Welcome to Season 2 of Atlas to a Kinder Universe! We've got a great line up of episodes that we worked on over the fall and winter months. We can't wait to share them with you in the coming weeks.

In the first episode of Season 2, Juneau shares how music, self-expression, self-discovery and being true to oneself play an important role in being happy with who you are. 

Juneau is a two-time graduate of Shepherd University, garnering his undergraduate degree in Communications and his Masters in College Student Development and Administration. He now works as a Success Coach in Shepherd University’s Student Success Center and is the Orientation Programs Coordinator. In his free time, Juneau is also a musician, performer, and educator. Connect with Juneau on Instagram @juneau.mp3 

This episode was recorded in October, 2024. 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 

Listen live at 89.7 FM or WSHCradio.com 

Buy a copy of Beware the Smart Kids.

Find resources on happiness at MattKushin.com/happiness.  

If you’d like to be a guest on this show, go to MattKushin.com/Atlas and click the link to be a guest. 

***Credits*** 

Interview by Matthew J. Kushin 

Produced by Jenna Tennant 

Editing by Jenna Tennant 

Our intro and outro song is Flying in a Balloon by Antenalos music, from Freesound.org. 

Other music heard throughout the episode include: 

Good Luck, Babe! Piano cover of Chappel Roan by Calvin Clavier 

Ambient Dreamy Clouds by Alex Productions 

Journey Through Time by Albert Paul 

Shelby is an emerging visionary who chooses to harness chronic optimism and transform the world one moment at a time. Driven by a curious spirit and a creative mind, her work seeks to unveil the authentic potential within all human operations. Shelby enjoys engaging in thoughtful discussions and is always looking for ways to bring fresh perspectives to the world. 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 

Listen live at 89.7 FM or WSHCradio.com 

Learn more about the novel Beware the Smart Kids at MattKushin.com/SmartKids  

Find resources at MattKushin.com/happiness. 

***Credits*** 

If you’d like to be a guest on this show, go to MattKushin.com/Atlasand click the link to be a guest. 

Interview by Matthew J. Kushin 

Produced by Jenna Taylor 

Editing by Jenna Tennant 

Our intro and outro song is Flying in a Balloon by by Antenalos music, from Freesound.org. 

Other music heard throughout the episode is: 

Serenity in the Air Mist by Free Sound Server 

Echoes of the Night Dust by Free Sound Server 

In this episode, Rachael shares where she finds peace and awe in the world and how her family is a large part of that.

Rachael Meads is an educator, mother, and advocate for Appalachia, social justice, and the power of shared experiences to connect communities. As the Director of Student Activities and Leadership at Shepherd University, she oversees more than 175 events each year for her campus and the greater community including Shepherd's Student Leadership Conference, Homecoming Spirit Week, and a diverse range of service and engagement programs. Born and raised in Gilmer County, West Virginia, Rachael is a passionate West Virginian who teaches in Shepherd’s Appalachian Studies program. 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 

Listen live at 89.7 FM or WSHCradio.com 

Learn more about the novel Beware the Smart Kids at MattKushin.com/SmartKids  

Find resources on happiness at MattKushin.com/happiness.  

If you’d like to be a guest on this show, go to MattKushin.com/Atlasand click the link to be a guest. 

***Credits*** 

Interview by Matthew J. Kushin 

Produced by Jenna Taylor 

Editing by Jenna Taylor 

Our intro and outro song is Flying in a Balloon by by Antenalos music, from Freesound.org. 

Other music heard throughout the episode is:  

My Dreams by UNIVERSFIELD -- https://freesound.org/s/720970/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

Spring Forest Ambient With Chimes by RandomRecord19 -- https://freesound.org/s/735632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

Long Thunderstorm, Not Much Rain by RandomRecord19 -- https://freesound.org/s/735764/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

In this episode, Rachael shares how the role of community and service fills her with joy and purpose. 

Rachael is an educator, mother, and advocate for Appalachia, social justice, and the power of shared experiences to connect communities. As the Director of Student Activities and Leadership at Shepherd University, she oversees more than 175 events each year for her campus and the greater community including Shepherd's Student Leadership Conference, Homecoming Spirit Week, and a diverse range of service and engagement programs. Born and raised in Gilmer County, West Virginia, Rachael is a passionate West Virginian who teaches in Shepherd’s Appalachian Studies program. 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 

Listen live at 89.7 FM or WSHCradio.com 

Learn more about the novel Beware the Smart Kids at MattKushin.com/SmartKids  

Find resources on happiness at MattKushin.com/happiness.  

If you’d like to be a guest on this show, go to MattKushin.com/Atlas and click the link to be a guest. 

***Credits*** 

Interview by Matthew J. Kushin 

Produced by Jenna Tennant 

Editing by Jenna Tennant

Our intro and outro song is Flying in a Balloon by by Antenalos music, from Freesound.org. 

Other music heard throughout the episode is:  

My Dreams by UNIVERSFIELD -- https://freesound.org/s/720970/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

Spring Forest Ambient With Chimes by RandomRecord19 -- https://freesound.org/s/735632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

Long Thunderstorm, Not Much Rain by RandomRecord19 -- https://freesound.org/s/735764/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

In this episode, Cindy shares how she met her husband and the role that nature plays in her happiness. 

Cindy Powers is a Maryland native with a heart for Appalachia. She has lived in various places across the US and England, always exploring the interconnectedness between humans and nature, how this connectedness can lead to healthy, happy humans, and seeking to create community around this. As a lifelong learner herself, Cindy is currently the director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 

Listen live at 89.7 FM or WSHCradio.com 

Learn more about the novel Beware the Smart Kids at MattKushin.com/SmartKids  

Find resources at MattKushin.com/happiness.  

***Credits*** 

Learn more: MattKushin.com/Atlas 

Interview by Matthew J. Kushin 

Produced by Jenna Tennant 

Editing by Jenna Tennant 

Our intro and outro song is Flying in a Balloon by by Antenalos music, from Freesound.org. 

Other music heard throughout the episode is by: Vrymaa, including the tracks Vestigium and Memoria. 

In this episode, Jared shares his perspective on happiness and overcoming life’s challenges. 

Jared is a husband, father, and friend. He is a professor in the southeast United States and enjoys camping, fishing, and fitness activities. 

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE 

Subscribe anywhere you get podcasts.

Listen live at 89.7 FM or WSHCradio.com 

Buy a copy of ⁠Beware the Smart Kids⁠.

Find resources on happiness at MattKushin.com/happiness.  

If you’d like to be a guest on this show, go to MattKushin.com/Atlas. Then, click the link to be a guest. 

***Credits*** 

Interview by Matthew J. Kushin 

Produced by Jenna Tennant 

Editing by Jenna Tennant 

Our intro and outro song is Flying in a Balloon by by Antenalos music, from Freesound.org. 

Other music heard throughout the episode is: Sweet Guitar Chords with modulating delay by MichiJung, Dreamy Clean Guitar by MichiJung, and Space Flower from an uncredited artist.