her magical, soothing, and healing voice—as she narrates stories, literary works, and poetry.Becky is a certified teacher of the Gateless Writing method and has led more than 250+ writing salons. She graduated from Wesleyan University (B.A.) and Emerson College (M.A.), and she's worked as a teacher, farmer, journalist, Disney Magazine editor, and copywriter.  She lives in southwestern New Hampshire with her family and her cat Ranger and is working on a novel. It was such a joy to chat with Becky. We are honored to host this literary teacher and talent on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. Intrinsic Drive ®   is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive     

4/20/22 • 45:56

The deep south was a dangerous and treacherous place for a young black man in the 1960’s; Benny Vaughn drank from “colored” water fountains, pedaled away from viscous dogs while passing through white neighborhoods, and rode in the back of buses. Benny turned hardships into opportunity through his actions. He was the first black athlete to win the Georgia state high school cross country championships and during the spring of his senior year, he won the 440, 880, Mile, and Mile relay—leading Baker High to its first ever state track and field championship by a two-point margin. One of the most highly recruited athletes in the country, Benny accepted a full  scholarship from the University of Florida, one of five African American athletes picked as ambassadors for racial equality in a slowly desegregating southern landscape. For over forty-six years, Benny has been internationally recognized as the father of sports massage therapy, supporting athletes at five Olympic Games. As medical liaison and manager of athlete services for the Atlanta Centennial Olympic games, he incorporated massage therapy into the medical provisions for the athletes. This iconoclastic trailblazer prepared his whole life to break stereotypes, oppression, and prejudice. Through the mastery of his craft and the harnessing of his healing energy,  sharing his tactile intelligence, knowledge, education, and experience at his state of the art, Benny Vaughn Athletic Training Center. Benny continues to mentor athletes and massage therapists thorough his Benny Vaughn Life Coaching programs. Benny is the recipient of the American Massage Therapy Association Merit Award, the One Lifetime Concept Achievement Award, the Award of Excellence from the National Athletic Trainers Association, and an inductee into the UF Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2020 Benny gave the commencement speech at his alma mater, to graduates of the UF College of Health and Human Performance. It is such a joy, honor, and privilege to welcome my friend and earliest mentor Benny to this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®. Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including   Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive   

4/6/22 • 67:56

John Lee Dumas showed early signs of his dedication and commitment to process. He pivoted to swimming after injuries forced him to leave the soccer pitch and basketball court his senior year in high school. JLD quickly transformed one weakness in technique each day; in the final competition of the season, John touched the wall first, winning the Maine State Championship in the 50-yard freestyle.  After graduation from Providence College, John served our country as an Army platoon leader in Iraq.  He continued searching for his purpose or "zone of fire" (to coin a phrase from John) -  a place where passion, expertise, and experience intersect  - and ditched law school, left the financial sector and real estate behind. He began devouring podcasts, quickly realizing the absence of a daily show dedicated to interviewing entrepreneurs and business leaders. John reached out to the host of his favorite podcast The Eventual Millionaire  and the host Jaime Masters became his podcast guide and mentor. Fast forward to today, JLD has interviewed over 3,600 of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. John, his partner Kate Erickson, and their small virtual team are the highest-grossing daily affiliate and sponsorship show online. John and Kate are co-creators of Podcaster’s Paradise, an online course, community, and resource assisting fledgling beginners to seasoned broadcasting professionals to realize their podcasting dreams. In his new book The Common Path to Uncommon Success  John distills essential qualities, mutual habits, into 17 focused steps to success. We are honored, thrilled, and excited to welcome this podcast inspiration, John Lee Dumas, to this episode of Intrinsic Drive  ®.Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor.  For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive   Follow us on socials (links below) including Instagram  @intrinsicdrivelive  

3/30/22 • 18:09